Vittoriosa Stars present new signings

After regaining promotion to the Premier League, Vittoriosa Stars will be aiming at retaining their top division status by the end of the season. For this reason, the squad was strengthened by a number of players which were presented during a press conference which was held at Teamsport, Iklin.

Goalkeeper Jean Matthias Vella, Sharlon Pace, Carl Sammut, Kevin Mifsud, Dino Cachia and Ryan Sell all made a permanent move to the club. Sharlon Pace joined the club from Pietà, Carl Sammut from Pietà, Kevin Mifsud and Dino Cachia from Msida. Jean Matthias Vella and Ryan Sell join the club from Second Division side San Gwann.

Other new players in the Vittoriosa squad include goalkeeper Simon Agius who joins the club on loan, Jonathan Xerri and Clayton Micallef from Hibernians, Mauro Brincat from Floriana and Gozitan striker Elton Vella. The club has in fact focussed on signing more players on a permanent deal rather than on loan.

Vittoriosa have also secured the services of three Brazilian players namely Carlos Emanuel Campagnoli, Edson Santos Tarabai and Jorge Santos Silva.

Secretary Gerald Ellul said last season was a difficult one for the club but they still managed to reach their objective – that of securing promotion to the Premier League. He said that after the election of the new committee, Winston Muscat has been confirmed as coach while Darren Abdilla was appointed as his assistant. The goalkeepers’ coach will be Alex Camilleri who will also be part of the squad.

The club secured the services of a Scottish physical trainer Matthew Pearson.

Vittoriosa have reached an agreement with De La Salle to use their facilities for the next ten years for both the senior team and the youth nursery.

Coach Winston Muscat said he was happy with the atmosphere within the club and said he hopes the strength and determination of the players will lead the club to achieving its targets.

The press conference was also addressed by president Erskin Vella, vice-president Joseph Scicluna and captain Jeffrey Chetcuti.

The club thanked main sponsor SVS Leisure and kit-sponsors TeamSport together with other sponsors including Powerade, Il Fornaio and International Merchants through energy drinks Shark and M150.