Shortly after the end of the 1996/97 season, the Club committee approached Mr. Frank Muscat, the most prolific striker in Gozitan football history to take charge of the senior team. Apart from his exploits as a player with Sannat Lions and a number of other clubs, Frank had also experienced success leading Xaghra United to the title and numerous other trophies. 

Mr. Muscat’s tenure at the Club started on a positive note when he led the Club to the final of the Independence Cup. The Blacks were unfortunate to lose to the favourites Victoria Hotspurs on penalties. The premier league campaign, however, was a different story. The team never managed to dig itself out of fifth and last place all season long. Mr. Muscat was the victim of a disastrous transfer campaign. The team’s fault was its wild inconsistency. Indeed, one of the most memorable triumphs in recent memory took place that season when the Blacks put four past Nadur Youngsters. The team was relegated to the first division, and Frank decided not to return as first team coach.