Lija back amongst the elite of Maltese football
With the recent Malta FC Council vote in favour of a non-relegation clause, Zejtun Corinthians FC declared First Division champions, together with Lija Athletic FC will play BOV Premier League football next season, which for the first time ever, will see 16 teams participating in Malta’s elite division.
Lija Athletic are no newcomers to Malta’s top football division. This will be the fifth time that the Athletic will be participating in Malta’s Premier Division.
TMI spoke with Clifford Gauci, one of the protagonists of this Lija side which managed to clinch promotion as runners-up to Zejtun Corinthians.
Still only 28 years old, Gauci, a seasoned midfielder who has ploughed his trade for Pembroke FC, Qormi FC and Zebbug Rangers FC confirmed that the initial target for his club was never promotion, but as things progressed throughout the season the Athletic seemed destined to play in the Premier Division yet again.
“It has been a great achievement to bounce back to the BOV Premier League. Our immediate main target was that of cementing our place in the First Division although we always believed that we had a very good quality squad. The difference between us and other teams was that despite the fact that we had no big names in our ranks, with the help of everyone concerned within the club, we managed to create a strong challenging team and a healthy dressing room. Obviously with budget limitations, playing in the BOV Premier League will be a different matter. With four teams going down next season, it will be difficult to stay in the top flight but as I always say, in football everything is possible,“stated Gauci.
The Athletic have also acted quickly to secure the services of their prolific striker, Erjon Beu. The 28-year-old Albanian committed his loyalty yet again to the
Lija club with a three-year extension of his contract. Erjon is the club’s top scorer with 121 goals in 181 matches during his nine seasons with the Lija club.
The talented Beu also gave his views about his side’s achievement last season and how he looks about Lija’s prospects next season.
“We got off really well this season until we hit a bumpy period. As we were picking ourselves back to form, the COVID-19 pandemic halted not only our progress but all sport. At this point we were all geared up for promotion. We occupied first place for 13 weeks out of 19. As you know I have signed a new three-year deal with Lija and I can confirm it has never been a better time for me with this club. I am very hopeful and optimistic that we will do way much better than we did two years ago in the Premier League. It is time that we cement our place amongst the big of Maltese football and we will take this opportunity with both hands. The club is doing its utmost to ensure and provide a good competitive squad for next season,“stated the Albanian talent.
After his good work, Joseph Galea has been confirmed again as head coach for the forthcoming season by Lija Athletic FC, ably presided by Dr. Peter Fenech.