Gzira United signed no less than fifteen new players as they prepare for the BOV First Division campaign which kicks-off on September 12. The new players were presented during a press conference which was held at Paparazzi 29 Clubhouse in Manoel Island.
The Maroons secured the services of Anthony Curmi from Tarxien Rainbows, Daniel Scerri, Jean Paul Scerri and Gianluca Calabretta from Lija Athletic, Dylan Borg, Dejan Vukovic, Gabriel Aquilina, Dale Micallef, Josef Mifsud, Paolo Dandolo and Ryan Dalli from Sliema, Dylan Agius and Leighton Mifsud from Marsa. They also signed four new foreigners – Andorran international Sergio Moreno Marin, Nigerian striker Anthony Ewurum from Gudja United and Italian duo Federico Meccheri and Matteo Caribotti.
The only players to be retained from last season’s squad are Sharlon Pace – who is also the club president, Yanis Tonna, Steve Meilak, Jamie Pace, goalkeeper Fredrick Tabone and Spanish striker Moises Avila Perez.
Vice-president Ian Micallef said that apart from strengthening the squad, Gzira United have appointed former Floriana and Hibernians coach Michael Woods as their new mentor. Micallef explained that after placing fourth last season and reaching the semi-finals of the FA Trophy, the club was facing a bigger challenge.
On the administrative part, Frankie Ciantar was appointed as the nursery administrator while Michael Degiorgio was appointed as head-coach of the nursery.
Vice-President Roberto Cristiano said that another challenge for the club is that of increasing the number of members and the number of supporters who follow the team at the various stadiums.
He thanked the sponsors, namely RSM Malta, FA Engineered Nutrition, D-Entertainment, Luna Park Frau, Sterling Car Rentals, Topaz, Paparazzi 29 Clubhouse and the kit-sponsors TeamSporT. He also thanked the several volunteers and the committee who work hard for the club.
New coach Michael Woods said that he was glad to join the club as coach and that he aimed at having a competitive squad based on three experienced foreign players together with a number of youngsters.
Woods admitted the First Division League will be difficult as the teams are quite balanced. His main objective for the team is to establish itself in the First Division and hopefully by January, distancing themselved away from the relegation zone.
The Gzira coach praised the work being done by the nursery as it was of utmost importance for the nursery to produce players for the club in future.