Wanderers target Gango-Rtsa for UEFA Cup
Bizu agrees two-year deal
With the start of a new season on the horizon, Sliema Wanderers have intensified their efforts to strengthen their squad.
After capturing the services of Malta midfielder Joe Brincat, Sliema have also reached an agreement with Floriana's Brazilian striker Edoardo Do Nascimento and former winger Pavel Mraz.
While Bizu, whose loan period with Floriana expired recently, has been tied to a two-year contract, Mraz has so far secured a short-term deal to turn out for the Blues in the Lowenbrau Cup and UEFA Cup commitments.
Another overseas player who may turn out for the Blues in the Lowenbrau and UEFA competitions is Floriana defender Riad Gango-Rtsa.
The Greens are adamant that they will not sell their Congolese stalwart but they may allow him to play for their rivals in their UEFA Cup qualifying round match against Polonia Warsaw. Sliema's request for Gango-Rtsa is expected to be discussed by the Greens committee today.
The departure of Luke Dimech, who is expected to begin a one-month trial with English club Notts County today, has also forced the Blues' committee into a search for a permanent defensive replacement.
Pietà's Chris Okoh, who was loaned out to Birkirkara last year, is now likely to join the Blues on a similar loan deal. Sources said that Okoh has been given the go-ahead by Pietà to report for pre-season training with Sliema, now under the tutelage of Edward Aquilina, today.
Sources also told The Times that David Camilleri has agreed a two-year extension to his contract with Sliema but the future of fellow midfielder Massimo Grima is uncertain. Grima's contract expired last month and the Blues intend to put him on the transfer list.
As part of their strategy for next season, Sliema have loaned out seven members of their U-19 squad to Lija Athletic while most of their current U-16 players have been promoted to the U-19 team.