Category: Transfers

Xuereb extends contract with Luxol

Malta international Nathan Xuereb has re-signed with Luxol for yet another season, sources tell Malta Basketball.

Xuereb, who joined the Violets last summer after 13 years at Athleta had a solid first season under coach Duncan Fenech despite missing out on a spot in the playoffs. At Luxol, the 22-year-old played 20 games last season across all competitions, averaging 17.2 points a game.

The Pembroke-based club is yet to announce this extension. However, it was already looking like their way forward last season, with Xuereb playing a key part of Fenech’s roster as his playmaker. In fact, Xuereb was second in scoring for the team behind American big man Tariq Woody, the pair both starting every game they’ve played. While Woody opted to depart from the club towards a move to Serhedci PIK Baku in the Azerbaijani League, Xuereb rejoins the team led by Malta’s national team coach for another bout this coming season.

Sources have told Malta Basketball that the Malta guard has settled in well at the club with an extension being his top priority at this stage of his career despite interest from other local clubs this summer.

Xuereb has, this summer, been part of the Malta national team contingent in Andorra for the FIBA european Small Countries championships where Malta finished second. He was the team’s starting point guard for all five games played averaging 9 points, 2.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

With Woody already gone and Xuereb secured, Luxol will be pushing for reinforcements to aid the young nucleus and the experience of JP Schembri and Marko Matijevic.

Last season, Luxol finished in the penultimate spot of the BOV Division One in spite of a good start to the campaign, as priority seemed to be revolving around development of the younger core of players. One awaits to see what changes will be made this coming season.

A featured image for an article about Depiro's new coach Sasha Dimitrijevic

Sasha Dimitrijevic named new Depiro coach

In a move to revitalise their coaching staff following the departure of Baldacchino brothers Ruben and Adrian, who led the men’s and women’s teams respectively, Depiro Sports Club has announced the appointment of former Athleta mentor Sasha Dimitrijevic as the new coach for their Senior Men’s team, as well as Head Coach of their Basketball Nursery.

This move sees Depiro revert to a foreign coach after Welshman James Bamfield and American Brian Semonian were replaced by Baldacchino, who took the team to the playoffs last season as the fourth-seed.

In a club statement, Dimitrijevic expressed his gratitude and excitement about the new role.

“I’d like to thank the board of Depiro Sports Club for this incredible opportunity. We share a unified vision and goal: to develop our local young players and give them the chance to compete at the highest level. Serious work lies ahead, but we’re ready for the challenge and excited to build something great together,” Dimitrijevic said.

John Vella, the newly appointed President of Depiro Sports Club, also shared his enthusiasm about Dimitrijevic’s appointment.

“The newly elected Depiro Sports Club committee has as the centre of its role the advancement of sport, education, and the community involvement of youth and society. To this latter end, we are pleased to announce the engagement of Coach Sasha Dimitrijevic.

“Sasha has always prioritised youth and put the development of a sound and comprehensive youth development framework at the core of his philosophy. This aligns directly with the club’s aims, and thus we are convinced that together the wellbeing and future of our basketball section can move forward to improve our teams and Maltese basketball in general. Welcome, Sasha!” Vella expressed.

Dimitrijevic’s appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team. Known for his emphasis on youth development, Dimitrijevic has built a reputation for fostering young talent and preparing them for high-level competition and the club stressed that his philosophy aligns perfectly with Depiro’s mission to not only achieve success on the court but also to contribute positively to the community and the sport’s future in Malta.

Adrian Baldacchino Appointed Athleta Women’s Coach

Athleta Basketball Club announced the appointment of Adrian Baldacchino as the head coach of their women’s senior teams on Monday. 

This appointment marks a return to familiar grounds for Baldacchino, who has an extensive history with the club and who now returns to lead the Gzira side’s new women’s team.

Baldacchino’s career includes tenures with several notable clubs, such as Hibernians, Siggiewi, Athleta, and Depiro. He has consistently led teams to playoff finals and championships, demonstrating his tactical acumen and leadership skills. His most recent triumphs include winning the 2022-23 Men’s Amateur League Championship with Depiro and subsequently clinching the Women’s Knockout title after transitioning to the women’s section of the same club.

Currently, Baldacchino is representing Malta as part of the coaching team for the senior women’s national team in Kosovo. This international experience adds a valuable dimension to his coaching repertoire, equipping him with broader strategic insights and exposure to varied styles of play.

Athleta’s management expressed their excitement and optimism regarding Baldacchino’s return. They believe his wealth of experience and proven track record will be instrumental in revitalising the women’s senior teams and steering them to success in the Malta Basketball Association competitions. 

The club’s statement highlighted their confidence in Baldacchino’s ability to deliver positive results, citing his history of turning teams into formidable contenders.

“I am thrilled to be back at Athleta and to take on the challenge of leading the women’s senior teams,” Baldacchino said. 

“The club has always held a special place in my heart, and I am committed to bringing out the best in our players. Together, we aim to achieve great things and make a mark in the upcoming season.”

Baldacchino’s appointment as the head coach of Athleta’s women’s senior teams heralds a new chapter for the club as the MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League’s sixth team this coming season.

Roderick Vella Takes Helm as Luxol Women’s Coach

In a significant move that showcased Luxol Basketball Club‘s commitment to nurturing home-grown talent, Roderick Vella was appointed as the Senior Women’s Coach on Saturday. 

The appointment, announced by the club ahead of the new season means a promotion to the senior ranks as Santino Coppa’s replacement.

Vella’s appointment is not merely a routine promotion; it reflects his substantial contributions to Luxol’s female sector. Over the years, he has proven his mettle by clinching numerous titles with the U19, U16, and U14 girls’ teams. His ability to foster talent has been pivotal, with many of his protégés now shining in the senior team and junior national squads.

“I am honoured and excited to take on this new challenge,” Vella said in an official club statement. 

“Our club has a rich tradition of excellence, and I am committed to continuing this legacy with the senior women’s team.”

In his expanded role, Vella will not only oversee the Senior Women’s team but also guide the U23 and U19 Women’s teams. This broad scope of responsibility underscores the club’s confidence in his coaching acumen and vision for the future. His track record speaks volumes, and the expectation is that he will infuse the senior team with the same winning mentality and skill development he has instilled in his junior teams.

Luxol’s announcement also highlighted the strategic appointments of other key figures in their coaching staff. Luxol player Nathan Xuereb will take charge of the U16 Girls and U19 Luxol St. Andrew’s Women’s teams.

Meanwhile, Brendon Cassar Saguna has been assigned to lead the U12, U14, and U16 Luxol St. Andrew’s Girls’ teams.

The club’s strategic expansion of its nursery has also been a focal point of this announcement. With the ability to field two teams in both the U14 and U16 categories, as well as an additional team in the U19 Women’s league, Luxol is poised to solidify its presence and competitive edge in Maltese basketball.

Luxol Basketball Club expressed optimism about the future, stating, “Best of luck to coaches Roderick Vella, Nathan Xuereb, and Brendon Cassar Saguna as they embark on their new roles. We look forward to a successful season ahead!”

Sandro Farrugia Appointed Athleta Head Coach

Athleta AtoZ Basketball Club have announced the appointment of Sandro Farrugia as the Head Coach of their Men’s First Division Team. 

Farrugia brings a wealth of experience and a stellar track record, having been coaching for over 40 years.

Farrugia’s coaching career is marked by numerous successes. He has previously led several teams in the Women’s First Division League, securing various honours along the way. His expertise has not only been limited to club teams; he also played a significant role at the national level. As the head of the MBA Academy for junior girls and boys, Farrugia has shaped the careers of many young talents. His tenure as the National Coach for the Under 18 and Under 16 girls’ teams was particularly noteworthy, guiding Malta to win Silver and Bronze medals at the FIBA European Championships for Small Countries.

Moreover, Farrugia’s contribution to the Ladies National Team as an Assistant Coach over six years saw the team clinch three gold medals at the GSSE games and FIBA European Championships. Such achievements underscore his capability to inspire and lead teams to success on significant stages.

Athleta president Joe Galea expressed strong confidence in Farrugia’s appointment. 

“Sandro has the right qualities and necessary experience to lead Athleta AtoZ’s senior team towards a successful season,” Galea stated. 

He further emphasised Farrugia’s potential impact on the development of younger players within the squad, highlighting his role in nurturing future basketball talents.

Farrugia himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead one of Malta’s most storied basketball clubs. 

“I wish to thank the club for their confidence and trust. It is an honour to be coaching one of Malta’s most established and successful clubs,” Farrugia said.

As the club embarks on this new chapter, the Gzira-based club acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing head coach, Christos Kousidis. 

Under his guidance, the senior team had a commendable campaign last season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since a series of troubled seasons. 

Galea extended his gratitude to Kousidis, wishing him success in his future coaching endeavours overseas.

Malta centre Galea set for NCAA move after committing to University of Arkansas

Second international move for Galea after Elite Roma stint

Malta international centre Danika Galea has secured her next move in a basketball career with the potential for high-level success after committing to the University of Arkansas in the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division 1.

The move comes after the 6’3 centre committed to the Razorbacks, with an announcement from her representatives being made on Wednesday.

“We have commitment – Our class of 2024 Danika Galea from Malta has committed to University of Arkansas. Congrats @dan_galea. Keep working hard,” a statement on the agency’s socials read.

Last Summer’s FIBA Under-18 Division C winner and Most Valuable Player (MVP) Galea has shone for several years, both locally at Depiro and most recently in Italy at Elite Basket Roma and will now be heading to the top division of women’s collegiate basketball in the US to compete in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) on a sports scholarship.

Last August, Galea led Malta’s U-18s to a gold medal in Albania with a terrific showing which earned her the highest honour of the tournament as well as a place in the tournament’s all-star five. The 18-year-old finished as the competition’s top scorer with an average of 29 points per game and was a class above the rest on the boards with 19 rebounds a game.

A photo of Danika Galea after the FIBA U18 Division C tournament.
Danika Galea won the FIBA U-18 Division C tournament MVP award last summer. Photo: FIBA

The Malta starlet did all this after a successful first season in Rome which led to her earning another season overseas as preparation for this move over the Atlantic to Fayetteville, Arkansas when the next semester begins following her involvement with the Malta women’s national team this summer.

This will be Galea’s third involvement with the senior national team after being part of Angela Adamoli’s roster for the FIBA Small Countries Games which saw Malta take bronze ahead of her move to Italy, and last May for the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE 2023) where Malta finished in fourth place. 

With another season of overseas basketball under her belt, she is set for another round under new Malta coach Charles Bonnici, who was appointed Adamoli’s replacement earlier this year.

Such an addition will surely be a boost for the side which can balance out rotation in the centre position with Luxol stalwart Josephine Diaby previously being the main performer in that role. 

Galea follows fellow women’s national team players Kristy Galea and Sophie Abela who both played in the US at the collegiate level.