September 2003
Tue 30
- Hamrun Spartans coach Patrick Curmi tendered his resignation following Sunday's 0-1 defeat to Balzan Youths.
This defeat against a team which was yet to win its first point left the Spartans anchored at the bottom of the table without any points after five matches.
Curmi, a former coach of Lija, Pietà and Marsa but who had started his career with the Spartans' youth sector, had joined Hamrun this summer replacing Atanas Marinov.
His assistant, Stefan Sultana, will take over the team temporarily.
Mon 29
- Pietà Hotspurs filed a protest on Monday morning against the result of the MIA Premier League match against Msida St. Joseph on Friday.
The Hotspurs claim that Gordian Ohaegbu, who was included as a substitute six minutes from time, was an ineligible player as his name was not included in the official line-up.
The protest will be heard on Thursday evening.
Msida St. Joseph won 2-0, a brace by Oluyuwima Aganun.
- Premier League Hibernians vs Sliema W. 0-2
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Gozo 1-4, St. George's vs Attard 5-1
Sun 28
- UEFA Women's Championship Croatia vs Malta 3-0
The women's team, guided by coaches Pierre Brincat and Alfred Zammit, suffered a 3-0 defeat to Croatia in the third match from Group 5 of the UEFA Women's Championship at the NK Vrbovec Stadium in Vrbovec. The Croatians proved to be the toughest opponents so far for the Maltese side.
- Premier League Balzan Y. vs Hamrun S. 1-0, Floriana vs Birkirkara 2-1
- First Division Rabat A. vs Mosta 1-1, Mqabba vs Marsa 4-3
- Second Division Mellieha vs Zurrieq 4-1, Xghajra T. vs Gzira U. 0-0
- Third Division Luqa SA vs Qormi 1-0, Sta. Venera L. vs Gudja U. 2-1
- Gozo - GFA Cup Ghajnsielem vs Sannat L. 1-3, Nadur Y. vs Victoria H. 3-0
- Luke Dimech returned for English Third Division side Mansfield Town when he was included as a substitute in the Stags' 2-1 win over Cambridge United away from home.
It was an excellent result for Mansfield considering that they were reduced to nine men after having two players sent off.
Dimech, who has been missing since suffering an injury on August 19 in an international friendly with Luxembourg, replaced Tony Vaughan in the second half.
Mansfield Town are currently fifth in the table with 17 points from ten matches. Swansea City lead the standings with 22 points.
- Michael Mifsud scored for Kaiserslautern Amateure as they defeated Sportfreunde Siegen 2-0.
Sat 27
- First Division San Gwann vs St. Patrick 0-1, Naxxar L. vs Lija A. 1-2
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs St. Andrews 2-2, Vittoriosa S. vs Zejtun C. 0-0
- Gozo - GFA Cup Xewkija T. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-0 (1-3 pen), Zebbug R. vs Qala SJ 3-0
Fri 26
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Pietà H. 2-0, Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 2-0
- Third Division Sta. Lucia vs Birzebbuga SP 0-2, Mgarr U. vs Ta' Xbiex 0-0
Thu 25
- The Malta Football Association and its President, Dr. Joe Mifsud appeal to players, referees, fans and officials through the country to help promote the spirit of fair play during the FIFA World Fair Play Day.
FIFA is holding the seventh World Fair Play Day during the weekend of the 27th and 28th September to coincide with the final competition of the FIFA Women's Word Cup USA 2003. This initiative has the personal support of FIFA President Mr. Joseph S. Blatter.
"Fair play is essential to our sport and to everyone involved in it," declared Dr. Mifsud. "We need to nurture the values of sporting spirit and to work tirelessly to keep up the momentum. We are appealing to all football fans in Malta to help us celebrate the FIFA World Fair Play Day successfully."
President Blatter recognized the fundamental role of fair play in sport and the need to apply it to all children's sporting activities. "Watching children playing football makes you realize how naturally fair play comes to them and how essential good manners are for human beings," he commented. "FIFA's fair play campaign involves much more than simply promoting fair play on the pitch during a competition. In addition to its numerous activities designed to improve the sporting environment for every one concerned in football, FIFA is committed to encouraging fair play in society too leading by example and showing fairness, impartiality and solidarity among all of its groups."
This is the seventh FIFA World Fair Play Day to be celebrated since being introduced in 1997. In previous years, activities were held in dozens of countries around the world, including Malta, from grass roots to top-flight football and in many community-based projects.
This year the Malta F.A. will be celebrating the 2003 FIFA World Fair Play day on the 28th September 2003 at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali. Fair Play Messages will be announced on the Public Address System while the Fair Play Flag will accompany the teams onto the playing field. The players of both teams and the match officials will also be asked to pose together for a joint photo before the start of the match.
- Following the 2-2 draw with Israel in Antalya, Malta managed to climb two places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta is now sharing the 129th place with Mozambique.
The other European countries lying behind Malta are Andorra (140), LIechtenstein (143), Luxembourg (151) and San Marino (158).
Wed 24
- UEFA Women's Championship Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Malta 1-0
Playing only their second ever full international match on foreign soil, the women's team, guided by coaches Pierre Brincat and Alfred Zammit, lost by a solitary goal scored just fifteen minutes from time.
At the KSC Hrasnica Stadium in Sarevejo, the gallant Maltese girls played their hearts out throughout the game and could have snatched a draw against the home side seeking their first win of the Group.
The Maltese also created several good scoring chances and were aslo denied a penalty early in the second half.
Skipper Dorianne Theuma, Catherine Camilleri and Rebecca D'Agostino stood out for Malta.
Malta will be in action once again on Sunday when they entertain Croatia at the NK Vrbovec Stadium in Vrbovec. Croatia are currently second in the group with a win and a draw.
The Maltese squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara), Esther Farrugia (Mosta), Michelle Zahra (Hibernians);
defenders Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Leslie Ann Galea (Hibernians), Natasha Pace (Melita), Alexandra Sammut (Mosta), Dorienne Theuma (Hibernians), Joanne Vella (Hibernians);
midfielders Tessie Agius (Hibernians), Francesca Griffin Busuttil (Melita), Jane Coates (Mosta), Rebecca D'Agostino (Birkirkara), Chantelle Fenech (Birkirkara), Alexia Scicluna (Birkirkara) and
strikers Eleonora Agliano (Raiders), Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara) and Dionne Tonna (Hibernians).
- The Malta Football Association is in no hurry to appoint a new national coach and it could take a number of weeks before a decision is taken. This emerged from a press conference which was held at the MFA Technical Centre, Ta' Qali and which was addressed by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud.
Mifsud made it clear that on top of the agenda is the analysis of the current situation of the national team. A team which should have the target of doing well in the World Cup 2006 campaign, the draws for which will be held in January.
Although the MFA is still reviewing the national team set-up, Mifsud hinted that a full-professional system similar to the one which was established in 1985 was no longer possible mainly due to the fact that a number of players cannot join such a scheme due to their work commitments. Mifsud also did not rule out the possibility that the new coach could be a Maltese, as long as he has the necessary qualifications.
The MFA president argued that Malta managed to make progress over the past years. However the progress registered by other countries was bigger. He said that under Sigi Held, Malta managed to go six matches without defeat but something went wrong and Malta failed to obtain positive results since then.
MFA technical director Horst Heese and Under-21 coach Mark Miller are now in charge of the national team training. Seven players who used to form part of the Under-21 squad, but who are now ineligible to play in the next Under-21 campaign, have now been invited to train with the senior side.
The first commitment for the team is the traditional biennial tournament, the Malta International Tournament, which was known as the Rothmans International Tournament. Dr Mifsud said that the teams who will be taking part have already been confirmed although he failed to disclose who the teams are.
Meanwhile Alex Vella and Ivan Vella were appointed as Media Officer and National Teams Secretary respectively.
- The matches from the MIA Premier League and the MIA First Division League which were postponed last week will be played in November and October respectively.
The MIA Premier League clash between Floriana and Hibernians which was postponed due to the severe thunderstorm that hit the island on September 15 is now set to bring the first round to an end as it has now been scheduled for Wednesday November 5 at the Centenary Stadium.
The first round was due to end on October 27 with the reseeding of the pitch at the National Stadium starting immediately after. The second round gets underway on November 16 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
Meanwhile the two MIA First Division matches which scheduled to be played on Saturday September 20 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun but which were postponed as the pitch was unfit for play, will now be held on Wednesday October 8. The matches were those between St. Patrick and Naxxar Lions, Rabat Ajax and Senglea Athletic.
- Five Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off during the weekend.
Hamrun Spartans duo Aaron Attard and Evano Briffa will both miss the direct clash with Balzan Youths. David Carabott of Marsaxlokk will be unavailable to play against his former club Valletta while Riad Gango-Rtsa and Clifton Ciantar of Floriana will miss the game against Birkirkara.
Other players to be suspended were Shantlo Felice and Anton Genovese of Gharghur, Donald Vella of Ghaxaq, Philip Farrugia of Zurrieq and Christian Grech of St. George's. Gharghur coach Martin Gregory was fined Lm 25.
Tue 23
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Pembroke A vs St. George's 0-6
Mon 22
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Fgura U. vs Zebbug R. 0-5, Sta. Venera L. vs Gharghur 3-0
Sun 21
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Msida SJ 0-2, Sliema W. vs Floriana 4-1
- First Division Mosta vs Mqabba 1-2, Marsa vs Tarxien R. 4-3
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Luqa SA vs Siggiewi 2-0, Sirens vs Zurrieq 0-4, Mellieha vs Xghajra T. 5-0, Gzira U. vs Ghaxaq 6-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup Xewkija T. vs Sannat L. 3-1
- Malta's Under-17 side lost to Northern Ireland by two goals to one in their third and final game of the UEFA Under-17 Championship Mini-Tournament played in Finland to end up fourth in the final classification.
After a balance first half, the Irish applied more pressure after the interval in their bid to win maximum points to qualify as runners-up in Group Two.
After 15 minutes play in the second half, Maltese defender Steve Bezzina was sent off for a professional foul and from the resultant free-kick the Irish scored their opening goal.
Twenty minutes later Floriana's forward Angus Buhagiar scored levelled the score for Malta but with just four minutes to go striker Michael O'Conner scored the winning goal for the Irish.
Malta: Joshua Galea, Edmund Agius, Steven Bezzina, Emaneul Cutajar, Brandon Bonnici, J. Grioli (Ryan Camilleri), Matthew Borg (Ryan Mifsud), Joe Vassallo, Angus Buhagiar, Joel Sammut Vasquez, Benjamin Camilleri (Dylan Zarb).
With this win the Irish qualified for the Finals together with the host country, Finland, who managed to win all their three matches.
Sat 20
- First Division St. Patrick vs Naxxar L. and Rabat A. vs Senglea A. postponed
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Sta. Lucia vs Mgarr U. 4-0, Dingli S. vs Zejtun C. 3-1
- The women's national team will be travelling to the former Yugoslavia in order to play two matches from the Group 5 of the qualifying round of the 6th Women's Championship.
Malta travels first to Sarajevo where they face Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday. On Sunday, Malta entertains Croatia at the NK Vrbovec Stadium in Vrbovec.
Considering that the 3-0 defeat to Romania last month marked Malta's debut in the international scene, the result was not a negative one. In fact, a number of big scores were registered in other qualifiers.
Croatia are currently second in the group with a win and a draw. On the other hand, Bosnia suffered two defeats to Croatia and Ireland.
Malta coach Pierre Brincat named a 19-strong squad for these two matches.
The squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara), Esther Farrugia (Mosta), Michelle Zahra (Hibernians);
defenders Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Leslie Ann Galea (Hibernians), Natasha Pace (Melita), Alexandra Sammut (Mosta), Dorienne Theuma (Hibernians), Joanne Vella (Hibernians);
midfielders Tessie Agius (Hibernians), Francesca Griffin Busuttil (Melita), Jane Coates (Mosta), Rebecca D'Agostino (Birkirkara), Chantelle Fenech (Birkirkara), Alexia Scicluna (Birkirkara) and
strikers Eleonora Agliano (Raiders), Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara) and Dionne Tonna (Hibernians).
Fri 19
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Marsaxlokk 1-1, Birkirkara vs Balzan Y. 3-0
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Birzebbuga SP vs Ta' Xbiex 2-2, Attard vs Vittoriosa S. 0-2
- Maltese officials were appointed by UEFA to control matches from the first leg of the UEFA Cup on Wednesday September 24.
Lorry Sammut will be controlling the match between Israeli side Hapoel Ramat Gan and PFC Levski Sofia of Bulgaria which will be played in Slovakia. He will be assisted by assistant referees Ingmar Spiteri and Alan Camilleri and fourth official Roberto J. Buontempo.
The match between FC Utrecht of Holland and MSK Zilina of Slovakia will be controlled by Anton Zammit. Assistant referees Philip Agius and James Vella Clark together with fourth official Mark Spiteri will be assisting Zammit.
Thu 18
- Malta's U-17 side, coached by Mark Miller, lost to Croatia by one goal to nil in their second match of the UEFA U-17 Mini-Tournament being played in Finland.
In a match played at the Iisalmi Stadium on Thursday morning, the Croatians notched their first win of the Tournament thanks to a scrambled goal scored four minutes into injury time to the disappointment of the young Maltese who put up a spirited performace.
The Maltese lost their opening match by three goals to nil to the host Finland on Tuesday while Croatia and Northern Ireland drew 2-2.
Malta plays its last match against Northern Ireland on Saturday at noon.
- The Instructional Meeting for Coaches programmed for last Monday, 15th september, 2003, which had to be cancelled because of inclement weather will now take place on Monday, 22nd September, 2003, at 5.30pm at Ta' Qali Training Grounds.
This Instructional Meeting is intended for Foundation, Youth Development Diploma, Coaching Young Footballers and 'C' Diploma Coaches.
Wed 17
- The MFA Technical Centre will hold a Goalkeepers' Coaching Course from the 27th December to the 30th December, 2003, both dates inclusive.
The course will be conducted by Mr Maarten Arts, Dutch goalkeeper of FC Utrecht.
All interested coaches can apply at the MFA Technical Centre (Tel. 21411505 or 21 411749) by not later than 27th September, 2003.
- A week has passed since the final EURO 2004 clash between Israel and Malta brought to an end Siegfried Held's term as national coach. Since then the Malta Football Association started its search for the new coach who will lead Malta through the World Cup 2006 campaign.
A number of meetings to discuss the national team set-up have already been held and others are in programme in the coming days and weeks. The topic regarding the appointment of a new coach naturally cropped up.
Over the past months, the sporting public has been demanding for the appointment of a Maltese coach as the national team mentor. In fact one often compares the positive results obtained by the Under-21 side especially during Ray Farrugia's term as U-21 coach with those obtained by the senior side. The results of the latter prove that the national team showed hardly any improvement in the recent years under the guidance of Pietro Ghedin (now assistant coach of Trapattoni with Italy), Milorad Kosanovic (now with top Chinese side Dalian Shide), Josif Ilic (now with Vojvodina) and Siegfried Held.
The last national coach to be a Maltese was Pippo Psaila. Under his guidance, Malta won five matches and drew three out of a total 17 matches, the best performance overall in the last three decades.
Four Maltese coaches are on the possible list of candidates. Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia was a favourite with the media and the sporting public to be appointed as national coach two years ago when the contract of Josif Ilic was terminated. However Held was preferred to Farrugia and he joined Pietà. It is an open secret that coaching the national team is Ray Farrugia's main target.
Another former U-21 national coach Robert Gatt is another possible candidate. Gatt formed part of the national team sector for several years having coached the Malta Under-16 and Under-18 sides as well and also acted as care-taker coach with the senior side in 1996 during the Rothmans International Tournament. He is currently under contract with Hibernians and had earlier coached Birkirkara.
Birkirkara coach Stephen Azzopardi, on the other hand, is definitely the one with the highest qualifications. Azzopardi had formed part of the MFA's technical centre before joining Balzan Youths helping them to win promotion from Division 3 to Division 1 and eventually signing for Birkirkara with whom he won all the major honours, except for the Premier League.
The latest candidate is former national team captain Carmel Busuttil, the first Maltese player to collect hundred national team caps. Earlier this year, he followed the UEFA A Licence Coaching Course. Busuttil has his own school of football - the Buzu School of Football.
But the new Malta coach could also be a foreigner. In fact, 43-year old German coach Wolfgang Rolff, a former player of Hamburger SV, Bayer Leverkusen, KFC Uerdingen 05, Karlsruher SC, 1. FC Köln and Fortuna Köln, has also been linked with the job. Rolff was an assistant to Berti Vogts and was also a caretaker coach with VfB Stuttgart for a short period in season 1998/99.
With the first competitive game for the national team set for autumn 2004, the Malta Football Association could opt to take more time to consider all possibilites, especially since the national team set-up is also being analysed.
In such case, Mark Miller and Horst Heese could stay in charge of the national team temporarily for the Malta International Football Tournament which will be held in February although Heese's contract as MFA Technical Director expires in December.
- Twelve players were handed a one match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Marco Catania and Etienne Spiteri (Mqabba), Christian Muscat (Rabat Ajax) and Charles Sciberras (Mosta) were suspended in Division 1. Chris Scerri (Gharghur), Massimo Borg (Qormi) and Melvin Agius (Sta. Lucia) in the Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
The other players to be suspended were from the Youth League: Christian Agius (Dingli), Frankie Barbara (Fgura), Gilbert Grech (Mgarr), Sharlon Mercieca (Zejtun), Jeffrey Camilleri (Zurrieq).
Tue 16
- Malta's Under-17 side suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts Finland in the opening match from the 2003/04 UEFA European Under-17 Championship Group 2 mini-tournament.
Russian-born Roma Eremenko put Finland ahead after just two minutes and doubled the score Manchester United youngster Jami Puustinen. Malta improved after half-time but Finland added a third in the 69th minute thanks Alexander Weckström.
After the game Malta coach Mark Miller said "I have to give credit to my players, as most of them today were playing their first international. Finland looked like they will make it to the second round."
Malta plays Croatia on Thursday and Northern Ireland on Saturday.
Mon 15
- Premier League Floriana vs Hibernians postponed
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gharghur vs St. Andrews 0-4
- MFA Technical Director Horst Heese and MFA Youth sector coach Mark Miller will be guiding training sessions for national team players as from Monday until a new national coach is appointed.
This decision was taken following a meeting of the executive committee on Friday for which the members of the technical staff were also present
Heese already coached the national team between 1988 and 1991. Miller on the other hand, is currently the coach of the Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21 sides.
Siegfried Held's term as national coach ended on Wednesday with a 2-2 draw with Israel in Antalya. Held had replaced Josif Ilic in June 2001.
Sun 14
- Premier League Balzan Y. vs Sliema W. 1-3, Valletta vs Pietà H. 1-2
- First Division Lija A. vs Marsa 3-0, Tarxien R. vs Mosta 3-4
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Zebbug R. vs Melita 3-0, Xghajra T. vs Luqa SA 1-2, Kirkop U. vs Gzira U. 0-1, St. George's vs Gudja U. 1-1
- Gozo - Independence Cup Ghajnsielem vs Sannat L. 3-4, Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 0-1
Sat 13
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun S. 3-2, Msida SJ vs Birkirkara 1-7
- First Division Senglea A. vs San Gwann 0-3, Mqabba vs Rabat A. 4-0
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Zurrieq vs Qormi 0-2, Mellieha vs Siggiewi 2-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup Qala SJ vs Xaghra U. 1-4, Xewkija T. vs St. Lawrence S. 4-3 golden goal
- Malta international defender Luke Dimech will be signing a one-year contract with English Third Division side Mansfield Town. The contract also includes an option for another 12 months.
Dimech was unlucky to sustain a knee injury after playing just three matches in August after agreeing to join the club on a short-term contract. However his fine performances prompted manager Keith Curle to ask the management of the club to offer the Maltese international defender a one-year contract.
Dimech, who started his career in England as a youth player with Lincoln City, had moved to Malta to join Sliema Wanderers and after a short spell with Shamrock Rovers in Ireland last season, he joined Birkirkara, helping them claim the FA Trophy and the Super Cup.
Fri 12
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Ta' Xbiex vs Dingli S. 0-1, Vittoriosa S. vs Sta. Lucia 3-1
- Former Malta international defender Jeffrey Farrugia joined Second Division side Gzira United.
Farrugia, who is a former player of Valletta, Zurrieq, Floriana, Hibernians, Birkirkara and Balzan Youths, signed a one-year contract with the Maroons.
The 34-year old defender is expected to strengthen the Gzira defence as they aim for promotion to Division 1. In fact, Jeffrey Farrugia helped Balzan Youths win three promotions from the Third to the Premier League in four years.
Jeffrey Farrugia is eligible to play for Gzira as they face Kirkop United in a match from the Second and Third Division Knock-Out.
Thu 11
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Birzebbuga SP vs Zejtun C. 1-8, Attard vs Mgarr U. 9-0
Wed 10
- EURO 2004 Qualifying Round Israel vs Malta 2-2
- Officials from the Armenian FA allege that approaches were made to Armenia to fix last Saturday's UEFA EURO 2004 qualifying game in favour of Greece. Greece won the away tie in Yerevan 1-0.
Ruben Hayrapetyan, president of the Football Federation of Armenia, informed Maltese UEFA match delegate Tommy Restall about this attempt.
UEFA has now appointed a disciplinary inspector to investigate these allegations. The inspector has been asked to look at all aspects of the allegations including the way in which the allegations were made.
UEFA's director of communications and public affairs, Mike Lee said "Once the inspection is complete, UEFA will decide what if any future steps are needed." The inspector will have to report back before the final series of qualifying matches on October 11.
Lee said the Greek FA had written to UEFA and refuted the allegations.
- Mansfield Town manager Keith Curle is set to start negotiations as he aims to retain Luke Dimech and Dave Artell whose one month contract expired last Sunday.
A knee cartilage problem ruled the Maltese international defender out of the last four matches after playing three matches.
A club spokesman said: "Luke's still not quite fit yet and there's still no deal been done with Dave so we're still no further forward."
- Six players were suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Wednesday.
Mario Debono (Mellieha), Roberto Pisani (St. Andrews), Joseph Borg and Jesmond Schembri (Ta' Xbiex), Stavros Scicluna (Zejtun) and Elvin Sammut (Rabat U-19) were all handed a one-match ban.
Tue 9
- UEFA Under-21 Championship Israel vs Malta 3-0
Malta's Under-21 side suffered a 3-0 defeat to Israel in the final match from the UEFA European Championship qualifying round campaign on Tuesday.
In front of around 300 spectators at the Ataturk Stadium in Antalya - Turkey, Tamir Cohen put Israel ahead on 57 minutes and Omer Golan doubled the score on 63 minutes. Reuven Oved scored the third goal two minutes from time.
Mark Miller's side therefore ended its campaign with one point from eight matches but without having scored a single goal.
This game marked the last appearance with the Under-21 side for a number of players. In fact, goalkeeper Justin Haber, defenders Clifton Ciantar and Kurt Farrugia, midfielders Kevin Sammut and Roderick Briffa and striker Antoine Zahra in fact were all born in 1981 and will no longer be eligible since they will be over-age when the next Under-21 campaign gets underway in Autumn 2004.
Malta lined-up as follows: Justin Haber, Kurt Farrugia, Clifton Ciantar, Roderick Briffa, Ian Azzopardi, Shawn Tellus (65' Shaun Bajada), Kevin Sammut, Trevor Cilia, Antoine Zahra (89' Antoine Sacco), Gareth Sciberras, Roderick Bajada.
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gudja U. vs Pembroke A. 2-1
- Malta hopes to wrap up its EURO 2004 commitments with a positive result as they face Israel at the Ataturk Stadium in Antalya, Turkey on Wednesday, kick-off at 17:00. In fact, after having played seven matches, Malta is still lying at the bottom of the table without any points.
The match is being held in Turkey following a ban which was imposed by UEFA in March 2002 because of the serious security situation.
The game in Antalya will be the last one with Sigfried Held as Malta coach.
The contract of the former German international players expires after this
match and the Malta FA is against renewing his contract after the team
failed to collect any points from this campaign. Held himself admitted in the controversial Spiegel-Online interview that this was his last game and that he will return to Dortmund after the game.
Held's major concern on Wendesday is the absence of a number of players for one reason or another. With Darren Debono having just resumed training and therefore lacking match-fitness, the German mentor had to leave Saviour Darmanin and Gilbert Agius as they are both suspended. Luke Dimech has just undergone surgery following an injury he suffered in the last international friendly against Luxembourg last month. George Mallia was the latest casualty as he broke his fore-arm during a training session at Ta' Qali.
The absence of these two players forced Held to include two new players in squad: Etienne Barbara of Marsaxlokk and Michael Galea of Birkirkara.
With Dimech unavailable, Barbara could replace him in defence although he is now more used to playing more in midfield or in attack. Theuma could be the other solution. In attack, Daniel Bogdanovic should replace George Mallia.
Michael Mifsud who picked up a knock in Kaiserslautern Amateure's 1-1 draw with Saarbrucken last Saturday is expected to recover in time for the game.
The starting line-up should therefore be: Mario Muscat, William Camenzuli, Jeffrey Chetcuti, David Carabott, Brian Said, Etienne Barbara (Daniel Theuma), Noel Turner, Stefan Giglio, Michael Mifsud, Chucks Nwoko, Daniel Bogdanovic.
The other players at Held's disposal are Justin Haber, Carlo Mamo, Jonathan Holland, Miguel Mifsud, Michael Galea and Adrian Mifsud.
The match officials are referee Eric Blareau of Belgium, assistant referees Marcel Mallach, Peter Hermans and fourth official Peter Vervecken of Belgium.
Mon 8
- International Friendly Turkey Under-18 vs Malta Under-19 2-0
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Siggiewi vs Xghajra T. 2-1, Ghaxaq vs Kirkop U. 1-2, Melita vs Fgura U. 2-1, St. Andrews vs Sta. Venera L. 1-2
- Mark Miller's Under-21 side will be facing Israel in the final match from the UEFA European Championship qualifying round campaign on Tuesday. The game will be played at the Ataturk Stadium in Antalya - Turkey.
The team will be doing its best to end its commitments with a positive result considering that this game will mark the last appearance with the Under-21 side for a number of players. Goalkeeper Justin Haber, defenders Clifton Ciantar and Kurt Farrugia, midfielders Kevin Sammut and Roderick Briffa and striker Antoine Zahra in fact were all born in 1981 and will no longer be eligible since they will be over-age when the next Under-21 campaign gets underway in Autumn 2004.
With Jonathan Bondin of Valletta and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza of Floriana pulling out of the squad due to work commitments, Miller included Balzan Youths defender Alex Muscat just before the squad made the trip to Turkey.
Another two key players, Christian Cassar and Lee Lombardi, are missing from the squad as they are both suffering from long-term injuries.
At Ta' Qali, Israel had registered a narrow 1-0 win, a goal by Guillermo Israilevich just before half-time. Last Friday, Israel's Under-21 side registered its second win beating Slovenia 2-1 away from home. However they are still second from bottom with seven points from six matches.
Malta, on the other hand, lies at the bottom of the table with just one point following a goalless draw with Slovenia in April. However Malta is yet to score a goal.
The players at Miller's disposal are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Birkirkara), Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
defenders Ian Azzopardi and Clifton Ciantar (Floriana), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà), Kurt Farrugia (Valletta), Alex Muscat (Balzan), Shaun Tellus (Balzan), Kurt Zammit (Valletta);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Hamrun), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Kevin Sammut (Sliema) and
strikers Nicolò Baldacchino (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Antoine Sacco (Valletta) and Antoine Zahra (Hibernians).
The referee is Siarhei Shmolik of Belarus. He will be assisted by Yury Dupanau and Viachaslau Bykau and fourth official Aleh Chykun.
Sun 7
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mgarr U. vs Vittoriosa S. 0-1, Zejtun C. vs Ta' Xbiex 2-2, Sta. Lucia vs Attard 0-1, Qormi vs Sirens 3-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup Nadur Y. vs SK Victoria W. 4-0
- UEFA fined Valletta FC the sum of 4,500 Swiss Francs, around Lm 1,250, after being found guilty of improper conduct in the first leg of the UEFA Cup qualifying round against Neuchâtel Xamax of Switzerland on August 12.
During that game, Valletta had four players receiving a yellow card: Ivan Zammit, Manol Georgiev, Todor Simeonov and Keith Fenech. Gilbert Agius was sent off.
The Valletta captain was suspended for two matches - one for the dismissal and another for the serious foul play. He will serve this two-match ban next season.
Meanwhile Sliema Wanderers were given a warning by UEFA for violation of UEFA directives. These directive state that whenever a club is taking part in the draws of any UEFA competition, a club representative should be present for the draws.
However after Sliema managed to eliminate Skonto Riga of Latvia in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League, they failed to send a representative for the draws of the third qualifying round which were held at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon.
- Israel had two players sent off late in the game as Slovenia registered a 3-1 win at the Central Stadium in Ljubljana.
Two goals in two minutes towards the end of the first half by Šiljak and Knavs gave Slovenia a two-goal lead. Haim Revivo pulled one back for Israel on 69 minutes but nine minutes later, Ceh restored the lead for the hosts.
Rough tackles by midfielder Avi Nimny and defender Tal Ben Haim earned them two red cards which rule them out of Wednesday's clash with Malta at the Ataturk Stadium in Antalya, Turkey.
The match is being held in Turkey following a ban which was imposed by UEFA in March 2002 because of the serious security situation.
The players at Israel coach Avraham Grant's disposal are:
goalkeepers Shavit Elimelech, Nir Davidovic;
defenders Arik Benado, Adoram Keisi, Alon Harazi, Avishay Zano, Shimon Gershon, Ori Uzan;
midfielders Walid Badier, Idan Tal, Michael Zandberg, Josef Abuksis, Gay Zarfati, Eyal Berkovic and
strikers Yossi Benayoun, Omri Afek, Pini Balili, Haim Revivo and Shay Holtzman.
Israel are currently third in the table with 8 points from six matches. They registered wins over Malta and Cyprus and drew with Cyprus and Slovenia.
Sat 6
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Luqa SA vs Mellieha 1-3, Dingli S. vs Birzebbuga SP 1-0
- Gozo - Independence Cup Zebbug R. vs Qala SJ 0-1, Xewkija T. vs Oratory Y. 2-1
- National coaches Siegfried Held and Mark Miller named the final squads for next week's EURO 2004 and UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Israel. Etienne Barbara and Michael Galea were included in the senior squad while Under-21 goalkeeper Justin Haber will also act as a deputy to Mario Muscat in the senior side.
The two teams together with the Under-19 side left Malta on Sunday morning on Airmalta flight KM 3786, destination Antalya.
Etienne Barbara earned a national team call following some impressive performances with Marsaxlokk. The former Floriana midfielder was axed by Under-21 coach Mark Miller following a series of clashes between the two.
On the other hand, Michael Galea, joint top-scorer at the end of last season, replaced the injured George Mallia. Besides Mallia, another two players were dropped from the provisional squad - David Camilleri and Malcolm Licari, both of Marsaxlokk. Both are recovering from slight injuries.
Another three players were not available. Goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin is ruled out through suspension after being sent off in the game against Cyprus while Gilbert Agius was also handed a one-match ban after collecting a second yellow card. Luke Dimech, on the other hand, is recovering from an injury.
The 18 players selected by Held are:
goalkeeper Justin Haber (Birkirkara), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Etienne Barbara (Marsaxlokk), William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), Jeffrey Chetcuti, Carlo Mamo and Brian Said (Sliema), Daniel Theuma (Valletta);
midfielders David Carabott (Marsaxlokk), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Jonathan Holland (Floriana), Miguel Mifsud (Hibs), Noel Turner (Sliema) and
strikers Daniel Bogdanovic (Sliema), Michael Galea (Birkirkara), Adrian Mifsud (Hibernians), Michael Mifsud (Kaiserslautern), Chucks Nwoko (Birkirkara).
The senior side plays on Wednesday at the Ataturk Stadium in Antalya, kick-off at 18:00. The match officials are referee Eric Blareau of Belgium, assistant referees Marcel Mallach, Peter Hermans and fourth official Peter Vervecken of Belgium.
Under-21 coach Mark Miller included a new player who did not figure on the provisional list which was announced on Tuesday. Balzan Youths defender Alex Muscat was included in the squad. On the other hand, three players were dropped: Jonathan Bondin (Valletta), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Floriana). Both Bondin and Mifsud Triganza were unable to make the trip due to work commitments.
For this final game from this campaign, Miller could not count on two key players - Christian Cassar and Lee Lombardi as they are both suffering from long-term injuries.
The players selected by Miller are therefore:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Birkirkara), Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
defenders Ian Azzopardi and Clifton Ciantar (Floriana), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà), Kurt Farrugia (Valletta), Alex Muscat (Balzan), Shaun Tellus (Balzan), Kurt Zammit (Valletta);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Hamrun), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Kevin Sammut (Sliema) and
strikers Nicolò Baldacchino (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Antoine Sacco (Valletta) and Antoine Zahra (Hibernians).
The game will also be played at the Ataturk Stadium, at 18:00. The referee is Siarhei Shmolik of Belarus. He will be assisted by Yury Dupanau and Viachaslau Bykau and fourth official Aleh Chykun.
Meanwhile Mark Miller also named the Under-19 squad which will also travel to Turkey. Malta U-19 meets Turkey U-18 in a friendly match at the Alanya Stadium in Antalya on Monday. Miller will use this game as a warm-up for the forthcoming commitments in the UEFA Under-19 Championships.
The Under 19 squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Matthew Farrugia (Sliema), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
defenders Steve Borda (Hibs), Glen Ghigo (Zurrieq), Carl Sammut and Jean Pierre Scerri (both Pietà), Kenneth Spiteri and Julian Vella (Hibs), John Zammit (Sliema);
midfielders Malcolm Abdilla (Pietà), Matthew Bartolo (Hibs), Thomas Caruana (St Patrick), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà), Paul Fenech (Naxxar), Andre Schembri (Hibs), Reuben Vella (Mellieha), Roderick Zammit (Pietà) and
forwards Ryan Deguara (Mosta), Clayton Failla (St Patrick), Dyson Falzon (Mosta).
- Following the publication of an interview, Malta national team coach Siegfried Held gave to a German correspondent, Alwin Schroeder, and carried in the magazine 'Spiegel Online' recently, the Malta FA has sought Mr Held's version of the article in question.
The Malta team national coach states:
"In the interview I gave to Alwin Schroeder of 'Spiegel Online' a while ago I only spoke about football and, among other things, pointed out some difficulties in the Maltese game. This was made in the context of difficulties some players have when they are undergoing preparation with the National Team, of which I am responsible".
"I must make it absolutely clear that in the interview I never referred to other things outside football. Anything else which was carried in the article was the personal view of the correspondent who, I must say, was on the Island for a short holiday."
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting on Monday, 15th September, 2003 for Foundation, Youth Development Diploma, Coaching Young Footballers and 'C' Diploma Coaches.
This meeting will commence at 17.30hrs at the MTC Training Grounds.
All coaches are advised to wear the proper attire for this practical
instructional session.
Other instructional meetings for these coaches will be held on November 10, January 12, March 15 and May 10.
Instructional meetings for 'A' and 'B' Diploma Coaches will be held on October 13, December 15, February 9, April 12 and June 14. All meetings will commence at 17.30hrs.
Fri 5
- Birkirkara striker Michael Galea will replace team-mate George Mallia who was forced to withdraw from the national squad after fracturing his forearm during a training session on Wednesday. This injury is expected rule Mallia out for six weeks.
This is the first time Galea was called to the senior squad by Sigi Held. The Birkirkara striker was a regular choice with Ray Farrugia's Under 21-side.
Galea made his debut for Malta in August 1997 in a friendly match against Hungary. Since then, he played another three matches.
From the provisional 19-man squad, Held will drop another two players. Birkirkara's Justin Haber will be the eighteenth player as he will act as the reserve goalkeeper to Mario Muscat.
The final EURO 2004 qualifier for Malta against Israel will be held at the Ataturk Stadium in Antalya, Turkey on Wednesday, kick-off at 20:00.
Thu 4
- Mansfield Town manager Keith Curle is still looking to sign Luke Dimech and Dave Artell on longer contracts as the month-long ones they signed run out on Sunday, according to The Nottingham Evening Post.
Luke Dimech is currently in Manchester for an operation on a torn cartilage he picked up playing for Malta two weeks ago. The operation will be carried out by the same surgeon Curle has used for the past 15-years. Curle is hopeful to offer the Maltese international defender a new contract once he recovers in the next few weeks.
Dimech had been outstanding in the three matches he played for the Stags before picking up a knee injury playing for Malta in Luxembourg.
Meanwhile the Football League will continue to operate an open domestic transfer system this season despite the closure of the worldwide transfer window at the end of the month. Clubs will be free to operate under the same 'open' system until the transfer deadline on March 25. They will also be able to make loan signings from the clubs of the FA Premier League and may subsequently make such moves permanent at any time.
Therefore even if Dimech is not offered a new contract, he could still move to another club in England.
Wed 3
- Twenty players were short-listed by Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller for next Tuesday's UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers.
Malta and Israel clash on Tuesday at the Ataturk Stadium in Antalya, Turkey. At Ta' Qali, Israel won 1-0.
For this final game from this campaign, Miller cannot count on two key players - Christian Cassar and Lee Lombardi as they are both suffering from long-term injuries.
The players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Birkirkara), Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
defenders Ian Azzopardi and Clifton Ciantar (Floriana), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà), Shaun Tellus (Balzan), Kurt Zammit (Valletta);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Hamrun), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Jonathan Bondin (Valletta), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Kurt Farrugia (Valletta), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Kevin Sammut (Sliema) and
strikers Nicolò Baldacchino (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Antoine Sacco (Valletta), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Floriana) and Antoine Zahra (Hibernians).
The Under 21 side is yet to score its first goal for almost two years. In fact since the 2-2 draw with Northern Ireland in October 2001, the team played ten matches, losing eight and suffering 15 goals. The two draws were in a competitive match against Slovenia and last month's friendly match in Luxembourg.
- Nigerian international midfielder Minabo Asechemie joined Polish second division side KS Cracovia.
Asechemie was on the verge of joining Marsaxlokk. However he failed to arrive in time to sign for the Southseasiders before last Friday's final deadline.
Minabo Asechemie started his career with Sharks of Port Harcourt in
Nigeria, joining Maltese side Marsa in Malta in November 2001. He played an
important part as they managed to avoid relegation that season. He played for another
season with Marsa and although his club was relegated, his fine
performances earned him a place in the national team of Nigeria.
Made his full international debut in the 3-1 victory against Ghana in the
LG Cup in Abuja in May. He was included as a substitute, in the final
against Cameroon, which Nigeria won 3-0.
This summer, Asechemie had trials with Viborg in Denmark and Bristol City in England.
- Three Premier League players were suspended for one game after being sent off during matches from the MIA Premier League this weekend.
Balzan Youths defender Sergio Capitta was sent off in Balzan's 1-2 defeat to Hibernians. Pierre Aquilina was dismissed in Pietà's 3-0 win over Hamrun Spartans while Charles Sciberras of Msida was shown the red card in the Saints' 4-1 win over Sliema Wanderers.
Sciberras misses the clash with Hamrun Spartans on September 13. Capitta will miss the game against Sliema on September 14 while Aquilina will be unavailable for the game between Pietà and Valletta on the same day.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising a course on Coaching Young Footballers at MFA's Technical Complex on Saturday, 11th and Sunday 12th October, 2003.
Applications may be collected from the Technical Centre at Ta' Qali (Att. Messrs Horst Heese, Joe Mallia or Nunzio Frendo) during office hours. A passport-size photo will be required.
Applications will be considered on a first-come-first served basis. The Closing Date will be Monday, 6th October, 2003.
Tue 2
- Malta international goalkeeper Mario Muscat launched his own Goalkeepers School, the first of its kind on the island.
Speaking during a press-conference at the Cottonera Sports Complex, Muscat said that something needs to be done immediately in order to have good goalkeepers in the short and in the long-term. He said that as Hibs captain and national team goalkeeper, he felt he should share his experience and talent to the many upcoming goalkeepers.
Muscat, who started his Premier League career as a 16-year-old with Hibernians in season 1993/94, claimed the school's aim is to help the young goalkeepers develop their talent. Emphasis will be put on discipline which should help the youngsters give their 100% in order to reach the best level possible.
The national team goalkeeper argued that one of the main reasons for which there is a lack of good-quality goalkeepers was the fact that clubs were not investing in the coaching of goalkeepers. In the national team sector, only the youths have a goalkeepers' coach - John Bonello, while there are only a couple of Premier League clubs who have a goalkeepers' coach.
The training programme of the Mario Muscat Goalkeepers School will involve the teaching of the basic skills, goalkeepers techniques, fitness training, flexibility training and reaction training.
Lectures will be given on a number of topics including nutrition, first aid, FIFA goalkeeper rules, mental relaxation and concentration, living as pro-players together with the screening of videos of professional goalkeepers.
The Hibernians goalkeeper said that individual attention will be given to the young goalkeepers. This would help them enhance their goalkeeping skills. There will be three age groups - 7-10 years, 10-13 years and 13-16 years.
Assisting Muscat in the school will be a number of active goalkeepers, including Justin Haber and Saviour Darmanin, and other coaches. Thanks to Tuttosport, who is sponsoring the school through Puma, there is the possibility of foreign goalkeepers being brought to Malta to test the young goalkeepers' skills.
The school is due to open at the end of October and will be held at the Luxol Grounds.
The Mario Muscat Goalkeepers School is sponsored by Medsea Shipping Agency, Powerade, Puma, Fujifilms, Peugeot and Stuart Pumps.
The school's website can be accessed at www.keeperschool.com
- Tartarni Tournament Final Lija A. vs Dingli S. 4-1
- There is a new face in the in Sigi Held's provisional 19-man squad ahead of the forthcoming EURO 2004 Qualifying Round match between Israel and Malta due to be played at the Ataturk Stadium in Ankara, Turkey. Marsaxlokk midfielder Etienne Barbara, who was axed by Under-21 coach Mark Miller following a series of clashes between the two, has been included following some fine performances with his club.
Joe Brincat who had earlier announced that he would have wished ending his international career with this game after being ruled out to play against Cyprus at Ta' Qali due to an injury is not part of the squad. The German coach did not even select the Sliema midfielder for last month's friendly match against Luxembourg as a disciplinary measure. This prompted Brincat to quit his international career.
Three players are definitely ruled out of the squad. Goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin is ruled out through suspension after being sent off in the game against Cyprus while Gilbert Agius was also handed a one-match ban after collecting a second yellow card. Luke Dimech, on the other hand, is recovering from an injury.
Held will have to announce the final list of 18 players by next Saturday. He is still to name a goalkeeper who should be either Justin Haber or Reuben Gauci who form part of the Under-21 squad.
The 19 players selected by Held are:
goalkeeper Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Jeffrey Chetcuti, Carlo Mamo and Brian Said (Sliema), Daniel Theuma (Valletta);
midfielders Etienne Barbara (Marsaxlokk), William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), David Camilleri and David Carabott (Marsaxlokk), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Jonathan Holland (Floriana), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Miguel Mifsud (Hibs), Noel Turner (Sliema) and
strikers Daniel Bogdanovic (Sliema), Malcolm Licari (Marsaxlokk), Adrian Mifsud (Hibernians), Michael Mifsud (Kaiserslautern), Chucks Nwoko (Birkirkara).
Mon 1
- Fgura United Tournament Final Kirkop U. vs Tarxien R. 0-5
- Tartarni Tournament Mqabba vs Mosta 4-2