MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League newcomers Valletta Lionesses had a new import player on the Ta’ Qali court as Ukranian forward Olesia Malashenko was confirmed to coach Harry Savaya’s roster this past week.

Malashenko joined the team during the winter break as a replacement for US import player Janae Barnes who Malta Basketball can confirm was dismissed by the capital club. 

Sources told Malta Basketball the freescoring American saw her time with the Citizens cut short due to clashes with the team’s administration and her behaviour on court with the rest of the team which is said to have irked the club’s heirarchy.

As a result of this, Valletta sought a new import during the transfer window and have now brought to Malta the 6’2 player who made her debut on Saturday against Depiro as the league campaign resumed after the holidays.

The Ukraine Women’s National Team player joins the team after numerous stints around Europe with the 33-year-old also bringing with her experience in the FIBA EuroCup and the Women’s Euroleague. 

Last season Malashenko was plying her trade at German DBBL side Rutronik Stars Keltern where together wit the team, she finished as the regular season runners up, before going on to fall only in the finals of the playoffs. 

Before that, the new Valletta player was in Mongolia’s Division 1, Jordan Division 1, the Turkish SuperLeague, the French LFB and the Belgian Top Division where she played for Royal Castors Braine in the EuroLeague. There she played 13 games with an average of 7.5 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. 

The Citizens will be hoping Malashenko, whose professional career began in 2008, can give them an added boost as they look for their first victory in all competitions since entering the league.