Balzan have continued strengthening for their return to the Malta Premier by signing Serbian centre-back Nikola Đorić and Nigerian forward Mohammed Marzuq Yahaya.
The two arrivals add physical options at opposite ends of the pitch for Andrew Cohen’s newly promoted side, which has been one of the most active local clubs during the summer window.
Experience added to the defence
Đorić, 26, joins Balzan after building experience across several European leagues. The Belgrade-born defender began his senior career with Rad before moving to Austria Klagenfurt, where he featured in the Austrian Bundesliga.
He also spent time on loan with Croatian side Šibenik and later represented Hegelmann in Lithuania. His arrival gives Balzan another recognised central-defensive option as the club prepares for the higher demands of top-flight football.
The Serbian’s profile should offer Cohen added competition and flexibility in a department that will be tested against stronger attacking units following promotion.
Yahaya strengthens forward options
Yahaya, 22, arrives following several seasons in Czech football. The Nigerian forward has been attached to Pardubice and also gained experience during spells with Opava and Táborsko.
Balzan have presented him as a centre-forward capable of giving their attack a stronger focal point. His addition provides a different option in the final third as the coaching staff assembles a squad equipped to compete on its return to the Malta Premier.
The latest signings reinforce the wider recruitment drive discussed in Maltasport’s recent look at Balzan’s developing professional setup. The club had already announced a series of additions while also restructuring parts of its sporting and communications operation.
Balzan earned promotion after winning the Challenge League in 2025/26, securing an immediate route back to Malta’s top division. The next task is to ensure that the squad can make the transition successfully rather than simply treating promotion as the end of the project.
Đorić and Yahaya address clear needs in defence and attack, while their experience outside Malta broadens the group available to Cohen. With preparations continuing, further movement remains possible before the new league campaign begins. Both arrivals will now compete for places as Balzan continue their pre-season programme ahead of the opening league fixtures.
