Hibernians’ collaboration with coach Christos Kousidis is no more, both the club and coach have confirmed.
In the beginning of July, Hibernians announced their latest appointments as part of a restructuring of the club ahead of next season which brought to the Paolite club the former Athleta mentor who managed to secure playoff basketball for the side after several years in the shadows.
However, Hibernians will be in search of a new coach ahead of next season after terminating the Greek coach’s contract after internal issues regarding Kousidis’ roster additions.
When contacted for comment, Hibs said it was a case of things that did not align with the club’s views.
“When we signed him as a coach, we agreed that we would improve our team – in fact, we got Matthew (Gouder) immediately, however, we did not want to change a lot of the players,” a club spokesman told Malta Basketball.
“This, for us would have been unacceptable because the team we had last season missed the playoffs simply because of import-player-related issues. So, we already have a good team.
“Our conversations with the coach had been for him to let the committee know about any potential players but we also had to focus on the rest of the club. We want to stress that it has been a professional working relationship throughout and really wanted it to work out. We wish him good luck and hope he manages to sign with a new club soon, however, we figured the clash of ideas would not work – it would have been unfair on the players if this was done later on in the season.”
‘Competitive with both men and women’
After confirming Gouder and extending the contract of local foreigner Ivan Demcesen, Hibernians last week announced the signing of three female players – Steffi De Martino, Maria Bonett and Andie Saliba – to push their women’s team out of what looked to be a rut in the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League.
“We were in discussions to strengthen our women’s team as we feel we’ve had a vacuum – in the last 40 years, last season was the worst we’ve ever finished as a club so that was unacceptable for our team to be at such a low point,” Hibs explained.
“Our moves for new players in the women’s team came because we want to be competitive with both teams, but we have always felt that the men’s team is good enough already, so we did not feel the need to make a lot of changes.
“The coach has a big say in what players he deems fit to play at the club but ultimately, it is the committee that decides if contact with potential signings takes place or not. It is simply the system of how the club operates – the next coach will have the same conditions. If it’s feasible it will be done, but we have to think of the entire club – we don’t just have the senior teams, there is a whole system of basketball taking place.”
Next steps
In a statement, Hibs said that they had parted ways “due to differing views on the direction and management of the Men’s Senior Team”.
“We thank Christos (Kousidis) for his efforts and contributions during his time with us and wish him the best in his future endeavours,” the statement read.
“As we move forward, our priority is to ensure that the Men’s Senior Team is aligned with the club’s vision and values. We will provide further updates regarding the coaching position and the team’s future direction in due course.”
Sources have told Malta Basketball that former Mellieha Libertas coach Christian Narciso is top of Hibs’ shortlist to replace Kousidis with the club looking to confirm his replacement ahead of preseason which is set to start in the latter part of August. The Italian mentor had been out of a contract since the end of his stint in the Italian Serie B with Orlandina and while rumours had pitted him as the returning Mellieha coach, the Northern club opted out of the new Division One season earlier this summer.
Asked about a possible return for Mario Tabone in the role, Hibs denied last season’s coach would get back to the Ta’ Qali bench this coming season and confirmed that Hibs would have ‘an entirely new coach’. The Paolite club confirmed Tabone would remain in his new role in charge of development within the club.
