Nigerian striker Sasere set for Spartans trial

Ħamrun Spartans are giving a trial to Nigerian striker Franklin Sasere, the Times of Malta can reveal.

The powerful Nigerian forward arrived in Malta on Sunday and is expected to attend his first training session with the Spartans on Monday where he will be assessed by coach Mark Buttigieg.

The Spartans are currently stepping up their preparations for the new season and they are looking to add more firepower up front as they look to add more depth to their squad following the arrival of forwards Imanol Iriberri, formerly of Hibernians, Dodo, and Marcelo Barbosa, who last season was on the books of Nadur Youngsters.

Sources told the Times of Malta that Sassere is a highly-rated forward who is on the books of Swiss top-flight side Lugano.

Sasere started his career in his homeland with Sunshine Stars before heading to Switzerland where he joined Lugano.

In his first season he played with the club’s U-21 side before he was promoted to the first team.

Sasere is expected to have the chance to show his qualities in full on Wednesday when the Spartans face St Andrews in a friendly.

Ħamrun Spartans are also currently running the rule on Spanish goalkeeper Pablo Sanchez.

The Spanish goalkeeper has already played in two friendly matches for the Reds, a goalless draw against Floriana, as well as in a 2-1 win against Birkirkara where he effected a string of fine saves, including saving a penalty.

Sanchez was brought by the Spartans as an option given that their current goalkeepers Emanuel Bartolo and Jonathan Debono are both injured.

However, the Spartans are taking some time before deciding whether to offer a contract to Sanchez as they want to see if Debono can recover in time for their opening league matches.

Ħamrun open their league commitments against Sirens at the National Stadium, on Monday.