After becoming double champions in the Slovak Republic last season, Momodou Ceesay's MSK Zilina are facing strong challenges among fellow league contenders this season.

The team is so far 5th on the table with 28 points in 19 league matches. They are tasked to change the cards in their favour when the league resumes in March 2, 2013 when they will face Dukla at home.

Slovan Bratislava are currently topping the table with 36 points and are far ahead of last season's champions.

Having scored just two goals in 9 appearances, the 24-year-old Gambian striker will also fight for a regular spot in the starting lineup.

Brother Ali Ceesay, a 20-year-old defender who is also in the same club, has just two matches to show in the first round.

Zilina are currently taking part in a series of warm-up matches.

They beat SFC Opava (Czech Republic, II.liga) 2-1 on January 12, 2013.

Ali Ceesay was part of the players that won the game.

Zilina will be busy playing other matches before the start of the league.