Maltese coach Jose Borg is set to start a new adventure in his coaching career as he has been appointed at the helm of a senior team in North American football.
In fact, Borg will take over at Canada-based team FC Manitoba which usually plays in the USL League (Central Conference – Heartland Division), considered as the fourth tier in the United States football pyramid.
However, Manitoba will not participate in the 2021 USL League Two season as the championship has been cancelled for a second straight year. Instead, Manitoba will be participating in a joint interprovincial initiative with Calgary Foothills Soccer Club to provide a Canadian solution for the 2021 season.
Borg, who recently obtained the UEFA Pro License, has coached in Malta’s top-flight having been in charge of Luxol St Andrews and Tarxien Rainbows.
The Maltese coach was also involved in women’s football, with spells at Hibernians, Raiders (Luxol) and most recently was also involved in Birkirkara’s technical staff.
FC Manitoba were previously called WSA Winnipeg before being purchased by the Garcea Group of Companies and renamed in January 2020.
“We need to bring in a different set of eyes, to motivate our players and coaches and to provide the professional side of football business,” FC Manitoba’s Team Manager Enrique Garcea said in the club’s official statement.
“Mr. Borg is a great choice with the extensive professional European experience. We are excited for him to be assisting us with this massive project.”
Meanwhile, club owner John Garcea heaped praise on the acquisition of coach Borg as this is a positive sign in the development of this club.
“I am very excited for this new venture and I would like to thank the club and the Garcea Family, all those involved for giving me this opportunity,” said Borg in the statement.
“I am proud to be the head coach of FC Manitoba and I look forward to working hard and achieving our targets to give Manitoba a great soccer team.”
Paolucci, Borg reunite
Involved at FC Manitoba is coach Borg’s former player at Tarxien Rainbows, Michele Paolucci.
The Italian player, who used to play for Floriana as well, made 23 appearances with 11 goals in the process for the Rainbows during the 2018/2019 season.
Paolucci, who has also played in Italy’s Serie A, had recently moved to the newly-launched Canadian Premier League where he had joined Valour FC. Following that experience, the Italian player signed with FC Manitoba, both as a player and to help the members of the club management at the front office.
