Danilo Doncic will be up against his recent past this evening when he leads Tarxien Rainbows against his former club Sliema Wanderers in the weekend’s opening game at the Hibs Stadium (kick-off: 6.30 p.m.).
Doncic parted ways with the Wanderers in May after 18 months in charge, having failed to lead Sliema to European football. The Serbian did not stay idle too long and a few weeks later accepted the challenge of leading the Rainbows in this year’s championship.
His league debut for the Rainbows ended with a 1-0 defeat to Valletta on Sunday so today he will be hoping to pick up his first points against his former employers.
“Sliema represented an important part in my football career,” Doncic told The Times yesterday.
“I spent five-and-a-half years as a player with them and last season I was in charge of their first team so they have a special place in my heart. But I’m very professional when it comes to my job and once we step on the field my only concern will be Tarxien.
“On Sunday, we were tactically good against Valletta but that was not enough to stop them from winning the match.
“But the players should not be disheartened and hopefully they will put up a stronger showing and claim our first points against Sliema.”
Doncic has no injury worries and he is also in line to hand a debut to Brazilian defender Evaldo provided his registration papers are filed in time at the MFA offices.
The Rainbows are also engaged in talks with Sliema for the services of Roderick Bajada. However, no agreement has yet been reached.
Tarxien face competition from Ħamrun Spartans who are also keen to resign the combative midfielder.
Sliema, who opened their league commitments with a 1-1 draw against Floriana, are sweating on the fitness of defender Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, down with knee trouble, while Diego Ortega is again expected to miss out with a muscle strain.
Italian coach Alfonso Greco is likely to have countryman Paltemio Barbetti, a midfielder, available for this match after his transfer was completed earlier this week.
In tonight’s other match, Floriana and Ħamrun Spartans will be out for their first win.
Last week, the Reds figured in an entertaining 2-2 draw against Balzan as Floriana picked up a point from their clash against the Wanderers (1-1).
Floriana coach Mark Wright was encouraged with his team’s display against the Blues even though he admitted there was still a lot of work to be done.
Wright said: “I felt that we created a lot of chances and had we been a little more careful at the back we could have won the match. But there’s ample time to improve as the players are still adapting to our methods.
“The lads are doing okay and the addition of the new foreigners will surely make us more competitive.”
In fact, Floriana yesterday signed English defender Aaron Brown, formerly of Preston. However, the 32-year-old is unlikely to feature today as the Greens are still awaiting his international clearance.
However, midfielder Aman Verma, also of England, is now ready to make his first showing in a Greens shirt.
Ħamrun coach Stefan Sultana was encouraged by his team’s spirited display against Balzan but, no doubt, will be urging his players to show better defensive play as on Sunday they were found wanting in one-on-one situations in particular.
Bulgarian defender Anton Vergilov will likely have to wait to make his debut for the Reds and wing-back Glenn Azzopardi, injured, could also miss out.
Programme
Today (Hibs Stadium)
18.30 Tarxien Vs Sliema
20.30 Ħamrun Vs Floriana
Tomorrow (National Stadium)
18.30 Melita Vs Rabat
20.30 Qormi Vs Hibernians
Sunday (National Stadium)
18.30 Mosta Vs Valletta
20.30 Balzan Vs Birkirkara