Sciriha blasts Malta FA's transfer deadline policy

Marsaxlokk FC president Victor Sciriha yesterday branded the Malta FA's transfer deadline policy as 'ridiculous' after the southern club failed to complete the signing of Minabo Asechemie. This has come about following the decision to put the transfer deadline forward by two days.

According to new worldwide rules, the summer transfer window comes to a close at midnight today. However, Maltese clubs had their deadline shortened by two days as registration papers had to be filed at the MFA headquarters in Valletta by 7 p.m. last Friday.

Nigerian Asechemie was expected to land in Malta early on Friday to complete his protracted move from Marsa. But a late hiccup forced him to delay his arrival and the deal was subsequently called off. Marsaxlokk had to move quickly to secure their third overseas player and opted for Hari Milchev Borislavov, a Bulgarian 30-year-old midfielder.

"I guess we have the only federation in the world ordering the transfer deadline to be closed two days in anticipation," Sciriha said yesterday in Bugibba during the presentation of Borislavov and the other foreigner on the club's books - Lithuania's Donatas Vencevicius.

"FIFA has established August 31 as the last day of transfers this summer but here we have 48 hours less than anyone else," he added.

"That decision has deprived us of the chance to sign Asechemie. That spoiled some of our plans even though we managed to lure another talented midfielder in Borislavov."

This summer Sciriha's club has been the most active one in the transfer market. Their 'mini-revolution' saw them practically strengthening all departments with Charlo Magro, David Carabott, Kevin Mamo, Steve Falzon and Nikolai Slavtchev adding more stability to their backline.

David Camilleri, Vencevicius and Borislavov were signed to infuse more flair in midfield while last season's attacking duo of Johann Zammit and Carmel Formosa will have Malta striker Malcolm Licari in competition for places.

The southerners, apart from that, have also taken on a permanent basis Richard Buhagiar, Justin Tellus, Trevor Templeman, Pierre Grima and Zammit after a loan spell. Without doubt, Marsaxlokk must rank as genuine challengers for the honours.

Sciriha said: "I believe our new coach Robert Kelly has a valid squad and we can aspire for a better placing than last year's sixth in the Championship Pool. We are not expecting any miracles though because new players need time to settle in. However, the quality is there and even though talking of challenging for the title may be premature I think we have done enough to finish in the top four."

New facilities, turf pitch

Changes at Marsaxlokk, however, are not restricted solely to the squad as Sciriha is now looking to upgrade the club's facilities including a new stadium down south with a turf pitch.

"Ideal facilities are still lacking in our club," he said.

"Next year, we have plans in the pipeline to develop our training grounds and build a new stadium with a turf surface. It will be one of the finest on the island. It's an ambitious project, I know, but our club now deserves such facilities."

New captain Carabott, returning to his first love, said that he was delighted to be back in his hometown club. He said there were some fine acquisitions but warned that success will be hard to achieve just the same.

"Having so many good players arriving at the club has infused great enthusiasm in our clan," he said.

"But big-name signings alone are not a guarantee of success. We have to be committed and work hard. We had a good start... hopefully it will be a good year for us."

Today's Football

National Stadium (MIA Premier League) - 5 p.m. Hibernians vs Balzan; 7 p.m. Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk.