Branko Nisevic agrees terms to take over as Ħamrun Spartans coach

Ħamrun Spartans have reached an agreement to appoint Branko Nisevic as their new first-team coach.

The Serbian coach replaces Mark Buttigieg who on Monday parted ways with the Spartans following a mutual agreement with the Premier League club.

Hours after Buttigieg’s departure, Nisevic emerged as the leading contender to take the role at the Malta champions and the Serbian was approached by the Spartans top hierarchy on Monday night.

Nisevic met with Spartans president Joseph Portelli yesterday and an agreement was reached that saw him put pen to paper on a deal until the end of season 2023-24.

Stefan Sultana, who acted as assistant coach to Mark Buttigieg, will remain in his role and will assist Nisevic as the Spartans seek to turn their season around as the Reds seemed to have lost their way in the last few weeks.

In fact, Ħamrun have only managed to win one match since the championship restart in January and Sunday’s unexpected 1-0 defeat to Gudja United has seen the team slip to fifth place in the standings, 13 points adrift of leaders Hibernians.

Nisevic had been at the helm of Nadur Youngsters since last season and under his charge the Youngsters have turned into a dominant force in Gozitan football this term.

In fact, at present Nadur Youngsters are running away with the Gozitan Division One as they are currently leading the standings on 37 points, 14 clear of nearest rivals Għajnsielem.

On Monday, the Youngsters came from a goal down to beat Victoria Hotspurs to preserve their unbeaten record in the Gozitan top-tier.

During his career, Nisevic has been at the helm of Hibernians, with whom he managed to win the Premier League title, and Gżira United.

He was also the Malta U-21 national team coach while also serving as assistant of former national team coach Ray Farrugia.

Nisevic is expected to take charge of his first training session at Ħamrun Spartans on Wednesday ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Sirens at the Centenary Stadium.