Jesmond Zerafa
Jesmond Zerafa, born on August 3, 1965. Zerafa is a product of the Valletta FC Nursery and was introduced in the Premier League in season 1982-83.
In season 1984-85, Zerafa joined Tarxien Rainbows, he returned with Valletta FC in season 1986-87. He had a fabulous season and scored an important goal against champions Rabat Ajax and managed to break the champion’s unbeaten record.
During season 1986-87, he became an automatic choice in the Citizens squad and was also included in the squad that played against Juventus FC in the Uefa Cup. Jesmond also had several appearances with the National team.
Jesmond ended his football career with Birkirkara Luxol in season 1996-97. He started a coaching career in the Valletta FC Nursery and coached the Under 18 section. The following year he was appointed as an assistant coach with Bulgarian coach Krasimir Manolov. That season was one that Jesmond never forgets, Valletta won the six honours in the Maltese local football.
In season 2001-02, Zerafa joined Tarxien Rainbows and managed to win promotion to the First Division. In the following season, he missed the Promotion to the Premier League and in season 2003-04 he won the First Division Knock-Out with Tarxien Rainbows.
Jesmond Zerafa joined Qormi FC in the summer of 2007 and was appointed team manager. During his first year with Qormi, he won the promotion to the Premier Division and succeeded in keeping the team in the Premier Division. In the following season, Qormi kept their place in the Premier League, reached the final of the U*Bet FA Trophy, and played against Sliema Wanderers in a decider to book a place in the Europa League.
In May 2010, Jesmond Zerafa joined Valletta FC after his contract with Qormi FC had expired. He won two Premier League championships in 2010/11 and 2011/12.
In June 2020 Zerafa agreed to sign a two-year contract with Valletta, coming back to the club where he spent the most part of his playing career and where he had the first spell between 2010 and 2012. His second spell at the helm of his former club only lasted a few months, and Zerafa resigned in November 2020.
