March 2002
Sun 31
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Floriana 0-2, Sliema W. vs Valletta 2-1
- First Division Mqabba vs St. Patrick 2-2, Balzan Y. vs Mosta 1-1
- Gozo - Freedom Day Cup Ghajnsielem vs Nadur Y. 1-3
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Victoria H. 2-1
- The Malta Under 19 national team, under the guidance of head coach Mark Miller assisted by coach John Bonello, played the first two matches in the Baden-Wurttemberg-Cup 2002 on Saturday.
In the first match, Malta drew 1-1 with Liechtenstein. Christian Cassar of Floriana scored Malta's goal Then in the second match, Malta lost 0-1 to Spanish side Valencia. On Sunday, Malta plays the third game against Stuttgart at 12:50. The Intermediate Round (semi-finals) which puts against each other the winners and runners-up of each group will be held on Sunday evening while the matches for the placings will be held on Monday. Matches are being played on the basis of two halves of 20 minutes each.
On Thursday, Malta defeated FC Laudheim 4-0 in a friendly match at the latter's home ground. Antoine Sacco, Trevor Cilia, Nicky Baldacchino and Clayton Garzia were Malta's scorers.
Sat 30
- Premier League Marsa vs Lija A. 4-0, Birkirkara vs Hibernians 1-3
- First Division Xghajra T. vs Rabat A. 4-0, St. Andrews vs Qormi 1-1
- Third Division Ghaxaq vs Sirens 1-6, Ta' Xbiex vs Fgura U. 1-3
Fri 29
- A 28-year old American goalkeeper with Maltese origins, Jeff Cassar, signed for English Premiership side Bolton Wanderers till the end of the season.
Cassar, who is 6ft 2in tall, played Major League Soccer in the USA for Miami Fusion and Dallas Burn. He has also played for the United States Under-23 team.
Bolton Wanderers is the same club with which Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Murphy Akanji and his agent Damian Iwueke have been negotiating over the past weeks. The former Nigerian international hopes he could move to England at the end of the season.
Wed 27
- Friendly International Malta vs Andorra 1-1
- The Malta Under 19 national team, under the guidance of head coach Mark Miller assisted by coach John Bonello, will be taking part in the Baden-Wurttemberg-Cup 2002. Malta will be playing in Group A which is made up of Liechtenstein, Valencia (Spain) and VfB Stuttgart (Germany). Group B includes Aston Villa (England), Cuba, SC Freiburg and FV Olympia Laupheim (Germany).
Malta plays the first two games of the Preliminary Round on Saturday: against Liechtenstein at 13:10 and against Valencia at 17:45. On Sunday, Malta plays the third game against Stuttgart at 12:50. The Intermediate Round (semi-finals) which puts against each other the winners and runners-up of each group will be held on Sunday evening while the matches for the placings will be held on Monday. Matches will be played on the basis of two halves of 20 minutes each.
The Maltese squad is made up of goalkeepers Kristian Calleja (Sliema Wanderers) and Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
defenders Sergio Cappitta (Pietà Hotspurs), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà Hotspurs), Shaun Tellus (Sliema Wanderers), Kurt Zammit (Valletta), Andrea Zammit Tabona (Sliema Wanderers);
midfielders Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Roderick Bajada (Hamrun Spartans), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun Spartans), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Ryan Newell (San Gwann), Ismael Zammit (Valletta) and
forwards Nicky Baldacchino (Floriana), Michael Gatt (Sliema Wanderers), Clayton Garzia (Birkirkara) and Antoine Sacco (Valletta).
The team leaves Malta on Wednesday. Before the tournament kicks off, Malta will be playing a friendly match against FC Laupheim on Thursday 28.
- Three Premier League players were suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Wednesday.
Sandro Zammit Fava, who earlier this week was suspended for two matches after being found guilty of kicking an opponent when video evidence was analysed, was handed another one-match ban after collecting a fourth yellow card in last Sunday's Relegation Pool match against Lija Athletic. This means that this season is almost over for the former Sliema midfielder as he will be missing the matches against Naxxar, Marsa and Lija and will only be available for the last game against Naxxar.
Hamrun Spartans defender/midfielder Cesar Paiber who was sent off on Sunday was suspended for one game and will be missing the match against Floriana. On the other hand, Aaron Xuereb of Hibernians who collected a fourth yellow card on Saturday was banned for one match and will be unavailable for next Saturday's big match against Birkirkara.
Meanwhile Aaron Buhagiar of Division 1 side Qormi, was suspended for three years after being sent off in Saturday's match against Xghajra. Buhagiar pushed assistant referee Kevin Azzopardi after the Tornadoes were awarded a penalty on the 93rd minute.
- The enthusiasm generated by the participants of the Pepsi Under-12 football festivals is clearly visible during each weekly edition. These festivals provide the ideal opportunity for budding football enthusiasts to practice their favourite sport. On alternate Saturday's, Pepsi Football Festivals are also being held for the younger age group, Under-10s.
Forty-one nurseries are currently participating in this year's edition of the Pepsi Football festivals organised by the Youth Football Association. Pepsi is supporting these events by donating sports equipment to nurseries that host the festivals.
Farsons Brand Executive, Ms Joanne Scerri Valentino, said: "Pepsi is delighted to support these football festivals which are held to promote the concept of sports participation rather than any sort of competition."
Tue 26
- Michael Mifsud and George Mallia are expected to lead Malta's forward line on Wednesday as Malta takes on Andorra in a friendly match.
From the team which defeated Moldova 3-0 last month, national coach Sigi Held is forced to make at least five changes as David Carabott, Darren Debono, Luke Dimech, Joe Brincat and Antoine Zahra are all ruled out through injuries.
Guarding the posts will be Hibernians goalkeeper Mario Muscat with Jeffrey Chetcuti, William Camenzuli, Brian Said and Carlo Mamo in defence. Daniel Theuma and Chucks Nwoko are both expected to assume a role in midfield in order to fill the gap left by Brincat and Zahra. Noel Turner is expected to return after missing the last four matches through injuries. Another player between midfielders Jonathan Holland of Floriana and David Camilleri of Sliema is expected to make it to the starting line-up. Holland starts as favourite since David Camilleri is not playing regularly in the Premier League.
Malta's starting line-up is therefore expected to be: Muscat, Chetcuti, Mamo, Said, Camenzuli, Theuma, Turner, Holland, Mifsud, Mallia, Nwoko. In the second half, Held is expected to include Hibernians' prolific striker Adrian Mifsud in attack. For Mifsud, this would be return to the national team after playing just a couple of matches in 1999 when Josif Ilic was the national coach.
Malta is looking forward to extending the positive run to five matches without defeat following wins over Canada, Jordan and Moldova and a 1-1 draw with Lithuania.
- The Andorran squad arrives five minutes past midnight on Wednesday morning. The squad will have a training session at 10:00 at the National Stadium.
The squad is made up of goalkeepers: Jesus Luis Alvarez de Eulate (FC Andorra) and Alfonso Sanchez (FC Bertamirans);
defenders: Francesco Xavier Ramirez (UE Sant Julia), Jose Manuel Garcia Luena (FC Andorra), Antoni Lima (FC Gava), Idelfons Lima (FC Pachuca), Roberto Jonas (FC Tremp), Jordi Escura (FC Seu d'Urgell), Jordi Benet (FC Tremp) and Juli Fernandez (FC Santa Coloma)
midfielders: Agusti Pol (FC Vilassar), Oscar Sonejee (FC Andorra), Justo Ruiz (FC Andorra), Genis Garcia (FC Seu d'Urgell), Josep Manuel Ayala (FC Santa Coloma), Dani Ferron (FC Santa Coloma) and
forwards: Emiliano Gonzalez (FC Andorra), Juli Sanchez (FC Andorra) and David Buxo (FC Seu d'Urgell).
The match kicks-off at 19:00. The referee is Mr Stefano Podeschi from the San Marino Federation. The assistant referees will be Charles Micallef and Gaetano Degabriele. Fourth official is Joe Attard.
This will be the second time, Malta meets Andorra. In a match from the Rothmans Tournament 2000 on February 8, Malta and Andorra had shared the points in a 1-1 draw.
Mon 25
- Second Division Senglea A. vs Sta. Venera L. 3-1, Tarxien R. vs Zebbug R. 1-0
- Malta and Birkirkara defender/midfielder was denied the opportunity to join English Division Two side Stoke City for a trial due to next Wednesday's friendly international against Andorra. After contacts established by his agent, Chev. Damian Iwueke, Camenzuli was invited for a three-day trial. Camenzuli had to leave Malta on Sunday and join the Potters for two friendly matches on Monday and Wednesday. However the Malta Football Association and national coach Sigi Held objected and therefore Camenzuli missed this opportunity to try his luck in England.
- The Disciplinary Commissioner of the Malta Football Association suspended Pietà Hotspurs midfielder Sandro Zammit Fava for two matches following an incident in the second round match between Pietà and Lija Athletic.
Video evidence, collected from TVM programme Total Sport showed Zammit Fava deliberately kicking an opponent in the February 3 match which had ended in a 3-0 win for the Hotspurs. Neither referee Mark Spiteri nor the match inspector had noticed the incident.
This decision could be considered as a historic decision as this is the first time, the Malta Football Association had relied entirely on video evidence to suspend a player.
- Sliema Wanderers midfielder Kevin Sammut was included in the 18-man squad for Wednesday's friendly international against Andorra at the National Stadium. Sammut and Hibs striker Miguel Mifsud, both former members of Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia's Under 21 squad are the only two uncapped players in the squad.
Several players were ruled out from the Malta squad through injuries. In fact, no less than seven players - Michael Spiteri, David Carabott, Antoine Zahra, Joe Brincat, Gilbert Agius, Hubert Suda and Darren Debono - are injured. Sliema defender Luke Dimech and Pietà striker Malcolm Licari who were included in the provisional squad last week were not among the list of 18 players. The Maltese squad will have two training sessions on Tuesday at 10:00 and 17:00 and another session on Wednesday morning at 10:45.
The squad is made up of goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Pietà) and Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Valletta), Ian Ciantar (Sliema), Carlo Mamo (Sliema), Brian Said (Sliema) and Daniel Theuma (Valletta);
midfielders David Camilleri (Sliema), Jonathan Holland (Floriana), Kevin Sammut (Sliema), Noel Turner (Sliema) and
forwards: Daniel Bogdanovic (Naxxar), George Mallia (Floriana), Adrian Mifsud (Hibs), MIchael Mifsud (Kaiserslautern), Miguel Mifsud (Hibs) and Chucks Nwoko (Birkirkara).
Sun 24
- Premier League Pieta H. vs Lija A. 2-0, Valletta vs Hamrun S. 1-0
- First Division Gozo vs Marsaxlokk 1-3, St. Patrick vs Balzan Y. 0-3
- Second Division Luqa SA vs Attard 1-2, Zurrieq vs Dingli S. 3-2
- Third Division Zejtun C. vs St. George's 1-2, Birzebbuga SP vs Pembroke A. 3-2
- Women's League Melita vs Birkirkara 0-1, Mosta vs Rabat A. 2-1
Sat 23
- Premier League Hibernians vs Floriana 3-1, Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 2-2
- First Division Qormi vs Xghajra T. 1-2, Mosta vs St. Andrews 1-1
- Second Division Msida SJ vs Gzira U. 3-1, Mellieha vs Melita 4-1
- For the third successive week, Michael Mifsud was on the scorers' list for Kaiserslautern Amateure. However this time his goal was not enough for the Red Devils to avoid a 1-3 defeat to VfB Stuttgart Amateure at home. It was a disappointing result for Kaiserslautern since Stuttgart lie behind them in the table. Kaiserslautern are still 15th and therefore in relegation zone.
Fri 22
- Ten Premier League players were suspended this week by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner. Nine players were suspended for one match while another, Simon Muscat of Naxxar Lions was suspended for two matches. Muscat therefore misses the Relegation Pool matches against Pietà and Lija. The worst hit were Marsa as three of their players were banned for one game. These players, Stefano Grima, Ridha Dardouri and Donovan Friggieri, will miss the next league match against Lija. Birkirkara had Chris Okoh and Lucian Dronca banned for one match, that against Sliema. Sliema had Rupert Mangion suspended. The other players who were suspended are Jonathan Magri Overend of Hamrun who will miss the next match against Valletta and Victor Bellia of Naxxar who misses the match against Pietà.
Wed 20
- National coach Sigi Held included Hibs duo Adrian Mifsud and Miguel Mifsud in the 18-man squad for the friendly match against Andorra which will be held on Wednesday 27 at the National Stadium. But while for Adrian Mifsud, this will be a return to the national team, Miguel Mifsud has been included for the first time.
Missing for Malta are several players mainly due to injuries. Besides Birkirkara defender Michael Spiteri and Valletta defender David Carabott, both ruled out through long-term injuries, Joe Brincat and Antoine Zahra, both of Birkirkara, together with Valletta's Gilbert Agius are the latest addition to the casualty list and are unavailable for this friendly game. Hubert Suda of Birkirkara is also unavailable as he is still struggling to regain full fitness.
The complete squad is therefore made up of:
goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Pietà) and Mario Muscat (Hibs),
defenders William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), Jeffrey Chetcuti and Daniel Theuma (Valletta), Ian Ciantar, Luke Dimech, Carlo Mamo and Brian Said (all Sliema);
midfielders David Camilleri and Noel Turner (Sliema), Jonathan Holland (Floriana) and Malcolm Licari (Pietà) and
forwards George Mallia (Floriana), Adrian Mifsud and Miguel Mifsud (Hibs), Michael Mifsud (Kaiserslautern) and Chucks Nwoko (Birkirkara).
- Malta climbed three places in the FIFA World Rankings according to the list published on Wednesday. Malta now lies in the 123rd place, just behind Malawi and Madagascar but in front of Fiji Mauritius and North Korea. Since the last time the FIFA Ranking list was published, Malta defeated Moldova 3-0 in a match from the Rothmans Tournament which the locals eventually won. Among the other European countries, Malta is 47th. Azerbaijan is 45th (114), the Faroe Islands 46th (117), Andorra is 48th (142), Luxembourg 49th (145), Liechtenstein 50th (152) and San Marino 51st (158). Malta hosts Andorra on March 27 and Azerbaijan on April 17.
At the top of the rankings, France are still on top ahead of Argentina and Brazil. Italy climb two places to move into fourth place. Colombia are fifth and Portugal sixth. Spain, Mexico, the Netherlands and Germany complete the top ten. England fall into the 12th place.
Tue 19
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Senglea A. 1-1, Sta. Venera L. vs Luqa SA 1-1
- Third Division San Gwann vs Sta. Lucia 3-0, Mgarr U. vs Vittoriosa S. 1-3
- Gozo - GFA Cup Final Nadur Y. vs Xewkija T. 1-2
Mon 18
- Birkirkara suffered a major setback in their struggle for the title after losing two key players through injuries. Malta international midfielder Antoine Zahra suffered a cruciate ligament injury which rules him out for six to eight months. Therefore most probably Antoine Zahra would only be back for Birkirkara and Malta early next year. The seriousness of the injury was confirmed following a MRI test which was carried out on Monday. Antoine Zahra injured himself midway in the second half following a tackle by John Buttigieg inside the area.
Meanwhile midfielder Joe Brincat will also be unavailable for a number of weeks after suffering a fracture in the cheek-bone. Brincat was elbowed by Kris Laferla and had to be substituted before the end of the first half.
Birkirkara already have Michael Spiteri and Hubert Suda ruled out through injuries and in the next league game against Sliema Wanderers, another two players, Lucian Dronca and Chris Okoh, are suspended.
- Michael Mifsud was once again the hero for Kaiserslautern Amateure as he scored a hat-trick in the Red Devils' 4-2 win over VfR Aalen in the Regionalliga Sud on Saturday. In front of 1550 spectators, Mifsud put Kaiserslautern ahead on 11 minutes and doubled the score on the 20th. Danko Boskovic scored the third goal five minutes later before Aalen got back in the game with two goals by the end of the first half. However sixteen minutes in the second half, Michael Mifsud converted a penalty to secure the three points.
Kaiserlslautern are still in relegation zone but they have now joined Stuttgarter Kickers in fourteenth place with 26 points.
Sun 17
- Premier League Naxxar vs Marsa 1-1, Floriana vs Sliema W. 0-3
- First Division Rabat A. vs Marsaxlokk 1-3, Mqabba vs Gozo 1-1
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Tarxien R. 0-3, Attard vs Msida SJ 0-2
- Third Division Siggiewi vs Kirkop U. 1-6, Gharghur vs Gudja U. 0-2
- Women's League Rabat A. vs Melita 0-5, Raiders vs Hibernians 2-4
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs SK Victoria W. 0-5, St. Lawrence S. vs Kercem A. 1-4
Sat 16
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Hibernians 0-2, Birkirkara vs Valletta 1-1
- Second Division Pembroke A. vs Fgura U. 3-1, St. George's vs Sirens 1-1
Fri 15
- Floriana were drawn to meet Pietà Hotspurs in the Second Round of the Rothmans Trophy. The draws were held on Thursday at the MFA Headquarters in Valletta. Marsa were drawn with First Division side Rabat Ajax while Hamrun Spartans will be facing First Division leaders Mosta. The other match is between two teams which are currently struggling to avoid relegation from the Premier Division, Naxxar Lions and Lija Athletic. Second Round matches will be played on Tuesday 2nd and Wednesday 3rd April at the National Stadium.
In the First Round, Marsa and Mosta registered easy wins over Balzan 6-0 and St. Andrews 5-0 respectively. Hamrun defeated St. Patrick 4-0, Floriana beat Marsaxlokk while Naxxar eliminated Qormi 5-2. Pietà beat Xghajra 2-0 while Lija and Rabat registered narrow wins over Gozo 1-0 and Mqabba 2-1.
- Valletta and Malta international defender Darren Debono is ruled out for around a month after sustaining an injury in last Saturday's Premier League clash against Floriana. Midway through the first half, Debono twisted his knee and strained the ligaments. He is now expected to miss the matches against Birkirkara, Hamrun and Sliema and could be back in the match against Hibernians. Another two Valletta players, Jeffrey Chetcuti and Gilbert Agius are still recovering from injuries. Chetcuti is suffering from a swollen knee while Agius was sidelined due to a groin injury.
Floriana goalkeeper Justin Haber is also expected to be out of the field of play for three or four weeks. Haber sustained an injury in Saturday's game against Valletta although he continued playing till the end of the game. However during the week the Floriana goalkeeper had to be hospitalised after an accidental fall at home in which he injured a hand.
- The Malta FA Technical Centre will be organising a UEFA 'B' Licence Course next month between Saturday 6th April till Sunday 21st April, 2002. The course will be run on a full day basis.
Coaches who are in possession of the former 'B' Certificate, 'C' Certificate and Club Coach Certificate during the last year are eligible to participate in this course. Former and present National Team players with 25 caps or more can also apply to participate.
Application Forms can be collected from the MFA Technical Centre during office hours, attention: Mr Nunzio Frendo (Tel: 21 411 505). The closing date for all applications will be Saturday 30th March 2002. Late applications will not be considered.
Thu 14
- For the month of February 2002, the Rothmans Player of the Month Committee came to the final decision that the award will be attributed to the Malta National team following the successful participation in the eleventh edition of the Rothmans International Football Tournament 2002 won by Malta. Malta defeated Jordan 2-1 and Moldova 3-0 and tied 1-1 with Lithuania. This is the third time, the National Team wins the Rothmans Player of the Month Award. In March 1987, the national team won the honour following the away 2-2 draw with Portugal. Then in May 1992, the national team claimed the honour once again.
Wed 13
- Sliema Wanderers midfielder Massimo Grima was the only Premier League player to be suspended this week by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner. Grima, who was sent off in Sliema's 2-4 defeat to Hibernians, will now miss the Old Firm derby against Floriana on Sunday.
- Malta international defender Simon Vella joined Scottish Second Division side Clydebank earlier this week. He made his debut on Tuesday in a league match against Alloa which ended in a 2-2 draw. Clydebank are currently second behind leaders Queen of the South. Stenhousemuir are seventh.
After obtaining the Maltese passport, the twenty-year old centre-half contacted the MFA showing his willingness to play for the national team. The Malta Football Association invited him to join the Malta squad for a trial during the Rothmans Tournament and he played in the matches against Jordan and Lithuania. Vella, whose father is Maltese, started his football career as a schoolboy with Wimbledon where he played for several years until earning a contract and obtaining a regular place in Wimbledon's Reserve team. Last season, he was loaned to Sutton United. Following a trial with Scottish side Clydebank, he signed for Stenhousemuir in August. However after featuring regularly for the Warriors in the early part of the season playing nine games in the Scottish Second Division plus two appearances in the League Cup and FA Cup, he was put on the sidelines by a newly-appointed coach.
Tue 12
- Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Murphy Akanji was not included when new Super Eagles chief coach Adegboyega Onigbinde announced the list of 55 players invited to camp ahead the FIFA Korea/Japan World Cup. Six goalkeepers - Austine Ejide, Chijioke Ejiogu, Ademola Bankole, Rotimi Sunday, Ike Shorunmu and Willie Okpara - were included but there was no place for Akanji.
The list made up of mostly new players also witnessed return of most of the old players that made up Mali Nations Cup 2002 team but excluded some players like Super Eagles' captain Sunday Oliseh, Finidi George and Victor Ipkeba. Onigbinde said invitation of the players was based on the concept of exposing unknown players who deserve places in the national team. "But the gate is still open until we register the 23 players stipulated by FIFA," Onigbinde explained. "Our objective now is to concentrate on the new players, see what they are made of and then know where to make necessary changes. Inclusion of some players in the list in due course would be by elimination and substitution. That is a situation whereby players coming in would have to be exceptionally better than those that made the first list."
Akanji, who made two appearances for Nigeria in the recent African Nations Cup, is currently hoping to move to England. Accompanied by his agent, Chev Damian Iwueke, he left Malta last Sunday, destination England, where they will be holding discussions with Premier side Bolton Wanderers.
- Former Sirens coach George Micallef passed away at the age of 47. He leaves to mourn his loss his wife Christina, son Kurt and daughter Elaine.
Micallef had quit the club last Wednesday after Sirens, one of the teams aiming for promotion from the Third to the Second Division, disappointed in a 2-2 draw with Sta. Lucia and a 0-1 defeat to Zejtun Corinthians, leaving them in fourth place. Micallef joined Sirens as a player in 1969 staying there up to 1985. He started his career as a coach the following season with Mellieha. He coached Dingli Swallows, Sirens, Melita and Xghajra Tornadoes before returning with Sirens in 1999. George Micallef also used to play for the Sirens waterpolo team.
Mon 11
- The Malta Football Association will be receiving a $400,000 grant by FIFA for the Millennium Stand project as part of the FIFA Goal program. FIFA approved the MFA's request in a meeting of the Goal Bureau earlier this month in Zurich, Switzerland.
The Goal programme, initiated by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, is funded with a budget of Swiss Francs (CHF) 100 million for the period of 1999-2002. More than 100 national associations and federations are expected to benefit from the Goal Project by the end of 2002. This decision was taken after an inspection visit was conducted on the site. After the approval of the MFA's request, the association will receive support and supervision from the Development Officers and FIFA Goal Management Team as one of the goals of this programme is to accelerate a successful implementation of the project. Once the progect is completed, FIFA will be ensuring adequate use and ongoing maintenance by monitoring all inaugurated and operational projects on an ongoing basis.
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored twice for Kaiserslautern Amateure as they returned to victory in a match from the Regionalliga Sud. Kaiserslautern defeated SpVgg Ansbach 3-0. Mifsud was the Man of the Match putting the Reds ahead after 6 minutes and scoring the third goal on the hour.
Kaiserslautern are still in relegation zone as they lie in the 15th place with 23 points from 24 matches. SpVgg Ansbach are on the 23 point mark, followed by VfB Stuttgart Amateurs on 21 and Borussia Fulda on 12. After the winter break, Kaiserslautern tied 0-0 with SV Wehen with Mifsud playing the whole 90 minutes. The Malta striker missed the last game against leaders W. Burghausen which also ended in a 0-0 draw.
- Dingli Swallows FC Youth Nursery is going to organise a penalty shoot-out on the 30th March 2002 at the Dingli Football Ground.
All individuals or groups interested to participate can call mobile numbers 99879543, 79593521, 79706487 OR 21456221 for further information.
Sun 10
- Premier League Lija A. vs Naxxar L. 2-2, Hamrun S. vs Birkirkara 0-4
- First Division Xghajra T. vs Mosta 0-1, St. Andrews vs St. Patrick 2-2
- Second Division Melita vs Gzira U. 0-0, Mellieha vs Zurrieq 0-2
- Third Division Birzebbuga SP vs Ta' Xbiex 5-1, Zejtun C. vs Ghaxaq 3-0
- Women's League Birkirkara vs Raiders 2-0, Hibernians vs Mosta 2-0
- Gozo - First Division Zebbug R. vs Nadur Y. 2-3, Xewkija T. vs Oratory Y. 1-0
Sat 9
- Premier League Valletta vs Floriana 0-2, Hibernians vs Sliema W. 4-2
- Second Division Luqa SA vs Zebbug R. 0-1, Senglea A. vs Dingli S. 2-1
Fri 8
- Third Division Gudja U. vs Vittoriosa S. 0-3, Kirkop U. vs Sta. Lucia 2-1
- Fgura United were awarded a 2-0 win after that the Rothmans Third Division match against Birzebbuga St. Peter's on Friday March 1 was abandoned by the referee on the 93rd minute. The score was 4-4. At the end of the first half, Birzebbuga were heading to an easy win as they were leading 4-0. Fgura reduced the gap early in the second half and with two goals between the 89th and 91st minute, the score read 4-3 for the Saints. Roderick Aquilina of Birzebbuga was sent off and Fgura were quick to take advantage. Aquilina who had not yet abandoned the pitch grabbed one of the corner flags and threw it out of the pitch into the Training Grounds. There were no other corner flags available and referee Godwin Sayan had no other option other than abandoning the match on 93 minutes. Meanwhile last Wednesday, Roderick Aquilina was handed a hefty five match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
- In a statement signed by Birkirkara FC secretary John Borg, the committee of Birkirkara FC declared its position with respect to rumours regarding a boycott by Birkirkara supporters on Sunday. Although the Club respects the supporters' right and opinion who want to express their disapproval with regards to the association's decision to shift the match between Birkirkara and Hamrun Spartans from the National Stadium to the Hibs Ground, the Club feels that the best way the Birkirkara supporters could show their unity, especially in such situations, is to flock to the Hibs Ground in order to support the team. The Club respects the rights of those supporters who believe they should meet at the Birkirkara valley but would like to see these supporters joining the big Stripes' family for the match at the Hibs Ground. The committee of Birkirkara FC concludes the statement by deploring once again the decision regarding the change of venue.
Thu 7
- The possibility of reaching the final stage of the first European Under-17 Championship turned out to be an anti-climax for the Malta boys under the guide of coach Mark Miller as they lost 0-2 to Moldova in the second match from the Qualifying Round - Group 9 in Ararat, Armenia. In the first match against hosts Armenia, Malta had won a close encounter 1-0, a goal by Mosta striker Dyson Falzon on 22 minutes. Malta lined-up as follows: Hogg, Formosa, Ellul (79' Agius), Lia (59' Navarro), Sammut, Schembri, Vella, Caruana, Magri, Frendo (Darmanin), Falzon
- Daniel Bogdanovic will be back for Naxxar Lions from Slovakia after his transfer deal to Kosice fell through. The player had failed to get the international clearance in time in order to sign before the final deadline despite agreeing terms with the club.
Wed 6
- Third Division Siggiewi vs Zejtun C. 0-0
- Two Malta internationals William Camenzuli and Luke Dimech stand a good chance of moving to the UK after signing for new agents. Right now, there are two Maltese players plying their trade abroad. Stefan Giglio and Michael Mifsud are currently playing for CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria and Kaiserslautern in Germany respectively while Daniel Bogdanovic could be joining Kosice in the coming weeks.
Birkirkara defender William Camenzuli was the first Maltese player to sign a contract with the newly-appointed MFA/FIFA agent Chev Damian Iwueke. It seems that Iwueke, a Nigerian national based in Malta, has already established contacts with clubs in England and Camenzuli, together with another two Nigerian players he has already been representing, will be going for a trial at the end of the season. The other players are believed to be Sliema Wanderers and Nigerian national team goalkeeper Murphy Akanji and Birkirkara defender/midfielder Sunday Eboh.
In the mean time, Sliema Wanderers defender Luke Dimech clinched an agreement with top football and sports consultancy agency, Premier Management Holdings plc, based in London. Dimech, who already had a successful one-month trial with English Second Division side Bury last July, was offered a contract by Premier Management Holdings after representatives from the agency watched the player in action for Sliema and Malta over the past weeks.
Luke Dimech, who holds dual-citizenship, started his career in England with Lincoln City where he played at youth level before moving to Sliema. He has already made clear his intentions of moving to England once his contract expires at the end of this season.
Premier Management Holdings Plc was the first FIFA player's agency to have its shares quoted on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange, and to then have its convertible bonds admitted to the Official List (main market). Premier currently has 4 FIFA agents and represents over 150 players in Britain and overseas. Premier provides a fully comprehensive service for its players, managers and coaches. The company recently created an innovative financing scheme for investing in the future transfer values of players, to help clubs obtain or retain them. Premier has a dedicated office in Budapest and exclusive representation in Portugal and Belgium. Premier also has full time agents in Holland, Israel and Hungary, exclusive consultants in Argentina, Scandinavia, Nigeria, and Russia, and associations with agents and lawyers in other European, South American and African countries.
- The Malta Football Association's decision to move the top Premier League clash between rivals Valletta and Floriana from the Hibernians Ground to National Stadium has drawn sharp criticism from Birkirkara FC as this decision meant that their match against Hamrun Spartans has now been transferred to the Hibernians Ground.
Citing security reasons, the MFA thought it was more appropriate staging the derby between Valletta and Floriana at the National Stadium at 14:00 on Saturday, before Hibernians vs Sliema. On the other hand, Birkirkara vs Hamrun which definitely is less of a threat, security-wise, will be staged at the Hibs Ground at 15:45 on Sunday, after Lija vs Naxxar.
The Stripes claim they are not being treated fairly since a place in the top two at the end of the first phase guaranteed that all their second phase matches were to be played at Ta' Qali. But having to play at the Hibs Ground would mean that the club's share from gate-money would be much less.
- Seven Premier League players were suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after the weekend matches. The worst hit were Marsa who had three players and an official suspended. Marsa midfielder Christopher Borg was handed a three-match ban while Minabo Asechemie and Justin Tellus were banned for one match and will therefore miss the next match against Naxxar. On the other hand, Borg will also be unavaialble for the matches against Lija and Pietà. Club official Jason Cini was suspended for one month.
Sunday Eboh of Birkirkara and Jonathan Holland of Floriana who were both sent off on Saturday were both suspended for two matches. Eboh will be missing the games against Hamrun and Valletta. Holland will be unavailable for the next two matches for Floriana - those against rivals Valletta and Sliema Wanderers. John Buttigieg of Valletta who was sent off in the game against Hibernians will miss the game against his former team, Floriana while Hamrun defender David Galea who had collected his fourth yellow card will miss next Sunday's Championship Pool match against Birkirkara.
Tue 5
- Malta started its commitments in the first European Under-17 Championship Qualifying Round - Group 9 with a 1-0 win over hosts Armenia in Ararat. In a close encounter, Malta won thanks to a goal to Mosta starlet Dyson Falzon on 22 minutes. Malta lined-up as follows: Andrew Hogg, Kenneth Spiteri (77' Elliott Navarro), Claudio Ellul, Jean Paul Scerri (54' Kurt Formosa), Josef Lia, Carl Sammut, Karl Agius, Andre Schembri, Stephen Magri (68' Julian Vella), Cleaven Frendo, Dyson Falzon.
Malta started well with the Armenian keeper anticipating Sammut. The locals replied with dangerous counter-attacks and Hogg blocked with his feet an Arakovhann effort on 16 minutes. Six minutes later, Dyson Falzon received a cross by Cleaven Frendo from the left, controlled and with a fine shot from inside the area, the Mosta striker gave Ghazanjan no chance. The Armenians were dangerous on at least three occasions till the end of the half. The Maltese boys defended well in the second half as they had to suffer the opponents' pressure especially late in the game. Hogg performed a good save as he pounced on the ball in Hevhannisyn's feet following a solo effort by the Armenian.
On 53 minutes, a Frendo effort hit the upright and then Hogg turned into a corner a shot by Andreasyan. Towards the end, Navarro missed a good chance for Malta.
Malta plays against Moldova on Thursday hoping for a positive result which would mean a place in the next stage of the competition.
- All bars in the Hamrun area have been presented with a challenge that will prove their support for the Hamrun Spartans Football Club. By collecting crowns of the football club's sponsoring beer - Hopleaf - they will be collecting money for their club. The Hopleaf challenge was launched on Friday 1st March 2002 and it will run till Sunday 2nd June 2002. Every beverage outlet in Hamrun will receive an official application form to participate in this challenge. A special box will be distributed to all participating outlets in which the crowns can be deposited. At the end of the challenge, all crowns collected from Hamrun outlets are counted and Farsons, brewers of Hopleaf, will donate an equivalent amount of money to the Hamrun F.C. All the beverage outlets that participate will receive a certificate of participation.
Towards the end of each of the three months, the box containing Hopleaf crowns will be collected by representatives of Hamrun F.C. and the outlet that collects the highest number of crowns, during each month, will receive a trophy presented by Hamrun F.C. dignitaries and players.
"Hopleaf is delighted to participate in this challenge which will surely help Hamrun to broaden their financial horizons necessary for their march towards glory. This initiative will definitely alleviate to a certain extent the number one problem faced by all football clubs in their bid to remain competitive throughout the league," said Hopleaf Brand Executive at Farsons, Ms Alison Bezzina.
"We are confident that the majority of outlets situated in Hamrun will participate in this challenge for the sake of one thing that surely unites all the Hamrunizi - Hamrun Spartans. All beverage outlet owners are urged to collect Hopleaf bottle crowns to increase the amount of the fund for the Football Club," said Hamrun Spartans F.C. Administrator, Mr. Antoine Attard.
Mon 4
- Sliema Wanderers flank defender Carlo Mamo tested positive in a doping test
after the Premier League match between Sliema and Birkirkara on January 12 which ended in a 1-1 draw. During the week leading to that game, Mamo was sick and his doctor prescribed him pills which contain a banned substance.
According to a report which Sliema Wanderers will be presenting to the association, the substance contained in the medicine does not boost a footballer's performance. After an impressive start with Sliema this season, Carlo Mamo was drafted in the national squad by national coach Sigi Held and played for Malta during the Rothmans Tournament. For the past two years, he was a regular starter
for the Under 21 side.
- The Malta Under 17 national team will be taking part in a mini-tournament as part of the Qualifying Round of the first edition of the European Under 17 Championship 2001/2002 which will be held between March 5 and 9 in Yerevan, Armenia. The team is under the guidance of Under 17 coach Mark Miller and his assistant Edwin Camilleri. Taking part in the mini-tournament are Armenia, Malta and Moldova. The squad left Malta on Sunday and was expected to arrive in Yerevan on Monday morning after stopping in Vienna. Accompanying the squad is Mr Joe Micallef - Head of Delegation and Executive Committee Member, Stefan Vella - Team Secretary, Dr Aaron Formosa - Doctor and Mr Anthony Gambin - Masseur.
On Tuesday, Malta faces Armenia and then on Thursday, Malta plays against Moldova. The tournament comes to an end on Saturday with a match between Armenia and Moldova. All matches from Group 9 will be played at the Ararat Stadium.
The squad is made up of:
Goalkeepers: Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara).
Defenders: Claudio Ellul (Floriana), Kurt Formosa (Hibs), Josef Lia (Floriana), Carl Sammut (Pietà), Jean Paul Scerri (Pietà), Kenneth Spiteri (Hibs).
Midfielders: Karl Agius (Sliema), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà), Elliott Navarro (Floriana), Andre Schembri (Hibs), Julian Vella (Hibs).
Forwards: Thomas Caruana (St Patrick), Andrew Coleiro (Pietà), Ryan Darmanin (Floriana), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Stephen Magri (Melita).
Sun 3
- Premier League Marsa vs Pietà H. 1-2, Sliema W. vs Hamrun S. 4-0
- First Division Rabat A. vs Qormi 2-0, Marsaxlokk vs Mqabba 4-0, Gozo vs Balzan Y. 2-2
- Second Division Msida SJ vs Sta. Venera L. 2-1, Tarxien R. vs Mellieha 0-2
- Third Division Gharghur vs Mgarr U. 0-6, Siggiewi vs San Gwann 0-2
- Women's League Raiders vs Rabat A. 3-0, Mosta vs Melita 2-3
Sat 2
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Floriana 1-2, Valletta vs Hibernians 1-1
- Second Division Gzira U. vs Attard 1-1, Zurrieq vs Melita 3-2
Fri 1
- Third Division Sirens vs Zejtun C. 0-1, Fgura U. vs Birzebbuga SP 4-4 abandoned on 93 minutes