Melita FC officially launched their senior squad for the upcoming Challenge League season, with club President Matthew Naudi outlining ambitious goals and a renewed vision following last year’s Premier Division campaign.
Speaking at the pre-season press conference, held on Wednesday at the Marija Rosa Estate, Melita’s president reflected on the club’s journey.
“Last year was tough, at times brutal, but we gained experience, character, and a clearer understanding of what it takes to belong at the very top,” he said.
“Once you taste Premier League football, you always want more. And we are determined to get back there.”
Naudi confirmed that the club’s primary target is a swift return to the Premier Division, ideally next season but within two years at most.
“The last time we were in the Challenge League, I set the target of promotion – and we achieved it. This time, the ambition is the same: to compete at the very top of the league, with the clear aim of returning to the Premier Division,” he revealed.
“But we want to do it sustainably. I don’t believe it is sportingly or financially healthy to yo-yo between divisions.”
The Melita FC president stated that a key part of the club’s strategy remains its long-standing tradition of integrating youth into the senior squad. Of the 24-man roster announced, 13 are academy products, with the majority of the team under the age of 24.
Melita retained several key players from last season’s Premier Division campaign, including Jean Pierre Attard, Alan Borg Olivier, Karl Mohnani, Kurt Bondin, Gosef Mizzi, and Jesus Yepes.
The squad has been further reinforced with new signings, namely 21-year-old Ghana winger Eric Mensah, former Floriana forward Quadri Ollanshile, and Colombian central defender Kevin Moreno.
On the local front, Josuael Azzopardi, formerly of Marsa, Pieta and Naxxar, and Andreas Vella, a club product, is back after a year with Palermo Primavera.
With four competitions ahead – the Challenge League, Challenge League Cup, Jubilee Cup, and FA Trophy – the club emphasised the importance of depth, fitness, and unity.
During the news conference, Melita FC unveiled their coaching setup, led by Head Coach Brian Said, a former Malta national team captain, alongside assistant coach and physical trainer Carlo Simeonati.
The club president described their arrival as a great addition to the club.
“It was always my target to bring coach Brian to the club. He brings professionalism, experience, and vision, and above all, he shares Melita’s values,” Naudi said.
On his part, Brian Said revealed his excitement in taking on the challenge.
“Melita is a club with a unique philosophy,” he said.
“We want to be competitive, yes, but also to play good football, to give young players their chance, and to build something sustainable. With the talent we have in this squad and the hard work I’ve already seen in training, I am confident we can deliver a strong season.”
Beyond the pitch, Melita FC is also working on securing its long-term sustainability through the commercialisation of its premises. Discussions with stakeholders are ongoing to identify the right project that will both improve facilities and create new revenue streams.
“Running an ambitious club like Melita requires significant investment,” Naudi said.
“Commercialising our premises is the only way forward to make the club self-sustainable while giving our players, staff, and community the facilities they deserve.”
Naudi also thanked all the club’s current and future sponsors and partners for their consistent support of the Melita project.
This year, Melita FC also launched a CSR initiative in support of the Hospice Movement, whose badge will appear on the senior team’s shirt sleeves.
Naudi concluded by thanking the committee, backroom staff and supporters for their limitless work for the club.
“The 12th man on the pitch is always appreciated,” he said.
“We hope to see families, supporters, and the community backing the team again this season. Together, let’s make this another season to remember.”
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