Mdina Knights FC present new signings for season 2018-2019

Mdina Knights FC have officially presented their new signings at their new home ground at Rabat.

The new season will be their first full season training out of the new facilities at St Paul’s Missionary College.

The third division club’s new head coach David Attard and Technical Director Neil Portelli have recruited a host of new acquisitions, 13 in total, six of them – new signings to the club.

The club’s new signings are: Julien Iwueke (loan Attard FC), Stefi Cale (loan Marsaskala FC), Christian Grech (transfer San Gwann FC), Yaron Sammut (loan Naxxar Lions FC), Joshua Tonna (transfer Mgarr United FC), Ryan Micallef (transfer Attard FC), Kurt Drakard (transfer Attard FC), Ryan Micallef (transfer Mtarfa FC), Dejan Cassar (transfer Balzan FC), Daniel Cremona (loan Lija Athletic FC), Thomas Debono (loan Swieqi United FC), Ryan  Sciberras (loan Sirens FC).

“A number of the signings we are presenting have renewed their faith in the Mdina project and accepted to continue a journey they started with us last season”, commented Technical Director Neil Portelli.

Portelli added, “So, more than anything, these twelve signings are a sign that the club is moving in the right direction and that players who do have other options still want to be a part of the Mdina project“.

“Ultimately, it’s a mix of new faces and players who have opted to renew their stay (some via loan renewal and others via permanent signing)”.

“We have changed up the squad for the better, as well as assembling probably the strongest technical team in the third division. A lot of hard work by all involved will be required of us all if we are to garner the desired results”.

Following Dylan Mintoff’s departure to Lija, Mdina Knights FC felt the need to strengthen its midfield department, and five of the new midfielders have played at a higher level, including Daniel Cremona (Lija), Christian Grech (San Gwann), Ryan Micallef (Attard), Kurt Drakard (Attard) and Sam Bartolo.

Bartolo is the latest addition to the playing squad after spending this year’s preseason at Qrendi. 26-year-old Bartolo last season completed the honour of having played in every division of Maltese football.

The Knights will go into the new season with one foreigner, 26-year-old Albanian attacking midfielder, Stefi Cale. Cale, in his debut season with the club last year, was Mdina’s top goalscorer finding the back of the net on nine occasions.

The club has also assembled arguably the strongest technical team in any of the lower divisions with on and off-field experience across Malta and European football.

The club’s new President, Mr Francesco Apap Bologna expressed his enthusiasm ahead of the new season.

“The energy and commitment shown by everyone has been truly remarkable. David, Neil and the technical team have done a terrific job in putting together the new squad. Our players are ready for the challenges that lie ahead and I’m sure we’ll be seeing some excellent football this season”.

After the third division club’s 1-0 FA Trophy win over Zebbug Rovers last Sunday, the club commences its league commitments with the first round tie this Sunday against Ta’ Xbiex at Luxol Stadium (kick-off: 18.00hrs).

The club completed the presentation by thanking Alberta and Tuttosport for their continued support.