August 2003
Sun 31
- Premier League Hibernians vs Balzan Y. 2-1, Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 3-2
Sat 30
- Marsaxlokk presented their two new foreigners - Donatas Vencevicius and Hari Milchev Borislavov - during a press conference which was held at the Bugibba Holiday Complex on Saturday.
The transfer of the two players was finalized on Friday and both were registered in time before the final deadline.
Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha said the club had been working very hard to continue to strengthen the squad. A number of players who were on loan are now property on the club and after two years, he managed to lure David Carabott to Marsaxlokk, his home-town.
Sciriha said the club's target is to do better than last season. However he said one needs to give the new players to adapt themselves in the club.
Marsaxlokk are now focussing more on the nursery with the aim of having more players from the nursery within the senior side. An important project in the pipeline is the refurbishing of the training ground which will include a full-size turf pitch. This is due to start in a year's time.
The Marsaxlokk president revealed that they had already reached an agreement with Marsa over Nigerian international midfielder Minabo Asechemie. However the player informed Sciriha on Friday evening that he could not arrive in time. Therefore the transfer failed to materialize since in Malta, unlike other countries, the deadline was Friday 29. However he did not rule out the arrival of Asechemie in January's transfer-window.
30-year old Donatas Vencevicius has vast experience having played for Ekranas in Lithuania, Gornik Leczna and Polonia Warszawa in Poland, FC Copenhagen in Denmark and Start in Norway. He is a current member of the national team of Lithuania and was also the captain of the Under-21 side.
On the other hand, Hari Milchev Borislavov is a 30-year old Bulgarian midfielder who had an impressive trial with Hamrun Spartans.
The arrival of Vencevicius and Borislavov bring the total number of players acquired by the Southseasiders this summer to 15. David Carabott joined the club from Valletta, Charlo Magro from Hamrun Spartans, Kevin Mamo and Malcolm Licari from Pietà, Nikolai Slavtchev and Maurizio Valastro (who were both on loan with Marsa) joined the club on a free-release. Justin Tellus, Richard Buhagiar and Trevor Templeman joined Marsaxlokk on a definite transfer after being on loan last season from Birkirkara, Floriana and Sliema respectively. Other players to join the club on loan were Pierre Grima and David Camilleri (Sliema), Johann Zammit (Ghaxaq) and Steve Falzon (St. Andrews).
Marsaxlokk captain David Carabott said that the club is now a most ambitious side and whereas just a year ago players were unwilling to join Marsaxlokk, now players are looking forward to join the club.
The new players in the squad need time to integrate, said Carabott, but there are no doubts about the players' commitment.
- The protest filed by Balzan Youths over the ineligibility of Floriana striker Edoardo Do Nascimento was not upheld.
Balzan had filed a protest against the result of last Sunday's MIA Premier League match claiming Bizu was ineligible to play for the Greens due to a suspension.
Bizu was sent off in the last match of the season last year, when he was on the books of Gozitan side Nadur Youngsters. He was dismissed in the GFA Cup final against Ghajnsielem played on June 1st.
The Protests' Board argued that Bizu had to serve the sospension in Gozo. Still, his name was not included in the list of suspended players at the end of the season.
Last Sunday, Floriana won 5-1 with the Brazilian striker scoring two of the goals.
Fri 29
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Pietà H. 0-3, Sliema W. vs Msida SJ 1-4
- Tartarni Tournament Naxxar L. vs Zebbug R. 0-0 (2-3 pen)
- Fgura United Tournament Zurrieq vs Gudja U. 0-1
- Marsaxlokk registered Lithuanian midfielder Donatas Vencevicius as their second foreigner.
The 30-year old Vencevicius has vast experience having played for Ekranas in Lithuania, Gornik Leczna and Polonia Warszawa in Poland, FC Copenhagen in Denmark and Start in Norway. He was the captain of the Under-21 side of Lithuania.
The Southseasiders were running a race against time to land the signature of Nigerian international Minabo Asechemie as their third foreigner.
Asechemie, who has been playing for Marsa since November 2001, agreed to join the ambitious Premier League side but although the two clubs reached an agreement over the transfer of the player, he did not arrive in time to be registered.
Marsaxlokk have now signed a Bulgarian player, Hari Milchev Borislavov, who had an impressive trial with Hamrun Spartans.
- The future of Luke Dimech is still in doubt as discussions continue into whether their short-term contracts will be extended, according to a report on The Nottingham Evening Post.
Luke Dimech had been outstanding before picking up a knee injury playing for his country ten days ago. Together with another defender, Dave Artell, he signed a month-long contract before the start of the season. Their contracts expire on September 7.
The newspaper reveals that Mansfield Town manager Keith Curle would like to see the two players stay with the club but is still in discussions with the chairman.
Curle said: "They have both done a great job and I'm still in discussions with the chairman. I have to see what is available, but if the money is not there, I cannot offer them deals. If the money is there, I will spend it."
Thu 28
- National coach Sigi Held admitted the game against Israel will be the last one for him as Malta coach.
In an long interview with German newspaper Der Spiegel, carried out by Alwin Schroeder, Held spoke about the situation of the local game.
The national coach complained about the fact that he did not have full-professionals at his disposal and that on several occasions, only a small number of players attend a particular training session. He expressed regret regarding "the vacation mentality" of players.
The interviewer claims that the 61-year-old coach has to teach his players the basics of the game "as if it tries to teach to his team the multiplication tables of football."
Despite several costraints, Malta went through a positive run of six games - four wins and two draws - against Canada, Jordan, Lithuania, Moldova, Azerbaijan and Andorra. Held argues, "On good days we can make it difficult for each opponent. But on bad days we can fall in abyssal low."
But after 20 matches - 4 wins, 4 draws and twelve defeats, Held's mission will come to an end. "The qualification match on 10 September in Antalya against Israel is the last one in my spell as national coach."
- Tartarni Tournament Dingli S. vs Mosta 1-0
- Fgura United Tournament Gharghur vs Zejtun C. 1-2
Wed 27
- A goal in stoppage time by Attila Dragoner denied Birkirkara a creditable goalless draw in Budapest.
The Stripes' performance was much better than that at home when they had suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat and they were rather unlucky to suffer a goal at such a late stage in the game. Goalkeeper Justin Haber saved a penalty by Peter Lipczei after just ten minutes.
Ferencvaros therefore reach the first round of the UEFA Cup on an aggregate score of 6-0.
At the Stade La Maladiere - Neuchatel, a depleted Valletta side was hoping to avoid a heavy defeat considering that they lacked three key players, namely Gilbert Agius, Darren Debono and Milen Penchev.
Australian striker Joel Griffiths put Neuchatel Xamax ahead on 45 minutes and just before the final whistle Miguel Portillo doubled the score.
Neuchatel move to the next round on an aggregate score of 4-0.
- Fgura United Tournament Tarxien R. vs Fgura U. 6-1
- Tartarni Tournament Lija A. vs Mqabba 1-1 (5-4 pen)
- Two Premier League players were suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off during the weekend.
Defenders Digger Okonkwo of Pietà Hotspurs and Rennie Forace of Valletta were both handed a one-match ban.
Forace will miss next Monday's MIA Premier League clash with Floriana. On the other hand, Okonkwo will be unavailable for Pietà as they face Hamrun Spartans on Friday.
- Balzan Youths have released Bulgarian goalkeeper Stojan Ivanov Simeonov following an unimpressive debut against Floriana last Sunday.
The Youths may now sign another foreign player. The other foreigners on their books are Australian defender Tom Maric and Czech midfielder Jaroslav Marx.
Guarding the posts as from the next game against Hibernians on Saturday will be former Malta international goalkeeper Ernest Barry.
Barry will join the Youths on his return from Switzerland where he is forming part of the Valletta squad which will face Neuchatel Xamax on Thursday.
- Malta climbed two places in the new FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking published on Wednesday.
Following the 1-1 draw in Luxembourg, Malta moved to number 131. This is still nine places lower than the 122nd place which Malta held last December.
The next game in programme is against Israel on September 10. The next commitments are then the Malta International Tournament (formerly known as the Rothmans International Tournament) matches in February.
Tue 26
- Fgura United Tournament Kirkop U. vs St. George's 3-1
- Balzan Youths have filed a protest against the result of last Sunday's MIA Premier League match against Floriana. The Youths claim Brazilian striker Edoardo Do Nascimento was ineligible to play for the Greens.
Bizu was sent off in the last match of the season last year, when he was on the books of Gozitan side Nadur Youngsters. He was dismissed in the GFA Cup final against Ghajnsielem played on June 1st.
Last Sunday, Floriana won 5-1 with the Brazilian striker scoring two of the goals.
- Two comfortable wins in less than four days' could put the future of Luke Dimech with Mansfield Town in doubt as the Maltese international defender missed the two games after sustaining an injury in the game against Luxembourg last week.
With his one-month contract expiring in a fortnight, Dimech hopes to recover in time for next Saturday's away clash to Swansea City and the following week at home against Macclesfield Town.
The Stags defeated Southend United 3-0 away from home last Saturday and were again in excellent form on Tuesday as they defeated Scunthorpe United 5-0 at Field Mill.
Assistant manager John Gannon said: "Both Luke and Dave (another player on a short-term contract) have done a splendid job for us so far and what we have seen we would like to be in a position to offer both a more permanent deal when their initial month contract is up, we will just have to wait and see."
Dimech was voted Man of the Match by supporters for the two home games Sunderland and Orient.
- Former Malta international goalkeeper Ernest Barry will be joining newly-promoted Balzan Youths.
He will join the Youths on his return from Switzerland where he is forming part of the Valletta squad which will face Neuchatel Xamax on Thursday.
Barry was earlier linked with his former club Sliema Wanderers where he was mentioned as being involved in a possible swap-deal with Nenad Veselji. However Sliema already have two established goalkeepers on their books, Murphy Akanji and Alex Camilleri.
The former Melita, Naxxar, Sliema and St. George's goalkeeper had decided to quit football in August 2001. But he came out of retirement a few weeks later, signing for Pietà Hotspurs. However after playing a couple of matches, he lost his place to Saviour Darmanin and then moved to Valletta.
His place as Valletta's reserve goalkeeper will be taken by former Hibs no. 2 goalkeeper Rainier Farrugia. Farrugia chose not to renew his contract which expired at the end of the season.
Meanwhile Valletta are reportedly interested in signing Mark Galea from Floriana. 'Il-Giza', who was on loan with Balzan Youths last season, already played for Valletta in season 1998/99.
- Following a most humiliating 0-5 defeat at Ta' Qali, Birkirkara will be aiming at regaining lost pride as they face Hungarian giants Ferencvaros at the Stadion Üllöi Út, Budapest on Thursday, kick-off at 20:00.
The Birkirkara squad arrived in Budapest on Monday where coach Stephen Azzopardi is conducting a short training camp.
The Stripes' latest signing, Adrian Ciantar is not available for Thursday’s match as only players registered by July 31 are eligible. However he was still included in the squad which travelled to Hungary.
The players available for Thursday's game are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber, Bernard Paris;
defenders Mark Anthony Bonnici, Clint Micallef, Roderick Sammut, William Camenzuli, Lucian Dronca, Steve Sadowski, Kenneth Scicluna;
midfielders Lino Galea, Chucks Nwoko, George Mallia, Roderick Briffa and
strikers Matthew Calascione, Haruna Doda, Michael Galea and Alan Tabone.
- Gilbert Agius, Darren Debono and Milen Penchev will be missing for Valletta as they face Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax in the second leg of the UEFA Cup qualifying round on Thursday, kick-off at 20:15.
Debono and Penchev are still recovering from injuries which ruled them out of the first leg.
On the other hand, Agius is serving a one-match ban after being sent off midway through the first half.
Also missing from the squad is Bulgarian midfielder Manol Georgiev who was released after an unimpressive performance. However their latest signature, Bulgarian striker Ivan Tonchev is unavailable as only players registered by July 31 are eligible.
Goalkeeper Ernest Barry, who will be leaving Valletta to join Balzan Youths, is forming part of the squad.
The players at Atanas Marinov's disposal are:
goalkeepers Sean Sullivan, Ernest Barry;
defenders Kurt Farrugia, Rennie Forace, Beppe Pace, Daniel Theuma, Todor Simeonov, Kurt Zammit;
midfielders Ivan Zammit, Jerryton Agius, Jonathan Bondin, Ian Zammit, Sharlon Pace, Karl Bonnici, Keith Fenech and
strikers Jeremy Agius, Antoine Sacco.
Mon 25
- Fgura United Tournament Zurrieq vs Fgura U. 1-2
- Tartarni Tournament Lija A. vs Zebbug R. 5-0
- Marsaxlokk have released Czech midfielder Petr Bartes who ironically scored one of the goals in their 2-2 draw with Sliema Wanderers last Saturday.
The player's contract which was due to expire in June 2004 was dissolved following a mutual agreement and the player will be returning to the Czech Republic.
The release of Bartes leaves two vacancies in the Southseasiders' foreign line-up. However two new players are expected to be registered by the end of the week which is the final deadline for transfers.
Nigerian international midfielder Minabo Asechemie, who played for Marsa since November 2001, is set to be one of the foreigners after reaching an agreement with the club last week.
The other foreigner could be a Bulgarian midfielder who arrived last week for a trial, Yasin Mishaui. Mishaui played for Bulgarian Second Division clubs Belasitsa and Koneliano.
Sun 24
- Premier League Balzan Y. vs Floriana 1-5, Msida SJ vs Hibernians 2-3
Sat 23
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 2-2, Pietà H. vs Birkirkara 2-3
- Malta will be playing a friendly match against Germany on May 27, 2004.
This was revealed in a statement issued last Wednesday by the German Football Association (DFB).
The match against Malta will take place in SC Freiburg's Dreisamstadion to raise money for the foundation of former DFB president Egidius Braun. Germany are currently second in their qualifying section with matches against leaders Iceland and Scotland to come.
The vice-world champions are hoping to play Switzerland on June 2 in Basel and against Hungary four days later in Kaiserslautern, a match which would commemorate the 50th anniversary of the FIFA World Cup final.
The last time Malta faced Germany was in September 1998 at Ta' Qali when Berti Vogts' side won 2-1. Joe Brincat had scored for Malta.
Malta faced West Germany six times in competitive matches, suffering narrow defeats in 1974 (0-1 at The Stadium) and 1984 (2-3 at Ta' Qali) and holding them in a draw in 1979 at The Stadium. Against East Germany, Malta played six matches, losing the six of them.
Fri 22
- Premier League Valletta vs Hamrun S. 2-0
- Tartarni Tournament Naxxar L. vs Dingli S. 3-5
- Fgura United Tournament Gharghur vs St. George's 1-1
- Valletta and winners Birkirkara made use of ineligible players in the Lowenbrau Cup which was played during the first week of August.
Sharlon Pace of Valletta and Steve Sadowski of Birkirkara had to serve a one-match suspension which was carried over from last season when the two players were on loan with Pietà Hotspurs and Balzan Youths respectively.
Sharlon Pace played for 74 minutes in the game against Hibernians and for 58 minutes in the game against Birkirkara. On the other hand, Steve Sadowski was included for a couple of minutes in the game against Hibs and another five minutes in the game against Valletta.
However the two clubs were in bona fede considering that they both decided to write to the association to point out their 'mistake'.
During the meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association which was held on Thursday, it emerged that the two cases will be tackled by the Disciplinary Commissioner. The two players were in fact suspended two matches each and will therefore lose the first two league matches.
Birkirkara and Valletta will be brought in front of the Board of Control & Discipline of the Malta FA.
- Floriana completed their foreign line-up with the signing of Brazilian attacking midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva.
Rocha Da Silva is a former colleague of Edoardo Do Nascimento who returned with the Greens after five months with Sliema Wanderers and six months with Gozitan side Nadur Youngsters.
Both players had played for SE Nova Andradina in Brazil.
Meanwhile the Greens have secured the services of two experienced players - defender Jesmond Delia and Maltese-Tunisian striker Ridha Dardouri.
Delia, a former national team player, will return with Floriana where he played for eight years before joining Hibernians and eventually playing for Pietà, Marsaxlokk and Msida.
On the other hand, Dardouri joins the club from Marsa. Dardouri, who played for Hirondelle Sportive in Tunisia, joined Lija Athletic in 1994 before playing for Birkirkara, Nadur Youngsters and Sliema Wanderers.
The Greens are also expected to sign Bernard Sciberras from San Gwann. He would join the club on loan in exchange for Mark Psaila. Mario Caruana was loaned once again to Balzan.
- Nigerian defender/midfielder Sunday Eboh has been confirmed as Birkirkara's third foreigner although he is yet to recover from an injury he suffered last January.
Eboh joined Birkirkara from Marsa in November 2001 but was released last January in order for the club to be able to sign Rufin Oba.
His registration was filed on Thursday morning together with that of Adrian Ciantar, who joined the Stripes from Hibernians.
Adrian Ciantar signed a five-year contract with Birkirkara.
Meanwhile the Stripes are still working hard to strengthen the squad for the coming MIA Premier League campaign and are reportedly interested in Lija Athletic goalkeeper Simon Agius, who is a product of the Birkirkara nursery, and Hamrun Spartans midfielder Roderick Bajada.
Thu 21
- Tartarni Tournament Mosta vs Zebbug R. 3-0
- Fgura United Tournament Tarxien R. vs Gudja U. 5-1
- Newly-promoted Balzan Youths signed nine new players in a bid to strengthen their squad for the coming Premier League campaign.
Three new foreigners joined the club - goalkeeper Stojan Ivanov Simeonov, formerly of Rabat Ajax, Australian defender Tom Maric and Czech midfielder Jaroslav Marx. The former Birkirkara midfielder has also been appointed as the team captain.
Other new players in Jimmy Briffa's squad are Michael Valenzia, Nicholas Gatt and Alexander Muscat of Sliema Wanderers, Anthony Gera and Michael Martin of Melita, Sergio Cappitta of Pietà and Gilbert Scerri of St. Patrick. Shaun Tellus and Mario Caruana, who were on loan with the club from Sliema and Floriana respectively, have been retained.
The new Balzan coach said that currently, he has a 22-man squad at his disposal and aims at adding another two players. One of these could be another goalkeeper. In fact, the possibility of signing Valletta and former national goalkeeper Ernest Barry is not being ruled out.
Briffa said he believes in the young players in his squad and although he admitted his players lack experience, he claimed they will be making up for it with their commitment.
To commemorate this first promotion to the Premier League, Balzan Youths launched a new logo and a new website, www.balzanyouths.com.
Club president Dr John Zammit Montebello said the club was still stuck in Division 3 five years ago but since then there was a change in mentality which helped the club climb to the Second Division, the First Division and eventually the Premier League.
Dr Zammit Montebello said the squad is based on the players who led the squad to promotion but it has now been strengthened with the three experienced foreigners and a number of promising youngsters.
The Balzan president appealed to all the players to keep their feet on the ground and concluded by thanking sponsors, especially Tumas Group and Sports Experience.
Wed 20
- Tartarni Tournament Naxxar L. vs Mqabba 0-1
- Fgura United Tournament Kirkop U. vs Zejtun C. 3-1
- Hibernians midfielder Adrian Ciantar is finally a Birkirkara player after signing a five-year contract with the Stripes.
The player had already agreed terms with Birkirkara but the two clubs were still discussing over the method of payment. An agreement was finally reached on Wednesday. The documents necessary for his registration are expected to be filed at the MFA Headquarters on Thursday morning and he would therefore be available for next Saturday's MIA Premier League opener against Pietà Hotspurs.
Ciantar failed to reach a new agreement with the Paolites after his contract expired at the end of June. Birkirkara, Pietà, Valletta and Marsaxlokk were all linked with the player.
Adrian Ciantar started his career with Qormi where he played for four years before joining St. Patrick in Division 1 in 1996. He joined Hibernians in 1997 where he was an automatic choice in the starting line-up since then.
- Msida St. Joseph will return to elite soccer after 24 years and their main intention is to retain their place in the Premier League.
This was revealed by vice-president Dr Kevin Deguara in a press-conference during which eight new players were presented.
The new players who will strenghten the Msida squad for the MIA Premier League which kicks-off on Friday are: goalkeeper Mark Anthony Debono (Rabat), defender Josef Mifsud and midfielders Joseph Farrugia and Gordon Ohaegbu (Sliema), midfielder Victor Bellia (Naxxar, on loan with Hibs last season) and striker Malcolm Tirchett (Marsa).
Besides First Division top scorer Daniel Nwoke, the club will have two new foreingers: 18-year old Nigerian striker Aganun Oluschoal (formerly of Reggiana) and Italian defender Manuel Boni (who played in the Serie D with Ferentino).
Msida play their first league game against Hibernians on Sunday.
- At least, three players will be missing for Marsaxlokk as they face champions Sliema Wanderers in the opening game from the MIA Premier League next Saturday.
Captain Justin Tellus was handed a one-match ban after being sent off in the game from the Carlsberg Tournament against Hibernians last Monday.
Alan Mifsud was also suspended for one game a couple of weeks ago after being sent off in a friendly match against Birkirkara while Kevin Mamo still has to serve a one-game suspension from last season.
Marsaxlokk hope to recover David Camilleri who missed the Hibs Tournament due to an injury.
The Southseasiders, who are expected to register Maurizio Valastro as their second goalkeeper, are yet to chose a third foreigner.
They had three English players on trial - Darren Dykes, Richard Liburd and Meshach Cole. However they are now being linked with a move for Nigerian international midfielder Minabo Asechemie of Marsa.
The other foreigners on their books are Czech midfielder Petr Bartes and Bulgarian defender Nikolai Slavtchev. However Bartes could be released following an agreement with the player.
Tue 19
- The Malta Football Association issued new guidelines for referees, assistant referees and fourth officials who will be controlling games in the coming season.
- International Friendly Luxembourg vs Malta 1-1
- Under-21 Friendly Luxembourg vs Malta 0-0
- Tartarni Tournament Lija A. vs Mosta 4-3
- Fgura United Tournament Gudja U. vs Fgura U. 1-0
Mon 18
- Hibs Tournament Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk 3-0, Msida SJ vs Floriana 2-0
Hibernians claimed the Carlsberg Tournament after they managed to beat Marsaxlokk in a decisive match on Monday.
The Southseasiders started as firm favourites since even a 0-2 defeat would have been enough for them.
However a goal by Andrew Cohen and a brace by Ndubisi Chukunyere gave the Paolites a 3-0 win.
In another match, Msida St. Joseph defeated Floriana 2-0, goals by Nigerian strikers Aganun Oluschoal and Daniel Nwoke.
Marsaxlokk, Hibernians and Floriana lacked all their national team players missing as they are currently in Luxembourg. Missing were Mario Muscat, Adrian Mifsud, Ryan Mintoff and Antoine Zahra (Hibernians), David Carabott and Malcolm Licari (Marsaxlokk), Reuben Gauci, Ian Azzopardi, Shaun Bajada, Nicoḷ Baldacchino, Trevor Cilia and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Floriana).
- Fgura United Tournament Zejtun C. vs St. George's 1-0
- In a friendly match at St. Aloysius, Pietà Hotspurs defeated the Nigerian Stars 3-0, goals by Anatole Debono, Cleaven Frendo and William Borg.
- Sunday Eboh was handed a three-match ban after being found guilty of getting involved in a fight towards the end of a friendly match between Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk last month. He was also fined Lm 20.
Eboh was assisting for the game as a spectator but at one point he rushed to the field of play apparently following a harsh tackle on his brother John Eboh by a Marsaxlokk player.
The Nigerian defender is not yet confirmed as the Stripes' third foreigner since he is still recovering from an injury and is definitely ruled out for a number of weeks more.
The Stripes are in fact pondering whether to sign Eboh or 23-year old Tunisian midfielder Ridha Bousselmi who is on trial with the club. The latter is apparently a very promising midfielder in Tunisia where he played for Club Africa and Olympique Medinine.
The other two foreigners on the club's books are Lucian Dronca and Haruna Doda.
- Hibernians midfielder Adrian Ciantar is expected to become a Birkirkara player in the coming days after agreeing terms with the Stripes.
The two clubs should now meet in order to reach an agreement over the payment terms. According to the parameters issued by the MFA, the transfer fee should amount to around Lm 18,000.
Ciantar failed to reach a new agreement with the Paolites after his contract expired at the end of June. Birkirkara, Pietà, Valletta and Marsaxlokk were all linked with the player.
Adrian Ciantar started his career with Qormi where he played for four years before joining St. Patrick in Division 1 in 1996. He joined Hibernians in 1997 where he was an automatic choice in the starting line-up since then.
Ciantar played five matches for the national team besides being a regular choice in the Under-21 side under the guidance of Ray Farrugia.
Sun 17
- Mosta Tournament Mosta vs Balzan Y. 3-2 golden goal, Rabat A. vs Senglea A. 3-2
Hosts Mosta claimed the 25th edition of the Gammari Muscat Mosta Tournament after beating Premier League side Balzan Youths 3-2 after extra-time.
Balzan took the lead thanks to Stefan Zahra before the break and doubled the score Zahra doubled the score for the Youths.
Mosta's reaction arrived a few minutes later as Jurandy Da Silva was roped in lieu of Alex Chetcuti. In fact hosts Mosta reduced the gap through Carlos Camenzuli and later equalised through the same Camenzuli.
The match ended 2-2. Extra time had to be played with the golden goal rule applying. It was only mid-way through the first half of extra time that Jurandy da Silva's shot hit the post and in was former Rabat midfielder Roderick Axiaq to head the ball in from the rebound for a dramatic golden goal winner for hosts Mosta FC.
In the final for third place which was also played on Sunday, Rabat Ajax came from behind to beat Senglea Athletic 3-2. John Fsadni put Senglea ahead but Joseph Farrugia levelled the score before half-time. The Athletic regained the lead thanks to Timmy Thomas but Rabat turned the score in their favour with goals by Michael Micallef and Alan Zahra.
St. Patrick finished fifth after beating Lija Athletic 1-0, a goal by Mark Tanti.
Lija Athletics won the Fair Play Award while Dyson Falzon of Mosta was voted as the Best Player of the tournament.
- Bulgarian trialist Ivan Tonchev Stoilov scored the only goal for Valletta as they defeated First Division side Mqabba 1-0 in a friendly match at the Training Grounds, Ta' Qali on Saturday.
Ivan Tonchev Stoilov played for the last two years in Italy, first for Vis Pesaro in the Serie C1 and last year for Padova in the C1 and then Pordenone in the Serie C2.
Tonchev had earlier played for Arda, Etar Veliko Tarnovo, Slavia Sofia, Beroe Stara Zagora in Bulgaria and Akratitos in Greece.
This player replaces Bulgarian attacking midfielder Manol Georgiev who was released after failing to impress in the Lowenbrau Cup matches and the UEFA Cup tie against Neuchatel Xamax.
- Malta international defender Luke Dimech scored his first goal for Mansfield Town but the goal was not enough for the Stags to claim their first three points as Leyton Orient notched a late equaliser.
Dimech put Mansfield ahead on 13 minutes but Gary Alexander levelled the score on the second minute of added on time. After the game, Dimech was voted as Man of the Match.
On Wednesday, Luke Dimech played another excellent game for Mansfield as they were unlucky to lose 1-2 to First Division side Sunderland in the Carling Cup. Dimech was also voted as the Man of the Match by supporters.
With three excellent performances in three games, Dimech now stands a fine chance of having his contract extended till the end of the year, at least.
Sat 16
- National coaches Sigfried Held and Mark Miller named the final squads for next week's friendly matches against Luxembourg. Both the senior team and Under-21 side play on Tuesday.
Both coaches will be using this game as a warm-up for next month's clashes with Israel which will be played in Antalya, Turkey.
From the provisional squad which Held had named on Wednesday, Held dropped Joe Brincat, Jonathan Holland and Miguel Mifsud but included Marsaxlokk striker Malcolm Licari.
The players selected by the German mentor are:
goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Pietà) and Mario Muscat (Hibernians),
defenders Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Carlo Mamo and Brian Said (Sliema), Daniel Theuma (Valletta);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), David Carabott (Marsaxlokk), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Noel Turner (Sliema) and
strikers Daniel Bogdanovic (Sliema), Malcolm Licari (Marsaxlokk), Adrian Mifsud (Hibernians), Michael Mifsud (Kaiserslautern) and Chucks Nwoko (Birkirkara).
On the other hand, Under-21 coach Mark Miller dropped Clifton Ciantar, Mauro Brincat and Kevin Sammut. Their place was taken by Kurt Zammit, Antoine Sacco and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.
Miller was earlier forced to leave out two key players - Christian Cassar and Lee Lombardi as they are both suffering from long-term injuries.
The 18 players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Birkirkara) and Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
defenders Jerryton Agius (Valletta), Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà), Shaun Tellus (Balzan), Kurt Zammit (Valletta);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Hamrun), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Jonathan Bondin (Valletta), Kurt Farrugia (Valletta) and
strikers Nicoḷ Baldacchino (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Trevor Cilia and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Floriana), Antoine Sacco (Valletta) and Antoine Zahra (Hibernians).
- Valletta have released Bulgarian attacking midfielder Manol Georgiev after he failed to impress in the Lowenbrau Cup matches and the UEFA Cup tie against Neuchatel Xamax.
Another Bulgarian player has now joined the Citizens for a trial.
Ivan Tonchev Stoilov played for the last two years in Italy, first for Vis Pesaro in the Serie C1 and last year for Padova in the C1 and then Pordenone in the Serie C2.
Tonchev had earlier played for Arda, Etar Veliko Tarnovo, Slavia Sofia, Beroe Stara Zagora in Bulgaria and Akratitos in Greece.
The Bulgarian striker will be making his first appearance for Valletta in a friendly match against Mqabba on Saturday.
- Mosta Tournament St. Patrick vs Lija A. 1-0
- Friendly Match Pietà H. vs Tarxien R. 2-0
Thu 14
- UEFA Cup Birkirkara vs Ferencvaros 0-5
- Tartarni Tournament Dingli S. vs Mqabba 1-1
- Fgura United Tournament Tarxien R. vs Zurrieq 2-1
- Friendly Match Hamrun S. vs Mellieha 1-0
- National coaches Sigfried Held and Mark Miller named the squads for next Tuesday's friendly matches against Luxembourg. Both the senior team and Under-21 side play on Tuesday.
Both coaches will be using this game as a warm-up for next month's clashes with Israel which will be played in Antalya, Turkey.
Malcolm Licari and David Camilleri, who both joined Marsaxlokk, this summer together with Scotland-based Simon Vella were left out of the senior squad by Held. The injured Darren Debono was also left out.
On the other hand, Joe Brincat will be back after missing the game against Cyprus. Brincat had already announced that the match against Israel could be his last international game.
Goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin who is suspended after being sent off in the last outing was still included in the squad.
The players selected by the German mentor are:
goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Pietà) and Mario Muscat (Hibernians),
defenders Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Carlo Mamo and Brian Said (Sliema), Daniel Theuma (Valletta);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Joe Brincat (Sliema), William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), David Carabott (Marsaxlokk), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Jonathan Holland (Floriana), Noel Turner (Sliema) and
strikers Daniel Bogdanovic (Sliema), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Adrian Mifsud (Hibernians), Michael Mifsud (Kaiserslautern), Miguel Mifsud (Hibernians) and Chucks Nwoko (Birkirkara).
Under-21 coach Mark Miller was forced to leave out two key players - Christian Cassar and Lee Lombardi.
The Floriana midfielder is ruled out for eight to ten months after suffering from an injury in the cruciate ligament. On the other hand, Lombardi, who joined Sliema from Pietà, suffered a serious injury in the game against FC Copenhagen and is expected to be back only in February.
The 18 players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Birkirkara) and Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
defenders Jerryton Agius (Valletta), Ian Azzopardi and Clifton Ciantar (Floriana), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà), Shaun Tellus (Balzan);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Hamrun), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Jonathan Bondin (Valletta), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Kurt Farrugia (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Sliema) and
strikers Nicoḷ Baldacchino (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Trevor Cilia (Floriana) and Antoine Zahra (Hibernians).
- St. Patrick goalkeeper Alex Camilleri joined Sliema Wanderers on a one-year loan.
Camilleri, on whom Sliema have an option at the end of the season, will provide a back-up for Murphy Akanji.
Meanwhile Guinean-born midfielder Dybrill Sylla should be available to play for the Wanderers when the Premier League kicks-off in a week's time. The international transfer certificate (ITC) arrived from Germany and therefore Sliema can file his registration.
After their last game against FC Copenhagen, the Wanderers received a setback in defence with the loss of Lee Lombardi, who joined the club this summer from Pietà Hotspurs. Lombardi suffered an injury during the game which will rule him out for around six months. He is therefore expected to be back for the Championship Pool matches.
In fact, according to the club's official website, eSWFC.com, Stefano Grima will be retained by Sliema to provide a cover-up in defence. Grima was on loan with St. Andrews and Marsa over the past four years.
Another defender, Ian Ciantar, will only return in January 2004 after sustaining an injury in the FA Trophy final in May.
Wed 13
- Mosta Tournament Mosta vs Senglea A. 2-1, Balzan Y. vs Rabat A. 2-0
- Hibs Tournament Marsaxlokk vs Msida SJ 3-2, Hibernians vs Floriana 0-2
- Fgura United Tournament Kirkop U. vs Gharghur 1-2
- Cameroon striker Oman Francis is set to become Pietà Hotspurs' third foreigner.
After confirming Italian defender Mauro Di Lello and capturing the signature of Serbia & Montenegro defender Branko Nisevic, the Hotspurs will now offer a contract to the striker from Cameroon.
Oman Francis, who played for a club in Russia in the past few years, joined Pietà during their training camp in Italy.
Meanwhile young Pietà goalkeeper Andrew Hogg did not return to Malta with the rest of the squad on Monday as he joined Bari's primavera squad for a five-day trial. Another Pietà player, Cleaven Frendo was also invited for a trial but he turned down the invitation.
- Malta Under-21 international midfielder Christian Cassar is ruled out for several months after sustaining a injury in the cruciate ligament last month in a friendly match for Floriana against Mellieha.
According to Floriana FC PR officer, Trevor Zahra, Cassar is set to be out of action for the next 8-10 months.
Meanwhile Shaun Pierre Bajada, who is also a member of the Malta U-21 squad, signed a four year contract with the Greens.
Floriana have so far signed Brazilian striker Edoardo Do Nascimento after releasing Boyko Simeonov and Grigol Gvazava. Kurt Formosa, who was on loan with Marsa, will stay with the Greens but Mario Caruana is set to play for another season with Balzan Youths. In fact, he played for Balzan in the Mosta Tournament.
On the other hand, Floriana are still discussing the possibility of luring former Manchester United midfielder Lee Sharpe. Contacts between the two parties were established last week but so far no agreement was reached.
- Birkirkara will be looking forward to obtaining a positive result as they face Hungarian side Ferencvaros in the first leg of the UEFA Cup qualifying round on Thursday, kick-off at 19:45.
Except for Kenneth Scicluna and Sunday Eboh, who both missed the Lowenbrau Cup matches, there are no other injured players. Clint Micallef also recovered from an injury which ruled him out of the tournament. Coach Stephen Azzopardi is therefore expected to confirm the same line-up which defeated Valletta 5-1 on Saturday to claim the Lowenbrau Cup.
A plus for Birkirkara is the absence of influential midfielder Péter Lipcsei, who is suspended, and central defenders Zoltán Balog and Sorin Botis. Balog and Botis will miss the second leg as well.
Ferencvaros are currently ninth in the Hungarian League with three draws from three matches. Last season, Ferencvaros placed second, two points behind champions MTK Budapest. However they managed to win the Hungarian Cup beating Debreceni VSC 2-1.
The return leg between Ferencvaros and Birkirkara in two weeks' time will be played behind closed doors following a decision by UEFA because of the serious crowd disturbances which marred the Hungarian side's UEFA Cup match against VfB Stuttgart on October 31 last year. However over a hundred Birkirkara supporters, who will be travelling with the squad, will be allowed to enter the Stadion Üllöi Út in Budapest.
- Sliema Wanderers Nenad Veselji could make a return to his former club Valletta as the Citizens search for a player who would strengthen their forward line.
During the two matches of the Lowenbrau Cup, the absence of Nigerian striker Chris Oretan was dearly felt with Gilbert Agius looking too isolated. Oretan has been released after the two parties failed to reach an agreement over a new contract.
Veselji joined Floriana from OFK Belgrade in season 1994-95 but an injury ruled him out for almost one year. In 1997, he joined Valletta where he played for three and a half years, before joining Birkirkara in December 2000. His experience with the Stripes soon turned sour after he suffered a long-term injury. In summer 2001, he joined Sliema Wanderers.
With the signing of Daniel Bogdanovic and strikers like Orosco Anonam and Danilo Doncic already in squad, Veselji has slim chances of being a regular choice in the Blues' starting line-up.
The Yugoslav-born striker also made eight appearances for the national team after obtaining Maltese citizenship.
The Citizens could make a formal offer for the player in the coming days.
Tue 12
- UEFA Cup Valletta vs Neuchatel Xamax 0-2
- Premier League side Hamrun Spartans launched their official website www.hamrunspartansfc.com.
The site carries detailed information about the clubs and the players and it meant to provide a link between the Hamrun Spartans supporters and the club's president, committee, coach and players.
With the launching of the Hamrun Spartans official website, now almost all Premier clubs have an official website. These include Birkirkara - www.birkirkarafc.com, Floriana - www.florianafc.com, Valletta - www.vallettafcofficial.net, Sliema Wanderers - www.eswfc.com, Marsaxlokk - www.marsaxlokkfc.com and more recently, Hibernians - www.hibernians.com.mt. In the coming days, newly-promoted Balzan Youths will also launch their official website - www.balzanyouths.com.
Mon 11
- A new corporate identity for the MIA National League was launched during a press-conference which was held at the MFA Technical Centre, Ta' Qali.
An innovation for Maltese football is the introduction of a video jingle of the MIA Football League. A 12-second stinger has been purposely produced for TV stations to use prior to all reports on league matches.
Malta International Airport PR & Communications Executive Simon Sultana, who was speaking on behalf of MIA Chief Executive Officer Peter Bolech, said MIA's commitments towards the Maltese society took a new dimension through its policy of "Supporting Malta's Sports" by sponsoring the largest sport on the island - football. The MIA will be sponsoring the Premier, First Second and Third Division leagues for season 2003/04.
The company will not only contribute financially but has a more important target, that of improving the game.
Sultana revealed that thanks to the help from the MFA, they managed to established contacts two Austrian clubs who are being encouraged to choose Malta as their base for a training camp. The company is also trying to lure Austrian side SV Schwechat to play a friendly match in Malta. This club is sponsored by the Vienna International Airport which is the major shareholder in the MIA.
Besides sponsoring new trophies for the four divisions, the Player of the Month Award will be back after a one-year absence.
Clubs will also carry a small MIA Football League logo on their shirts.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud gave details about the leagues which will kick-off in a few days' time. Dr Mifsud said that this season, all the matches from the MIA Premier League first round will be held at the National Stadium. Following the reseeding process on the pitch at Ta' Qali, two matches every weekend will be played at the Hibernians Ground and the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
Just like previous seasons MIA First Division matches will still be held at Hamrun and Corradino while MIA Second Division and MIA Third Division matches will be held at the Centenary Stadium with an exception for Gozo FC's home matches in Division 2.
Ten of their matches will be played at the Gozo Stadium while the match against Zejtun Corinthians will be held at the Sannat Ground following a request by the Third Division champions.
- Milen Penchev, Darren Debono and Rennie Forace will be missing for Valletta as they host Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax in the first leg of the UEFA Cup qualifying round on Tuesday.
Speaking during a press conference on Monday, Valletta coach Atanas Marinov said that following the heavy defeat to Birkirkara, his main task was that of trying to lift the morale of his players. Marinov admitted that he and his players have no illusion that the clash with Neuchatel will be an easy game.
The absence of regular players, he said, was no excuse but still he has to find out the right solution to replace these key players. Marinov said that while Valletta are still preparing for their league campaign, Neuchatel have already played six league matches. Therefore he urged his players to give more than their hundred per cent in order to make up for this.
Once again, the Valletta mentor urged local players to change their mentality when playing foreigners as he said "you cannot go onto the pitch thinking you will lose."
Valletta president Charles Camilleri said Valletta are trying to keep a low profile, knowing that Neuchatel are a stronger side and that the Citizens start as underdogs. "But still anything can happen. That's football," said Camilleri.
The Valletta president said players now want to show that, even after a heavy defeat, they are valid players. They will try to achieve what Valletta is used to achieving.
Camilleri concluded by hoping that fair play is shown by players and officials throughout the game.
Neuchatel coach Claude Ryf said this was not his first visit to the island, having played for the national team in Malta besides coming here for a training camp with another club.
Ryf said all his players had to give their hundred per cent as a positive result in the first leg was of utmost importance. For most of the Neuchatel players, it will be their first experience in a European competition. The squad is made up of several young players. In fact, twelve of their players are under the age of 23.
Unlike Valletta, Neuchatel could count on all their players as no one is injured or suspended.
- Mosta Tournament Rabat A. vs Mosta 1-0, Balzan Y. vs Lija 1-0
- Hibs Tournament
Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 5-1, Hibernians vs Msida SJ 2-0
- Following instructions by FIFA, the Malta Football Association will be holding an examination for those interested in obtaining a licence to act as Football Players' Agents on Thursday September 25.
Those interested should submit an application on the appropriate form issued by the MFA together with the necessary documents. Application forms and the relative documents should reach the General Secretary of the Malta Football Association by not later than September 4.
Application forms and copies of the Players' Agents Regulations can be obtained from the MFA Headquarters, 280 St. Paul's Street, Valletta.
Sun 10
- Malta's women national team lost 3-0 to Romania in a match from Group 5 of the UEFA Women's Championship qualifiers. All the three goals were scored during the second half.
This match also marked the international debut for Malta because a women's national team had never played a full international game before.
Malta lined-up as follows: Nina Dimech, Tessie Agius, Lesley Ann Galea, Natasha Pace, Rebecca D' Agostino, Dorianne Theuma, Catherine Camilleri, Joanne Vella, Sandra Sammut, Maria Azzopardi, Eleonora Agliano.
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored twice for Kaiserslautern Amateure in a match from the Regionalliga Sud.
Mifsud, who is facing a stiff competition to earn a place in the senior squad, played for the Amateur team which defeated FSV Mainz 05 Amateure 2-0 away from home.
He scored the first goal after 72 minutes and doubled the score six minutes later.
Sat 9
- Lowenbrau Cup Valletta vs Birkirkara 1-5
- First Division sides Rabat Ajax and Senglea Athletic were the first teams to reach the semi-finals of the 25th edition of the Gammari Muscat Mosta Tournament.
In Group A, Senglea Athletic managed to beat Lija Athletic 1-0 thanks to a penalty by Simon Aquilina. Senglea earlier held Premier League side Balzan Youths in a 1-1 draw. The last match is the derby between Balzan and Lija and will be played on Monday.
In Group B, Rabat Ajax defeated St. Patrick 2-0. Adam Smeir put Rabat ahead and Darren Galea doubled the score. On Monday, Rabat face hosts Mosta, who were held in a goalless draw by St. Patrick in the first match.
- Luke Dimech had an impressive debut with English Third Division side Mansfield Town although the Stags lost 2-1 at Kiddeminster in their first league game.
Dimech played the whole 90 minutes and was one of the best players on the field. Mansfield were the better side throughout the game and were rather unlucky to leave the pitch empty handed.
Their next game is at home against First Division side Sunderland on Wednesday in the first round of the Carling Cup.
- The Malta Football Association Technical Centre will be organising five courses during season 2003/04.
The courses which will be held are:
Coaching Young Footballers - 11th and 12th October, 2003
Youth Development Diploma - 1st to 9th October, 2003
Club Coach Certificate - 8th to 11th January, 2004
Coaching Young Footballers - 3rd and 4th April, 2004
UEFA ‘B’ Diploma Course - 17th April to 2nd May, 2004
Fri 8
- Floriana FC started talks with a former Manchester United and England international player on Thursday.
The player, whose name cannot be divulged at this stage, was contacted by telephone by Club Officials and an official offer was made for this player to join Floriana FC for the coming season.
The player who is between 30 and 35 years old, expressed a possible interest in coming to Malta for a couple of days to discuss the possibilities in further detail.
- Valletta received a major setback ahead of next Tuesday's UEFA Cup qualifier against Neuchatel Xamax of Switzerland when influential midfielder Milen Penchev sustained an injury which will rule him out for up to four weeks.
Another player who is set to miss the Ferencvaros game is Darren Debono, who also missed the first match from the Lowenbrau Cup against Hibernians last Monday.
On the other hand, Rennie Forace is close to regaining full fitness and should even make it to the starting line-up on Saturday against Birkirkara.
- The Civil Court turned down a request for a warrant of prohibitory injunction by Victor Tedesco to stop the transfer of Charlo Magro. Therefore now nothing will stop the former Hamrun captain from joining Marsaxlokk.
Even if the Court had not turned down the request, Magro could have still became a Marsaxlokk player since the club had already filed in the necessary documents and his transfer had been processed.
During a press-conference at the Fluid - Baystreet on Tuesday, Victor Tedesco said the only reason behind this request was that he wanted to stop the club from selling its players.
Thu 7
- Lowenbrau Cup Birkirkara vs Hibernians 5-4
- In a friendly match, Hamrun Spartans defeated Senglea Athletic 3-0. The Spartans had Bulgarian trialist Dragomir Dragonov (formerly of Tarxien and Senglea) scoring one of the goals. Roderick Bajada and Stefan Sultana scored the other goals.
- In a bid to attract more supporters to Premier League matches, as from this season, the Malta Football Association will be tying a new experiment by staging two matches on Friday, another two on Sunday and one match on Monday during a number of weeks. Saturday will therefore be a day of rest for players, officials and supporters.
There will still be Premier League matches on Saturdays in August, September, January and February.
- Malta's women national football team will be making its international debut this weekend as they face Romania in a match from Group 5 of the UEFA Women's Championship qualifiers.
The squad leaves Malta on Thursday while the match will be played on Sunday at the Mogosoaia National Football Centre, kick-off at 20:00.
Malta, who is yet to play its first international game, was drawn in a group together with the Republic of Ireland, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, besides Romania.
Malta coach Pierre Brincat selected the following 18 players:
goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara) and Michelle Zahra (Hibernians);
defenders Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Francesca Debono (Hibernians), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Leslie Ann Galea (Hibernians), Natasha Pace (Melita), Sandra Sammut (Mosta), Alexia Scicluna (Birkirkara), Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians);
midfielders Tessie Agius (Hibernians), Eleonora Agliano (Birkirkara), Rebecca D'Agostino (Birkirkara), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Dionne Tonna (Hibernians), Joanne Vella (Hibernians) and
strikers Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara) and Sarah Caruana (Hibernians).
Malta plays against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia on September 24 and 28 respectively away from home. The first game on home soil is against mighty Ireland on October 22. Malta then hosts Croatia on November 16 and Romania on May 8, 2004. After travelling to Ireland on June 25, Malta hosts Bosnia in the final match on September 9, 2004.
So far, four matches were played from Group 5. Croatia registered a 0-1 away win over Bosnia. Ireland defeated Bosnia 6-0 and then drew 0-0 in Croatia and 2-2 with Romania at home.
Wed 6
- Champions League Sliema W. vs FC Copenhagen 0-6
- Valletta midfielder Ivan Zammit is the third player to extend his contract with the Citizens.
Zammit signed a four-year contract and he will therefore stay with the Citizens until June 2007.
The former Zurrieq, Floriana, Hamrun and Birkirkara midfielder, who however started his career with the Citizens, will be back for Valletta on Saturday against Birkirkara after serving a six-month suspension.
Last week Gilbert Agius and Sharlon Pace also extended their stay till 2007.
Tue 5
- Selling players is not the way to solve the financial problems Hamrun Spartans are facing according to former president Victor Tedesco.
Tedesco was speaking at a press conference held at Bay Street on Tuesday during which he explained the reason behind the prohibitory injunction against the club.
The 88-year old former Hamrun president said that in order to solve the problems which hit the club, he had put forward a proposal to the Annual General Meeting to ask all former committee members to contribute in any way they could. However this idea was not accepted even if the club was facing difficulties.
Tedesco said that when he had stepped in as president in 2001, the club had a deficit of Lm 65,000. The club managed to have the prohibition lifted following the contributions of a number of people including the sum of about Lm 32,000 by Tedesco.
Despite being removed from president in December, he still decided to let off the sum of over Lm 8,000 as a sign of goodwill.
Tedesco went on to explain what led to the filing an application for a warrant of prohibitory injunction in the Civil Court against the club over the transfer of Charlo Magro.
He said that following a number of meetings, he reached an agreement with the club that he would receive 70% from all transfers until the remaining sum which the club still owed him (amounting to Lm 22,427) was settled.
The former Hamrun president argued that the committee discussed the transfer without informing him about the negotiations and only came to know about it when the two clubs were about to conclude the deal. According to Tedesco, just before the last league game against Marsa, Magro had told him that he was ready to stay with the Spartans but only if he was paid regularly.
Tedesco stressed that the club cannot lose such players. He also claimed that there were members of the committee who were ready to let the club drown to the Third Division so that all the players are sold and all the debts are settled. This was not acceptable for those who were involved in the club for several years, said Tedesco.
He said he was not worried about those who want to change the name of the Victor Tedesco Stadium as one cannot cancel history - the twelve years he spent at the helm of the club.
It is not the club's executive committee who has the power to change the name of the stadium. The Annual General Meeting will then have to approve it.
Victor Tedesco said that he was removed from president three times. After being removed in 1994/95, he returned in 1996 but was again sacked in June 1998. His love for the club made him return once again in 2001 before he was once again dismissed last December. Tedesco said that people who worked close with him had promised to step aside but almost all of them retained their place. At the end of the season, the club ended with a big deficit once again.
He went on to say that since taking over in 2001, together with coach Atanas Marinov, he took the risk of introducing eight young players.
Allowing players to leave the club at this point is no solution, said the former Hamrun boss. He said that by adding three experienced players to the current squad, Hamrun Spartans would once again be a competitive side.
Tedesco concluded by appealing for unity among all the Hamrunizi, as the St. Gaetan feast usually brings, and launched a proposal which could solve the club's financial problems. He said that if there were five or six persons who could pool out the sum which would settle all the club's remaining debts and players are not transferred to other clubs, he would be ready to let off part of the sum, the club owes him.
Meanwhile Patricia Calabretta, daughter of the former Hamrun president, revealed that her father had contributed a sum of Lm 94,000 over the years during his terms as president.
- Malta international defender Luke Dimech signed for Third Division side Mansfield Town on Monday.
Both Dimech and former Rotherham player Dave Artell have agreed a short-term deal after impressing on trial at Field Mill.
Mansfield manager Kevin Curle said both players have done well in the friendlies. Curle has also hinted more long-term arrangements for both players could be in the pipeline.
The two central defenders should strenghten a defence which suffered 97 league goals when the Stags were relegated last season.
Signing a short-term contract with Mansfield could turn out to be a problem for Dimech if his stay is not extended till the end of the season. In fact, it would be very difficult for him to sign for a Maltese club especially following last season's controversy which saw four clubs filing a protest or lodging a complaint regarding his eligibility to play for Birkirkara.
- Nenad Veselji should replace the suspended Stefan Giglio as Sliema Wanderers try to overcome the three-goal lead FC Copenhagen enjoy after the first leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round.
After losing 4-1 at the Parken Stadium, Sliema know their task is next to impossible but coach Edward Aquilina is doing his best to motivate his players so that they manage to obtain a positive result at least.
To further boost their morale, president Robert Arrigo even went on to promise a Lm 5,000 bonus for each player should they score three goals without reply and qualify for the third round of the competition.
A plum fixture against Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers awaits them in the third qualifying round.
Aquilina is expected to adopt an offensive plan although he needs to make sure that defensive blunders, which lead to two of the goals in Copenhagen, are avoided.
With no other players injured or suspended, except for Ian Ciantar, the starting line-up is expected to be: Murphy Akanji, Brian Said, Carlo Mamo, Kris Laferla, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Joe Brincat, Noel Turner, Nenad Veselji, Orosco Anonam, Danilo Doncic, Daniel Bogdanovic.
- Mosta Tournament St. Patrick vs Mosta 0-0, Senglea A. vs Lija A. 1-0
Mon 4
- Lowenbrau Cup Hibernians vs Valletta 3-3
- Despite losing a number of players at the end of last season, Valletta will be there to challenge for honours. This warning was given by Valletta president Charles Camilleri during a press conference which was held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard on Monday meant to give details about a new agreement between Valletta FC and the Corinthia Atheneum Health Spa.
The new Valletta president said he was looking forward to be a worthy successor to Joe Caruana Curran under whose guidance the Citizens were a most successful side.
The team signed three new players so far while negotiations are still being held over other players.
Two Bulgarian players Manol Georgiev and Todor Simeonov join Milen Penchev, who signed a new three-year contract, as the three foreigners. Kurt Farrugia joined Valletta on loan in exchange for Edward Azzopardi with the two clubs having an option on the respective players at the end of the season.
Discussions with Hibernians over the transfer of Adrian Ciantar were halted as the amount requested was considered to be too high.
The Valletta president said the club appointed Atanas Marinov as coach as he is one of the very best coaches on the island. He went on to say that Marinov also proved to be a valid contact for obtaining the new foreigners.
Mr Camilleri, who was the club treasurer last season, said Valletta managed to reduce expenses by Lm 120,000 last year. The target now is to reduce the expenses further although this is quite a difficult task in order to keep the team competitive.
He revealed that all the salaries for last season were paid and the remaining salaries due were those of previous years. The Malta Football Association lifted the prohibition on transfers as the club promised to pay half the amounts due by the end of July and the remaining half by May 2004. However Valletta will not wait for this deadline to settle their dues.
For the first time, Valletta, who were the first local side to put a sponsor's logo on their shirt, are still without a main sponsor. The Valletta president revealed that negotiations with three companies are being held and hoped that an agreement would be reached in a couple of weeks, in time for the Premier League kick-off.
The club is currently working hard on re-shaping the team and strengthening the nursery. Works on the completion of the Salinos Ground project which include the installation of another synthetic turf pitch are also due to start soon.
Valletta coach Atanas Marinov spoke about the forthcoming UEFA Cup qualifier against Neuchatel Xamax. Marinov, who saw the Swiss side in action this weekend, said they are a relatively young team which plays fast football.
Marinov says local players need to change their mentality as they always argue that foreigners are too strong for us. The Valletta mentor urged his players to have more confidence in themselves on the pitch.
"We may not be as fast as them but we must find a way to make up for this in order to give them a good challenge."
Meanwhile details were given about the new agreement between Corinthia Atheneum Health Spa and Valletta FC.
Mr Camilleri said the Atheneum was offering an excellent service to the club with the recovery of players being held there.
He thanked Mr Shaun Pisani and Mr Jens Thurm from Corinthia, thanks to whom this agreement turned out to be a very good partnership over the past four years.
Sun 3
- Malta Under-21 international midfielder is set to stay with Hamrun Spartans although he has been attracting the interest of Floriana.
Bajada and the Spartans reached an agreement over a new contract, which is believed to be for three years.
Floriana had offered to clear part of, or the whole, the Lm12,000 debt which Hamrun owe them, by taking Roderick Bajada. Although at one point, there seemed to be an agreement between the two clubs, the player and Floriana were yet to agree terms.
Meanwhile Hamrun Spartans are hoping to have the transfer prohibition lifted by the MFA. In fact, they are giving a trial to a number of foreign players. These include two Bulgarian players who already played a couple of friendly matches, Borisov and Filipov. Other foreigners are expected to arrive from Congo and Portugal.
The only foreigner on the club's books is Congolese goalkeeper Daniel Dengaky.
- Third Division side Fgura United will be holding the fourth edition of its Pre-Season Tournament.
Zebbug Rangers won the first edition which was held in 2000, Tarxien Rainbows that of 2001 while Kirkop United won last year's edition.
Playing in Group A are Second Division sides Zejtun Corinthians and St. George's together with Gharghur and Kirkop United from Division 3. First Division side Tarxien Rainbows, Zurrieq from Division 2, Gudja United and hosts Fgura United from Division 3 form Group B.
Matches will be played on weekdays at the Pace Grasso Ground and kick-off at 17:45.
Sat 2
- In a friendly match at Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hamrun Spartans and the Nigerian Stars drew 1-1. Bulgarian trialist Hari Borisov scored for Hamrun.
- Malta international defender Luke Dimech will sign for Mansfield Town on Monday, according to a local radio station, Mansfield 103.2.
It was reported that manager Keith Curle was impressed with the performances of Dimech and Dave Artell during there trial periods and offered them a short-term contract which they will sign on Monday.
A long term deal is unlikely at this point with the club's finances tight after their relegation from the Second Division at the end of last season.
Luke Dimech made his third appearance for the Stags on Saturday as they defeated Scarborough 1-0. Earlier he took part in another two friendlies against Selby Town and Coventry City.
Dimech is being employed as a defender, the position we are used to see him playing here in Malta.
He was given a role in midfielder while playing for Shamrock Rovers last season and a couple of weeks ago while he was on trial with Third Division champions Rushden & Diamonds.
Meanwhile Birkirkara are still willing to offer the player a new contract especially ahead of the UEFA Cup qualifying round matches against Ferencvaros.
Dimech joined the Stripes in January after being released by Irish Premier League side Shamrock Rovers.
- Hibernians will be wearing Umbro kits, provided by TeamSport, for the next three years. This was revealed during a press conference marking the launch of a book about the history of the club.
The book "Hibs - The story of Hibernians" was written by football historian Carmel Baldacchino and AS Hibernians general manager Ronnie Calleja.
Fri 1
- A 20-man Pietà Hotspurs squad left Malta on Thursday for a ten-day training camp in Chianciano, Italy.
The squad includes three new players who joined the club earlier this week.
Serbia & Montenegro defender Branko Nisevic, who was given a free release by Hibernians, signed for the Hotspurs as their second foreigner. Edward Azzopardi joined Pietà from Valletta in exchange for Kurt Farrugia while Rabat Ajax striker William Borg joined Pietà on a one-year loan.
The squad includes two foreign players who are on trial with the club - a defender from Serbia & Montenegro and a Portugese striker. Another two Italian players will join the squad in Italy. Pietà are yet to sign a third foreigner to team up with Mauro Di Lello and Nisevic.
Also part of the squad are Chris Okoh, Cleaven Frendo and Keith Darmanin who were on loan with other clubs. Okoh played for Birkirkara in season 2001/02 and Sliema Wanderers last year. Darmanin was loaned to Mqabba and then St. George's while Frendo joined Lija Athletic in January.
Since last season, Pietà Hotspurs lost Jamie Pace and Lee Lombardi to Sliema Wanderers, Kevin Mamo and Malcolm Licari to Marsaxlokk, Sharlon Pace who returned with Valletta while Vincent Obidimalor and Giacomo Paniccia were released.
- Maltese international referee Joe Attard and both his assistant referees, Philip Agius and Konrad G. Borg were all accredited with an excellent 9.3 mark by the UEFA Referees Observor for their efficient control of the UEFA Intertoto Cup match between the Bundesliga side FC Schalke 04 and FC Dacia Chisinau of Macedonia played in Gelsenkirchen last Saturday.
Meanwhile local referees and assistant referees have been assigned the following overseas appointments in UEFA competitions:
UEFA Cup - Cwmbram Town vs Maccabi Haifa (14/08/03)
Referee - Anton Zammit; Asst. Referee 1 - James Vella Clark; Asst. Referee 2 - Joe Rapa
4th Official - Marco Borg
Under-21 Friendly Match - Switzerland vs France (20/08/03)
Referee - Joe Attard; Asst. Referee 1 - Philip Agius; Asst. Referee 2 - Alan Camilleri.
UEFA Cup - FK Belasica v NS Publikum (28/08/03)
Referee - Adrian D. Casha; Asst. Referee 1 - Ingmar Spiteri; Asst. Referee 2 - Konrad G. Borg; Fourth Official - Paul Caruana
UEFA U-19 Group 6 Mini-Tournament in San Marino (18-22/09/03)
Referee - Adrian D. Casha; Asst. Referee - Alan Camilleri.
UEFA U-19 Group 9 Mini-Tournament in Sweden (07-12/10/03)
Referee - Anton Zammit; Asst. Referee - Joseph Camilleri.
- Malta international defender Luke Dimech is currently on trial with English Third Division Mansfield Town.
Dimech, who moved to England earlier this month in a bid to secure a contract with an English club, had a trial with Third Division champions Rushden & Diamonds. But after being released by the Diamonds, the 25-year old defender moved to Mansfield.
Luke Dimech already made two appearances for the Stags in two friendly matches. Last week, he was included in Mansfield's starting line-up as they drew 2-2 away to Selby Town. His performance, in the heart of defence, was a positive one.
Last Wednesday, Mansfield hosted First Division side Coventry City. Dimech was substituted fifteen minutes from time.
Manager Keith Curle is expected to take another look at the Maltese international in another match at Scarborough on Saturday.
Meanwhile Birkirkara are still willing to offer the player a new contract especially ahead of the UEFA Cup qualifying round matches against Ferencvaros.
Dimech joined the Stripes in January after being released by Irish Premier League side Shamrock Rovers.
- In a friendly match at De La Salle, Marsaxlokk defeated Naxxar Lions 4-0, two goals each by Malcolm Licari and Johan Zammit.
- The MFA Technical Centre will hold the first Instructional meeting of the new Season 2003/04 for all ‘A’ and ‘B’ Licence coaches and UEFA ‘A’ and UEFA ‘B’ Coaches on Monday, 11th August, 2003, at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali, starting at 5.30pm (17.30hrs).
Mr Tom A. Restall, Head of the MFA Referees Department, will deliver a lecture on the ‘Recent Amendments of the Rules of the Game’.