Hibs let Cassar go but Pullicino stays
Zahra moving south?
Premier League club Hibernians yesterday agreed to let Kevin Cassar extend his stay at Valletta by another year after his previous loan period expired last month.
Cassar, 26, joined Valletta in summer 2004 and had a positive season with the club. The right wing-back was a regular in J.J. Aquilina's line-up, missing only a few matches either through suspension or unavailability.
However, Valletta's overtures for Malta international Peter Pullicino were rejected by Hibernians who made it clear that the midfielder, holder of Australian and Maltese dual citizenship, was not for sale.
The Citizens are looking to strengthen their midfield compartment but Hibs' decision to hold on to Pullicino will force them to look elsewhere. One of their next targets could be Digger Okonkwo.
Another Hibs player who is attracting interest is former Malta U-21 striker Antoine Zahra.
Yesterday, Zahra joined the Hibs squad which left for Cyprus ahead of tomorrow's UEFA Cup match against AC Omonia.
A Hibs spokesman told The Times that Marsaxlokk have tabled an interesting offer which could see Zahra, currently nursing a slight foot injury, moving further south on a one-year loan period.
A decision will be taken after Hibs' away match in Nicosia but young striker Udo Nwoko was given the green light to join Premier League newcomers Mosta on loan.
Marsaxlokk, along with Valletta and Pietà Hotspurs will join hosts Hibs next week for the summer four-team tournament.
A new striker from Brazil will be on trial for Marsaxlokk during the tournament which will be played at the Hibs Ground.
Mosta tournament for July 23
The Gammari Muscat Mosta Tournament this year will be played between July 23 and 30.
This was announced by Mosta FC in a statement which said the teams taking part are still to be determined but will be named soon.
The tournament will be an ideal testing ground for coach Paul Zammit who has again been confirmed as head coach.
After an absence of four years, Mosta are back in the Premier League. With the club looking to strengthening the squad, changes have already been made on the administration side.
Frans Debono is the new club president. He replaced Charles Abela who stepped down after six years at the helm. Michael Attard and Charles Pace, former vice presidents, have also left the committee but all sponsorships will continue for next year.
Fenech - Naxxar coach
Dennis Fenech will be coaching Division One side Naxxar Lions next season. The decision was taken after an annual general meeting that confirmed Michael Zammit Tabona as president.
Vince Laus will be assistant to Naxxar-born Fenech and in charge of the U-19 squad.
This week, Senglea appointed Yugoslav Dragan Zivkovic, formerly of Rabat Ajax, as their new coach.