Preview Day 1: Valletta vs St Andrews Published on: 21-08-2015
Valletta start favourites to beat league newcomers St Andrew’s tonight.
Since taking over the club, coach Paul Zammit has effected several changes to his squad this summer, bringing in a new set of overseas players namely returning Cameroonian winger Njongo Priso, Brazilian striker Jhonnattann, Italian midfielder Claudio Pani, Argentine defender Juan Cruz Gill, Brazilian wing-back Romeo Romau, and strikers Calictus Umeh, from Nigeria, and Argentine Federico Falcone. Maltese goalkeeper Henry Bonello also joined Valletta being the only Maltese signing completed so far. Promising youngster Jean Borg also signed a contract on a permanent basis with the club.
Zammit, who has a full squad available, is still looking to add another midfielder. Albert Bruce, who played for Qormi and Naxxar last season, is one of the options being considered.
After the huge disappointment of during the Europa League, the Citizens have done a lot of work. During the presentation of Valletta’s new signings for season 2015/16, club president Victor Sciriha said“This year, we didn’t rush into choosing our new foreign players. I believe that those who have joined us have brought a lot of quality to the squad”.
The president also stated that he is convinced that Valletta will finish higher in the Premier league standings.
Earlier this week Victor Sciriha revealed that the club intend to make Henry Bonello’s loan move from Sliema a permanent one next summer, the club already have an agreement with the goalkeeper over a five-year contract.
St Andrew’s face the Citizens with a young squad whose average age is 21 years. Today, coach Wayne Attard must do without forward Kieran Nwoko who is down with ankle trouble.
