January 2003
Fri 31
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs St. George's 0-1, Zejtun C. vs Ghaxaq 4-3
Thu 30
- Premier League Mosta vs Marsa 0-5
Wed 29
- First Division Mqabba vs Msida SJ 0-4, Senglea A. vs St. Patrick 1-0
- Birkirkara FC handed in the registration of Malta international defender Luke Dimech on Wednesday. Therefore Dimech will be eligible to play for the Stripes in next Saturday's top-of-the-table clash against his former club Sliema Wanderers.
Dimech signed a four-month contract with Birkirkara. In June, he hopes to move to a club in England, where he has already been in contact with clubs in the First Division. Otherwise he would have to decide whether to stay in Malta or move back to Shamrock Rovers in Ireland.
Luke Dimech started his career in England with the youths of Lincoln City but moved to Malta in 1995 where he played for seven years for Sliema. At the end of last season, he left the club to pursue a career in the UK but after trials with Notts County and Lincoln City, he signed for Shamrock Rovers in the Irish Premier League.
- The season is over for Gilbert Agius after undergoing a surgery following a nagging groin injury. The operation was carried out by professor Marc Maertens at his clinic in Antwerp. Prof Maertens is the same surgeon who carried out operations on several world-renowned footballers.
Agius was ordered to rest for three months meaning that he could only resume training in May. Therefore he will be missing all the remaining fixtures for Valletta this season and the national team clashes against France, Slovenia and possibly, Cyprus.
- Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after collecting a fourth yellow card.
Birkirkara defender Lucian Dronca, Hibernians duo Cesar Paiber and Miguel Mifsud together with Pierre Aquilina and Gareth Sciberras of Pietà Hotspurs were the suspended players.
Dronca will be missing the top of the table clash with Birkirkara on Saturday. On the other hand, Paiber, Mifsud, Aquilina and Sciberras will be unavailable for the clash which should bring the first phase to an end between Pietà Hotspurs and Hibernians at the Hibernians Ground.
Tue 28
- Rufin Oba is now officially a Birkirkara player after the Stripes filed in the registration of the player, immediately after receiving the International Transfer Certificate from the Belgian FA.
The Congolese midfielder will therefore make his debut on Saturday in the top-of-the-table clash against Sliema Wanderers.
After leaving Floriana in summer, Rufin Oba signed for Belgian side KVK Beringen. However his contract was then terminated as the club was facing financial difficulties.
Meanwhile the registration of Malta international defender Luke Dimech is expected to be handed in on Wednesday, therefore making him eligible to play for the Stripes against his former club.
Mon 27
- Malta international striker Daniel Bogdanovic is set to join Bulgarian Premier Division side Chernomore Varna. After a successful four-day trial, the player was offered a two-and-a-half year contract which he signed on Monday.
It was soon evident that Chernomore were keen to sign the player after they applied for the player's international clearance on Friday.
The departure of Bogdanovic will be a major setback for the Citizens considering that he was a key player in the plans of coach Dennis Fenech.
After watching him in action with Valletta and the national team, Cherno More had invited the Yugoslav-born striker for a trial. Last year, Bogdanovic had a trial with FC Kosice in Slovakia.
Besides playing in Malta for Sliema Wanderers, Naxxar Lions and Valletta, Bogdanovic played in Tunisia and in Hungary with Vasas SC for a short spell.
- Marsa FC president Joe Gauci handed in his resignation in a meeting of the Marsa committee on Friday. Gauci has also quit his post on the executive committee of Marsa. Through a statement issued by the club and signed by secretary Jason Cini, Marsa announced that they will be calling an Extraordinary General Meeting with the purpose of appointing a new president.
- Dr David Farrugia Sacco is the new president of Hamrun Spartans. Farrugia Sacco replaces Edgar Bonnici Cachia who quit the post after just six weeks in office.
- The three matches that were postponed during the weekend due to the heavy rain that fell on the Maltese islands in the last few days will be held during the week at the Centenary Stadium. The Premier League match between Marsa and Mosta will be held on Thursday 30 at 18:30. On the other hand, the First Division matches between Mqabba and Msida St. Joseph, Senglea Athletic and St. Patrick will be held on Wednesday 29 at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively. Youth League matches scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday have been postponed.
Sun 26
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Pietà H. 2-3, Mosta vs Marsa postponed
- First Division Gozo vs Rabat A. 2-3, Mqabba vs Msida SJ and Senglea A. vs St. Patrick postponed
- Second Division Luqa SA vs Dingli S. 0-2, Mellieha vs San Gwann 0-0
- Third Division Kirkop U. vs Sta. Lucia 2-0, Sta. Venera L. vs Sirens 3-1
- Women's League Birkirkara vs Hibernians 0-1, Melita vs Mosta 2-1
Sat 25
- Premier League Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 4-0, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 1-3
- Second Division Attard vs St. Andrews 1-1, Zebbug R. vs Tarxien R. 2-2
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Xewkija T. 2-0
- Malta Under-21 midfielder Etienne Barbara will be joining Marsaxlokk from Floriana. He is expected to make his debut next week in the game against Hamrun Spartans.
After approving his tramsfer during a committee meeting last Monday, Floriana FC have been given the go-ahead by club members to transfer Barbara during an extraordinary general meeting which was held on Friday.
According to the club's statute, members have the power to decide whether international players could be transferred or not.
During the EGM, the Floriana FC committee was given a unanimous vote of confidence by the members following a proposal by former club president Dennis Burke.
Meanwhile Under 21 midfielder Claude Mattocks, who also seemed to be on the verge of leaving the club, has decided to stay with Floriana till the end of the season.
In the mean time, Floriana have requested the services of Hamrun Spartans midfielder Roderick Bajada. This would settle the debt that Hamrun have over the transfer of David Galea four years ago.
Fri 24
- Third Division Fgura U. vs Gharghur 0-0, Melita vs Mgarr U. 2-0
- In a friendly match on Friday, Sliema Wanderers lost 0-6 to FC Utrecht. On Thursday, Naxxar Lions lost 0-6 to Libyan side Al Ittihad.
- Premier League sides Marsa and Pietà Hotspurs were drawn against each other in the second round of the FA Trophy. On the other three second round matches will be putting against each other three teams from the Premier League against three teams from Division 1.
Floriana will be meeting Naxxar Lions while First Division promotion challengers Msida St. Joseph face Marsaxlokk. Mqabba will be facing Mosta.
The second round matches will be played on February 8 and 9 at the Hibernians Ground and the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
The four teams who qualify from the second round will join holders Birkirkara, Sliema Wanderers, Valletta and Hibernians in the quarter-finals which will be played in March.
- After securing the services of Congolese midfielder Rufin Oba, Birkirkara are set to strengthen their squad further with the signing of Malta international defender Luke Dimech.
Dimech will be playing his last league match for Shamrock Rovers against Longford Town on Sunday. He is expected in Malta early next week and according to the Birkirkara FC official website www.birkirkarafc.com, Dimech is expected to sign for Birkirkara on his arrival.
If Dimech signs for Birkirkara, he would stay with the Stripes until May before returning back to Shamrock Rovers or even try his luck with another club in the UK.
Meanwhile Birkirkara are reportedly interested in signing Mauro Brincat from Hamrun. However the Spartans are reluctant to let the young midfielder leave the club.
Thu 23
- Members of the Floriana Football Club will be deciding whether Malta Under 21 international midfielder Etienne Barbara, who was recently called to the national team, will be transferred to another club during an extraordinary general meeting which will be held on Friday.
According to the club's statute, members have the power to decide whether international players could be transferred or not. If the members vote in favour of the transfer, Barbara's destination will probably be Marsaxlokk as they are the only club ready to pay cash.
The meeting will mainly discuss the club's present situation after the Civil Court ordered the club to pay former president Anthony Grech Sant the sum of Lm91,196 plus interests.
Meanwhile Under 21 midfielder Claude Mattocks, who also seemed to be on the verge of leaving the club, has decided to stay with Floriana till the end of the season.
In the mean time, Floriana have requested the services of Hamrun Spartans midfielder Roderick Bajada. This would settle the debt that Hamrun have over the transfer of David Galea four years ago.
- Congolese midfielder Rufin Oba is set to become Birkirkara's third foreigner. The club's official website reports that the former Floriana FC midfielder has signed for Birkirkara following a meeting which was held in Belgium.
Birkirkara have been discussing with the player for the past weeks. However Birkirkara were not the only club to discuss with Oba his possible return. In fact, Floriana were also willing to welcome back the midfielder from Congo.
After leaving Floriana in summer, Oba had been playing for an amateur club in Belgium for the past five months.
The agreement between Birkirkara FC and the player has been sealed following a meeting between three officials representing Birkirkara FC, Rufin Oba and his agent.
Oba's transfer could be finalised only once the MFA receives the international clearance.
Until they receive the international transfer, the midfielder from Ghana, Adamu Moro Tigana will be the club's third foreigner.
Wed 22
- Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner. Marsa defender Dennis Baldacchino and midfielder Alan Mifsud together with Mosta goalkeeper Charles Sciberras and defender Pio Sciriha will all miss next Sunday's bottom-of-the-table clash between Mosta and Marsa.
Baldacchino, Mifsud and Sciberras had collected their fourth yellow card while Sciriha was sent off in Mosta's defeat to Floriana last Sunday.
- Champions Hibernians continued to strenghten their rearguard as they secured the services of Argentine defender Cesar Paiber. Paiber became a free player following a decision of the Players and Coaches Complaints Board which released the player from his contract with Hamrun after not being paid his salary for several months.
The 32-year-old player had been playing for Hamrun for the past 18 months after returning from Argentina. In his first spell with Hamrun, he stayed for two years.
Cesar Paiber will be making his debut for the Paolites on Saturday as they take on Birkirkara.
- Champions Hibernians were beaten 0-3 in a friendly match against Dutch First Division side FC Utrecht on Tuesday. Dave van den Bergh scored twice for Utrecht with the other goal being scored by Alje Schut. In the game, Edmond Lufi, who joined Hibs last week sustained an injury and could be ruled out for a couple of weeks.
Utrecht are currently on a training camp at the Hibernians Ground. They will be playing another friendly match against Sliema Wanderers on Friday.
- The Under 17 sides of Malta and Turkey drew 2-2 in a friendly match at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta' Qali on Thursday. This was the second match in three days after the two teams tied 1-1 in another friendly on Tuesday. Umut Salginoglu put Turkey ahead on 23 minutes but Andre Schembri levelled the score as he converted a penalty on 36 minutes. The visiting side regained the lead with a goal by Mithan Yasar but Dyson Falzon notched a last minute equaliser for Malta.
On Tuesday, Malta drew 1-1 with Turkey. Clayton Failla of St. Patrick scored Malta's first-half goal.
Meanwhile the senior national team, under the guidance of national coach Sigi Held lost 0-3 in a friendly match against Swedish side Hammarby IF on Wednesday at the MFA Training Grounds. The locals lacked several regular players including goalkeeper Mario Muscat, defenders Darren Debono, William Camenzuli and Daniel Theuma, midfielders Joe Brincat and David Carabott together with strikers Gilbert Agius, Chucks Nwoko and Daniel Bogdanovic.
Kevin Sammut was included in the starting line-up while Etienne Barbara and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza were included as substitutes in the second half.
After a goalless first half, Hammarby, who are on a training camp in Malta, scored three goals thanks to Mikkel Jenssen, Pablo Piniones Arse and Peter Holm.
Tue 21
- The draws for the new Under 14 APS Bank Cup were held at the Youth Football Association's headquarters, Floriana, on Tuesday. The APS Bank is the new official sponsor of the Youth Football Association.
The Preliminary Round will be played on February 10 with the following fixtures: Rabat Depiro vs Qormi; Birkirkara vs Msida St. Joseph; Paola Hibs vs Sta. Lucia and Mellieha vs Pietà Hotspurs.
Sliema Wanderers, Marsa, St. Patrick and Sta. Venera will join the winners in the Quarter-Finals stage.
- Valletta are set to strengthen their squad with the signing of Bulgarian midfielder Rumen Galabov. Galabov played for Beroe Stara Zagora in the Bulgarian Premier League.
Galabov has already attended a couple of training sessions under the guidance of coach Dennis Fenech.
The Bulgarian midfielder should be registered in time for him to make his debut against Marsaxlokk on Saturday.
Galabov will therefore become Valletta's third foreigner. The other foreigners on their books are Nigerian striker Chris Oretan and Bulgarian midfielder Milen Penchev.
Meanwhile Daniel Bogdanovic is hoping to impress Bulgarian Premier League side Bulgarian Premier League side Cherno More Varna while being on a one-week trial.
After watching him in action with Valletta and the national team, Cherno More invited the Yugoslav-born striker for a trial. Last year, Bogdanovic had a trial with FC Kosice in Slovakia.
Besides playing in Malta, Bogdanovic played in Tunisia and in Hungary with Vasas SC for a short spell.
Mon 20
- Floriana could be forced to transfer Malta Under 21 midfielders Claude Mattocks and Etienne Barbara as the club faces difficult times following the Civil Court's ruling which stated that they have to refund Lm91,196, plus interest, to former president Anthony Grech Sant.
In fact, club members will be asked whether these players should be sold or not in next Friday's extraordinary general meeting. According to the club's statute, members have the power to decide whether international players could be transferred or not.
Mattocks and Barbara, together with Charles Sciberras, had all asked to be released earlier this month. However, the club was working hard to convince the players to stay at the club. But the recent developments in the Grech Sant case is leaving no other option other than to consider transferring one or more players.
Both players have been attracting a number of clubs over the past weeks. Claude Mattocks is on top of the wanted-list of Pietà Hotspurs and Valletta. The latter had earlier proposed an exchange deal with Ernest Barry. Etienne Barbara, on the other hand, has been attracting the interest of Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara.
But the two players could end up signing for Marsaxlokk as the Southseasiders are willing to pay cash for the two players, a sum of around Lm45,000.
Sun 19
- Premier League Mosta vs Floriana 1-4, Marsa vs Sliema W. 0-5
- First Division Rabat A. vs Senglea A. 1-3, Balzan Y. vs Naxxar L. 1-3
- Second Division Vittoriosa S. vs Zurrieq 1-1, Luqa SA vs Qormi 0-2
- Third Division Siggiewi vs Pembroke A. 0-0, Birzebbuga SP vs Gudja U. 1-2
- Women's League Raiders vs Birkirkara 1-5, Mosta vs Rabat A. 6-0
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Victoria H. 5-0, Zebbug R. vs Xaghra U. 3-0
Sat 18
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Valletta 0-3, Birkirkara vs Hamrun S. 4-2
- Second Division Gzira U. vs Mellieha 2-0, San Gwann vs Dingli S. 3-1
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Oratory Y. 0-1, Sannat L. vs Kercem A. 2-2
- Floriana will have to pay the sum of Lm 91,000, plus interest to former president Anthony Grech Sant as the Civil Court dismissed a request by Floriana for the case to be heard once again on the basis that the club officials were not notified to appear in court and could not defend their case during the first hearing.
This means that Floriana FC now owe Anthony Grech Sant a sum of around Lm110,000.
Two years ago, Grech Sant had taken the club to court saying that he had loaned Lm 91,000 to the club during his presidency. He asked the Court to be considered a creditor of the club to that amount plus interest. Grech Sant won the case and Floriana were ordered to pay.
The club is expected to appeal from the court's decision in the coming days.
- Hamrun Spartans president Edgar Bonnici Cachia has tendered his resignation less than two month after taking over the club. Bonnici Cachia is citing personal reasons and lack of cooperation as the reasons which led to his resignation.
Edgar Bonnici Cachia headed a group of around 50 persons who took over the management of the club from the hands of the previous committee led by Victor Tedesco in November. On its appointment, the new committee kept its promise to the players and advanced the sum of Lm10,000 as part of their overdue salaries.
But since then, a number of players started complaining once again over salaries due.
Sources close to the committee state that Bonnici Cachia has never revealed the identity of the gentlemen who allegedly had to help out in the finances of the club and not one single cent has been forthcoming from the President himself or any of these gentlemen, in spite of claims by Bonnici Cachia that the finances were now in order and amounts due to clubs and former players were to be paid by the end of the year.
In fact, the Lm10,000 originated from other sources who are still deeply involved in the administration of the club. To his credit, Bonnici Cachia is still working in order to conclude the ambitious project he had commenced and is still very confident that the money mentioned would finally be made available.
- Minister for Education Louis Galea met a group of young Maltese-Australian from the state of Victoria who visited the island in order to play friendly matches against local selections while learning more about their roots.
The Ministry gave its support for this initiative by offering the facilities of Marsa Sports Grounds and transport.
During their visit, the Maltese-Victorian selection played five matches against Hamrun Spartans (3-1), the Nigerian Stars (1-0), HSBC employees (3-0), Balzan Youths (0-1) and Malta U-21 (1-0).
The group, which consists of 14 players, is accompanied by Joe Stafrace, Tony Stafrace and coach Willie Vassallo, the former Floriana player. The visit was coordinated by Harry Zammit Cordina. This is the second such visit after a Maltese-Australian team from Victoria visited the island two years ago.
Education Minister Louis Galea said he is pleased to see Australian youths willing to know more about their parents' country of origin. He praised such initiatives where youths are not only travelling for a holiday but also learn more about the country and practice sports. Dr Galea said the Government has always considered these youths as Maltese and is therefore always willing to support initiatives which bring them closer.
- FIFA has approved the four referees nominated by the Malta Football Association. There is a new face in the list of FIFA referees, Adrian Casha.
Lorry Sammut, Anton Zammit and Joe Attard were all confirmed.
In the list of assistant referees, there are two new assistants - Joe Camilleri and Alan Camilleri. The other six, that is Philip Agius, Ingmar Spiteri, Charles Micallef, James Vella Clark, Konrad Borg and Joe Rapa, were confirmed.
Adrian Casha, Joe Camilleri and Alan Camilleri replace Emmanuel R. Zammit, Ronnie Farrugia and Gaetano Degabriele respectively.
Fri 17
- Third Division Zejtun C. vs Ta' Xbiex 5-0, Ghaxaq vs St. George's 1-3
- Brazilian striker Edoardo Do Nascimento joins Gozitan First Division side Nadur Youngsters. Bizu was released by Sliema earlier this month to make way for Orosco Anonam to join the Blues.
Nadur will be the third club in the Maltese islands for the Brazilian striker. He arrived in Malta in November 2000 to join Floriana. He left the club last July to join Sliema. Floriana were the first club to make a move to secure his services when he was released by the Wanderers but rule 40 of the statute of the Malta Football Association made it impossible for the Greens to sign him.
- The release of Mirko Jurilj by Pietà Hotspurs had nothing to do with the relationship between the Australian player and coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia.
The information, which was provided by a source close to the club, was therefore only provided in a malignant way in order to create friction within the club and to harm the reputation of Ray Farrugia.
Farrugia told maltafootball.com that the claim that Mirko Jurilj was released because of a clash with him is totally unfounded and there were no clashes between the two.
Club president Edward Schembri said later on Friday that Jurilj has not been released yet and therefore he is still a Pietà player.
Thu 16
- Pietà Hotspurs have released Australian defender/midfielder Mirko Jurilj. Jurilj is therefore the second foreigner to be released by Pietà after they let Danial Cummins leave the club in the last days of December.
Jurilj's release came as a surprise considering that he was one of the best foreigners in the Premier League in the first part of the season.
Pietà have two foreign players on their books - Italian defender Mauro Di Lello and midfielder Giacomo Paniccia. Paniccia's registration was filed earlier this week and he will be available for the next league match against Valletta.
Now that Jurilj is a free-agent, other clubs will be looking forward to secure his services and it will be no surprise that he will be donning the shirt of another Premier club in the coming days.
- Former Valletta captain Kris Laferla will be leaving the club after an 18-year long career with the Citizens. The club's committee has accepted Laferla's request to be released. The player has now joined Sliema Wanderers after signing an 18-month contract. He could even register in time to play for Sliema in next Sunday's Premier League clash with Marsa.
Valletta were reluctant to let Kris Laferla leave. However the player was determined to leave the club after failing to conquer a regular place in the Citizens' starting line-up. In fact this had lead to a clash with coach Dennis Fenech before the Premier League match against Mosta in November.
- Valletta FC were fined a total of Lm 185 by the Malta Football Association's Board of Control and Discipline after being found guilty of incidents which followed the Premier League clash with Floriana on November 30.
Valletta were fined Lm 100 after being found guilty that their players brought the game into disrepute by fighting and obscene remarks at the end of the game. They were fined another Lm 25 as their fans insulted the opposing supporters after the same match. Valletta FC were also fined Lm 30 as president Joe Caruana Curran passed comments on referee Adrian Casha during a press conference. The club was also held responsible for these comments and was fined another Lm 30.
Wed 15
- Under 17 International Friendly Malta vs Scotland 2-3
- First Division Gozo vs Lija A. 0-1
- Birkirkara striker Chucks Nwoko was suspended from the national team after failing to attend a training session on Thursday morning last week.
It seems that Nwoko has been instructed by the club not to attend the training session after being in action for Birkirkara in the Premier League match against Mosta.
Chucks Nwoko has been suspended for two weeks.
- Six Premier League players were handed a one match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off or after collecting a fourth yellow card during the weekend.
Johann Zammit of Marsaxlokk, who was sent off in the game against Mosta after removing the captain's arm-band in protest after receiving a yellow card, was not only suspended but was also removed from captain for a period of one year (until 14/01/2004). Another Marsaxlokk player, goalkeeper Reuben Debono, was also handed a one-match ban. Both will miss the clash against Valletta on January 25.
Stefan Farrugia of Mosta and Joseph Craig Schembri, who received a fourth yellow card on Sunday, will miss the clash between Mosta and Floriana next Sunday.
On the other hand, Marsa goalkeeper Maurizio Valastro and Sliema Wanderers defender Jeffrey Chetcuti will be unavailable for their clubs as Marsa face Sliema, also on Sunday at the Hibernians Ground.
Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha and Mosta president Charles Abela were fined Lm 25 and Lm 15 respectively after both were sent off in the game between Marsaxlokk and Mosta last week.
- Malta lost one place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta now lies in the 123rd place.
Over the past month, Malta played one match, defeating the Balearic Islands 2-0 in Mallorca. However this match was not valid for the rankings as the Balearic Islands are just a region within Spain and therefore do not have a recognition as a state.
Malta's next commitment is against Kazakhstan in a friendly match on February 12 at Ta' Qali. This will be a test for the local side before Sigi Held's boys take on France in March, Slovenia in April and Cyprus in June in the EURO 2004 qualifiers.
- Czech midfielder Jaroslav Marx will be retained by Birkirkara after all despite having decided not to renew his contract earlier this month.
Birkirkara had decided not to renew his contract which expired at the end of 2002. However the long-term injury suffered by Nigerian defender Sunday Eboh and the failure to sign Nigerian striker Orosco Anonam made the club change its mind and offer an extension to the contract till the end of the season.
What made the club change its mind were two very positive performances by the player in Birkirkara's last two outings against Mosta and Valletta.
Tue 14
- Friendly Match Malta U/21 vs Maltese Victorian Selection 0-1. Goal by Brandon Vassallo
- In a friendly match, Valletta defeated Third Division side Ghaxaq 2-0, a brace by Antoine Sacco. The Citizens had two players on trial, Nigerian striker Sunday Esi Oduko and a Chinese player, Weng Feng.
- The Malta Football Association will be organising a course for Trainee Referees in February, 2003. Interested persons are invited to send an application to the Head Referees' Department, Malta Football Association, 280 St. Paul's Street, Valletta VLT 07 or via e-mail to: tom.restall@mfa.com.mt
Applications must reach the Malta F.A. by not later than Tuesday, 28th January, 2003.
Mon 13
- Under 17 International Friendly Malta vs Scotland 0-5
- Marsaxlokk are hoping to sign Malta captain David Carabott from Valletta. Speaking during the programme L-Argument on Super One, Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha announced that they had talks with the player and now, he will start talks with Valletta president Joe Caruana Curran about the possibility of signing the player who is started his career with the club before joining Hibernians where he spent several years.
Sciriha said that the club has also reached agreements with Alan Mifsud of Marsa and Charlo Magro of Hamrun and that these players would join the club once the prohibitions on both Marsa and Hamrun are lifted. However these transfers could not be that easy since both clubs are determined not to release any players from their squads.
Meanwhile two foreigners will be joining Marsaxlokk for a trial. A player from Yugoslavia and another from Bulgaria, who is also a former player of CSKA Sofia, are expected in the coming days. One of these players should join the club to replace Nigerian defender
Benneth Njoku.
- Bulgarian midfielder Milen Penchev will be staying with Valletta till the end of the season. Penchev went for a trial with Anorthosis Famagusta earlier this month. However he has now agreed to stay in Malta.
Meanwhile Kamil Dvorak will not join Valletta although he was earlier reported that he could be back for the Citizens. He is currently playing for a Third Division side in the Czech Republic.
- Floriana seem to be no longer interested in signing goalkeeper Ernest Barry as Valletta kept insisting on a player-exchange deal involving midfielder Claude Mattocks. The Greens are determined not to weaken their squad and for this reason, they have rejected so far bids for Mattocks and Etienne Barbara. Mattocks has been attracting the interest of Pietà Hotspurs as well.
Meanwhile Floriana are still hoping to sign Rufin Oba who is willing to return to Malta. Oba is also attracting the interest of Birkirkara. However for Oba to join a club other than Floriana, a transfer fee has to be paid.
Sun 12
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Mosta 3-0, Floriana vs Marsa 1-3
- First Division St. Patrick vs Mqabba 1-1, Xghajra T. vs Gozo 1-2
- Second Division St. Andrews vs Zebbug R. 1-0, Zurrieq vs Attard 3-0
- Third Division Sta. Venera L. vs Kirkop U. 0-1, Sirens vs Sta. Lucia 1-1
- Women's League Mosta vs Raiders 2-1, Hibernians vs Melita 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Sannat L. 1-0, Gharb R. vs St. Lawrence S. 2-1
Sat 11
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Hibernians 2-3, Valletta vs Birkirkara 1-3
- Second Division Tarxien R. vs Luqa SA 5-0, Mellieha vs Vittoriosa S. 1-4
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Xewkija T. 1-0, Qala SJ vs Nadur Y 1-4
- Brazilian striker Edoardo Do Nascimento, better known as Bizu, could move to Gozo, and more specifically, Nadur Youngsters, after having his contract at Sliema terminated.
Nadur website June29th.com reports that Nadur manager Dr Chris Said, former president of the Gozo FA, is negotiating a deal with the Brazilian striker.
Speaking to june29th.com, Said said "I can't confirm nothing at this stage. "Yet we are negotiating with Bizu and, hopefully, we would be able to give our supporters a wonderful surprise in a few days time."
After the transfer to Floriana failed to materialise due to rule 40 of the statute of the Malta Football Association, Bizu has been attracting Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk.
Fri 10
- >Maltese-Albanian defender Edmond Lufi joined champions Hibernians.
Lufi signed a contract till the end of the season, with an option for next season. He attended the first training session on Friday. However he is unable to play for the Paolites in Saturday's game against Sliema. Edmond Lufi will therefore make his debut in two weeks' time against Birkirkara.
The Albanian defender was acting as player-coach with Naxxar Lions for the past 14 months. However he decided to terminate his contract with Naxxar and the release was confirmed by the MFA Players and Coaches Complaints Board on Thursday. The board also ordered the club to play his salaries due.
Before playing for Naxxar, Lufi starred for Valletta, Hamrun Spartans and Pietà Hotspurs in the Premier League.
- Marsaxlokk signed goalkeeper Reuben Debono from Birkirkara. The Southseasiders had been looking for a goalkeeeper since Reggie Cini had been complaining from a back injury that ruled him out of the last two matches for Marsaxlokk. Reuben Debono is eligible to play for Marsaxlokk as they take on Mosta at the Hibernians Ground on Sunday. Before joining Birkirkara, Debono, who is a Naxxar Lions product, played for Sliema Wanderers.
Meanwhile Anthony Galea of Pietà joined Mosta after obtaining the release from the Hotspurs. He will be making his debut for Mosta on Sunday against Marsaxlokk. Galea, who is a former Under 21 international, did not seem to form part of Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia's plans as he was regularly relegated to the bench.
- Four players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner. Mosta defender Ryan Newell and Floriana midfielder Donovan Friggieri were suspended after being sent off while Jamie Pace of Pietà and Duncan Cuschieri of Mosta collected their fourth yellow card.
Donovan Friggieri will miss the game against Marsa while Cuschieri and Newell will be unavailable for Mosta against Marsaxlokk. Jamie Pace will miss the game against Valletta in two weeks' time.
- The MFA would like to inform the public that following meetings with Police authorities, during which order and security were discussed, it was decided that for Saturday's Premier League matches at the National Stadium:
Sliema Wanderers FC v Hibernians (2.00pm)
Sliema Wanderers supporters will stay at the Millenium Stand Side 'C'
Hibernians supporters stay at the Enclosure West Stand Side 'C' and the Millenium Stand Side 'A'
Valletta v B'Kara (4.00pm)
Valletta supporters stay at the Enclosure West Stand 'C' and the Millenium Stand 'A'
Birkirkara supporters stay at the Enclosure West Stand 'A' and North Side.
- Third Division Melita vs Gudja U. 4-1, Mgarr U. vs Fgura U. 0-1
Thu 9
- Valletta and Marsaxlokk joined the race to sign Sliema Wanderers midfielder David Camilleri.
The first club to make a formal request for the player were Pietà Hotspurs. Then it was Birkirkara and Floriana's turn to express their interest in the former Hamrun Spartans midfielder.
Sliema are reluctant to let David Camilleri join another club. However following a request by the player, they are now ready to transfer him at a fee according the MFA parameters.
Camilleri is willing to move to another club as he wants to play more regularly. He was always included as a substitute in the last five matches for Sliema including last Tuesday's clash with Birkirkara.
The fact that David Camilleri would prefer joining a club which is challenging for honours puts Valletta and Birkirkara in pole-position.
- Floriana received a major setback in their aspiration of playing in the Championship Pool at the end of the first phase when they received the news that star defender Riad Mynel Gango-Rtsa is ruled out injured for the next eight weeks.
The Congolese defender had to be stretchered off the pitch on Wednesday in the dying minutes of the game against Pietà after suffering an injury in a clash with Mauro Di Lello.
Gango-Rtsa sustained a fracture in his fibula bone, an injury which will rule him for about eight weeks.
Meanwhile Floriana have registered Bulgarian midfielder Boyko Kamenov Simeonov as a non-amateur player. Simeonov had been playing with the Greens as an amateur for the past weeks. This means that he will be confirmed till the end of the season.
The Greens are currently seventh on 17 points, one behind Marsaxlokk.
- Two foreign players will be making a trial with Birkirkara as the Stripes search for new players in order to strengthen their squad.
The first one is Montenegro midfielder Bojan Arsic who already made an appearance for the Stripes in their 2-0 win over Mosta. Arsic, who is 27 years old, was brought to Malta by former Rabat Ajax, Valletta and Birkirkara defender Drasko Braunovic. He is one of the leading scorers in the Yugoslav second division.
The other player is an attacking midfielder from Ghana, Adamu Moro Tigana. Tigana is a former Under 21 and Under 23 international and is expected to arrive in Malta in the coming days.
Birkirkara are also reported to be interested in Brazilian striker Edoardo do Nascimento and Anglo-Maltese defender Simon Vella, who is currently playing for Airdrie United.
Meanwhile Birkirkara registered a young Nigerian player, John Ndubuisi Eboh. He will be eligible to play for the Birkirkara Under 19 side.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be holding an meeting for all coaches having the ‘C’ Licence, ‘Club Coach Certificate’, Foundation and Youth Development Diploma on Monday, 13 January at 6.30pm at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta’ Qali.
The theme for this practical session will be ‘Goalkeeper Training’ which will be conducted by the ex-Malta goalkeeper John Bonello.
All coaches are reminded to wear the right attire for this practical session.
Wed 8
- Premier League Pietà H va Floriana 1-1, Birkirkara vs Mosta 2-0
- Pio Sciriha of Mosta, Anatole Debono of Pietà, Justin Tellus and Trevor Templeman of Marsaxlokk and Etienne Barbara of Floriana were handed a one-match suspension by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Tue 7
- Premier League Hibernians vs Hamrun S. 3-2, Sliema W. vs Valletta 2-1
- First Division Xghajra T. vs Senglea A. 1-1, Rabat A. vs Mqabba 3-2
Mon 6
- Premier League side Marsaxlokk is hoping to sign former England international midfielder Paul Gascoigne. However reports from the UK claim that the former England international is not interested in moving to Malta.
Speaking during the programme Replay on Net TV on Sunday, Herman Schiavone announced that the player was expected to arrive in Malta on Tuesday and could even attend a first training session in the afternoon. Schiavone said they had talked to the player and on Monday, Gascoigne was due to make travel arrangements in order to come to Malta.
However Sky Sports reported on Monday afternoon that Gazza snubbed Marsaxlokk's offer. But Schiavone told L-Argument on Super One later on Monday that negotiations with the player were still on. He admitted Gascoigne has an offer from the Far East and possibly another one from Italy and therefore the player had to analyse three offers before making up his mind. If he were to choose Marsaxlokk, the former Tottenham and Lazio midfielder could arrive on Tuesday.
Officials from the club already established first contacts with the player last week and the former England international seemed to be willing to try this new adventure as he is desperate to find a club. Gascoigne, who is now 35 years old, has been clubless after being released by Burnley at the end of last season. In recent months, he was linked with Dundee, Exeter City and Gillingham after
moves to Washington side DC United and later New Zealand's Auckland Kingz failed to materialise.
Rumours have it that the player is being offered a record salary besides an apartment at the Portomaso resort, St. Julian's.
After winning the First Division league last season, Marsaxlokk are now aiming at qualifying for the Championship Pool in this first adventure in the Premier League. This would help them secure their Premiership status and would also put them in contention for one of the places in the UEFA competitions. In summer, the Southseasiders signed no less than fifteen players and now president Victor Sciriha is willing to strengthen the squad with more experienced players. Among the targets of the club is Malta international defender Luke Dimech.
Paul Gascoigne started his career with Newcastle where he played for four years before moving to Tottenham Hotspurs. In 1992/93, he moved to Lazio in the Italian Serie A but he moved back to the UK in 1995 when he joined Rangers. After three years in Scotland, Gazza joined Middlesbrough and then Everton, before joining Burnley. He played a total of 412 league and cup games scoring 108 goals. Gascoigne has 57 international caps. With the national team, he scored ten goals.
A couple of weeks ago, Gascoigne has been treated at Gateshead's Queen Elizabeth Hospital after he complained feeling numbness on the left side of his face.
- Kamil Dvorak could make a surprise return for Valletta after leaving the Citizens in summer.
The Czech midfielder is willing to rejoin Valletta and the only stumbling block is the fact that he wants to sign at the same conditions he had before leaving the club. However since then, the club adopted a new wage policy and therefore cannot offer him the same contract.
The Citizens are keeping their eyes open as they search for another foreigner in order to strenthen the squad. In fact, a Bulgarian player could also be brought for a trial in the coming days.
Valletta will have to cope without Gilbert Aguis who was ordered to rest for three months by his doctor. Nigerian striker Chris Oretan, on the other hand, is suffering from a nagging injury.
The other foreigner on their books, Bulgarian midfielder Milen Penchev, who went for a trial with Anorthosis Farmagusta of Cyprus, is now back in Malta and should stay till the end of the season.
On his way out is former captain Kris Laferla. Laferla is willing to join another club after falling out of favour with coach Dennis Fenech. Laferla was earlier reported to be close to joining Sliema but Pietà is more probable destination.
- Third Division Kirkop U. vs Sirens 2-0
- Hibernians midfielder Essien Mbong was suspended for one match after collecting a fourth yellow card in the game against Marsa. He will be unavailable in the Paolites' next match against Hamrun.
Sun 5
- Premier League Mosta vs Pietà H. 0-2, Floriana vs Marsaxlokk 2-0
- First Division Msida SJ vs Balzan Y. 1-1, Naxxar L. vs Lija A. 0-3
- Second Division Gzira U. vs San Gwann 2-3, Qormi vs Dingli S. 5-0
- Third Division St. George's vs Birzebbuga SP 0-0, Gharghur vs Siggiewi 2-1
- Women's League Melita vs Birkirkara 0-0, Rabat A. vs Hibernians 0-13
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Victoria H. 1-0, Ghajnsielem vs Zebbug R. 3-2
- In a friendly match, the Maltese-Australian selection from Victoria defeated the Nigerian Stars, a selection of Nigerian players based in Malta, 1-0.
Sat 4
- Premier League Marsa vs Hibernians 2-2, Hamrun S. vs Sliema W. 0-5
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Zurrieq 0-0, Luqa SA vs St. Andrews 3-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Oratory Y. 2-0, Kercem A. vs Gharb R. 3-2
- After releasing Australian midfielder Danial Cummins, Pietà Hotspurs will be signing Italian advanced midfielder Giacomo Paniccia as their third foreigner.
Paniccia played Serie B football with Reggiana in 1997/98 but was then transferred to Pergocrema in the Serie C2 and later Trapani in the same division. In 2001, Paniccia moved to Potenza in the Serie D but last July, he joined FK Haskovo in the Bulgarian third division.
At Pietà, the 25-year old midfielder will be joining a former team-mate at the Lazio youths, Mauro Di Lello.
Fri 3
- Third Division Sta. Lucia vs Ghaxaq 2-2, Pembroke A. vs Zejtun C. 1-3
- Despite reaching an agreement over an 18-month contract with Floriana, Brazilian striker Eduardo do Nascimento 'Bizu' is unable to join the Greens. According to rule no. 40 of the statute of the Malta Football Association, a player cannot sign for the club he was released by during the same season. In fact Bizu was released on July 18 and signed for Sliema.
Bizu's adventure with Sliema lasted only five months as he was released earlier this week in order for the Blues to sign Nigerian striker Orosco Anonam. Floriana soon pounced on the Brazilian and reached an agreement with the player. However the registration of the player was not accepted by the association on the basis of rule 40.
Bizu is free to play for any other club during this season but can join Floriana only in July. Among the clubs interested in signing Bizu is Marsaxlokk, who could lose Uwa Ogbodo to a club in Tunisia.
On the other hand, Floriana are now left searching for at least another foreigner. They hope to take Rufin Oba back as the player returns from a short spell in Belgium although Birkirkara are keen to secure his services.
On a more positive note for the Greens was the return of veteran defender Denis Cauchi who was released by Marsaxlokk. Cauchi returns for the Greens after about three years which he spent with Marsa and Marsaxlokk in Division 1 and then in the Premier Division.
Cauchi made his Premier League debut in season 1982/83 where he played for 13 years. He joined Birkirkara in 1995 and then played for Lija Athletic and Rabat before returning with his first-love in season 1999/2000. But one year later, he was given the free-release and joined Marsa.
Thu 2
- The saga of Orosco Anonam saw its conclusion on Thursday as Sliema Wanderers filed in the registration of the Nigerian striker at the MFA Headquarters.
On his arrival in Malta last November, both Sliema and Birkirkara started a race to sign the player but once again the Wanderers managed to secure his services. At first, Birkirkara seemed to be favourites to sign him as they reached a verbal agreement with the player. However Sliema soon managed to convince the player to change his mind.
Anonam arrived in Malta in 1998 to join Naxxar Lions but after two years, he joined Sliema Wanderers. Early last season, he moved to Hungary where he signed for Vasas SC. However when the team was nearing bankruptcy, Anonam was released by the Hungarian side. Back in Malta, he agreed terms with Birkirkara but ultimately, Sliema managed to capture his signature.
After going for trials with Liaoning Fushun Tegang in China, St. Gallen in Switzerland and Auxerre in France early in 2002, Anonam signed for APOEL last June.
Orosco Anonam will replace Brazilian striker Eduardo Do Nascimento as Sliema's third foreigner. The Brazilian striker has now been released after the two parties agreed to have the contract terminated.
- Former Valletta, Hamrun Spartans and Pietà Hotspurs defender Edmond Lufi is in search of another club after deciding to terminate his contract with Naxxar Lions.
Lufi has been acting as player-coach with Naxxar for the past 14 months but has now decided to terminate his contract and get the free realese with immediate effect with the approval of the MFA.
The reasons cited by the former Albanian youth international behind this decision is that his commitment and dedication to the club were never met by any interest or organisation by the administration or "the people who run the club".
Edmond Lufi's ambition is to play again with a team in Premier League since he feels since he is still able and fit to play at such level.
- Sliema Wanderers midfielder David Camilleri is attracting the interest of at least another two Premier clubs.
Pietà Hotspurs have already made a formal request for the player and now even Birkirkara are believed to have approached Sliema requesting Camilleri. Valletta could also make a bid for the Malta international midfielder.
Although Camilleri has not been a regular choice for Sliema, especially in recent outings, coach Edward Aquilina still considers him a key player in the squad and therefore it would be difficult for either Pietà or Birkirkara to take the player even on loan.
Last season, Camilleri made 20 league appearances for Sliema, most of which as a substitute.
Wed 1
- Hope that Carmel Busuttil could make a comeback to competitive football faded away as the former Malta international striker rejected an offer by Pietà Hotspurs. Pietà were hoping to lure Busuttil to come out of retirement and join the Hotspurs.
Pietà coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia, who is also a colleague of Busuttil at the Buzu Football School was hoping that the former Rabat and Sliema striker would return to the field of play and help the Hotspurs with his invaluable experience.
After an excellent start, the Hotspurs started losing ground and have now gone through six matches without a win. They are currently six risking losing their place in the Championship Pool.
Pietà have released Australian midfielder Danial Cummins and are now in search of a foreign player. An Italian player is expected to join the club for a trial but a move for other foreigners already playing in the Premier League are not ruled out.
The Hotspurs are also interested in signing Claude Mattocks from Floriana.
- Floriana have made an official request for former national team goalkeeper Ernest Barry who is currently on the books of Valletta. The former Sliema goalkeeper is also willing to leave Valletta as he wants to play more regularly.
Barry, who has a three-year contract with the Citizens has only played a few matches with Valletta, mostly when Sean Sullivan was not available. He is now wishing to join the Greens where he would have to fight for a place with Matthew Camilleri.
Floriana currently have two goalkeepers in the squad - Matthew Camilleri and the inexperienced Colin Gatt. Under 21 international Reuben Gauci is ruled out due to a long-term injury.
Valletta were not intentioned to release Barry. However the possibility of sending him on loan to Floriana in exchange for another player is quite realistic. In fact it would be no surprise if the Citizens ask for Matthew Camilleri in exchange.
- Birkirkara defender Sunday Eboh sustained a knee injury during a training session on Tuesday. An injury which could rule the Nigerian defender out till the end of the season if fears that the cruciate ligament have been damaged are confirmed.
Even if the injury is not that serious, Eboh would still be out of play for at least six to eight weeks.
This injury might make Birkirkara change their plans. The contract of Czech midfielder Jaroslav Marx was not renewed and will stay with the club only on a temporary contract until the club signs another midfielder.
Rufin Oba is their main target although two midfielders from Yugoslavia and Ghana will be joining the club for a trial next week.
- Although Nigerian striker Orosco Anonam has already started training with Sliema Wanderers, the deal has not been sealed yet and Birkirkara are still hoping that they could sign the Nigerian striker who was released by the APOEL Nicosia of Cyprus in November after failing to make an impact in Cyprus.
If the Nigerian striker signs for Sliema, this will be his third spell with the Blues. He had joined Sliema from Naxxar in 2000 and after one season he moved to Hungary where he stayed for a couple of months before returning to Malta. Back in Malta he joined the Wanderers but at the end of last season, he once again moved abroad, this time to Cyprus.
Anonam is set to replace Eduardo Do Nascimento as Sliema's third foreigner. The Brazilian striker has now been released after the two parties agreed to have the contract terminated.
Bizu is expected to stay in the Premier League as he is attracting the interest of a number of teams including Marsaxlokk.