Wanderers unveil Doncic, Barbara, new sponsor

Sliema Wanderers unveiled Danilo Doncic as their new coach, new signing Etienne Barbara and a new sponsor.

Danilo Doncic will take over the team from Mark Marlow who was appointed as coach twelve months ago. A former Sliema Wanderers player who won everything the local scene has had to offer and still retains the highest number of goals scored in one season here in Malta.

The new Sliema coach holds a UEFA ‘A’ Licence and was recently Assistant Coach to Kavala FC in Greece, and before that Assistant Coach at PFK Lokomotiv Sofia. He was also Coach at Floriana FC and San Gwann FC.

“I would like to thank the President, Steve Abela and everyone in the Sliema committee who are putting their trust in me again and chose me as the new Sliema Wanderers Head Coach,” said Doncic.

“I am delighted that I am back at Sliema, whom I regard as the most successful team in Malta with 26 League titles and 20 FA Trophy’s won. I truly believe that with hard work and teamwork we will manage to put the team back where it belongs!”

Etienne Barbara moved back to Malta for a short stint in his footballing career whilst still being on the books of Carolina Railhawks, the US team he is based with. His loan move to Sliema will reinforce the Blues’ forward line following the signing of Tunisian striker Chakib Lachkhem last month.

Barbara had an ideal start to his season with Carolina as he scored two well taken goals on his debut and cementing his place in the first eleven of the team. Niggling injuries throughout the season kept him out of some of the games but during this break from US Soccer, Barbara intends to give his best to recover his form and find the net again with his former team Sliema.

Meanwhile the club signed a sponsorship agreement with Enelux till the end of this season with an option to extend for next year.

Justin Attard expressed his pleasure in being associated with Sliema “as being part of a glorious team.”

Enelux is an innovative and energetic company whose main line of operation is electrical engineering projects such as architectural lighting and professional sports facilities lighting. With its involvement in the local football scene, Enelux’ main objective is to excel in the present sport facilities upgrade schemes.

Sliema Wanderers President Steve Abela is confident these signings will infuse new ideas in the team and push the team to a better standard.

“Our past matches were disappointing to say the least and together with all the committee members we had to make a move in the coaching department. Barbara will definitely add to our attacking capabilities and give our new coach more options up front. I am also proud to announce Enelux who joined our ever increasing list of official partners and companies who show their interest in being associated with the most glorious team in Malta,” said Abela.