Birkirkara FC are in a transition period this season but still hope to remain one of the top challengers for the major awards.

President Joe Zammit was the first to admit that his role in a club like Birkirjara, which has won most domestic honours in the past decade, is far from comfortable.

The club had to dig deep to replace the foreigners who left at the end of last season, besides finding a replacement for Michael Galea.

During a media brief yesterday afternoon, Birkirkara FC presented their three new foreigners, namely Spanish goalkeeper Jorge Mora who is making his return after two seasons, 30-year old Brazilian central defender Rodrigo Perreira and Spanish striker Moises Alvira Perez. Birkirkara had given a trial to some 15 foreigners before making their final decision.

Birkirkara are still in search for another forward, who might well be their fourth foreigner.

Regarding local talent, Birkirkara were quick to sign former Hibernians and Vittoriosa Stars under 21 international Leighton Grech and Malta international midfielder Gareth Sciberras, formerly of Marsaxlokk.

The club president also revealed that Terence Vella, who was on loan last season, is now a permanent Birkirkara player, signing a five-year contract.

Other players who extended their contracts with Birkirkara were Joseph Zerafa and Rowen Muscat for another three years, as well as Paul Fenech for the next four years.

Paul Fenech, who is currently recovering from injury and will probably return to action this weekend, will be the new team captain this season.

Another important player, Shaun Bajada, underwent surgery for a ligament tear and is not expected to be fit to play before October or November.

Coach Patrick Curmi expressed his satisfaction for being appointed coach of a prestigious club like Birkirkara and this is his first experience to challenge for honours. The squad is young, with an average age of 22 years, but he is pleased with all the work done so far, including their European adventure in teh Europa League.

According to Curmi, the club’s realistic aim is primarily to book a place in the Championship Pool. After that, they will fix objectives, hoping that Birkirkara remain one of the main contenders for the top places.

Birkirkara FC also announced that they have renewed their sponsorship deal with McDonald’s for another five years.