August 2004
Tue 31
- Malta Under-21 national coach Mark Miller named the 18-man squad for next Friday's UEFA European Championship Group 8 match against Sweden at the National Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.
This edition of the Under-21 squad has so far played two friendly matches. After beating Finland 2-0 at the Hibs Ground in March, Malta managed a creditable goalless draw against Portugal a couple of weeks ago.
The only new player in the squad is young Valletta striker Ian Zammit.
The players who were dropped from the provisional squad for one reason or another were Kris Calleja, Carl Sammut, Roderick Sammut, Paul Fenech, Gareth Sciberras, Michael Gatt, Gilbert Martin and Andre Schembri.
The squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Hogg (Pietà);
defenders Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibs), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Shaun Tellus (Sliema), Kurt Zammit (Valletta);
midfielders Andre Agius (Sliema), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Cleavon Frendo (Pietà) and
forwards Nicolò Baldacchino (Floriana), Stephen Magri (Melita), Ian Zammit (Valletta), Terence Scerri (Hibs).
The match officials are from the FA of Poland. The referee is Robert Malek who will be assisted by assistant referees Konrad Sapela and Krzysztof Mysmus. The fourth official is Krzysztof Slupik. The UEFA Referee Observer is Sabri Ceik from Turkey.
- Marsaxlokk secured the services of striker Dragomir Dragonov.
Although Dragonov is a Bulgarian player, he could probably satisfy the status of a "home-grown player" having played at youth level with St. Patrick and Mosta. Since then he played for Balzan Youths, Senglea Athletic and Kercem Ajax.
During the pre-season, Dragonov was training with Msida St. Joseph and even played in almost all their friendly matches. The Saints had also announced that they already had an agreement with the player.
Meanwhile Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha spoke about the club's targets for this season during a press conference during which the new club sponsor - Mutti tomato products - was presented.
Sciriha said that with the arrival of the new players and with the addition of a most experienced coach, Marsaxlokk have all it takes to reach their main target - that of winning the Championship. These players are all experienced and dedicated - important ingredients to help strengthen the team.
This summer, Marsaxlokk signed Ivan Zammit, Jamie Pace, Carlo Mamo and Cesar Paiber and secured the services of coach Atanas Marinov. According to Sciriha, Marinov was the best candidate to fill the post of coach as he can maintain discipline within the Marsaxlokk clan.
Marsaxlokk lost Donatas Vencevicius and loaned Nikolai Slavtchev to Hamrun Spartans, leaving only Minabo Asechemie as their only foreigner. A number of foreigners were given a trial. However neither one was better than the players already in the squad, according to Sciriha.
However in January, Marsaxlokk could sign one or two foreigners, if they feel the team needs to be strengthened.
The Marsaxlokk president stated that no Marsaxlokk player will be transferred to another club. Etienne Barbara, whose contract expires in 2005, will be offered a new contract.
"Sponsors such as Carmelo Abela Ltd and Paolo Bonnici Ltd make life a bit easier as lots of money and sacrifices are needed to run a Premier club," concluded Sciriha.
Mutti tomato products are represented in Malta by Carmelo Abela Marketing Ltd. Last season, Marsaxlokk were also sponsored by the same company, through another brand, Yazoo.
Club treasurer Peter Carabott said that in the past two years, the club managed to reach its targets - avoiding relegation during the first year and establishing itself in the Premier League by improving over the sixth place and qualifying to the UEFA Cup in the second after finishing as Trophy finalists.
Carabott said the club is now looking forward to moving a further step ahead and for this to be achieved, the support of sponsors is needed.
"Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha and Carmelo Abela Ltd director Steve Abela share the same vision in their respective sector. Sciriha is always looking forward to make the team stronger while Abela always tries to bring in Malta more quality products."
Abela wished Marsaxlokk the best of luck, hoping they would claim their first honour this season.
- Fgura Tournament Gudja U. vs St. Andrews 0-4, Kirkop U. vs Fgura U. 4-2
- Mosta U-19 Challenge Mosta vs Pietà H. 2-1, Rabat A. vs Sliema W. 0-0 (3-1 pen)
- The players in the Swedish squad started their preparation ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Malta and Croatia on Tuesday afternoon at the Ullevi Stadium in Goteborg.
Olof Mellberg, Erik Edman, Mikael Dorsin and Fredrik Lungberg had the day
off because of injuries while Tommy Jönsson and Alexander Östlund trained apart as they were playing for their clubs on the night before. However all these players will be training with the rest of the squad on Wednesday.
Also missing from the training session was Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The former Ajax striker was reportedly in Turin to seal his move to Juventus. Ibrahimovic, who signed a four year contract with the bianconeri, will join the Swedish squad on Wednesday.
The team will be holding another training session at the Ullevi on Wednesday. On Thursday, they will fly to Malta where they are expected to arrive on flight AY301 from Goteborg at 14:35. A training session is in programme on Thursday at 20:00 at the National Stadium. Another two training session will be held on Friday and Saturday morning at the Training Grounds.
The players in the Swedish squad are:
Goalkeepers: Eddie Gustafsson (Molde), Magnus Hedman (Celtic, Scotland), Andreas Isaksson (Stade Rennes, France)
Defenders: Erik Edman (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Mikael Dorsin (Rosenborg Trondheim, Norway), Tommy Jonsson (Halmstad, Sweden), Petter Hansson (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Teddy Lucic (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa, England), Alexander Ostlund (Hammarby)
Midfielders: Niclas Alexandersson (IFK Gothenburg), Anders Andersson (Belenenses, Portugal), Kim Kallstrom (Stade Rennes, France), Tobias Linderoth (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Fredrik Ljungberg (Arsenal, England), Mikael Nilsson (Southampton, England), Anders Svensson (Southampton, England), Christian Wilhelmsson (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Forwards: Marcus Allback (Aston Villa, England), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Juventus, Italy), Mattias Jonson (Norwich City, England), Henrik Larsson (Barcelona, Spain).
Mon 30
- National coach Horst Heese complained about the fact that just a few days before an important match against Sweden, he lost several national team players for ten days as they were taking part in the Hibernians Tournament.
Heese was speaking during a press conference which was held at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
"We started our pre-season training on the 26th July. We had a problem as the players were not in the same condition with some players who had been training since June and others who had just started their training. Therefore it was difficult to prepare a training programme. However we worked hard to put them on the same level."
The German mentor said he was very pleased with the players' full commitment shown during the training camp in Switzerland. The team trained three times a day, starting as early as 6:30 in the morning. When the squad moved to the Faroe Islands, training was less intensive as they prepared for the friendly match in Toftir.
Gilbert Agius and Brian Said, who were also present, agreed with Heese on how the training camp in Switzerland helped them to become more prepared physically.
However the training programme has been disrupted once the squad returned to Malta. "When we were back, we had a big problem as we lost several players for ten days due to the Hibs Tournament. It was only last Saturday that we resumed training two times daily. We had 20 players but today, we had just nine players for training. And that's a big problem as we prepare the tactics."
Heese and his assistant Carmel Busuttil, are yet to announce the squad for Saturday's game with twenty-five players presently forming part of the provisional squad.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud spoke about Malta's commitments at all levels - from the A-team to the U-17, the Amateurs and the Women's team.
About the senior side, Dr Mifsud said "Malta was drawn in a very difficult group with three finalists in the EURO 2004. Sweden reached the quarter-finals of the competition, Croatia had some fine performances while Bulgaria, although they disappointed, they won their group in the qualifying round. Hungary are a strong side while Iceland made considerable progress as several players ply their trade abroad."
The MFA president spoke about the Under-21 side's commitments in the coming European Championship qualifying campaign, the U-17 and U-19 mini-tournaments in Belarus and Slovakia respectively and the Amateur team's mini-tournament in Slovenia.
Under-21 coach Mark Miller said his players could do well if they are fully concentrated. "When we are abroad, we are at an advantage as here players have a lot of distractions."
Miller also complained that he does not know in which condition will he find the players after they have been taking part in the Hibs tournament. Some U-21 players were also not training regularly with a club as they were in the process of moving from one club to another.
He concluded "If we are fully concentrated, we could do well. If not, we are asking for trouble. We need to play as if every game is the game of our lives."
Dr Mifsud finally appealed to the general public to support the national teams by going to Ta' Qali to show their support to the players.
Tickets for the match Malta vs Sweden will be on sale as from Tuesday 31 from four authorised dealers:
Gilardu Kiosk, Republic Street, Valletta;
Eros Stationery, Wilga Street, Paceville;
Star Tourism, Pioneer Road Bugibba and
National Stadium, Ta' Qali.
Pre-sale of tickets will continue up to mid-day on Saturday. Tickets will also be available at the gates before the match.
Match ticket prices are as follows:
West Side A (Enclosure Stand Upper - Reserved) - Lm 7
West Side A and C (Enclosure Stand - Lower) - Lm 4
Millennium Stand - Lm 2
Ladies, Children, Kartanzjan holders and holders of the card for Persons with Special Needs (in West Side C and Millennium Stand) - Lm 1
Persons on Wheelchair - Free
The gates at the National Stadium will be open at 19:45.
Public transport will be available from City Gate Bus Terminus starting at 19:30. Public transport to City Gate will be available after the game.
Entrance for the Under-21 match Malta vs Sweden (Friday at 18:00) and the Women's match Malta vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (Sunday at 17:30), both matches at the National Stadium, will be for free.
Referee Haim Jakov from the FA of Israel will be controlling the match between Malta and Sweden. He will be assisted by assistant referees Shabtal Nahmias and Shmuel Steif while the fourth official is Alon Yefet. The FIFA Commissioner is Miguel Galan Torres from Spain and the Referee Inspector is Sabri Celik from Turkey.
The officials for the game of the Under 21 sides will be from the FA of Poland. The referee is Robert Malek who will be assisted by assistant referees Konrad Sapela and Krzysztof Mysmus. The fourth official is Krzysztof Slupik. The UEFA Referee Observer is Sabri Ceik from Turkey.
MFA vice-president John Farrugia, who is in charge of women's football, spoke about the final match from the Women's Championship Group 5 against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Ta' Qali.
Farrugia revealed that after this match, the Malta Football Association will be evaluating the women's team's performances in the competition together with all interested parties. He also said that there will be the addition of a new club in the Women's League - Sta. Venera.
Women's team assistant coach Alfred Zammit said one of the major problems the players were facing was the fact that they were playing league matches on hard ground and then training and playing with the national team on turf pitches.
Zammit argued that the players were more easily distracted when playing at home and that was one of the main reasons for which the results obtained away from home were much better than those in the home games.
The last speaker was Horst Heese, who spoke on behalf of Amateur team coach JJ Aquilina. Heese said Aquilina had a difficult task to find the right players. However he managed to put the team together in a short time and worked hard mainly on team-work. The squad is based on a number of players who already played in the previous edition of the UEFA Regions Cup.
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud revealed the Malta Football Association will be increasing the number of doping tests which are carried out during domestic competitions while speaking during a press conference at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
Last season, 40 players were tested with three resulting positive. Two players were suspended for six months while further tests on samples of the third player revealed that the substance he proved positive for was actually being produced by the body.
Dr Mifsud said that as from this season, new doping regulations will be in action after they were approved by the Council earlier this year. These regulations were based on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) charter following an agreement between WADA and FIFA.
The only matter the two international bodies failed to agree an agreement on the sanctions where the minimum suspension for WADA is two years while that of FIFA is one year.
Clubs should now fill the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) form if their players are taking some kind of prohibited substance due to medial conditions.
There are two TUE forms - one for players suffering from more serious conditions and an other - an abbreviated form - for example for players suffering from asthma who therefore make use of inhalers.
These forms will be examined by the MFA's medical committee.
- Fgura Tournament Ta' Xbiex vs Vittoriosa S. 1-3, Sta. Venera L. vs Zurrieq 3-0
- Newly-promoted Lija Athletic secured the services of two new foreign players.
The two players who are both midfielder are 23-year old Francis Aneke from Nigeria and 20-year old Anastas Kristo from Albania.
The former was on the books of a Turkish-Cypriot and a Turkish side. Kristo, on the other hand, played for Italian Serie D side Morolo Calcio.
Their third foreigner is Nigerian defender Daddy Okeke who has been playing with Lija for the past three years.
Lija, who appointed Ilir Pelinku as their new coach, have taken four players on loan - Daniel Cosaitis, Daniel Scerri, Jean Paul Scerri and Paul Camilleri - after helping them win promotion last season.
They also signed Michael Gatt and Nicky Gatt from Sliema Wanderers. The two were on loan with Naxxar and Balzan respectively.
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud made his second appearance for Lillestrom when he was included as a substitute in the 2-0 defeat to Valerenga.
Mifsud replaced Johan Petter Winsnes on 64 minutes.
After making his debut on August 9 in the game against Rosenborg, he played for 13 minutes last week when he was included as a substitute in Lillestrom's 1-1 draw against Molde.
The former Sliema and Kaiserslautern striker also played two matches for Lillestrom's second team which plays in the Second Division (third category) Group 2.
He scored four goals in two matches: two in the 6-3 win over Eidsvold Turn and another two in the 4-0 win over Lorenskog.
The other Maltese player based abroad - Luke Dimech - is yet to make a first appearance for English League Two side Mansfield Town although they have already played five matches.
Sun 29
- Mosta Tournament Mosta vs Lija A. 1-0
- Malta will be starting the FIFA World Cup 2006 trek in the European Preliminary Round Group 8 when they face Sweden at Ta' Qali National Stadium on 4th September, a match which will provide a very stiff test for the Maltese against one of Europe's most accomplished teams.
The match should attract numerous football followers mainly because our Scandinavian opponents possess an array of top class players most of whom are currently engaged with well-known continental teams. Besides this, very recently Sweden performed creditably in the Euro 2004 Finals in Portugal when they managed to finish in the top eight in the competition.
Arsenal's Fredrik Ljungberg, Zlatan Ibrahimovic of Ajax, the Aston Villa duo of Olof Mellberg and Marcus Allback, goalkeeper Magnus Hedman of Celtic, Southampton's Anders Svensonn and Mikael Nilsson, Teddy Lucic of Bayer Leverkusen, and the emerging Christian Wilhelmsson (Anderlecht) and Anders Andersson (Belenses), amongst others, are all carrying Sweden's flag in Europe. The most capped player in the current squad is Niclas Alexandersson who plies his trade with home team IFK Goteborg.These performers enjoy high repute on the international stage and have succeeded other Swedish outstanding players in making their mark outside their native country. In this respect, the legendary Gre-No-Li (Gren – Nordhal – Liedholm) attacking trio were the pioneers in the fifties. Now European clubs are quick to spot the dynamic qualities of the Swedes and engage their services when they are relatively young.
The consistently high position they enjoy in FIFA's rankings puts this nation of over 215,000 licensed footballers among the best in Europe. Malta is well aware of Sweden's strength, as a negative series of seven defeats from as many matches between the two countries, including one friendly, amply shows.
Apart from a World Cup 7-0 away trashing in 1972, three of those defeats were two minimal 2-1 home setbacks in 1973 and 1985 (World Cup) and a 1-0 adverse result in a European Championship match played in Sweden in 1987.
Would it be preposterous on Malta's part to aspire to go one better this time?
Sceptics would point at Malta's current lean spell and take a pessimistic view of our prospects against such strong opposition. Be that as it may, the Maltese will definitely try to summon all their fighting qualities to emerge creditably from their World Cup 2006 launching pad.
Sat 28
- Mosta Under-19 Challenge Floriana vs Rabat A. 3-2, Valletta vs Sliema W. 2-1 golden goal
- The Malta Football Association removed the prohibition on the transfer of players to and from Marsa FC.
This decision was taken after the club honoured all its commitments by paying all outstanding dues.
Marsa have now transferred Jason Cordina to Hamrun Spartans and free-released Ibrahim Tarik.
On the other hand, they signed Anthony Eviparker who played for Balzan Youths last season. Marsa have also acquired the services of goalkeeper Elvin Attard from Senglea. He will be replacing Cordina.
The Red-Blues have appointed Michael Molzahn as their new coach. Molzahn, who is a UEFA 'A' Licenced coach, was the assistant to former national coach Sigi Held and Under-21 coach Ray Farrugia.
Later this week, Marsa will be announcing their official sponsors.
It seems that after the internal turmoil during the last months, things are now looking brighter and that the new Committee is working hard to create a positive atmosphere. Things are moving in the right direction and Marsa are fully embraced to face their eternal rivals in their derby against Hamrun Spartans on September 8.
- Women's national team coach Pierre Brincat and his assistant Alfred Zammit named the squad ahead of the last match from Group 5 of the UEFA Women's Championship against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Ta' Qali on Sunday September 5.
Malta failed to claim any points in the previous seven matches. Their opponents on Sunday - Bosnia-Herzegovina, on the other hand, collected their only three points in a 1-0 win over Malta last year. A goal by Samira Hurem on 72 minutes.
Ironically Malta did better when playing away from home. In fact, Pierre Brincat's girls lost 0-3 to Romania, 0-1 to Bosnia, 0-3 to Croatia and 0-5 to Ireland away from home and then 9-0 to Ireland at Ta' Qali, 4-1 to Croatia at the Gozo Stadium and 8-0 to Romania at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
The players are:
goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara), Michelle Zahra (Hibs);
defenders Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Francesca Busuttil Griffin (Hibs), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Leslie Ann Galea (Hibs), Natasha Pace (Melita), Sandra Sammut (Birkirkara), Alexia Scicluna (Birkirkara);
midfielders Tessie Agius (Hibs), Nora Agliano (Birkirkara), Rebecca D' Agostino (Birkirkara), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Dionne Tonna (Hibs), Joanne Vella (Hibs) and
forwards Sarah Caruana (Hibs), Kathleen Saliba (Hibs), Dorianne Theuma (Hibs).
The match officials will be from the FA of Hungary. The referee will be Katalin Kulcsar who will be assisted by Judit Kulcsar and Brigitta Makkosne Petz.
- Net Stars is the name of a new Reality sports oriented show, which will see a 5 a-side football team competing in the official MFA Futsal League.
Each day, the selected players are put to a test, having to perform in a variety of technical and tactical training sessions on the various synthetic pitches around the Maltese islands. The programme will feature also the actual competition games that this team will be playing. The end of every week will see the improvement of the players' performance and their possible failure being discussed in detail by a qualified UEFA A License holder coach. Some players may be lucky enough to be saved by the Team Manager of Net Stars because of some excuse or another, others may be saved by the general public who will be asked to vote via sms for a favourite player.
Producers and Presenters Christian and Sandro Micallef said "The reality show format is a proven formula in today's television landscape. While this type of programme will often feature strong elements of football, Net Stars is a real thing and will attract significant audience attention through its upfront presentation of this 5a-sidefootballteam"
"We are delighted to be co-producing "Net Stars" with Media.link Communications for Net TV. This is our second production series together for this station in a line of exciting productions."
Net Stars will be a reality genre TV show including a cutting edge original production to be broadcast on weekdays between 8.30pm and 8.35pm with a weekly show scheduled every Tuesday in prime time between 8.30pm and 9.30pm.
Net TV is inviting prospective youngsters between the age of 16 and 35 to form part of this team. Interested persons should not have played with an MFA affiliated team for the season 2003/04. Applications can be collect from Net TV Herbert Ganado Street Hamrun and should be returned by not later than Monday 30th August 2004.
- Gzira United Football Club, together with the Gzira Local Council, will be holding a 5-a-side Football Tournament spread on two days - Wednesday September 8 between 09:00 and 15:00 and Sunday 12 between 09:00 and 12:00 - at the University 5-a-side football ground.
Those willing to participate need to contact Gzira councillor Dr Malcolm Camilleri on 9945 6634, Renato Vidal on 7928 8544 or by visiting www.gziraunited.com where all the details are available together with application forms and tournament regulations.
The Gzira Local Council is sponsoring att the trophies for the winners and the other participants.
Fri 27
- Hibs Tournament Hibernians vs Valletta 2-1, Msida SJ vs Pietà H. 2-5
- Mosta Tournament St. George's vs Mosta 0-4, Lija A. vs Senglea A. 0-0 (4-3 pen)
- Sirens Tournament Zebbug R. vs Pembroke A. 3-2
- Newly-promoted St. Patrick registered their second foreigner - Sandro De Costa Brazilino. The other foreigner is Nigerian striker Peter Chizoba Anizoba.
Brazilino was on the books of Gozitan side Sannat Lions for the past two years although he was released mid-way through last season.
Another signing for the Saints was that of goalkeeper Maurizio Valastro who started last season with Marsaxlokk before moving to Tarxien Rainbows. Valastro will have to fight for a place in the starting line-up with Franklin Azzopardi since Alex Camilleri who returned with the club after a one year's loan with Sliema is ruled out for the first part of the season due to an injury.
St. Patrick will have two young Hibernians players on loan - Clayton Micallef and Benoir Fenech.
The team, who will once again be coached by Borislav Giorev, will be based on the same players who won promotion last season with only some slight changes.
All these players formed part of the Saints' squad in the Gammari Muscat Mosta Tournament. St. Patrick drew 0-0 with Lija, 1-1 with Mosta and Rabat Ajax.
Thu 26
- Mosta U-19 Challenge Floriana vs Sliema W. 1-1, Rabat A. vs Pietà H. 3-2
- A second former Pietà Hotspurs player is set to make his debut for an Italian Serie A club. Twenty-five year old defender Christian Terlizzi of newly-promoted Palermo had in fact played for a short period for the Hotspurs four years ago.
Terlizzi was one of three Italian players who had signed for the Hotspurs in August 2000 together with Giordano Rulli and Fabio Pacetti. The then 21-year old Terlizzi played two matches for Pietà - the whole 90 minutes in a game against Hamrun Spartans and then was substituted in his second match against Birkirkara.
Christian Terlizzi started his career with Lodigiani in the Serie C1 with Lodigiani in season 1996-97 when he played a single game. After a couple of appearances during the following season, he was loaned to Tivoli in season 1998-99 where he played 24 matches scoring four goals. Mid-way through season 1999-2000, he was loaned to amateur side Castelli Romani in the Campionato Nazionale Dilettanti. There he scored three in 18 matches.
He arrived in Malta in summer 2000 and after leaving the Hotspurs, he joined Termoli in the Interregionale and a couple of months, he reached an agreement with Sardinian side Torres. However since he had already played for another two clubs, he was not eligible to play for a professional club and was therefore loaned to Selargius, another small club in Sardinia.
In season 2001-02, he signed for Teramo in the Serie C2 and then moved a step further as he signed for Cesena in the Serie C1 the following season. Palermo signed him at the beginning of last season.
In his first season with the rosanero, he played 12 matches in the Serie B before a serious injury suffered in the game against Bari in January ruled him out for the rest of the season. In fact, he was operated in February as he had suffered a torn meniscus.
The 193 cm tall stopper is looking forward to proving his worth in the Palermo jersey in the Serie A. He is an automatic choice in Francesco Guidolin's line-ups in the friendly matches played so far, including the Trofeo Birra Moretti, where he had a very positive performance against Inter and Juventus.
Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov is the other former Pietà player on the books of a Serie A club.
Back on January 27 2002, Bojinov made his debut as a 69th-minute substitute for Lecce against Brescia to become, at the age of 15 years, eleven months and 12 days, the youngest foreign player to appear in Serie A. He made another appearance during that season.
Bojinov was also the youngest-ever foreign goalscorer in the Serie A when he was yet to celebrate his 18th birthday, he managed to score in the game against Bologna in January 2003. He scored two goals in 15 matches during season 2002-03 and three goals in 27 matches last season.
Bojinov, who is now a Bulgarian international, had played for the Pietà nursery in season 1999-2000 while his mother - former Bulgarian international basketball player Pepa Bozhinova - was in Malta accompanying her partner Sacho Anguelov who was playing for the Hotspurs' senior side.
Wed 25
- Hibs Tournament Hibernians vs Pietà H. 2-0, Msida SJ vs Valletta 0-0
- Friendly Match Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun S. 7-0
- First Division side Hamrun Spartans should be strengthening their squad with the signing of Nikolai Slavtchev and Nenad Veselji. Two experienced players who would definitely give a most valid contribution in the Spartans' bid to win promotion to the Premier League.
Nikolai Slavtchev will be joining the club on a one-year loan from Marsaxlokk. He had joined the Southseasiders last season after playing for Zurrieq and Marsa. However with the arrival of Cesar Paiber at Marsaxlokk, he would have had a big challenge for a place in the starting line-up.
On the other hand, Nenad Veselji is expected to sign for the Spartans on a definite transfer from Sliema Wanderers after he was transfer-listed last month. Veselji, who is a naturalised Maltese player, has been playing in Malta for the past ten years. After playing for Floriana for three years, he joined Valletta in 1997. He played for the Citizens for three-and-a-half years before moving to Birkirkara in December 2000. His stay at Birkirkara was short-lived as an injury ruled him out of the game for six months. The following season, he joined Sliema. Last January, he was loaned to Valletta.
The arrival of Slavtchev will mean that Congolese goalkeeper Daniel Dengaky will have to be released. His contract had expired at the end of last season.
Meanwhile the Spartans are expected to take Birkirkara defender Steve Sadowski on a one-year loan as well.
- Henrik Larsson will be back for Sweden as they travel to Malta for their opening Group 8 World Cup qualifier on September 4 as coach Lars Lagerback named a provisional 22-man squad on Tuesday.
Larsson, who moved from Scottish side Celtic to Barcelona this summer, missed last week's friendly against the Netherlands, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Lagerback also recalled Stade Rennes midfielder Kim Kallstrom, who had to drop out of the squad for last week's match because of illness.
Sweden were one of the sixteen finalists in the recent EURO 2004 European Championships.
After trashing Bulgaria 5-0 (goals by Ljunberg, Larson (2), Ibrahimovic and Allback), they held Italy in a 1-1 draw (goal by Ibrahimovic) and Denmark in a 2-2 draw (goals by Larsson and Jonson). In the quarter-finals, they were eliminated by Holland 5-4 on penalties.
The players in the provisional squad are:
Goalkeepers: Eddie Gustafsson (Molde), Magnus Hedman (Celtic, Scotland), Andreas Isaksson (Stade Rennes, France)
Defenders: Erik Edman (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Mikael Dorsin (Rosenborg Trondheim, Norway), Tommy Jonsson (Halmstad, Sweden), Petter Hansson (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Teddy Lucic (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Olof Mellberg (Aston Villa, England), Alexander Ostlund (Hammarby)
Midfielders: Niclas Alexandersson (IFK Gothenburg), Anders Andersson (Belenenses, Portugal), Kim Kallstrom (Stade Rennes, France), Tobias Linderoth (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Fredrik Ljungberg (Arsenal, England), Mikael Nilsson (Southampton, England), Anders Svensson (Southampton, England), Christian Wilhelmsson (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Forwards: Marcus Allback (Aston Villa, England), Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Mattias Jonson (Norwich City, England), Henrik Larsson (Barcelona, Spain).
Meanwhile the Under 21 sides will be facing each other on the eve of the clash between the senior sides. The Under-21 match will also be played at Ta' Qali.
The provisional Under 21 squad is made up of:
Christoffer Källkvist (BK Häcken), Fredrik Persson (Trelleborgs FF);
Andreas Granqvist (Helsingborgs IF), Adam Johansson (V Frölunda IF), Dennis Jonsson (IFK Göteborg), Jonas Olsson (Landskrona BoIS), Fredrik Stenman (Djurgårdens IF), Karl Svensson (IFK Göteborg);
Petter Andersson (Hammarby), Andreas Dahl (Helsingborgs IF), Mikael Dahlberg (GIF Sundsvall), Dusan Djuric (Halmstads BK), Alexander Farnerud (RC Strasbourg), Martin Fribrock (Helsingborgs IF), Samuel Holmén (IF Elfsborg), Jon Jönsson (Malmö FF), Mattias Moström (AIK), Björn Runström (Hammarby).
- Former national team defender Darren Debono made his debut for Sliema Wanderers after signing a three-year contract with the Blues on Monday. In fact, as from this season, newly-registered players need not wait 48 hours before making an appearance for their new club.
Writing on the club's official website www.eswfc.com, president Robert Arrigo revealed that Stefan Giglio, who had a most succesful season after winning all the major competitions and being crowned MFA Footballer of the Year and Best Player in the Westin Malta Football Awards, signed a three year contract with Sliema. Giglio had joined Sliema in the beginning of last season after being released by CSKA Sofia.
The Blues have loaned a number of players to other clubs, including Pierre Grima to Balzan, Andre Formosa to Mqabba, goalkeeper Matthew Farrugia to Mosta and Brandon Zammit to Marsa.
Nicky Gatt and Michael Gatt were transferred to newly-promoted Lija Athletic while Josef Mifsud and Kris Calleja, who were on loan with Msida and Mqabba respectively, were transferred to these clubs.
The future of Dybrill Sylla and Nenad Veselji, who were earlier transfer-listed, is still unknown. However Veselji could end up with Hamrun Spartans as the two clubs are negotiating the transfer.
- Maltese officials will be controlling the UEFA Cup second qualifying round second leg between Maccabi Petach-Tikva of Israel and AEK Larnaca of Cyprus in programme on Thursday 26th September at the Ramat Gan Stadium of Tel Aviv. Referee Joe Attard will be controlling the match. He will be assisted by Philip Agius and Joe Camilleri. The fourth official is Marco Borg.
AEK Larnaca won the first leg in Nicosia 3-0.
Tue 24
- Super Cup Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 1-3 aet
- Mosta Tournament St. Patrick vs Rabat A. 1-1, Lija A. vs Mosta 1-0
- Fgura Tournament Gudja U. vs Vittoriosa S. 0-1, Kirkop U. vs Zurrieq 4-2
- Sirens Tournament Zebbug R. vs Sirens 5-2
- As from Tuesday and for the rest of the season 2004/2005, spectators entering the Enclosure (West Stand) will have to purchase match tickets from the cubicles near the parking area (which are usually used during International Matches) and no longer from the gates opposite the two bridges to the entrance of the National Stadium.
Mon 23
- Michael Mifsud played for 13 minutes when he was included as a substitute in Lillestrom's 1-1 draw against Molde.
- Cesar Paiber is the latest capture of Marsaxlokk after the Argentinean-born defender/midfielder decided to leave Hibernians. Paiber will be signing a two-year contract.
Paiber had joined Hibernians mid-way through season 2002-2003 following a decision of the Players and Coaches Complaints Board which released the player from his contract with Hamrun Spartans.
The 34-year old player arrived in Malta back in 1992 when the then Hamrun president Victor Tedesco had signed three players from Argentina. He played regularly for two years with the Spartans and early in season 1994/95, he moved to Gozo where he played for Ghajnsielem.
Paiber moved to Argentina, returning back to Malta in summer 2001. His stay with Hamrun lasted 18 months as he joined Hibs in January 2003.
Marsaxlokk have so far signed Jamie Pace, Ivan Zammit and Carlo Mamo although the transfer of the Sliema defender is yet to be sealed as the two clubs failed to reach an agreement on the transfer fee. However they are yet to sign a third foreigner following the departure of Donatas Vencevicius.
On the other hand, the departure of Paiber is another big loss for the Paolites who have already lost Adrian Mifsud and Miguel Mifsud to Sliema and Kevin Cassar to Valletta, although the latter was only transferred on a one-year loan in exchange with Edward Azzopardi.
- Hibs Tournament Hibernians vs Msida SJ 1-1, Valletta vs Pietà H. 1-0
- Mosta Tournament Senglea A. vs Balzan Y. 2-1, Tarxien R. vs St. George's 0-0
- Fgura Tournament Ta' Xbiex vs St. Andrews 0-0, Sta. Venera L. vs Fgura U. 2-0
Sun 22
- Malta Under-21 midfielder Mauro Brincat is set to stay with Hamrun Spartans.
For some time, Brincat seemed to be very close to becoming a Valletta player but the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over the terms of payment.
Hamrun and Mauro Brincat were expected to start negotiating a new contract during the weekend.
Although the prohibition on the club has been lifted, the Spartans, now under the guidance of coach Michael Degiorgio, are yet to sign any new players although two new arrivals could be Birkirkara defender Steve Sadowski and Floriana midfielder Thane Micallef. The two players took part in friendlies against Dingli and San Gwann. Hamrun also had veteran goalkeeper Simon Grech in squad.
Hamrun lost two players since last season - Roderick Bajada and David Galea, who joined Msida and Qormi respectively.
The future of Congolese goalkeeper Daniel Dengaky is not yet clear. However Hamrun could offer him a new contract after the expiry of his previous contract last June.
- Mosta U-19 Challenge Valletta vs Pietà H. 4-0, Mosta vs Sliema W. 2-2
Sat 21
- Mosta Tournament Lija A. vs Rabat A. 2-0, Mosta vs St. Patrick 1-1
- A Round Table Meeting between Officials of the Malta Football Association, headed by President Dr Joe Mifsud, and the Media representatives covering domestic football was held on Friday.
Following its Annual General Meeting on 31st July 2004, the MFA felt the need to start the new administrative year by meeting the Media to further strengthen the ties between the two sides and to explore new possibilities of facilitating the work of media personnel for a better exposure of the game.
Several points were covered and discussions ensued, with the participants sharing their views in a frank way. The overriding principle was that the MFA and the Media are allies in showing the way ahead for the progress of football.
Press Conferences by the clubs prior to the matches as a base for better previews and build-ups, and interviewing/contacting our referees before some international appointment were looked into. The MFA pointed out that media contacts with referees engaged in overseas matches was a delicate issue. After-match enquiries with the referee or his representative over some unclear episodes will be given the go-ahead very soon and organised briefings to the media are due to start in the coming season.
A proposal by Dr Mifsud for the pooling of technical resources of our TV Stations through the use of more cameras and better match transmission equipment was discussed and agreement in principle on this matter was reached. Implementation of this proposal needed further study. Prudence was necessary in the use of roaming TV cameras around the pitch, followed by responsible editing prior to transmission.
Better facilities for the Media at Ta' Qali National Stadium, Hibernians Football Ground and the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hamrun, also came up for discussion. The MFA's Sports Facilities Board will look into the matter of maintenance and upgrading of these facilities.
Reviewing prices of entrance tickets, price incentives such as Family Packs, with attendant facilities for children, and a more efficient information network through the MFA Website were other points raised.
Fri 20
- Towering defender Darren Debono will be joining Sliema Wanderers.
Following weeks of uncertainty over Debono's future with the Lilywhites, Debono has decided to quit Valletta in order to join his first club Sliema. Valletta's attempts to reach an agreement with Darren Debono all proved futile.
Debono had joined the Citizens in December 1993 for a sum of Lm 16,000.
With Valletta, Debono won all honours in Maltese football, including the famous five and six cup feats in seasons 1996/97 and 2000/2001 respectively, and was an automatic choice with the national team for several years.
Darren Debono is the last in a series of former Valletta players who joined Sliema, namely defenders Jeffrey Chetcuti and Kris Laferla, midfielder Stefan Giglio and strikers Danilo Doncic and Nenad Veselji.
- The registration of Miguel Mifsud was filed at the MFA Headquarters after the former Hibs player signed a three-year contract with Sliema. Miguel Mifsud is the second Hibs player to join Sliema after Adrian Mifsud signed for the Blues last month.
- Mosta Tournament Senglea A. vs St. George's 1-1, Balzan Y. vs Tarxien R. 3-0
- Friendly Match Floriana vs Msida SJ 2-0
- "It is with great pleasure and honour that we are announcing that Msida St. Joseph have signed a partnership agreement with Volksbank Malta for the next three years." Club Finance Director Antoine Portelli announced this during a presentation ceremony of the new kits for the upcoming season, held at the Hibs Ground in Kordin.
Mr. Portelli said that the re-structuring of the club’s administrative and technical set-up has made it possible to attract a partner such as Volksbank Malta, and that the club is proud to be associated with such an important bank with international stature.
In a comment, Club Vice-President Dr. Kevin Deguara thanked Volksbank Malta officials for their support. "We will soon be kicking off the season, and although we know that it is going to be a tough one, we are also very confident that we will reach the aims we have set for our team."
Volksbank Malta has been successfully active on the international market since 1995 and has been operating as a commercial bank since 2002, offering full financial services to Maltese and foreign customers. The bank's ultimate shareholder is Österreichische Volksbanken-AG (ÖVAG), Vienna.
"We were impressed with Msida SJ’s plans and the energy with which they are embarking on their project to establish their club as a leading football team on the island," Managing Director Herbert Skok said. "This mirrors our plans of taking up a major role in the banking sector in Malta. That is why we decided to be associated with Msida St. Joseph."
Mr. Skok concluded by saying that Volksbank’s motto is ‘United in trust’, and that it clearly reflects the way they do business, as well as the attitude they are taking towards this new partnership with Msida St. Joseph.
Also present for the presentation were Msida SJ captain Charles Sciberras, goalkeeper Omar Borg and Volksbank Malta Chief Business Operations Mr Mario F. Psaila, Chief Financial Controller Mr Robert Ancilleri and Marketing Officer Ms Netty Farrugia.
Thu 19
- Mosta U-19 Challenge Mosta vs Floriana 1-3, Valletta vs Rabat A. 1-0
- Sirens Tournament Sirens vs Pembroke A. 1-2
Wed 18
- Friendly 'A' International Faroe Islands vs Malta 3-2
- Mosta Tournament Lija A. vs St. Patrick 0-0, Mosta vs Rabat A. 1-0
- Fgura Tournament St. Andrews vs Vittoriosa S. 0-0, Zurrieq vs Fgura U. 3-0
Tue 17
- Under 21 Friendly Portugal vs Malta 0-0
- Following an eight-day training camp in Switzerland, the national team left for Toftir in the Faroe Islands where the two countries face each other in a friendly match on Wednesday.
This will be the third clash between the two countries. Back in 1996, the draw had put Malta and the Faroe Islands in the same group of the World Cup qualifiers. In April 1997 at Ta' Qali, the Faroe Islands registered a 2-1 win as goals by Ossur Hansen and Todi Jonsson cancelled Stefan Sultana's early lead.
In Toftir, six weeks later, Uni Arge and Todi Jonsson gave the hosts a two-goal lead before Gilbert Agius pulled one back for Malta.
Both teams are currently preparing for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Malta hosts Sweden on September 4 while on the same day, the Faroe Islands will be playing against Switzerland.
In its last outing, Malta suffered a most disappointing 7-0 defeat to Germany and therefore the first target on Wednesday is to obtain a morale-boosting result.
In the training camp, Malta registered two wins over Swiss amateur sides Munsingen 2-0 and Olten 4-0. Heese and Busuttil had 18 players at their disposal but with George Mallia withdrawing from the squad due to work commitments, they will be having 19 players in squad since Luke Dimech and Michael Mifsud are expected to join the squad in Toftir.
The players selected by Heese and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Saviour Darmanin (Pieta H.);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (B’Kara), Ian Ciantar (Floriana), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema W.), Stephen Wellman (Floriana);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Stefan Giglio (Sliema W.), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Claude Mattocks (Sliema W.), Antoine Zahra I (B’Kara) and
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Pieta H.), Antoine Zahra II (Hibernians), Etienne Barbara (Marsaxlokk), Michael Mifsud (Lillestrom).
- Mosta Tournament St. George's vs Balzan Y. 4-0, Senglea A. vs Tarxien R. 0-0
- Fgura Tournament Ta' Xbiex vs Gudja U. 2-1, Sta. Venera L. vs Kirkop U. 2-0
- Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery will kick off season 2004/5 with a new venture – the new Football Academy for players aged 10 years and over. This is a milestone for the twenty-one years old Football Nursery.
A new committee has recently been set up, which includes more members and a new Marketing Board which will ensure more and effective professionalism. The Committee under the Chairmanship of Mr Henry Bray consists of three secretaries Mr Aron Attard, Mr Paul Debono and Ms Mirana Silvio; Treasurer Mr Franco Agius; Asst. Treasurer Mr Robert Bray; PRO Mr James Mizzi; Nursery Manager Mr Charles Sciberras; Marketing Manager Mr Stefan Schembri; Kit Managers Mr Mark Cipriott and Mr Robert Bray; Maintenance Officer Mr Joe Sant; Fund Raising Officers Mr John Debono, Ms Lolita Camenzuli and Ms Claire Cumbo; Technical Advisor Mr Ronald Vella; Newsletter Editor Mr Ramon Zammit; Legal Advisor Dr Mark Fenech; Nursery Chaplain Can. Rev Vincent Demicoli; Nursery Doctor Dr John Zammit Montebello, and Mr Alfred Cardona as Member. As in past years, the objectives are to provide quality coaching services, to develop players and improve their talent, and nourish and enhance their potential in a safe and friendly environment.
Further, a new coaching staff has been engaged, these are: Mr Ronald Vella as Headcoach, Mr Oliver Spiteri (Under 18), Mr Ramon Zammit (Under 16), Mr Franco Agius (Under 14), Mr Ramon Falzon (Under 13), Mr Anthony Grech (Under 12), Mr Charles Sciberras (Under 11), Mr Pierre Theuma (Under 10), Mr Brian Cutajar and Mr Joe Felice (Under 9), Mr James Mizzi and Mr Paul Debono (Under 8), Mr John Galea and Mr Alex Cardona (Under 7), Mr Richard Borg (Under 6), Ms Chantal Demanuele (Kinder) and Mr Roger Camilleri as Goalkeepers Coach.
The committee is in the process of a merger with an Italian club so that children from the Nursery aged 5 to 10, and youngsters from the Academy will have the chance to proceed abroad to attend training camps and lectures and so gain experience and mature in the game.
All those interested in joining B’Kara’s Football Academy are to call personally at the Nursery premises (Infetti Training Grounds) from Monday to Friday after 6pm, or phone 21443422 and ask for Mr Ronald Vella, Headcoach. All applicants will eventually be assessed to establish their standard, and those who reach the required benchmark will be accepted by the Academy.
In the meantime, a meeting for parents are being held as hereunder :
Under 10 - Thursday 26th August at 18.00 ; Under 12 - Thursday 26th August at 19.00 ; Under 11 - Wednesday 25th August at 18.00 ; Under 8 - Monday 20th September at 18.00 ; Under 9 - Monday 20th September at 19.00 ; Under 6 - Wednesday 22nd September at 18.00 ; Under 7 - Wednesday 22nd September at 19.00 and Kinder - Thursday 23rd September at 18.00.
Mon 16
- Mark Miller's Under-21 side will be facing Portugal at the Estadio Dr. Jorge Sampaio Pedroso on Tuesday. Both sides will be using this match as part of their preparation for the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers against Sweden and Estonia respectively on September 3.
This will be the second international match for the current edition of the team. In its first outing, Malta had defeated Finland 2-0, goals courtesy of Stephen Magri and an own goal.
The team arrived in Portugal following an 8-day training camp in Germany. The team played two friendly matches. In the first game, they lost 3-2 to a selection from South-West Germany while in the second game, the Under-21 side defeated SV Weingarten 4-1.
The squad is made-up of:
goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Hogg (Pietà);
defenders Josef Mifsud (Sliema), Ryan Mintoff (Hibs), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Shaun Tellus (Sliema), Kurt Zammit (Valletta);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Sliema), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Paul Fenech (Naxxar), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà) and
forwards Nicolò Baldacchino (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Stephen Magri (Melita) and Terence Scerri (Hibs).
Portugal coach Rui Caçador named the following players: José Castro (Académica C.), Carlos Marques (Ovarense), Leandro (Alverca), Nuno Viveiros (CD Nacional), Fonseca and Sérgio Organista (Santa Clara), Davide (Estrela Amadora), Filipe Oliveira (Chelsea), Daniel (FC Marco), Cristovao and Pedro Ribeiro (Porto), Eliseu (Belenenses), Custódio, Miguel Garcia and Paulo Sérgio (Sporting), Faria e Laranjeiro (UD Leiria).
- Sirens Tournament Pembroke A. vs Zebbug R. 2-2
Sun 15
- After beating First Division side Senglea Athletic 3-1 on Thursday, Pietà Hotspurs drew 1-1 with Birkirkara in another friendly match on Saturday.
The Hotspurs, now back under the guidance of Bulgarian coach Georgi Deanov, secured the services of Stefan Zahra from Sliema Wanderers. Kurt Farrugia returned with the club after a two years on loan with Marsaxlokk and Valletta. Keith Fenech, Sharlon Pace and Edward Azzopardi left the club after being on loan from Valletta.
Mauro Di Lello and Alain Ekwe were released and two new foreigners were brought in from Bosnia-Herzegovina - former international midfielder Senad Repuh and young Ortas Sanin.
Fri 13
- The senior national team and the Under-21 side registered wins during friendly matches in their training camps in Switzerland and Germany respectively.
Malta defeated FC Olten 4-0 with all the goals being scored during the second half. Brian Said opened the score on 57 minutes. Antoine Zahra doubled the score five minutes later, George Mallia made it 3-0 on 72 minutes and Ivan Woods sealed the issue four minutes later.
It had earlier defeated Swiss Second Division side Munsingen 2-0 thanks to a brace by Marsaxlokk midfielder Etienne Barbara on 30 and 70 minutes.
The Under-21 side defeated SV Weingarten 4-1 on Thursday.
The match, played in almost continuous rain, presented an uphill start for the Maltese who conceded a 5th minute goal netted by Thomas Gomola. For the rest of the opening period Malta lacked concentration and could rarely make any headway despite close efforts by Alex Muscat and Cleavan Frendo.
In the second half, Mark Miller's team were a transformed lot and took up the offensive. Terence Scerri equalised after ten minutes. The attacking tempo was maintained and twenty minutes later Andre Agius put Malta ahead.
Five minutes from time Nicolo Baldacchino was grounded in the area and from the resultant penalty Frendo made it 3-1. With the Maltese still enjoying a clear edge, Baldacchino rounded off a fine move in the final moments to seal Malta's victory with a fourth goal.
For this second friendly Miller again made use of all the players in his squad.
Wed 11
- Birkirkara defender Clint Micallef became the latest capture of ambitious Msida St. Joseph as the latter secured his services on a one-year loan.
Micallef failed to hold a regular berth in the Birkirkara line-up in the past years and this move should allow him to gain more experience by playing regularly.
A product of Birkirkara, he was loaned to Rabat Ajax during season 2000/2001.
Msida have so far secured the services of Johann Zammit, Roderick Bajada and Kevin Sammut. In the coming days, they should also seal the transfer of Daniel Theuma from Valletta. Other arrivals should include Dragomir Dragonov - a Bulgarian striker who has been playing for the past seasons in Malta and two Italian players - Gennaro Troianiello and Patrick Giua.
The Saints are also interested in the services of young Birkirkara striker Alan Tabone, who was already on loan with the club last season.
Birkirkara, on the other hand, are yet to sign a player this summer. They will definitely lose Matthew Calascione for a couple of months as he will be moving to Australia and could even lose him for more as the player, who is out-of-contract, is yet to sign a new one.
- Msida St. Joseph defeated Valletta 3-1 in a friendly match at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta' Qali on Wednesday.
Valletta lacked Gilbert Agius and Jonathan Bondin but had all their new signings in squad. Msida, on the other hand, lacked Roderick Bajada and Kevin Sammut, amongst other players.
Bulgarian forward Dragomir Dragonov scored the first goal for Msida with Daniel Nwoke notching a brace. Nemanja Vukasinovic scored in his first appearance for the Citizens.
In another match at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Birkirkara and Lija Athletic shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw.
- The 26th edition of Malta's most established pre-season tournament organised by Mosta FC, the Gammari Muscat Tournament, gets underway next week.
Taking part in the tournament are two clubs from the Premier League - Lija Athletic and St. Patrick, four from Division 1 - Balzan Youths, Mosta, St. George's and Senglea Athletic and two from Division 2 - Rabat Ajax and Tarxien Rainbows.
Tarxien, Senglea, St. George's and Balzan will be playing in Group A while St. Patrick, Lija, Rabat and hosts Mosta will be playing in Group B.
Group matches will be played between August 17 and 24. The semi-finals will be played on August 27 while the final will be played on August 29.
Mosta won the tournament last year after beating Balzan Youths in the final.
Tue 10
- Serbian striker Nemanja Vukasinovic arrived in Malta earlier this week for a trial with Valletta who are searching for a third foreigner following the release of Nebjosa Stajic and the departure of Todor Simeonov.
Vukasinovic will be on trial with the club and will be offered a contract should he reach the Citizens' expectancies. He is due to make his first appearance in a friendly match against Msida St. Joseph on Wednesday at the MFA Training Grounds.
After appointing JJ Aquilina as the new coach, Valletta signed Jaroslav Marx from Balzan, Mark Galea from Floriana, Stefano Grima and Massimo Grima from Valletta and Kevin Cassar from Hibernians. Keith Fenech, Sharlon Pace and Miguel Montfort returned with the club after being loaned last season.
On the other hand, the Citizens lost Ivan Zammit, Daniel Theuma and Edward Azzopardi while Darren Debono could leave the club to join Sliema.
The Citizens are hoping to seal the transfer of Mauro Brincat from Hamrun Spartans. However the two clubs are yet to reach an agreements on the terms.
- As part of their Training Camp in Germany, Malta's Under 21 team played its first friendly match on Tuesday against South West Germany in Niederkirchen Stadium.
The Maltese lost 3-2 after changing ends 2-1 in the lead.
Mark Miller's team were technically better in the first half. They went ahead after 15 minutes through Mauro Brincat. Trevor Cilia doubled the score six minutes later before Marcel Ziemer pulled a goal back for the hosts. After Cleaven Frendo went close to restoring the two-goal advantage, Malta were reduced to ten men when Cilia was red-carded in the 40th minute.
Twenty minutes into the second half Florian Harnug levelled the score, with the same player netting the winner twelve minutes from time. Despite their numerical inferiority the Maltese battled on and were unlucky not to save the game when Andre Agius hit the woodwork six minutes from the end.
For this match Mark Miller made use of all the players at his disposal. On Thursday, Malta will face SV Weingarken before meeting Portugal U-21 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile the squad will continue with its intensive preparation in Germany and on Sunday they are due to travel to Portugal.
Mon 9
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud made his debut for Norwegian side Lillestrom as they suffered a 4-1 defeat to champions Rosenborg away from home on Sunday.
Mifsud was included as a substitute when he replaced Johan Petter Winsnes after 83 minutes.
After suffering an early goal, Lillestrom levelled the score thanks to Christoffer Andersson. However three goals in the final ten minutes shocked the Canaries.
Lillestrom are still third with 27 points from 17 matches but now they are joined by Valerenga. Rosenborg lead the table with 33 points, followed by Tromso on 32. Behind Lillestrom and Valerenga are Brann and Ham-Kam, both on 26 points and Lyn on 24.
Meanwhile in England, Luke Dimech was not included as Mansfield Town lost 0-2 to Bristol Rovers at Field Mill in the opening match of the League Two (formerly known as Division 3). The Stags visit Oxford on Wednesday evening.
- Sliema Wanderers are set to complete the transfer of Miguel Mifsud from Hibernians. Mifsud would fill the void on the left flank following Carlo Mamo's departure to join Marsaxlokk.
Twenty-five year old Mifsud is the second Hibs player to join Sliema after Adrian Mifsud joined them earlier last week.
Miguel Mifsud, a product of the Paolites, has been playing first-team football with them for the past four years following a successful season with Xghajra Tornadoes in season 1999/2000.
Mifsud was part of the national squad up to a few months ago before injuries hampered his chances.
So far Sliema released four players who featured regularly in the team which claimed the double last season. Ian Ciantar and Kevin Sammut joined Floriana and Msida St. Joseph respectively on a one-year loan, Michael Mifsud moved to Norway while Carlo Mamo joined Marsaxlokk. Massimo Grima and Stefano Grima were loaned to Valletta.
Besides Adrian Mifsud, Sliema signed Claude Mattocks from Floriana and welcomed back Ernest Barry, Alex Muscat, Pierre Grima and Joseph Farrugia.
- Eight clubs from Divisions 2 and 3 will be taking part in the annual pre-season tournament organised by Fgura United.
However unlike previous editions which were held at the Pace Grasso Ground, this edition will be held on the synthetic turf pitch of the National Hockey Complex, Corradino.
The tournament gets underway on Tuesday 17 August with the match Ta' Xbiex vs Gudja United from Group A and Sta. Venera Lightenings vs Kirkop United from Group B.
The other four teams will be in action on Wednesday. St. Andrews take on Vittoriosa Stars in Group A while hosts Fgura United face Zurrieq in Group B.
The groups will be played on a one-round league basis. The winners of each group face each other in the final which will be played on Thursday September 2.
Sun 8
- The senior national team and the Under-21 side left Malta on Saturday for training camps which will be held in Switzerland and Germany respectively.
The senior squad travelled to Switzerland where the team will be staying for eight days before proceeding to the Faroe Islands to play a Friendly ‘A’ International against the home side scheduled for Wednesday 18th August in Toftir.
The team is also expected to play two friendly matches in Switzerland against local sides.
Coaches Horst Heese and Carmel Busuttil dropped Kevin Sammut from the provisional squad after the new Msida midfielders sustained an injury in training.
Mansfield Town defender Luke Dimech and Lillestrom striker Michael Mifsud are not part of the squad. However these should be included for the friendly match against the Faroe Islands.
The players selected by Heese and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Saviour Darmanin (Pieta H.);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (B’Kara), Ian Ciantar (Floriana), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema W.), Stephen Wellman (Floriana);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Stefan Giglio (Sliema W.), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema W.), Antoine Zahra I (B’Kara) and
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Pieta H.), Antoine Zahra II (Hibernians), Etienne Barbara (Marsaxlokk).
Meanwhile the Under-21 squad will be spending eight days on a training camp in Germany.
Mark Miller's squad includes only three uncapped players - Sliema Wanderers midfielder Andrei Agius who had a successful spell with FK Zemun in Serbia & Montenegro last season, Christian Cassar of Floriana and Paul Fenech of Naxxar Lions. Most of the other players in the squad made their first appearance in the friendly match against Finland last March which Mark Miller's side won 2-0 thanks to an own goal and a goal by Melita striker Stephen Magri.
After this training camp, the squad will travel to Portugal where they will be meeting them in a friendly match on August 17 in Oporto.
The players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Hogg (Pietà);
defenders Josef Mifsud (Sliema), Ryan Mintoff (Hibs), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Shaun Tellus (Sliema), Kurt Zammit (Valletta);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Sliema), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Paul Fenech (Naxxar), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà) and
forwards Nicolò Baldacchino (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Stephen Magri (Melita) and Terence Scerri (Hibs).
- The Valletta FC Supporters' Club, will be organising a Standing Reception
on Saturday 28th August at Olive Gardens Hall in Mdina. Valletta FC players will be present during the reception.
Tickets are on sale for the price of Lm 5.50 (adults) and Lm 2.00 (children), from
L-Amerikan (Valletta), Lion King Stationary (G'Mangia) or from committee members.
All Valletta Supporters are urged to be present for this first gathering prior
to kick-off of season 2004/2005.
Sat 7
- Friendly Match Balzan Y. vs Birkirkara 2-0
- FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter sent a letter of congratulations to Dr Joe Mifsud following the latter's re-election as MFA president for another three-year term.
Dr Mifsud was confirmed as MFA president after polling 56 votes out of 97 in the election which was held during the MFA's Annual General Meeting last Saturday. The other contestant for the post, Joe Caruana Curran, polled 41 votes.
Blatter wrote, "On the occasion of your re-election to the presidency of the Malta Football Association during its annual general meeting held on 31st July, I would like to extend to you my deepest congratulations as well as my best wishes of success at the helm of the Maltese football for the next three years.
This re-election is no surprise for the FIFA president.
One more time, your competence and your dedication have been recognized by the Maltese football family as well as the role you play at continental and international levels.
Member of various committees and active for several official missions conducted on behalf of FIFA, such as in Tanzania or Belarus, you have positioned Malta and Maltese football as a very important actor of the football family.
Your action to modernize and improve the infrastructures of our sport in your country, such as the renovation of the Ta' Qali stadium, is another concrete example of your vision for the future of football.
Allow me as well to ask you to convey my congratulations to your colleagues re-elected with you."
Meanwhile during the meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday, Dr Mifsud appealed to Council members to be dedicated in their work for the good of the game.
"We should not be afraid of taking decisions for the good of the game," stressed Mifsud.
"The public is not fully aware of the extensive work carried out by the Executive, the Council and the several boards and committees of the association. It is necessary to project this to the public."
"Officials of UEFA and foreign associations praise the good work put in by the MFA and point out that our association is in the forefront when organizing international meetings, matches, seminars and other events. Our referees' level of awareness of the rules of the game and their updated interpretation is also commendable. The feedback in this respect is positive."
Referring to criticism, the MFA president said that this was necessary "as it keeps us alert and aware of our duties."
However this should not be malicious and in such case, the MFA will be asking for the right-of-reply in order to protect its image.
The MFA President wished a successful year ahead for all Council and Executive Committee Members and Officials.
During the same meeting of the Council, Carmelo Bartolo was confirmed as the senior vice-president of the association.
Bartolo will once again serve on the UEFA Board of Appeals while another MFA vice-president, Ludovico Micallef has been appointed once agaon on the UEFA Youth Committee.
The council approved the draft set-up of the various boards, committees and commissions within the Malta Football Association.
- The transfer prohibition on Hamrun Spartans was lifted after they managed to pay part of their dues to other clubs and players and reach agreements over the payment of other amounts.
This includes the payment to Serbian midfielder Sinisa Radak who had written to FIFA on the matter and the international body had ordered Hamrun to pay him by the end of August.
Hamrun, who will be playing in Division 1 this season and who have appointed Michael Degiorgio as the new coach, could therefore sign new players.
The only players to leave the club so far are Roderick Bajada, who joined Msida, and David Galea, who joined Qormi.
Congolese goalkeeper Daniel Dengaky also seems to be willing to leave the club as he is yet to join his team-mates for pre-season training.
Meanwhile Valletta had also their transfer-prohibition lifted by the Council of the Malta Football Association after they paid John Buttigieg his dues.
Valletta and Hamrun Spartans are currently negotiating the transfer of Mauro Brincat.
Fri 6
- Friendly Match Senglea A. vs St. Andrews 2-2. Goals by Silvio Sciberras, Kenneth Abela (S); Dale Spiteri (2) (SA)
- Marsaxlokk continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of flank defender Carlo Mamo from Sliema Wanderers. The former Tarxien and Birkirkara defender will be signing a three-year contract with the Southseasiders.
Twenty-five year old Mamo, who played 11 times for the national team, is the third signing for Marsaxlokk in the close season after they managed to secure the services of Jamie Pace and Ivan Zammit, besides coach Atanas Marinov. The Southseasiders are still searching for a third foreigner who would fill the void left by Lithuanian international midfielder Donatas Vencevicius.
Sliema Wanderers, on the other hand, have now released four players who featured regularly in the team which claimed the double last season. Ian Ciantar and Kevin Sammut joined Floriana and Msida St. Joseph respectively on a one-year loan while Michael Mifsud moved to Norway. Massimo Grima and Stefano Grima were loaned to Valletta.
The Blues have so far signed Claude Mattocks from Floriana on a one-year loan and Adrian Mifsud from Hibernians.
Another Hibs player could end up replacing Carlo Mamo. In fact, Sliema have approached Hibernians for Miguel Mifsud.
An agreement between the two clubs is more than possible considering that the player was not part of the Hibs squad for the Intertoto Cup and is willing to move to another club.
Hibernians had even offered the player to Floriana in a player-exchange deal with Jonathan Holland.
Meanwhile the Paolites exchanged defender Kevin Cassar with Edward Azzopardi of Valletta. The two players move in opposite directions on a one-year loan.
- Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller named an 18-man squad which will go for a training camp in Germany between August 7 and 15.
The squad includes only three uncapped players - Sliema Wanderers midfielder Andrei Agius who had a successful spell with FK Zemun in Serbia & Montenegro last season, Christian Cassar of Floriana and Paul Fenech of Naxxar Lions. Most of the other players in the squad made their first appearance in the friendly match against Finland last March which Mark Miller's side won 2-0 thanks to an own goal and a goal by Melita striker Stephen Magri.
After this training camp, the squad will travel to Portugal where they will be meeting them in a friendly match on August 17. Malta then plays its first competitive match on September 2nd against Sweden at Ta' Qali.
The players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Hogg (Pietà);
defenders Josef Mifsud (Sliema), Ryan Mintoff (Hibs), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Shaun Tellus (Sliema), Kurt Zammit (Valletta);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Sliema), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Floriana), Mauro Brincat (Hamrun), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Paul Fenech (Naxxar), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà) and
forwards Nicolò Baldacchino (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Stephen Magri (Melita) and Terence Scerri (Hibs).
- The Council of the Malta Football Association approved a proposal by the Executive Committee to grant an amnesty to suspended players and officials on the occasion of Dr Joe Mifsud's re-election to the post of MFA president last week and his re-election as member of the UEFA Executive Committee in April.
The last amnesty which was granted by the Malta Football Association goes back around five years.
All players who were suspended for one or more matches had their suspension lifted. On the other hand, other players and officials who were given a period-suspension either had their term of suspension reduced or cancelled.
The suspensions of Shaun Cassar (St. Andrews), John Cefai (Qala SJ assistant coach), Malcolm Dimech (Zebbug Rangers official), Kevin Muscat (GPSA), David John Saliba (Nylon Knitting) and Jonathan Seychell (ISA), which were all due to end this year, were cancelled.
Other suspensions for David John Saliba (Nylon Knitting), Alfred Attard (Balzan Youths official), Tonio Edwards (ISA), Michael Vella (Pietà) and Darren Zahra (Tarxien) were reduced and their ban now ends on December 2004.
The suspension of Sta. Lucia's Ian Cutajar who earlier this season was suspended till January 2007 was reduced by over twelve months and now comes to an end on December 2005.
The only two players who will not benefit from this amnesty are the two players who were recently suspended on doping charges. Jeremy Agius (Msida) and Roderick Spiteri (Naxxar) were both suspended for six months.
Thu 5
- The sponsorship for the Super Five Competition and the club representing Malta in the UEFA Intertoto Cup was extended for another season despite the privatisation of the Department of Public Lotto.
Parliamentary Secretary for Finance, Hon. Tonio Fenech presented a cheque covering this sponsorship amounting to Lm 10,000 to MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud during a meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday.
Fenech said that when he was approached by Dr Mifsud, an agreement between the two parties was reached almost immediately.
The Parliamentary Secretary said that although the department has now been privatised, the government felt it had to honour the commitment for another season. This donation is in keeping with the annual aid which the Government gives to Sport and Philantropic Organisations. Although the source of the funds, emanating from National Lottery proceeds, is no longer under the direct responsibility of the Government, the Ministry of Finance has kept its commitment towards cooperating with the MFA through providing financial support.
Dr Joe Mifsud finally thanked the Parliamentary Secretary for his support.
The tournament, reserved for the top four teams in the Premier League in the previous season, will be played in December. The two semi-finals will be played on Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 while the finals will be played on Sunday 26.
- Friendly Match Floriana vs Birkirkara 6-2. Goals by Shaun Bajada (2), Trevor Cilia, Ian Ciantar, Jonathan Holland and Joseph Craig Schembri for Floriana; Chucks Nwoko and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza for Birkirkara.
- National Team Coaches Horst Heese and Carmel Busuttil called up nineteen players to form part of the contingent to travel to Switzerland on a training camp starting on Saturday, 7th August.
During this training camp, the National Team will play some friendly matches against local sides before moving to the Faroe Islands where and a Friendly ‘A’ international against the Faroe Islands on the August 18th in Toftir. This match will serve as preparation for the forthcoming competitive encounter against Sweden at the National Stadium in Group Eight of the World Cup 2006 Qualifying Round on September 4.
Justin Haber, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Daniel Theuma, Noel Turner, William Camenzuli, Trevor Templeman and Michael Galea who had started the training camp with the national team last week are not part of the squad. Chetcuti and Turner are nursing injuries.
Mansfield Town defender Luke Dimech and Lillestrom striker Michael Mifsud were also left out. However these should be included for the friendly match against the Faroe Islands.
The players selected by Heese and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Saviour Darmanin (Pieta H.);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (B’Kara), Ian Ciantar (Floriana), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema W.), Stephen Wellman (Floriana);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Stefan Giglio (Sliema W.), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema W.), Kevin Sammut (Sliema W.), Antoine Zahra I (B’Kara) and
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Pieta H.), Antoine Zahra II (Hibernians), Etienne Barbara (Marsaxlokk).
The squad will be reduced to 18 prior to departure.
Wed 4
- Friendly Matches Pietà H. vs Balzan Y. 1-1 Goals by Simon Mizzi (B); Senad Repuh (P). St. Patrick vs Mellieha 3-1.
- Birkirkara striker Michael Galea went for a trial with Italian amateur side Frascati Lupa. This club plays in the Italian Serie D (fifth division).
Galea, who is a product of Melita but has been playing for the Stripes since 1997, has extended his contract with Birkirkara for another two years.
Meanwhile the Stripes will definitely be without Matthew Calascione for the coming months as the player will be moving to Australia in the coming days and is only expected to be back in November.
Calascione was the only Birkirkara player out-of-contract who failed to renew his contract.
At least another two clubs are interested in securing his services although Birkirkara are confident he will stay with them once he is back.
Calascione's absence and the possible move for Galea prompted the club to reject any offers for the loan of Alan Tabone.
However there is still the possibility of Birkirkara loaning Clint Micallef to Msida.
- Despite not being in action for the past two months, Malta managed to climb one place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking list as published on Wednesday. Malta now lies in the 131st place.
Among the other European countries, Malta is still 46th. Among the UEFA countries, Malta is 46th. Just ahead of Malta are Moldova (110, up 1), Northern Ireland (110, up 2), Armenia (116, up 2), Lithuania (116, down 1) and Azerbaijan (118, up 1). Lying behind Malta are the Faroe Islands (137, down 1), Kazakhstan (144), Andorra (149), Liechtenstein (154, down 1), Luxembourg (157) and San Marino (167, up 1).
The national team will now go for a training camp in Switzerland between August 7 and 15. Then Malta will be playing a friendly match against the Faroe Islands on August 18 in Toftir.
Malta hosts Sweden in the first match from the World Cup qualifiers at Ta' Qali on September 4 before playing Iceland at Ta' Qali on October 9 and Bulgaria in Sofia on October 13. A month later, on November 17, Malta hosts Hungary at Ta' Qali.
Tue 3
- Malta international referee Lorry Sammut was elected as the new president of the Malta Football Referees Association during the Annual General Meeting which was held recently at the Qawra Palace Hotel.
Sammut replaces Mark Spiteri who has now been appointed as Honorary President.
Adrian D. Casha was elected as Secretary General for the third year running while Charles Agius and Anthony Zammit were confirmed as Vice-President and Treasurer respectively.
Also forming part of the committee for season 2004/05 are Adrian Azzopardi, Alan Camilleri, Joseph Camilleri, Paul Caruana and Alan Mario Sant.
44-year old Lawrence Sammut started his international career in 1993 and this will be his last year as an international referee. He is the ninth president for the MFRA since the association's foundation 55 years ago.
Sammut had earlier served as a member in the committee between 1989 and 2000 and held the post of vice-president between 2000 and 2003.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting on Monday 9th August, 2004, for holders of UEFA ‘A’, UEFA ‘B’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ licence coaches. This meeting will commence at 17:30.
- Marsaxlokk are looking to the former Yugoslavia as they search for a third foreigner who should fill the void left by Lithuanian international Donatas Vencevicius who left Malta to seek new pastures.
After that a player from Congo who was on trial with the club failed to impress, the main target is now Slovenian striker Goran Jolic of NK Primorje, the team which eliminated the Southseasiders from the first qualifying round of the UEFA Cup with a 3-0 aggregate score. Jolic scored the only goal at Ta' Qali and the first one in Nova Gorica.
29-year old Jolic played for NK Korotan, Rudar Velenje and Olimpija Ljubljana before joining Primorje last season.
Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha made a first approach after the second leg which was played last Thursday and held discussions with the club based in Ajdovscina. The Southseasiders will be now considering Primorje's request and the player's demands before making a final decision.
Marsaxlokk have already two foreigners on their books - Nikolai Slavtchev and Minabo Asechemie, who both joined the club last season.
- Sliema Wanderers midfielder Kevin Sammut is on the verge of joining Msida St. Joseph on a one year loan.
Sammut, who also forms part of the national squad, would be able to play more regularly since he has not been part of Edward Aquilina's usual starting line-up.
Msida were one of the most active clubs on the market so far. They secured the services of Roderick Bajada from Hamrun Spartans and Johann Zammit from Ghaxaq, although he was on loan with Marsaxlokk for the past three years. Malta international defender Daniel Theuma should join the club in the coming days while Bulgarian striker Dragomir Dragonov will become a Msida player if the club makes sure that he satisfies the status of a "home-grown player".
Meanwhile Msida are hoping to transfer Nigerian striker Olumuyiwa Aganun to Austrian side FC Wacker Tirol.
Aganun has been on trial with Wacker for the past weeks. Last Monday, he was included as a substitute in a friendly match against Kaiserslautern and notched a late consolation goal three minutes from time. Kaiserslautern won 2-1.
Italian defender Manuel Boni will be retained together with Nigerian striker Daniel Nwoke, who is under contract. Two Italian players are currently on trial with the club namely Patrick Giua and Gennaro Troianiello.
Mon 2
- Friendly Match Floriana vs Lija A. 0-0
Sun 1
- Stefan Giglio claimed two awards in the third edition of the Westin Malta Football Awards which were held on Saturday at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julian's.
Giglio, who earlier this month won the MFA Footballer of the Year award, was voted Best Midfielder and Best Maltese Player.
The champions, who had finalists in six out of the ten categories, claimed another three awards. Jeffrey Chetcuti was voted Best Defender, Danilo Doncic won the Best Striker Award while Edward Aquilina won the award for the Best Coach.
For the second year in succession, Saviour Darmanin of Pietà Hotspurs was voted Best Goalkeeper. Andre Schembri of Hibernians claimed the award for the Most Promising Youngster while Andre Rocha Da Silva was voted the Best Foreign Player.
Ivan Woods' goal for Pietà against Floriana was voted as the Best Goal of the Season.
Hibernians striker Dorianne Theuma won the award for the Best Female Player.
On the other hand, Salvinu Schembri and Nicky Saliba both received special awards for their career.
The gala night was presented by John Busuttil, Antonella Vassallo and Valerie Vella. A novelty was the song "Ghax Ahna Nhobbu l-Football" written by Enzo Guzman and composed by Philip Vella, which saw a number of players, officials and supporters trying their luck in singing.
A special "guest" for the night was the Coppa Italia, brought to Malta thanks to Dott Felice Pulici and the Lazio Supporters Club Malta.
- Maltese International Referee, Mr Joe Attard will be joining the top Italian Serie A and Serie B referees in their pre-season training camp at Sportilia from August 3rd to 11th.
Mr Attard will participate fully in all the programmes organized by the technical staff during this intensive week long camp held annually by the FIGC-AIA Division.
His participation at this important training camp results from the excellent relations enjoyed between the Malta Football Association and the Federazione Italiana Gioco Calcio.
- During the pre-season training which for the first time is being held at the MFA Training Grounds at Ta’ Qali, Msida St. Joseph F.C. officially presented its new technical staff as part of the technical and administrative re-organisation following the appointment of Dott. Roberto Goveani as the new President of the Club, earlier on.
The technical staff is headed by Manager Mario Petrone, and includes Coach Donald Attard, Physical Trainer Massimo Capitta, and the Goalkeepers’ Coach, former Maltese international goalkeeper David Cluett.
Msida SJ Vice-President Dr. Kevin Deguara said that the appointment of the Technical Staff as well as the pre-season training currently underway are the next long-standing measures in the right direction as part of this small revolution which the Club is going through.
“Our aim is that Msida St. Joseph FC is based on energy, enthusiasm and above all, a professional attitude. President Goveani’s involvement is leaving a very positive impact on our operation and from what we saw during this week’s pre-season training, I am sure that commitment and professionalism are assured,” concluded Dr. Deguara.