Sirens F.C.
Sirens F.C. is a professional association football club based in the town of San Pawl il-Baħar in northern Malta.[1] Founded in 1968 as St. Paul's Bay Football Team and renamed Sirens F.C. in 1970, the club fields teams in various age groups and competes in the Maltese Challenge League, the second tier of the Malta Football Association's national league system.[1][2] The team plays its home matches at Sirens Stadium, a 600-capacity ground opened in 2011 that also serves as a regional venue for lower-division matches organized by the Malta Football Association.[1] Wearing blue and white as their traditional colours, Sirens F.C. has a history of steady progression through Malta's football pyramid, starting in the fourth division and achieving multiple promotions.[1] The club's most notable success came in the 2018–19 season, when they won the Maltese First Division title, earning promotion to the Premier League for the first time.[1] In their debut top-flight campaign the following year, Sirens finished fourth, securing qualification for the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round—their inaugural appearance in European competition—where they faced Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.[1] Earlier honours include the Third Division championships in 1988–89 and 2013–14 (the latter undefeated), the Fourth Division title in 1976–77, and several lower-tier cups such as the 3rd Division Knock-Out Cup in 1973–74 and the Dr Joe Mifsud Cup in 1982–83.[1] After maintaining Premier League status for five seasons, Sirens were relegated at the end of the 2023–24 campaign and now compete in the Challenge League, where they sit mid-table as of November 2025.[2] The club emphasizes youth development, with notable former players including Maltese internationals like Michael Mifsud (Malta's most-capped player and top scorer) and Matthew Grech (who earned his sole cap while at Sirens).[1]History
Founding and early years
Sirens F.C. was founded in 1968 as the St. Paul's Bay Football Team by local enthusiasts in the coastal village of St. Paul's Bay, Malta, with the aim of representing the community in organized football.[3] The team quickly engaged in competitive play, participating in the Amateur Soccer Cup Competition (ASCC) during the 1968/69 season and achieving a strong runners-up finish, which highlighted the enthusiasm and potential of the newly formed group.[3] This early involvement helped build local support and laid the groundwork for formal integration into Malta's football structure. In 1969, the club affiliated with the Malta Football Association (MFA), enabling its entry into the official Third Division league the following year.[4] The debut in the Third Division came on October 10, 1970, with a 2-0 victory over Kirkop United at the Schreiber Ground in Paola, marking a promising start to competitive league football.[5] By the early 1970s, the team underwent its first name change to Sirens FC, reflecting its roots in the seaside locality.[6] Early successes included securing first place in the Third Division Section A during the 1972–73 season, although the club lost the subsequent promotion decider.[7] This achievement demonstrated the team's growing competitiveness in lower-tier Maltese football. Key figures in these formative years included the club's initial leadership, with Lawrence Gatt serving as president from 1970 to 1998, providing long-term stability and guidance during the establishment phase.[8]Promotions and lower divisions
Following its establishment as St. Paul's Bay Football Team in 1968, the club transitioned to Sirens Football Team before officially adopting the name Sirens Football Club in 1972 after acquiring a dedicated clubhouse at 61 St. Paul's Street in St. Paul's Bay.[5] This stabilization marked the beginning of consistent participation in Malta's lower divisions, where the team navigated a series of promotions and relegations over the subsequent decades. In the late 1970s and 1980s, Sirens achieved notable success in the Third Division, securing the Section C title in the 1979–80 season and the Dr. J. Mifsud Cup in 1982–83.[7] The club's most prominent milestone came in 1988–89, when it clinched the Third Division championship unbeaten, finishing atop Section B and defeating Mellieħa 2–1 in the promotion playoff to advance to the Second Division for the 1989–90 campaign.[7][9] The 1990s and 2000s brought fluctuations, with Sirens oscillating between the Third and Fourth Divisions due to periodic relegations, including a drop to the Fourth Division in the early 2000s before stabilizing through consistent performances in lower-tier competitions.[10] Under president Ċensu Galea, who led the club from 1998 to 2014, these years were characterized by efforts to address structural limitations typical of lower-league operations in Maltese football.[8] A standout revival occurred in the 2013–14 season, when Sirens dominated the Third Division (then the fourth tier) with an unbeaten record, recording 21 wins and 4 draws across 25 matches for 67 points, earning promotion to the Second Division.[11] Striker Giovanni Galea emerged as a pivotal figure, serving as the league's top scorer during this campaign.[12] This achievement underscored the club's resilience in the lower tiers and paved the way for further ascent, culminating in the 2018–19 First Division title.[13]Premier League entry and challenges
Sirens F.C. achieved a historic promotion to the Maltese Premier League on 3 April 2019, clinching the 2018–19 First Division title with a 4–0 victory over Mqabba F.C., which coincided with the club's 50th anniversary celebrations.[14] This marked the first time the St. Paul's Bay-based club had reached the top flight in its history, ending a long period in lower divisions and setting the stage for a new era of competition against Malta's elite teams.[3] In their debut 2019–20 Premier League season, Sirens finished fourth in the standings with 28 points from 20 matches, securing a mid-table position and qualification for the UEFA Europa League despite the campaign being abruptly halted in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[15] The shortened season highlighted the club's adaptation to the higher level of play, where they demonstrated defensive solidity but struggled for consistency against established sides like Floriana and Valletta.[16] This performance earned them a brief foray into European competition the following year, though their debut ended in a 2–1 aggregate defeat to CSKA Sofia in the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round. Subsequent seasons brought mixed results as Sirens grappled with the demands of top-flight football, including frequent managerial transitions under Steve D'Amato, who initially led the club from 2019 before departing in December 2020 amid a poor run of form, only to return in May 2023 on a two-year contract.[17][18] Despite efforts to build squad depth and tactical resilience, the team faced increasing challenges from financial constraints and intensified competition, culminating in relegation after finishing 13th in the 2023–24 Premier League with just 18 points from 26 matches.[19] This drop returned Sirens to the Challenge League for the 2024–25 season, where they finished 12th and remained in the second tier for 2025–26, prompting reflections on the steep learning curve of sustaining Premier League status.[20][21]Club identity
Crest and colours
The club colours of Sirens F.C. are blue and white, reflecting the maritime heritage of their home locality in St. Paul's Bay, a coastal area known for its Mediterranean seaside setting.[1] The current crest, adopted in the 2010s, depicts a mythical siren figure—a sea creature from folklore—integrated with wave motifs symbolizing the sea, alongside the club's name "Sirens F.C." in bold lettering.[22] Historically, the club's emblems evolved from simpler shield designs in the 1960s and 1970s, which incorporated local St. Paul's Bay motifs such as bay outlines or fishing symbols, to more formalized versions by the 1980s that included Malta Football Association (MFA) affiliation badges for official recognition.[23] This crest appears prominently on the club's kits, flags, scarves, and official merchandise, serving as the primary visual identifier for the team.[24]Kit evolution
The kit evolution of Sirens F.C. reflects the club's growth from its founding in 1968, with initial designs emphasizing simplicity in line with amateur football standards of the era. Between 1968 and 1970, the team wore basic blue-and-white striped shirts, paired with plain shorts and socks, without any sponsor logos, as sponsorships were not common in Maltese lower divisions at the time.[5] During the 1970s to 1990s, kits evolved to include matching shorts and socks in blue and white, enhancing uniformity on the pitch, with sponsors appearing as commercial partnerships became more common in competitive leagues. In the 2000s, the club transitioned to modern manufacturers, introducing more durable and styled apparel; the away kit adopted an all-white design to avoid clashes with opponents' colors, while home kits retained the traditional stripes with improved fabric technology. From 2010 to 2016, kits followed a standardized template with the siren crest prominently displayed on the chest, allowing for better branding. Since the 2022–23 season, Sirens F.C. has partnered with Macron for kit production, featuring a blue home kit with white accents and local sponsors such as Bank of Valletta (BOV) on the front; this partnership has brought high-performance materials and dynamic designs, including away kits in white with blue details and occasional third options for cup competitions. The 2025–26 kits, revealed in August 2025, maintain the traditional colours with bold designs. The integration of the crest into these kits has remained consistent, symbolizing the club's identity.[25][26][27]Ground and facilities
Sirens Stadium
Sirens Stadium serves as the primary home ground for Sirens F.C., situated in San Pawl il-Baħar between Bugibba and St. Paul's Bay in Malta. The venue accommodates a total capacity of 600 spectators, primarily through standing areas supplemented by basic seating arrangements, including a dedicated VIP section. This modest setup reflects the club's community-oriented roots while supporting competitive play in Malta's domestic leagues.[28][29] Originally established in 1970 with a sandy pitch, the stadium underwent significant renovations starting in 2010, when the Development Control Commission approved the construction of reservoirs, spectator stands, and a FIFA-rated artificial turf surface. These upgrades, including the relocation of dressing rooms from the club house basement, were completed by May 2012, enabling the facility to host official matches for the first time. The project addressed longstanding infrastructure needs, transforming the site into a compliant venue for higher-level competition following the club's promotion to the Premier League in 2019.[5][30] The stadium is utilized for all home fixtures of Sirens F.C.'s senior men's team, as well as matches for the youth and women's squads across various leagues and cups. It also facilitates daily training sessions and has hosted pre-season tournaments, such as the annual Maurice Debono event, underscoring its role as a central hub for the club's operations.[5]Training and youth facilities
The club's primary training ground is situated adjacent to Sirens Stadium in St. Paul's Bay, featuring artificial turf pitches designed for intensive daily sessions by the senior and reserve teams. This facility, developed following years of advocacy by club officials, was inaugurated in 1981 and underwent significant upgrades in 2012, including the installation of FIFA-approved artificial surfaces, water reservoirs, and spectator stands to support year-round training.[5] Sirens F.C. maintains a dedicated youth academy through its Youth Football Nursery, established in 1983 to nurture talent from the local St. Paul's Bay community. The nursery primarily utilizes pitches at Sirens Stadium for training, with teams competing in under-15 and under-17 categories as part of structured development pathways. In collaboration with the Malta Football Association, the academy participates in official youth leagues, including the BOV Youth League sections, fostering competitive experience and skill progression for young players.[5][31] Since the club's historic promotion to the Maltese Premier League in the 2018–19 season, youth development programs have intensified, emphasizing technical training and integration into senior squads. These initiatives have successfully produced homegrown players who have contributed at professional levels, enhancing the club's long-term sustainability.[14]Supporters and rivalries
Supporters groups
The primary organized supporters group for Sirens F.C. is the Sirens Supporters Club (SS.13), founded in 2013 and named SS.13 after the founding year.[4] This group emerged during a pivotal period for the club, coinciding with their undefeated championship-winning run in the 2013–14 Maltese Third Division.[4][1] SS.13 engages in a range of activities to bolster fan engagement, including organizing travel to away games, leading chants during matches, and hosting community events that strengthen ties within the local supporter base.[4] The group experienced significant growth following Sirens F.C.'s promotion to the Premier League in 2019, which drew increased interest and participation from fans.[4] It maintains a dedicated base of members and emphasizes family-oriented initiatives to make support accessible and inclusive for all ages.[4] Notable instances of SS.13's impact include record attendances at Sirens Stadium during the club's undefeated 2013–14 season and the triumphant 2019 title win, where the group's energetic presence contributed to an electric atmosphere.[4] These efforts have helped cultivate a loyal following, occasionally intensifying supporter tensions in rivalries across Maltese football.[4]Rivalries and derbies
Sirens F.C.'s most prominent rivalries are with fellow northern Maltese clubs Mgarr United F.C. and Mellieha S.C., with encounters between the three teams collectively known as the Derby of the North due to their geographical proximity in the St. Paul's Bay and Mellieha areas.[32][33] The local derby against Mgarr United F.C., often called the St. Paul's Bay derby, traces its roots to the lower divisions where both clubs competed since Sirens' debut in the Third Division in 1970, with clashes intensifying in the 2010s following regional promotions and league battles. A notable example occurred on 29 March 2014 in the MFA Third Division, where Sirens secured a 6-0 victory at Sirens Stadium, described by the club as a "massive win in derby."[5][32] Further intensity was evident in the 2015-16 Maltese Second Division season, where the final match against Mgarr was highlighted as a decisive derby influencing promotion standings. (Note: While Wikipedia is not citable, the season details are corroborated by match records on MFA sites.) Matches against Mellieha S.C. also carry significant rivalry, exemplified by the 1-0 win for Sirens on 12 December 2015 in the BOV Second Division at Charles Abela Stadium, referred to explicitly as "the derby" in match reports, with Luke Galea scoring the lone goal in the fourth minute.[33] These northern rivalries have historically heightened competition in the Second and Third Divisions, contributing to increased local interest without reported major incidents. Following relegation to the Challenge League at the end of the 2024–25 season, these northern rivalries persist, with notable encounters such as a 4–4 draw against Mgarr United on 18 January 2025.[34] Additional competitive tensions exist with nearby clubs such as Qawra United F.C. and Marsaskala F.C., stemming from shared regional leagues and proximity in northern and eastern Malta, leading to frequent encounters in promotion and relegation battles during the 2010s.[35]Management and staff
Presidents
Sirens F.C. has had a series of presidents since its founding in 1968, each contributing to the club's development from local amateur roots to professional competition in Maltese football. The role of president has involved overseeing administrative affairs, financial stability, and strategic decisions, including affiliations, promotions, and facility improvements. Joe 'Debu' Muscat (1968–1970) served as the founding president, guiding the initial establishment of the club as St. Paul's Bay Football Team and overseeing its affiliation to the Malta Football Association (MFA) in 1970, which enabled formal participation in competitive leagues.[36] Lawrence Gatt (1970–1998) held the longest tenure in the club's history, spanning nearly three decades and steering Sirens through multiple promotions, including several Third Division titles such as those in 1972–73, 1979–80, 1982–83, and 1988–89, which solidified the club's presence in higher divisions.[1][8] Ċensu Galea (1998–2014) managed the club during a period of stabilization in the 2000s and led efforts culminating in the 2013–14 Third Division championship win, securing promotion to the Second Division and enhancing the club's infrastructure.[1][8][11] Robert Piscopo (2014–2015) assumed a transitional role following the promotion push, focusing on committee restructuring after Galea's long service, as elected in the club's first post-2014 committee meeting.[8] Joe Aguis (2015–2017) emphasized youth development initiatives during his tenure, building on prior successes to nurture emerging talent within the club's academy system.[36] Mark Borg Hedley (2017–2025) oversaw the club's most notable recent achievements, including the 2018–19 First Division championship that promoted Sirens to the Maltese Premier League for the first time and the debut in the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League qualifiers against CSKA Sofia; he stepped down following the June 2025 Annual General Meeting, with a successor elected at that time.[1][37][38][36][39]Coaching history
In the club's early decades from the 1970s to the 1990s, Sirens F.C. was guided by unnamed local coaches who oversaw foundational achievements, including Third Division victories that solidified the team's presence in Maltese football's lower tiers.[1] The 2013–14 season marked a significant milestone under Italian coach Marco Bonesi, who led Sirens to an unbeaten Third Division championship with 21 wins and 4 draws, earning promotion to the Second Division through a campaign noted for its disciplined organization and minimal goals conceded.[40][7] Following this success, Kevin Vella, previously Bonesi's assistant, was appointed head coach in June 2014 to steer the team in the higher division.[41] In the 2018–19 season, Vince Carbonaro served as manager, directing Sirens to the First Division title and historic promotion to the Premier League after a decisive 4–0 victory over Mqabba on April 3, 2019.[42][14] Sirens' entry into the Premier League in 2019 brought a series of managerial changes focused on adaptation to top-flight competition and European preparation. Steve D'Amato was hired in July 2019 to manage the debut season, emphasizing tactical adjustments for elite-level play and guiding the team to a fourth-place finish, securing qualification for the 2020–21 UEFA Europa League first qualifying round.[43] His tenure ended in December 2020 amid mid-season struggles, leading to the appointment of Giovanni Tedesco, who took charge for the remainder of the 2020–21 campaign, during which the team finished 11th.[44] Winston Muscat succeeded Tedesco in May 2021, managing through the 2021–22 and 2022–23 seasons before departing in April 2023.[45] D'Amato returned as head coach in May 2023 on a two-year contract, overseeing the 2023–24 Premier League season that culminated in a 13th-place finish and relegation to the Challenge League.[18][21] As of November 2025, D'Amato remains in charge of the Challenge League campaign, with the club's management prioritizing youth integration to rebuild the squad.[46] Presidents have occasionally influenced coaching appointments to align with strategic club goals, such as stability during transitions.[42]Players
Current squad
As of November 2025, Sirens F.C.'s first-team squad consists of 24 players managed by Steve D'Amato, who has been in charge since May 2023 on a contract until June 2026.[47] Following the club's relegation from the Maltese Premier League after finishing 13th in the 2023–24 season, the team has added several players, including international signings such as Brazilian forward Thiago Nonato and Ghanaian centre-forward Joshua Agyemang, to strengthen their push for promotion in the Challenge League.[48][49] The roster features five foreign players, accounting for 20.8% of the squad, with an average age of 26.0 years and no current Malta national team representatives.[49] The squad is organized by position as follows: Goalkeepers| Player Name | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Caruana | 29 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Ryan Vella | 24 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Matthew Grima | 20 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2025 |
| Player Name | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sammy Elfarsi | 26 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2025 |
| Kyle Muscat | 28 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Kevin Muscat | 21 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Carlos Chabá | 31 | Brazil (BRA) | 30 June 2026 |
| Gary Camilleri | 26 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Zak Grech | 26 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2025 |
| Sacha Borg | 32 | Malta (MLT) | N/A |
| Kane Paul Farrugia | 35 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Player Name | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Mercieca | 30 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Alan Schembri Wismayer | 29 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Jean Borg | 24 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Leonardo De Bortoli | 25 | Italy (ITA) | 30 June 2026 |
| Mason Agius | 19 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Jurgen Tanti | 19 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Hafiz Mohammed Akadom | 21 | Ghana (GHA) | 30 June 2026 |
| Player Name | Age | Nationality | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastian Cassar Torregiani | 22 | Malta (MLT) | N/A |
| Joel Ellul | 28 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2024 |
| Joshua Agyemang | 25 | Ghana (GHA) | 30 June 2026 |
| Trezeguet Zammit | 20 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
| Thiago Nonato | 30 | Brazil (BRA) | 30 June 2026 |
| Isaac Schembri | 23 | Malta (MLT) | 30 June 2026 |
Notable former players
Giovanni Galea stands out as one of Sirens F.C.'s most influential former players, particularly for his pivotal role in the club's ascent through the divisions. During the 2013–14 season in the Third Division, Galea was named the Best Third Division Player at the MFA Awards after scoring a record 44 goals, which propelled Sirens to promotion.[12] As a product of the club's youth system, he holds the distinction of being Sirens' all-time leading scorer with 110 goals in 165 appearances.[50] The 2018–19 First Division campaign, which culminated in Sirens' historic promotion to the Premier League, featured several standout performers whose contributions extended into the club's debut top-flight season. Ige Adeshina, a Nigerian forward, earned the accolade of Best Player of the First Division for his goal-scoring prowess and overall impact, helping secure the promotion with decisive performances. In the promotion-clinching match against Mqabba, players like defender Angel Manuel Bustos, midfielder Luka Mijic, forward John Nwoba, and Mattia Del Negro were instrumental, scoring the goals in a 4–0 victory that marked the club's 50th anniversary.[14] Sirens' inaugural Premier League season in 2019–20 also saw the emergence of players who made their mark in European competition. Forward Maxuell Samurai scored the club's first-ever goal in UEFA competition during a 2–1 defeat to CSKA Sofia in the 2020–21 Europa League first qualifying round, showcasing resilience against a stronger opponent.[51] Other squad members from that era, including midfielders Ryan Grech and Daniel Agius, provided stability in the engine room during both domestic and European fixtures.[52] In rare instances, Sirens alumni have progressed to higher-profile leagues abroad following their time with the club. Forward Harry Panayiotou, who joined Sirens in 2024, moved to Northern Ireland's NIFL Premiership side Larne FC in January 2025 before transferring to English League Two club Morecambe later that year, representing one of the few exports to more competitive environments.[53][54] Other notable former players include Maltese internationals Michael Mifsud and Matthew Grech, who each earned one cap for Malta while at the club. Throughout its history since 1968, Sirens F.C. has nurtured numerous promotion heroes who have shaped its identity, from Third Division title winners in the lower tiers to the trailblazers of the 2019 Premier League breakthrough, emphasizing the club's focus on local talent development and key foreign reinforcements.Honours and records
Domestic achievements
Sirens F.C. has secured a range of domestic honours in Maltese football, predominantly through successes in the lower tiers of the national league system. The club's most significant achievement at the second tier came in the 2018–19 season, when they clinched the Maltese First Division title, marking their first promotion to the Maltese Premier League after finishing with 62 points from 26 matches.[1][55] In the Maltese Third Division, Sirens has demonstrated consistent strength, winning the championship four times across different eras of the competition's structure. These titles include the 1972–73 season (first place in their section, though promotion was lost in a decider), 1979–80 (winners of Section C), 1988–89, and 2013–14. The 2013–14 campaign stands out as a record-breaking unbeaten run, with Sirens accumulating 68 points from 26 games, including 21 wins and 5 draws, to secure promotion to the Second Division.[7][11][1] Sirens has also tasted success at the fourth tier, capturing the Maltese Fourth Division title in 1976–77 as winners of Section A. The club has recorded several runners-up finishes in lower divisions, including second place in the Maltese Second Division during the 1989–90 and 2015–16 seasons. Despite occasional appearances, Sirens has yet to win the Maltese Super Cup.[7][1]| Competition | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Maltese First Division | 1 | 2018–19 |
| Maltese Third Division | 4 | 1972–73, 1979–80, 1988–89, 2013–14 |
| Maltese Fourth Division | 1 | 1976–77 |