Danilo Doncic is the new coach of Mosta FC, replacing Steve D’Amato whose contract with the Premier League club was terminated by mutual agreement.

News that Mosta have parted company with D’Amato comes as a surprise after the former Ħamrun Spartans coach steered the Blues to the Championship Pool for the first time in the club’s history.

Mosta’s 3-2 defeat to Rabat Ajax on Monday may have played a role in the club’s decision to change coach while reports that D’Amato had already made up his mind to leave the team at the end of the season may also have been a key factor.

Mosta are sixth in the standings but, with only two points separating them from Tarxien Rainbows and Sliema Wanderers, they are still very much in the running to claim fourth spot and a place in the Europa League.

Doncic, who completed his UEFA Pro Licence last year, has been handed the task of helping Mosta qualify for a European competition. The Serbian coach has been out of a job since leaving Tarxien after only two Premier League matches.

Doncic, who coached Sliema Wanderers before his short spell with Tarxien, was due to take charge of his first training session as Mosta coach yesterday evening.

With Mosta out of the FA Trophy, Doncic will make his debut against Valletta, the club where he made a name for himself as a prolific striker, on February 23 as the fixtures of the second phase of this season’s Premier League were published yesterday.

The Malta FA also announced yesterday that there will be no football matches on election weekend for security reasons.

Meanwhile, four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban yesterday following Wednesday’s games.

Floriana duo Sacha Borg and Gary Roberts and Birkirkara’s Ryan Scicluna have been suspended after collecting their fourth yellow card. Ħamrun Spartans defender Massimo Grima has been punished for the unsporting gestures he made at the end of his side’s 3-0 defeat to Birkirkara.

Opening programme

Championship Pool: February 23 (National Stadium) – 2pm Hibernians vs Tarxien Rainbows; 4pm Mosta vs Valletta. February 24 (Hibs Stadium) – 2pm Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara.

Relegation Pool: February 22 (Tedesco Stadium) – 6pm Melita vs Floriana; 8.15pm Rabat Ajax vs Qormi. February 24 (Hibs Stadium) – 4pm Balzan vs Ħamrun Spartans.

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