Narciso steps down from Mellieha Libertas role

Mellieha Libertas coach Christian Narciso announced on Wednesday that he will not be extending his contract with last season’s Louis Borg Cup winners.

In a statement on his socials, the Italian coach said he was proud to have been part of what he referred to as a ‘family overachieving on and off the court’.

“What a fantastic season has been! It’s with a bit of sadness I announce I won’t be the head coach of Mellieha Libertas Spalding for the next season,” the statement read.

“I am so proud to have been part of this amazing FAMILY overachieving on and off the court. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity and the growth, I wish nothing but the best to President Niccolo Petrucci and the whole @melliehabasketballclub players and staff for making me feel at home and letting me grow as a coach. Love you guys, and I will always cheer for you! Now it’s time for me to see what’s next for my career in this beautiful basketball journey”

Narciso had joined the club over the summer of 2022 and orchestrated a squad that went from its first final in club history under coach Adrian Mifsud, who then took over an administrative role within the club, to finishing first in the regular season ahead of eventual winners Starlites.

The Italian, who has past experience in Denmark as well as his home country, also led the team to its first title in the Louis Borg competition after a final win over BUPA Luxol, while also finishing as runners-up in the season’s Super Cup, Shield, and Knock Out competitions.

The Northerners will be facing a tough task in upgrading their form this coming season under new direction to overcome the like of Starlites who denied the side in every final, bar the Louis Borg Cup, during the 2022/23 season.

Mellieha finished their regular season with a 10-5 record, taking top seed before eliminating Depiro BC in the playoff semifinals and losing to 3-0 Starlites in the final series.