November 2003

Sun 30

• Premier League Balzan Y. vs Hibernians 1-0, Msida SJ vs Sliema W. 0-1
• First Division Naxxar L. vs Mosta and San Gwann vs Rabat Ajax postponed
• Second Division Attard vs St. Andrews 2-1, Xghajra T. vs Zebbug R. 0-4
• Third Division Kirkop U. vs Qormi 2-1, Siggiewi vs Melita 0-1
• Women's League Raiders vs Melita 0-2, Birkirkara vs Rabat Ajax 6-0
• Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Qala SJ 3-0, Oratory Y. vs Gharb R. 4-0

Sat 29

• Second Division Gzira U. vs Zurrieq 4-2
• Gozo - First Division Zebbug R. vs Xewkija T. 3-0, Sannat L. vs Nadur Y. 1-2
• During a Malta FA Council meeting convened on Tuesday, 25th November, 2003, President Dr Joe Mifsud announced that a three-man Commission has been set up to study the report of a survey recently submitted to the Association by MISCO.
  The survey on 'Maltese Football', commissioned by the MFA earlier this year, is intended to look into the state of football in Malta, focusing particularly on interest in the local game and attendances for matches in our stadia.
  This follows a very cordial meeting by top MFA officials with the Presidents of the Premier Division Clubs over the weekend.
  The Commission is formed of Messrs Alex Manfre, the MFA Hon. Treasurer, Victor Zammit, President of Birkirkara FC and Antoine Attard, Hamrun Spartans FC President. They will use the results of the MISCO survey and consult a wise cross-section of people and other interested parties involved in the game, including members of the media. The information gathered will eventually form a 'think tank' which will help the Assocation draw conclusions and implement recommendations aimed at reviving the game of football in Malta.

Fri 28

• Premier League Hamrun S. vs Valletta 2-2, Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 0-1
• Third Division Gharghur vs Birzebbuga SP 1-1, Mgarr U. vs Gudja U. 0-4
• The Publications Department of the Malta Football Association has published its official Year Book for season 2003/2004. This is a popular annual publication which has gained in prestige and has now become a comprehensive guide to Maltese Football.
  This year's edition again carries a list of league winners of all divisions throughout the years. The Youth leagues are also featured. In addition, the international section again includes results of matches played by the National 'A' and Under-21 teams and going down to all junior teams' commitments.
  The Annual also incorporates the official fixtures of the Association's main competitions for the current season namely, the premier, first, second and third division leagues, the FA Trophy, the division II and III KO and the HSBC Youth leagues.
  Other information includes honours won by teams in various competitions since their inception, results of Maltese teams playing in all the European matches over the years, scorers' lists in domestic competitions, individual honours and details of most capped players and national team scorers' lists.
  The publication, edited by Albert Fenech, has a full colour four-page pull-out amply advertising the MIA, the national league's new sponsors. Selling at an attractive price of Lm1, the Year Book is a handy reference for all local football followers.

Thu 27

• The Youth Football Association (YFA) has announced the fixtures for the Pepsi Goal Festival 2003/04 for Under-10 and Under-12 teams. This is the seventh consecutive year that Pepsi is sponsoring the Under-10 games and the fourth consecutive year for the Under-12 games.
  Forty-four teams will be participating in this season's edition of the Pepsi Goal Festival. The games will be held between November and May.
  The Chairman of the Organising Committee for the Pepsi Goal Festival said that the Under-10 matches will kick off on Saturday, 29th November. The Under-12 matches will commence two weeks later on Saturday, 13th December. The Under-10 games will be played at various artificial turf pitches, such as the University Grounds, Luxol Ground at St. Andrews, St. Patrick's in Zabbar and San Andrea School in Mgarr, whilst the Under-12 games will be held at the Centenary Stadium. Parents of the young players as well as the general public are invited to watch the games.
  "Once again, this season all the matches of the Pepsi Goal Festival will be played on artificial turf in various grounds," said Joe Micallef, General Secretary of YFA. "This has been a priority for the YFA to further develop the standard of football in a healthy environment for young players."
  Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, President of YFA remarked that small-sided games are the best way for players to develop their football talent, especially since children do not have the opportunity to play in the streets anymore, and football games in schools have decreased. "Many other countries try to develop their young players' talent at a young age by making them play in small teams and grounds. The Pepsi Goal Festival is the ideal opportunity for young players' development in football," said Fr Hilary.
  "It is important that both coaches and parents understand, support and encourage the children participating in the Pepsi Goal Festival," continued Fr Hilary.
  Mr Ray Grech, General Manager - Marketing and Exports Business Unit at Farsons, said "The Pepsi Goal Festival is designed to provide budding footballers with the opportunity to practise their favourite sport during these friendly matches. Pepsi will continue to support these festivals to further enhance the level of play for children."
  "Pepsi is associated with football all around the world, including Malta. This festival is in line with Pepsi's international strategy to encourage a sport which is so popular with young Pepsi drinkers," said Alison Schembri, Pepsi Brand Executive.
  Fr Hilary concluded by thanking Farsons for the support of children's education through football. "The Pepsi Goal Festival has the main aim of encouraging a healthy atmosphere which does not focus on a single winning team. The festival also provides a multitude of events where children can enjoy themselves playing football whilst improving their skills."

Wed 26

• Second Division Dingli S. vs Vittoriosa S. 2-0
• Three Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
  Massimo Grima of Sliema Wanderers, Andre Schembri of Hibernians and Tano Farrugia of Msida St. Joseph will miss the next league game for their club.
  Grima and Farrugia will miss the clash between Msida and Sliema while Schembri will be unavailable for Hibernians in the game against Balzan.
  Other players to be suspended were Colin Ciantar of Attard, Adrian Buttigieg of Sta. Lucia and Godwin Pulis of Luqa. Attard coach Charles Caruana was fined Lm 25.
  A number of youth players were also suspended for one match: Luke Vassallo (Melita), James Cuschieri, Jonathan Briscoe White, Jonathan Farrugia and Andrew Sammut Alessi (St Andrews), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Joseph Chidi Achokwu (San Gwann), Chris Cioffi (St. Patrick) and Marco Schembri (Tarxien). Coaches Raymond Decelis (St. Andrews) and Frans Spiteri (San Gwann) were fined Lm 25 each.

Tue 25

• Malta is expected to host Poland in a friendly match on December 11. A match which will mark the first outing for the national team since the appointment of Horst Heese as national coach.
  According to the official website of the Polish Football Association, Poland will be playing Malta at Ta' Qali and three days later, they face Lithuania in another friendly match. These two matches are part of a short training camp which will be held in Malta between December 7 and 15.
  Polish coach Pawel Janas named a 20-man squad for this training camp. All players are home-based except for goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak of Hertha Berlin and defender Marcin Adamski of Rapid Vienna.
  The squad is made up of goalkeepers Grzegorz Szamotulski, Tomasz Kuszczak (Hertha Berlin);
  defenders Marcin Baszczynski (Wisla Kraków), Arkadiusz Glowacki (Wisla Kraków), Jaroslaw Bieniuk (Amica Wronki), Marcin Adamski (Rapid Wien), Marcin Wasilewski (Wisla Plock), Jacek Kowalczyk (Dospel Katowice), Michal Stasiak (Widzew Lódz);
  midfielders Lukasz Madej (Lech Poznan), Lukasz Surma (Legia Warszawa), Piotr Piechniak (Groclin Grodzisk Wlkp.), Miroslaw Szymkowiak (Wisla Kraków), Sebastian Mila (Groclin Grodzisk Wlkp.), Patryk Rachwal (Widzew Lódz), Marcin Burkhardt (Amica Wronki) and
  strikers Grzegorz Rasiak (Groclin Grodzisk Wlkp.), Andrzej Niedzielan (Groclin Grodzisk Wlkp.), Maciej Zurawski (Wisla Kraków), Ireneusz Jelen (Wisla Plock).
  Meanwhile Horst Heese has a group of 24 players who are training daily at Ta' Qali, except for Luke Dimech who is currently playing with Mansfield Town.
  The players in the national squad are:
  goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Saviour Darmanin (Pietą) and Justin Haber (Birkirkara);
  defenders David Carabott (Marsaxlokk), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Daniel Theuma (Valletta), Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), Carlo Mamo (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Etienne Barbara (Marsaxlokk);
  midfielders Stefan Giglio and Noel Turner (Sliema), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Kevin Sammut (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Floriana) and
  forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Chucks Nwoko (Birkirkara), Michael Mifsud (no club), Michael Galea (Birkirkara), Ivan Woods (Pietą), Jamie Pace and Daniel Bogdanovic (Sliema).

Sun 23

• Premier League Hibernians vs Msida SJ 1-0, Sliema W. vs Marsaxlokk 2-1
• Second Division Mellieha vs Xghajra T. 3-0, Zurrieq vs Zejtun C. 3-2, Gozo vs Attard 4-1
• Third Division Sta. Venera L. vs Ta' Xbiex 1-0, Sta. Lucia vs Pembroke A. 1-4
• Women's League Melita vs Mosta 2-0, Rabat A. vs Hibernians 0-13
• Msida St. Joseph striker Daniel Chimezie Nwoke signed a new contract with the club which will extend his stay till 2005.
  Nwoke, who joined Msida in 2002, was the top scorer in Division 1 last season. This year he already scored six goals.
  Msida vice-president Dr Kevin Deguara said Msida are honoured to retain the services of one of the leading strikers on the island. A striker who has a bright future ahead as he is only 20 years old.
  "This contract should be taken in consideration with the fact that a number of foreign clubs have expressed interest in the player. Earlier this year, he was on trial with top Belgian side Ghent," continued Dr Deguara.
  He went on to say that this extension of contract is part of the club's policy to extend the contracts of all Msida players.
  Nwoke is the third foreigner to be tied to the club till 2005 following Nigerian striker Olumuyiwa Aganun and Italian defender Manuel Boni.

Sat 22

• FA Trophy Rabat A. vs Balzan Y. 1-3, Tarxien R. vs Floriana 0-1
• Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 3-1, SK Victoria W. vs Xaghra U. 1-5
• The Malta Football Association, together with each of the other 51 members of UEFA, will be receiving the sum of €647,000 (Lm 258,800) as the European body has just launched a scheme to help associations construct mini-pitches with artificial turf.
  A project which is meant to provide children the opportunity to play football at any time and which also set to mark the 50th anniversary of UEFA which will be celebrated next year.
  The mini-pitch project aims at providing playing areas for children while bringing local communities closer as a result of football's unifying force.
  "This is especially important in urban areas, where space is becoming ever more scarce and therefore more valuable," said UEFA Chief Executive Gerhard Aigner.
  According to the plans, the mini-pitches should be compact and serve the purposes of grassroots football. Pitches should be from 300-450 square metres, equipped with two football goals integrated in a three metre-high sports wall, and surrounded by one-metre high perimeter rebound fences.
  The ground is artificial turf with sand. Rebounds should be made easier by cutting off the corners, and constructing a rebound fence with no opening spaces. The sportswall and perimeter rebound fence can be considered as game partners, which means that the type of football played on the proposed mini-pitches is more fluid and rapid.
  UEFA is prepared to contribute towards the mini-pitches, transport and installation in a mixed-funding operation. Public and private institutions are being asked to provide the land, prepare the ground, furnish floodlight systems and take over maintenance.

Fri 21

• Kaiserslautern have dissolved the contract of Malta international striker Michael Mifsud. Mifsud returns to Malta with immediate effect hoping to get his career back on track again by playing more regularly.
  Mifsud had joined the Red Devils in summer 2001, signing a contract as an amateur player. After playing regularly with the Amateur side in the Regionalliga during the first season, he got the opportunity to play in the Bundesliga with the senior side. Mifsud was offered a professional contract last July, a contract which was due to expire on June 30, 2004.
  The 23-year old striker had made 21 matches appearances for Kaiserslautern in the Bundesliga scoring two goals.
  Mifsud, who is currently recovering from an injury, returns to Malta with immediate effect and could join another club in January.
  A couple of weeks ago, Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha had announced that he had agreed personal terms with the player. However there is a major stumbling block as champions Sliema Wanderers have the first option on the player and president Robert Arrigo is definitely willing to secure the services of Mifsud.
• Third Division Ghaxaq vs Sirens 0-0, Luqa SA vs Fgura U. 1-4
• Hamrun Spartans launched another campaign to collect funds which will enable them to settle debts and therefore have the prohibition on transfers lifted.
  This was revealed during a press-conference which was held on Friday.
  The club is hoping to collect the sum of Lm 50,000 based on donations of Lm5, Lm10, Lm20, Lm100 and Lm1,000 from supporters. Hamrun shop-owners will be asked to donate Lm 20.
  Meanwhile club president Antoine Attard confirmed that a number of Hamrun players are being requested by other clubs.
  Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk have made a formal request for goalkeeper Ivan Casha while Floriana made an official request for Roderick Bajada. Other clubs have expressed their interest in Mauro Brincat.

Wed 19

• Birkirkara striker Michael Galea could have to stay out for up to six weeks after sustaining an injury during last Sunday's MIA Premier League top-of-the-table clash with Pietą Hotspurs.
  Galea had to leave the pitch injured after 76 minutes.
  Depending on tests which will be carried out on his knee on Wednesday, the Malta international striker may have to undergo a surgery. The recovery period will then be of about one month. If not, he will still have to rest for about six weeks.
  This means that Galea will be missing the Premier League matches against Marsaxlokk, Msida and Balzan together with the two matches from the Super 5 Cup which will be played in December.
• Malta lost two places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking list as published on Wednesday.
  Malta dropped to 130th as the national team was not involved in any international matches over the past month. Among the other European countries, Malta is still 47th.
  Ahead of Malta are Lithuania (100th, down 3), Moldova (105th, down 3), Armenia (112th, down 3), Northern Ireland (118th), Azerbaijan (119th, up 1) and the Faroe Islands (127th, down 3). Kazakhstan falls another four places and is now 135th, followed by Andorra (144th, down 3), Liechtenstein (147th, down 1), Luxembourg (151st) and San Marino (158th).
  Malta's next commitments could be one or two friendly matches against teams from Eastern Europe which will be played in December. The national team will then host three countries in the Malta International Football Tournament which will be held in February.

Sun 16

• UEFA Women's Championship Malta vs Croatia 1-4
  The Malta women's national team suffered the fifth defeat in five matches in Group 5 of the qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Championship when they lost 1-4 to Croatia.
  At the Gozo Stadium, Ljiljana Jaksic was the hero for the visitors as she scored four times.
  But a positive aspect in the game was the fact that the team, coached by Pierre Brincat and Alfred Zammit, scored its first goal.
  Hibs striker Sarah Caruana scored for Malta on 92 minutes.
  Malta: Nina Dimech, Tessie Agius, Lesley Ann Galea, Natasha Pace, Rebecca D'Agostino, Dorianne Theuma, sandra Sammut, Joanne Vella (Sarah Caruana), Dionne Tonna (Alexia Scicluna), Maria Azzopardi, Jane Coates (Chantal Fenech).
  Croatia: H. Dozo, R. Pirsa, T. Solaja, A. Rogar, A. Horvat, V. Babah, L. Jaksic (M. Cuk), B. Kozic (J. Stazic), M. Kioljenik (K. Sundov), I. Kusar, M. Milas.
  Referee: Noelle Robin (France).
  The next game for Malta will be played on May 8 when Malta hosts Romania. Malta then travels to Ireland in June and finally hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina on September 5.
• Premier League Floriana vs Balzan Y. 2-2, Birkirkara vs Pietą H. 5-1
• Second Division Zebbug Rangers vs St. George's 0-2, St. Andrews vs Gzira U. 0-2
• Third Division Gudja U. vs Siggiewi 1-1, Melita vs Kirkop U. 0-0

Sat 15

• FA Trophy Mosta vs Naxxar L. 4-1, Lija A. vs Mqabba 2-0
• Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Kercem A. 2-2, Nadur Y. vs Victoria H. 2-0
• Women's national team head-coach Pierre Brincat and his assistant Alfred Zammit have announced the following squad for next Sunday's Women's Championship Group 5 match against Croatia to be played at the Gozo Stadium.
  It will be another tough task for Brincat's girls following the heavy 0-9 defeat to Ireland last month. Malta has already played in Croatia in September losing 3-0. The Croats are currently third in the group with seven points from four matches.
  The squad is made up of
  goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara), Michelle Zahra (Hibernians);
  defenders Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Francesca Busuttil Griffin (Hibernians), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Leslie Anne Galea (Melita), Isabelle Mazzitelli (Birkirkara), Sandra Sammut (Birkirkara), Natasha Pace (Melita), Lindsay Shead (Hibernians), Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians);
  midfielders Tessie Agius (Hibernians), Jane Coates (Mosta), Rebecca D'Agostino (Birkirkara), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Alexia Scicluna (Birkirkara), Joanne Vella (Hibernians) and
  forwards Sarah Caruana (Hibernians), Kathleen Saliba (Hibernians), Dionne Tonna (Hibernians).
  The Maltese were defeated 0-3 by Croatia in the first match played in Vrbovec last September.

Fri 14

• Third Division Pembroke A. vs Mgarr U. 4-1, Qormi vs Gharghur 1-1

Wed 12

• A most comprehensive football annual full of details and statistics, edited by Union Press journalist Jesmond Moore has just been published by Gardjola Publications.
  Football Annual Malta-Gozo 2002/03 is unique in its kind considering that it covers in detail all football competitions organised by the Malta Football Association, the Youth Football Association and the Gozo Football Association. This book is therefore a must for players and fans alike.
  Detailed information is given about each Premier League club including the records and photos of each player and coach. Statistics about the Premier League include the goals scored, penalties, the standings week by week, referees' and coaches' records. The line-ups for each game is also provided.
  Data for the First, Second and Third Division, the Youths League, the Women's League, the Under 16 and Under 14 Leagues include the line-ups for all the matches and other statistics regarding the goals scored and top scorers. The line-ups for knock-out competitions are also provided.
  Similar data and statistics are available for the GFA First and Second Division, the GFA Cup and Second Division Knock-Out.
  Another section is reserved for the results and scorers for the Futsal First Second and Third Division Leagues.
  This football annual also includes a section about the National Team and Under-21 side together with a section about international football: the Confederations Cup, the EURO 2004 qualifiers, the Champions League, the UEFA Cup, the Intertoto Cup and the Super Cup.
  The book is on sale at Lm 8. The editor of the Football Annual Malta-Gozo 2002/03 may be contacted at jesmondmoore@euroweb.net.mt
• Malta International Airport presented an award to Etienne Barbara (Marsaxlokk FC) and Gilbert Agius (Valletta FC), winners of the MIA Player of the Month awards for September and October respectively.
  MIA's Chief Executive Officer presented the awards to both players and congratulated them for their outstanding performances with their respective teams. Mr Bolech added that MIA is honoured to reward the best players throughout the season in recognition to the hard work and commitment put through to reach high levels of standard.
  The Player of the Month award was re-introduced by MIA to complement the company's status as official sponsors of the National Football League for this season.
• Nigerian striker Anthony Evi Parker joined Balzan Youths and will be eligible to play for them in next Sunday's MIA Premier League match against Floriana. He joins Balzan as their third foreigner besides Jaroslav Marx and Nikolai Filipov.
  Evi Parker, who is yet to celebrate his 18th birthday, could be registered outside the usual transfer windows as he is an amateur player and has not played for any other club this season.
  The Nigerian striker arrived in Malta in summer 2001 when he was still a 15 year old. He made his debut for Marsa but after playing nine matches, scoring two goals, he was transferred to Nadur Youngsters in Gozo.
  Last season, he returned with the Red-Blues where he played 22 league matches, scoring five goals.
• Women's national team head-coach Pierre Brincat named a 20-strong squad for next Sunday's UEFA Women's Championship Group 5 qualifier against Croatia. The match will be held at the Gozo Stadium, kick-off at 14:00.
  It will be another tough task for Brincat's girls following the heavy 0-9 defeat to Ireland last month. Malta has already played in Croatia in September losing 3-0. The Croats are currently third in the group with seven points from four matches.
  For this game, Brincat lost another key player - Catherine Camilleri of Birkirkara. Nora Agliano of Raiders is still nursing an injury and is therefore ruled out of the game as well. On the other hand, Alexia Scicluna will be back for Malta after missing the last game due to a last-minute injury.
  The squad is made up of:
  goalkeepers Nina Dimech and Michelle Zahra;
  defenders Maria Azzopardi, Francesca Busuttil Griffin, Chantal Fenech, Leslie Ann Galea, Isabelle Mazzitelli, Tasha Pace, Sandra Sammut, Lyndsay Shead, Dorianne Theuma;
  midfielders Tessie Agius, Jane Coates, Rebecca D' Agostino, Marisa Deguara, Alexia Scicluna, Joanne Vella and
  forwards Sarah Caruana, Kathleen Saliba and Dionne Tonna.

Sun 9

• Second Division Xghajra T. vs Dingli S. 0-3, Vittoriosa S. vs Zurrieq 1-0
• Third Division Fgura U. vs Sta. Lucia 1-1, Birzebbuga SP vs Sta. Venera L. 1-1
• Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Zebbug R. 0-3, Sannat L. vs Xewkija T. 1-1

Sat 8

• FA Trophy Pietą H. vs Senglea A. 2-0, Hamrun S. vs Marsa 3-0
• Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Qala SJ 0-4, Oratory Y. vs Xaghra U. 0-5

Fri 7

• Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella have announced a squad of 26 players who were asked to report for training at the Ta' Qali Training Grounds on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. This squad is being called in preparation for the 2004/2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championships.
  With six players no longer being eligible to play for the Under-21 side, Miller named a number of new players. These new faces come mainly from the Under-19 squad, which was also coached by Miller.
  The squad is made up of:
  goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Bari), Kristian Calleja (Mqabba), Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara), Matthew Farrugia (Sliema);
  defenders Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Roderick Sammut (Birkirkara), Shawn Tellus (Balzan), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Balzan), Ryan Newell (Mosta), Kurt Zammit (Valletta), Carl Sammut (Pieta);
  midfielders Darren O'Flaherty (Pietą), Malcolm Abdilla (Pietą), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Roderick Bajada (Hamrun), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Gareth Sciberras (Pietą), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Shaun Pierre Bajada (Floriana) and
  forwards Antoine Sacco (Valletta), Nicolņ Baldacchino (Floriana), Michael Gatt (Sliema), Thomas Caruana (St. Patrick) and Cleaven Frendo (Pietą).
• Valletta striker Gilbert Agius was voted MIA Player of the Month for October 2003.
  Agius has shown good form in the first round matches for his team and besides getting himself among the scorers, he has also been instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities for his Valletta colleagues. He was voted Player of the Match in the game against Msida where he also scored two goals.
  This is not the first time he won such an award as he was voted Rothmans Player of the Month seven times: in September 1994, December 1996, January 1997, September 1998, May 2000, March 2001 and May 2001.
• Third Division Sirens vs Luqa SA 1-2, Ta' Xbiex vs Ghaxaq 1-2

Thu 6

• In view of the recent grave incident in which a boy lost his life when an iron goal frame crushed him to the ground while he was playing football, the Malta FA has sent a circular reminding its Member Clubs, Member Associations and Football Nurseries to take all necessary precautions in order to prevent similar unfortunate incidents.
  These measures call for instructions to be given to the youngsters and youths never to cling to the crossbar even if they are tempted to imitate players they watch on television.
  At the same time, the Malta FA has again sent the clubs and its affiliated bodies a copy of the FIFA circular No.593, dated 10.07.96, related to safety on football pitches.

Wed 5

• Premier League Floriana vs Hibernians 1-2

Mon 3

• Premier League side Marsaxlokk unveiled a new sponsor during a press conference which was held at the Nan Yuan restaurant in Marsaxlokk. The sponsors are Carmelo Abela Marketing Ltd through their product Yazoo.
  Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha said the club is already on the lookout for the signing of new players during the January transfer window. He revealed that they have already agreed terms with a number of players although they are yet to reach an agreement with their clubs.
  Nigerian midfielder Minabo Asechemie, who was on the verge of joining the club last August, could be one of the new arrivals. As regards Michael Mifsud, Sciriha said that Sliema have the first option on the player if he leaves Kaiserslautern. But if the Wanderers do not sign him, Mifsud could be a Marsaxlokk player as from January.
  The arrival of new players would also mean the departure of some of the players currently in the Marsaxlokk squad.
  The Marsaxlokk president said the club's target is to be one of the strongest sides in the Premier League next season. The team is improving as the players are combining in a better way. He mentioned the game against Hibernians where he said Marsaxlokk proved to be a strong side, ending on the losing end only after having a player sent off.
  Sciriha concluded by thanking the sponsors, hoping Marsaxlokk FC could carry the brand's name to success.
  Speaking on behalf of the sponsors, brands manager Chris Briffa said Carmelo Abela Marketing Ltd wanted to sponsor Marsaxlokk FC because the club reflects the values in which the company believes. In fact, although it is a small company, it is very ambitious in its aims and is always seeking to prove itself within the business sector. Likewise Marsaxlokk is a small village that has proved to be very ambitious over the past few seasons under the leadership of president Victor Sciriha.
  Briffa said the sponsorship was also a means of rewarding those who work hard for the club, most of the time spending their own money for the club. He also said that although the agreement is for one year, this could be extended for a longer period.
  During the press conference, the directors of Carmelo Abela Marketing Ltd presented the sponsorship cheque to Mr Sciriha.
  Carmelo Abela Marketing Ltd is a company that boasts 70 years of experience in the importation and distribution sector in Malta and represent some of the leading food brands in the world. This company started off as a family business growing into one of the most respected companies in this sector in Malta. Currently the company is being directed by the third generation of the Abela family.
  The connection between Carmelo Abela Marketing Ltd and Marsaxlokk FC will take place through Yazoo. Yazoo is flavoured milk, which comes in four flavours and packaged in 200ml bottles, making it an ideal alternative for school and picnic snacks. The product is attractively packed so that children drink more milk as part of a healthy diet.
• The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting on Monday, 10th November, 2003, for Foundation, Youth Development, Coaching Young Footballers and 'C' Diploma Coaches.
  This meeting will be held at the MFA Training Grounds at Ta' Qali and will commence at 17.30hrs.
  All coaches are advised to wear the proper attire for this practical instructional session.

Sun 2

• Second Division St. George's vs Mellieha 2-2, Zejtun C. vs St. Andrews 3-5
• Third Division Gharghur vs Melita 1-2, Kirkop U. vs Gudja U. 1-1
• Women's First Division Hibernians vs Melita 2-0, Birkirkara vs Raiders 4-0
• Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Ghajnsielem 2-2, Kercem A. vs Nadur Y. 2-1

Sat 1

• FA Trophy Marsaxlokk vs St. Patrick 1-0, San Gwann vs Msida SJ 2-3 aet
• Gozo - Second Division Xaghra U. vs Gharb R. 8-0