Lija Athletics FC presented their new signings during a press conference yesterday at Flemin Joe’s Grill and Sports Diner.
Mario Camilleri, the club president, stated that following the promotion to the Premier Division last season, the present committee left no stone unturned to strengthen the squad for the coming campaign with the signing of eleven new players.
This summer the Athletic have brought in Matthew Xerxen, Xavi Montes Burgos, Ebrahim Massoudi, Wallace Oliveira, Andre Enrique, Luke Stivala, Kurt Bartolo, Chris Cardona, Brian Deguara, Darren Aitchinson and Gary Inguanez.
“These new signings together with our homegrown players should make a very competitive team to enable Lija to achieve their main objective, that of finishing in the top positions of the league,” Camilleri said.
He also stated that the club appointed Kevin Mifsud as their new coach. He said that Mifsud, apart from having already coached in the Premier Division and also in charge of the national team, has the necessary requisites to lead Lija to their main goals this season. .
On his part Mifsud thanked the committee for their efforts in assembling such a strong and competitive squad. He also praised his players for their dedication and discipline shown during the pre-season which will undoubtedly be two main factors to achieve the club’s main targets.
He admitted that Lija will face a tricky fixture next Thursday as they face Hamrun, who although losing the Super Cup decider, still possess a strong squad.
Antonello Cappitta, the club’s vice-president, believes that through their dedication and hard work, Lija can achieve success during this campaign.

Edward Bartolo, the club team manager gave a very brief overview on the current club situation.
“Our objectives are quite clear. The aim is to build on our achievements last season.”
Bartolo thanked all the members of the committee who gladly accepted to embark on this exciting project.
Nicola del Re, who guided Lija as first division champions last year, explained that he feels happy that he is starting his second year with this team. Del Re said that he has already worked with the coach and players when he used to train with the national team and this helped a lot to install unity in the team.
Lija Athletics kick off their commitments next Thursday as they face Hamrun Spartans at the Corradino Pavillion at 21.30 hrs.