Coach Christos Kousidis is heading to Hibernians this season after a successful season with Athleta as the club pushes for a new future. Former Hibs women coach Winnie Buhagiar has also returned to the club to lead the female squad this coming season.
Hibernians announced their latest appointments on Tuesday as part of a restructuring of the club ahead of next season which brings to the Paolite club the former Athleta mentor who managed to secure playoff basketball for the side after several years in the shadows.
In a club statement, Hibs said former coach Mario Tabone will be taking on a new role within the club’s administration, working alongside President Ronnie Callejja and Nursery Head Coach Tony Cassar to further strenghten the club’s position in Malta.
This vacancy made way for Kousidis to work in hopes of replicating a positive campaign in which he led the Gzira-based side to a third-place regular season finish in the BOV Division One. Now he takes over a side which had an impressive start to last season but faltered at the business end, missing the playoffs after being overtaken by Depiro in the final stages.
Meanwhile, Buhagiar, who is far from a new name among the Hibs community, will be tasked with rebuilding the squad which has suffered throughout the past few seasons as the club will be hoping for a breath of fresh air in a MAPFRE MSV Life Women’s League campaign which will now include six clubs.
“We are thrilled to welcome Christos Kousidis and Winnie Buhagiar to our club. Their expertise and vision align perfectly with our goals,” President Ronnie Callejja said in the club statement.
“With a proven track record and a wealth of experience in baketball and in Malta, Christos Kousidis is expected to bring fresh strategies and an innovative approach to the team.
“Winnie Buhagiar will be leading the Women’s Senior Team. Known for sterling career, winning all major trophies as a player with Siggiewi and Hibernians, Winnie is anticipated to enhance the team’s performance and competitive spirit.
“Additionally, Mario Tabone’s shift to an administrative role will undoubtedly enhance and strenghten our strategic planning and execution.”
Innovative enhancement
Kousidis brings with him a sense of energy and enthusiasm which seems to be desired among the Hibs camp. With an animated following at Ta’ Qali last season, the team had support which pushed them towards their goal.
On the other hand, Hibs’ season was largely dependent on the prowess of Ivan Demcesen and US import Mason Hix, who faced an unfortunate end to his Maltese basketball season after a doping accusation during the Knock Out, together with fellow import player Nick Brennen. Hibs managed to secure former Valletta Fighters forward Keith Charleston for the final part of the regular season but failed to reach the points threshold.
In the Women’s League, Hibs appeared to show effort under Sandro Farrugia’s mentorship. However, they were no match with powerhouses Depiro, Luxol and Starlites who all won silverware last season.
Now they will seek to follow the strategy of Farrugia’s former colleague within the Malta Women’s Under-18 National Team as Buhagiar takes over again after her stint with Hibernians in 2014.
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