March 2005

Thu 31

• Second & Third Division Knock-out Qormi vs Vittoriosa S. 3-2, Mellieha vs Gudja U. 2-1
• Third Division Pembroke A. vs Zurrieq 1-1, Fgura U. vs Luqa SA 0-1
• Gozo - Freedom Day Cup Zebbug R. vs Nadur Y. 1-2
• Gozo - GFA Cup Xaghra U. vs Kercem A. 0-1

Wed 30

• World Cup Croatia vs Malta 3-0
• Nine players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner. There were no players from the Premier, First and Second Division.
  Kevin Tonna (Ghaxaq) and Alan Deidun (Kirkop) were suspended for one match in Division 3. On the other hand, Jeremy Gatt Coleiro (Gzira), Ian Zammit (Valletta), Patrick Borg and Luke Stivala (Birkirkara), Derek Grech (St. George's), Isaias Testfay (Mosta), Jonathan Bugeja (Qormi) and Dean Hili (Pembroke) were suspended for one match in the Youth League.

Tue 29

• UEFA Under-21 Championship Croatia vs Malta 1-0
  A goal five minutes in the second half by Josip Tadic gave Croatia the three points as they defeated Malta 1-0 in a match from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying round in Velika Gorica.
• Croatia are firm favourites to move ahead of Sweden to top spot in Group 8 of the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying as they host Malta on Wednesday at the Maksimir Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.
  This will be the fifth game for Malta in this qualifying campaign. After a humiliating 0-7 defeat to Sweden, Malta earned its first and only point in a goalless draw with Iceland at Ta' Qali. Malta then lost 4-1 to Bulgaria in Sofia and 0-2 to Hungary at Ta' Qali. Since then Malta played a friendly match against Norway last month - a match which Malta lost 0-3.
  Valletta defender Massimo Grima and Msida midfielder Kevin Sammut are set to be named in the starting line-up. These two players should join Sliema Wanderers trio - Stefan Giglio, Claude Mattocks and Ivan Wooods - in midfield. Mattocks and Woods will also assist the only striker - Michael Mifsud.
  Justin Haber will be guarding the posts with the four defenders being Peter Pullicino, Ian Azzopardi, Brian Said and Luke Dimech.
  Kevin Sammut is one of three uncapped players in the squad. The others are Valletta defender Rennie Forace and Hibs defender Adrian Pulis.
  A brace by Niko Kovac and another two goals by Josip Simunic and Dado Prso gave Croatia a comfortable 4-0 win over Iceland last Saturday and know that another three points against Malta would put them two points ahead of Sweden. Zlatko Kranjcar's side is still unbeaten following three wins and a draw. Sweden, on the other hand, won four and lost one.
  Kranjcar welcomes back Bayern Munich's Robert Kovac and Bayer Leverkusen's Marko Babic as the two players are once again available after missing last Saturday's game through suspension. However Darijo Srna (Shakthar Donetsk) and Josip Simunic (Hertha) are ruled out after collecting a yellow card and are therefore suspended.
  The complete squad is made up of:
  goalkeepers Tomislav Butina (Club Bruges), Joseph Didulica (Austria Vienna);
  defenders Igor Tudor (Siena), Mario Tokic (Graz AK), Stjepan Tomas (Galatasaray), Robert Kovac (Bayern Munich);
  midfielders Ivan Leko (Hajduk Split), Ivan Bosnjak (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Seric (Lazio), Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen), Danijel Pranjic (Dinamo Zagreb), Niko Kovac (Hertha), Jurica Vranjes (Stuttgart), Jerko Leko (Dynamo Kiev), Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split) and
  forwards Dado Prso (Rangers), Ivan Klasnic (Werder), Ivica Olic (CSKA Moscow), Eduardo Da Silva (Dinamo Zagreb).
  This will be the third time, Malta faces Croatia. In the qualifying campaign for the EURO 2000, Malta and Croatia were drawn in the same group. Croatia won 4-1 at Ta' Qali in October 1998 and 2-1 in Zagreb in August 1999.
  The match will be controlled by officials from Cyprus: referee Costas Kapitanis, assistant referees Frixos Petrou and Andreas Xanthou and fourth official Costas Theodotou.
• The Malta Football Referees Association launched its new official website www.mfra.net.
  The website includes information about the MFRA, the committee, latest news from the refereeing' sector, activities held by the association, a list of referees, a photo gallery and the Laws of the Game.
  Behind the website is a committee including chairman Paul Caruana, Fyodor Zammit, Mariano Debono and Joseph Attard.

Mon 28

• Third Division Gharghur vs Birzebbuga SP 2-0, Sta. Lucia vs Kirkop U. 1-2
• The Malta Under-21 side will have a difficult task on Tuesday as Mark Miller's boys face Croatia at the Radnik Stadium in Velika Gorica in a match from the UEFA Under-21 Championship Group 8 qualifying round. The match kicks-off at 16:00.
  Croatia are probably the strongest side in the group. Last Friday, they kept up their perfect record from four matches as they turned defeat into victory beating Iceland 2-1. Croatia stand three points clear of Denmark with a game in hand and a win over Malta would see them double that lead and move closer to the play-offs.
  Malta has so far played four matches in Group 8. Following a narrow 0-1 defeat to Sweden at Ta' Qali, Malta defeated Iceland 1-0 also at home but then lost 2-1 to Bulgaria in Sofia. In November, the Under-21 side suffered a 0-2 defeat to Hungary at the Gozo Stadium.
  In view of this game, Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella held intensive preparations with the team playing three friendly matches. In January, the Under-21 side defeated the Italian Under-20 side 3-1 and a couple of weeks later, Malta defeated Norway 2-1. Three weeks ago, the team lost 0-1 to a strong Turkey Under-20 side.
  Before the departure to Zagreb, Miller was forced to drop goalkeeper Andrew Hogg of Pietà and Hibernians midfielder Clayton Failla as they are both injured. However there was no place in the squad for defenders Carl Sammut and Andrew Spiteri of Pietà and Kenneth Spiteri of Hibernians, Floriana midfielder Mauro Brincat and strikers Nicoḷ Baldacchino of Floriana and Ian Zammit of Valletta. Bernard Paris of Birkirkara is the second goalkeeper.
  Miller is expected to include Mosta midfielder Dyson Falzon in the starting line-up which would therefore be: Reuben Gauci, Alex Muscat, Shaun Bajada, Shawn Tellus, Ryan Mintoff, Gareth Sciberras, Trevor Cilia, Christian Cassar, Cleaven Frendo, Dyson Falzon, Andre Schembri.
  Also at his disposal are: Bernard Paris, David Camenzuli, Josef Mifsud, Andrei Agius, Roderick Bajada, Paul Fenech, Terence Scerri.
  After this game, Malta will be facing Sweden on June 3 and Iceland on June 7 in two matches away from home.
  The match will be controlled by officials from Slovakia - referee Pavel Olsiak, assistant referees Romas Somolani and Radomir Sluk and fourth official Vladimir Vnuk.

Sun 27

• Women's First Division Mosta vs Rabat A. 3-0, Sta. Venera L. vs Raiders 0-0
• Gozo - First Division Zebbug R. vs Kercem A. 1-4, Victoria H. vs Xewkija T. 1-4

Sat 26

• Third Division Kalkara vs Ta' Xbiex 3-0, Sirens vs Ghaxaq 0-1
• Women's First Division Melita vs Birkirkara 0-3
• Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Xaghra U. 10-1
• Gozo - Second Division Sannat L. vs Qala SJ 2-1
• Valletta defender Rennie Forace is part of the final 18-man national squad which leaves Malta on Monday, destination Zagreb, for next Wednesday's World Cup Group 8 qualifying match against Croatia at the Maksimir Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.
  Besides the senior national team, the Under-21 side also leaves Malta on Monday. The contingent leaves on a direct chartered flight KM 3556 to Zagreb at 06:15.
  Forace, however is not the only uncapped player in the squad as Hibs defender Adrian Pulis and Msida midfielder Kevin Sammut are also yet to make their first appearance for the national team.
  Sliema defender Jeffrey Chetcuti and Roderick Briffa of Birkirkara were ruled out due to injuries. Floriana's Stephen Wellman and Jamie Pace of Marsaxlokk were dropped from the squad. Chetcuti, Wellman and Pace were included in the starting line-up in last month's friendly match against Norway which Malta lost 0-3.
  The players selected by national coach Horst Heese and his assistant Carmel Busuttil are:
  goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Birkirkara), Justin Haber (Birkirkara);
  defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Rennie Forace (Valletta), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema);
  midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Massimo Grima (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema), Kevin Sammut (Msida), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema) and
  forwards Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Michael Mifsud (Lillestrom).
  Meanwhile Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella also named an 18-man squad for the UEFA Under-21 Championship Group 8 qualifying match in programme on Tuesday at the Radnik Stadium in Velika Gorica at 16:00.
  Missing from the squad are goalkeeper Andrew Hogg of Pietà and Hibernians midfielder Clayton Failla, who are both injured. However there was no place in the squad for defenders Carl Sammut and Andrew Spiteri of Pietà and Kenneth Spiteri of Hibernians, Floriana midfielder Mauro Brincat and strikers Nicoḷ Baldacchino of Floriana and Ian Zammit of Valletta.
  The players selected by Miller are:
  goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
  defenders David Camenzuli (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà), Shaun Tellus (Marsaxlokk);
  midfielders Andrei Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà) and
  forwards Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk).

Wed 23

• Malta lost another place in the FIFA Ranking list as published on Wednesday and is now ranked 137th. The national team's fall continues after Malta dropped to what was a record low 134th, in December.
  The next game for Malta is the game against Croatia on March 30. Malta then plays two matches in four days in Sweden on June 4th and Iceland on the 8th.
  Among other European countries, Malta is still 47th, lying behind Northern Ireland (111), Cyprus (113, down 5), Moldova (114, up 1), Azerbaijan (116, up 1), Armenia (120) and the Faroe Islands (133, down 1). Behind Malta are Andorra (139), Liechtenstein (144), Kazakhstan (149), Luxembourg (155, down 1) and San Marino (161).
  At the top of the rankings there were no changes with Brazil leading ahead of France, Argentina, the Czech Republic, Spain, Mexico, Netherlands, England, Portugal, Italy and the USA.
  Meanwhile the FIFA Technical and Development Committee and the FIFA Football Committee confirmed that FIFA would review the current methods used to calculate the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.
  Although there were diverse opinions as to what criteria should be taken into consideration when calculating the ranking, the committees unanimously reconfirmed the importance of the ranking as a valuable tool to help provide an objective comparison amongst FIFA member associations' representative 'A' teams.
  A working group will be established to review the potential modifications and provide a comprehensive dossier of proposals.
• Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
  Steve Wellman of Floriana, who was sent off in the Greens' last outing against Marsaxlokk, will be missing the next game against Sliema.
  Trevor Templeman of Marsaxlokk and Keith Fenech of Valletta will be unavailable in the clash between Marsaxlokk and Valletta on April 9.
  Adrian Pulis of Hibernians will be missing the game against Birkirkara.
  In Division 1, Simon Muscat of Naxxar was suspended for two matches while Trevor Fenech (Naxxar) and Chris Cuschieri (San Gwann) were handed a one-match ban.
  Sta. Venera were the worst hit in Division 2 with four players being suspended for one match - Marco Buttigieg, Mark Muscat, Stephen Said and Alfred Micallef. Gzira also had three players suspended for one-match - Edwin Gauci, Julian Spiteri and Dale Spiteri. Joseph Saliba of Qormi was handed a two-match ban while Victor Fiteni (Dingli) and Jonathan Bezzina (Rabat) were suspended for one match.
  In Division 3, Xghajra duo Antoine Muscat and Jonathan Cachia were suspended for two matches while another two Xghajra players Godfrey Micallef and Brian Gilford were banned for one match. Mark Said (Luqa) was suspended for one match.
  In the Youth League, Charlton Gerada (Gzira) and Julian Azzopardi (Zurrieq) received a two-match ban. Mark Brincat (Mosta) was suspended for one match. Adon Grech (St. George's) and James Mallia (Zebbug) were banned for one match in the Youth Knock-Out.

Mon 21

• Holders Sliema Wanderers were drawn to meet First Division leaders Mqabba in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy which will be played on April 2 and 3.
  Mqabba reached the quarter-finals after beating Naxxar Lions 5-0 in the first round and San Gwann after the penalty shoot-out in the second.
  The most attractive fixture is the clash between Marsaxlokk and Valletta. Two teams which were looking forward to winning the second most important honour of the season.
  Marsaxlokk were awarded a bye in the previous rounds while Valletta eliminated Balzan Youths 4-0 and Pietà Hotspurs 2-1. Last season, the Southseasiders had eliminated the Citizens in the FA Trophy semi-finals.
  The two teams faced each other three times this season with Valletta obtaining two wins, 3-1 and 4-1. The other game ended in a 1-1 draw.
  Another interesting clash is that between Birkirkara and Floriana. The Stripes, winners of the FA Trophy two times in the last three years, hope to win the competition after winning the Super Cup and the Super 5 Cup earlier this season.
  Floriana, on the other hand, view this competition as a means of playing in Europe next season. In the previous rounds, they defeated St. George's 6-0 and Hamrun Spartans 2-0 after extra-time.
  Birkirkara have already defeated Floriana three times this season - 3-0, 3-1 and 3-0.
  In the other quarter-final, Msida St. Joseph take on Hibernians. Msida reached this stage after beating opposition from Division 1 - Mosta and Senglea Athletic. On the other hand, Hibs were awarded a bye.
  The two teams met twice in the Premier League first phase. After a 1-1 draw in the first round, Hibernians defeated Msida 2-0 in the second.
• National coach Horst Heese and Under-21 national coach Mark Miller named the provisional squads ahead of next week's qualifying round matches against Croatia.
  The Under-21 sides play at the Radnik Stadium in Velika Gorica on Tuesday 29 while the senior sides cross swords on Wednesday 30 at the Maksimir Stadium in Zagreb.
  A new face in the senior squad is Valletta defender Rennie Forace.
  The players selected by Heese are:
  goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Birkirkara), Justin Haber (Birkirkara);
  defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Rennie Forace (Valletta), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema), Stephen Wellman (Floriana);
  midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Massimo Grima (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema), Kevin Sammut (Msida), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema) and
  forwards Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Michael Mifsud (Lillestrom), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk).
  Meanwhile Miller named 26 players in the provisional squad:
  goalkeepers Kris Calleja (Mqabba), Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Hogg (Pietà);
  defenders David Camenzuli (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Carl Sammut (Pietà), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà), Kenneth Spiteri (Hibernians), Shaun Tellus (Marsaxlokk);
  midfielders Andrei Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Mauro Brincat (Floriana), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà) and
  forwards Nicoḷ Baldacchino (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk) and Ian Zammit (Valletta).

Mon 21

• Second Division Sta. Venera L. vs Rabat A. 2-0, Tarxien R. vs Qormi 1-0

Sun 20

• Premier League Pietà H. vs Lija A. 1-0, Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 1-0
• First Division Gozo vs Naxxar L. 1-2, St. George's vs San Gwann 2-1, Mqabba vs Hamrun S. 0-0
• Second Division Mellieha vs Zebbug R. 0-2, Dingli S. vs Melita 0-1
• Third Division Siggiewi vs Zejtun C. 2-2, Gudja U. vs Mgarr U. 4-1
• Women's First Division Melita vs Mosta 2-1, Birkirkara vs Hibernians 1-2
• Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Victoria H. 2-0
• Dingli Swallows FC Youth Nursery are for the fifth time organizing a Penalty Shoot-Out at the Dingli Swallows FC Football Ground. This Shoot-Out will be held on the 26th March from 9.00am onwards. This activity is open to children and adults both boys and girls.
  Trophies and gifts will be awarded for each category held.
  For further information one can call on 79706487, 99879543, 79593521 or 21456221.

Sat 19

• Premier League Sliema W. vs Hibernians 1-1, Valletta vs Birkirkara 1-2
• Second Division Gzira U. vs St. Andrews 0-1, Vittoriosa S. vs Attard 2-1
• Third Division Luqa SA vs Pembroke A. 3-3, Xghajra T. vs Fgura U. 0-3
• Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Sannat L. 0-2, Qala SJ vs SK Victoria W. 1-2

Sat 19

• Malta was drawn with three former Yugoslav republics in the qualifying round of the fifth FIFA Women's World Cup 2005-2007.
  The women's team was placed in the Second Division - Group 6 together with Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Slovenia.
  Malta had already faced Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina in the UEFA Women's Championship 2003-2005 campaign.
  Croatia had placed third in Group 5 with 13 points ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina with 7 and Malta 0. Malta lost 1-0 to Bosnia-Herzegovina away from home and 0-2 at Ta' Qali. On the other hand, following a 3-0 defeat in Croatia, Malta lost 1-4 at the Gozo Stadium with Sarah Caruana scoring Malta's only goal.
  Slovenia, on the other hand, are taking part in this competition for the first time.

Thu 17

• The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery will be organising the Tony Bajada Memorial football tournament. This tournament will be held between Monday 28th March and Saturday 2nd April 2005 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Taking part are 26 teams from 14 nurseries will be participating.
  This football tournament is organized every season during the Easter holidays. Over a period of five days, 45 matches will be played and around 360 players from four categories, (Under-6, Under-8, Under-10 and Under-13), will participate in this event, and play on natural turf.
  Being in its fourth edition, this football tournament has now become one of the most popular in Malta, since when applications were opened they were booked in a matter of few weeks.
  Whilst acknowledging the competitive spirit by which participants take part, we firmly believe that the scope of such a tournament remains first and foremost, that of delivering to the players a positive experience in an appropriate and conductive environment. In additon, we emphasize the fact that all matches are played in a FAIR PLAY atmosphere and that all players registered for the tournament, will all have their turn to play for their team.
  The program kicks off on Monday 28th with a mass celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church in Manuel Magri Street in Hamrun at 8:45, followed by a march pass with the Nurseries' placards to the Victor Tedesco Stadium, where after a short opening celebration, the first matches begin at 10:30. The tournament will proceed everyday according to the fixtures until Thursday. On the 1st, being a school day the tournament halts and proceeds on Saturday where the four finals will take place. After, there will be the presentation to the winners and all the participants. The 'Tony Bajada Challenge Cup' will be presented to the winners of the under 13 category in which they keep for one year.
  The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery wish to publicly express their gratitude to the tournament's sponsors - Globalair Travel Ltd, Farsons plc, von Brockdorff Imports Ltd, and the Hamrun Local Council, who made it possible for these young footballers and their parents to enjoy this memorable week, during the Easter holidays. The committee would also like to show their appreciation to the Bajada family, Hamrun Spartans FC Executive Committee, the Ground Management Board, The Youth FA, the M.F.A. and all the applicant Nurseries.
• The Malta Football Association announced the seating allocation for supporters for next Saturday's Premier League matches: Sliema Wanderers vs Hibernians and Valletta vs Birkirkara.
  Birkirkara supporters will be seating in the West Side A; Hibernians and Valletta supporters in the West Side C and Millennium Stand A. On the other hand, Sliema supporters will be staying in the Millennium Stand C.
  The MFA notifies that the allocation for the Sliema supporters was decided in agreement with Sliema Wanderers.
  The Police Commissioner also announced instructions for supporters attending these matches.
  Sliema, Hibs and Valletta supporters are to enter Ta' Qali from Mdina Road, Rabat and use the parking area in front of the Millennium Stand and next to the Basketball Pavilion.
  On the other hand, Birkirkara supporters are to enter Ta' Qali from Mosta or Attard (Pitkali Road) and should park their cars in the parking area in front of the Enclosure and the road leading to it.
  Searches will be carried out by police and objects which could be used as missiles will not be allowed.
• The Malta Football Association announced that the match between Msida St. Joseph and St Patrick will not be played on Sunday March 20 as per the latest 'Reminder of Fixtures' issued by the MFA.
  Pietà Hotspurs vs Lija Athletic will be played instead.

Wed 16

• The MALTA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION has recently been certified by SGS Societè Gènèrale de Surveillance SA Systems and Services Certification of Geneva, Switzerland as being in line with the requirements of the "National Football Body Licensing Standard".
  This means that the MFA has been officially recognized by UEFA as the Licensor of Maltese Clubs for the purpose of obtaining a license in order that these may participate in the UEFA Competitions for Clubs.
• Hibernians striker Terence Scerri was handed a two-match ban after being sent off during last Sunday's clash with Floriana. He will therefore miss the next two matches for the Paolites against Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara respectively.
  Sliema Wanderers defender Darren Debono will also miss Saturday's clash with Hibernians after he was suspended for one game with a fourth yellow card. Marsaxlokk defender Carlo Mamo, who also received his fourth yellow card, was suspended for one game and will miss the match against Floriana on Sunday.
  Other players to be suspended for one game are: Martin Borg and Alex Hili (Mqabba), Tyrone Ghirxi (Senglea), Dylan Agius (Gzira), James Tabone and Johann Scicluna (Qormi) and Andrew Hili (Sta. Venera).
  Malcolm Buttigieg (Hibs), Lydon Micallef (Msida), Matthew Camilleri and Gilbert Camilleri (Naxxar), Joseph Mercieca (Sliema), Steven Hyzler (St. Andrews), Trevor Bellotti (St. George's), Kristen Buhagiar (St. Patrick) and Stephen Saliba (Zebbug) were suspended for one match in the Youth League while Siggiewi duo Josef Borg and Roderick Vella were banned for one match in the Youth Knock-Out.

Tue 15

• The eleventh edition of the international tournament organised by the San Gwann youth nursery - the Mediterranean Cup 2005 was launched during a press conference last week.
  The tournament is organised with the collaboration of the San Gwann Local Council and is being sponsored by Coca-Cola, Acqua Azzurra and Primatel.
  It will be held over ten days, between March 19 and 29. All games will be played at the San Gwann FC football ground.
  There will be six categories - Under-8, Under-9, Under-10, Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15. Six hundred players from 38 local and foreign teams are expected to take part.
  Taking part are: San Gwann, SC Sikania Alcamo (Italy), FC Prvi Belgrade (Serbia & Montenegro), Floriana, Lija-Iklin, Paola Hibs, Naxxar Lions, Mqabba, Balzan Youths, Zebbug Rangers, Valletta, Birkirkara, Msida, Pietà Hotspurs, Luxol St. Andrews, Melita, Tarxien Rainbows, Qormi, Gzira United, Sliema Wanderers, Kirkop United and Mellieha.
  San Gwann YN president Anthony Sciberras explained the hard work involved in organising such a tournament which is the largest in its kind in Malta. He went on to thank all those involved for making it possible to stage the eleventh edition of this tournament.
  YFA secretary general Joe Micallef and MFA official Emmanuel Zammit spoke about the successful organisation of the tournament and the importance of fair play during the tournament.
  San Gwann YN PRO Bjorn Vassallo explained in detail the tournament's format and regulations and confirmed that in the Under-13 and Under-15 categories, club linesmen will be assisting MFA officials.
  The mayor of San Gwann Kurt Guillaimier concluded by saying that it is a pleasure for the local council to support such events which aim at uniting children coming from different cultures.
  A tournament party featuring a variety show with singers and comedians, a puppet show and fashion show will be held on March 28. During this party, the San Gwann Cheerleaders will be presented for the first time.
• The Gudja Youth Nursery will be organising an Under-8 Festival on Saturday March 19. This will be held at the Gudja United synthetic pitch, starting at 08:30 and ending at around 14:30.
  Taking part are Mosta, Santa Lucija, Birzebbugia, Melita and hosts Gudja United. Medals will be presented to each player and each team will receive a token.
  The 'Green Card' will be introduced during this tournament. This will be awarded by the referee to individual players or teams who show fair-play. The team who receives the largest number of green cards will be presented with a trophy.
  Another novelty is the introduction of a rule - 'Man extra on pitch'. When a team is losing 6-0, they could include an extra player on the field of play to help reduce the gap between the two teams in order for the children to enjoy themselves more.
  The tournament is sponsored by Vivaldi Hotel St.Julians while the official drink is Fitgar.

Mon 14

• Croatia coach Zlatko Kranjcar expects his team to take maximum points from their World Cup qualifiers against Iceland and Malta in Zagreb. Croatia take on Iceland on March 26 and Malta four days later.
  "I expect my team to win both games," said Kranjcar. However, he warned that the task would not be easy, particularly against Iceland.
  Croatia are third in the group with seven points from three games, on level points with Bulgaria. Sweden lie on top with nine points from four games. Hungary are fourth on six points from four games while Iceland and Malta have only one point each at the bottom.
  The players selected by Kranjcar are:
  goalkeepers Tomislav Butina (Club Bruges), Joseph Didulica (Austria Vienna);
  defenders Igor Tudor (Siena), Mario Tokic (Graz AK), Stjepan Tomas (Galatasaray), Robert Kovac (Bayern Munich), Josip Simunic (Hertha);
  midfielders Ivan Leko (Hajduk Split), Darijo Srna (Shakthar Donetsk), Ivan Bosnjak (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Seric (Lazio), Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen), Danijel Pranjic (Dinamo Zagreb), Niko Kovac (Hertha), Jurica Vranjes (Stuttgart), Jerko Leko (Dynamo Kiev), Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split) and
  forwards Dado Prso (Rangers), Ivan Klasnic (Werder), Ivica Olic (CSKA Moscow), Eduardo Da Silva (Dinamo Zagreb).
• Third Division Kirkop U. vs Gharghur 1-1, Zurrieq vs Sta. Lucia 1-1

Sun 13

• Premier League Msida SJ vs Lija A. 2-0, Hibernians vs Floriana 1-1
• First Division Senglea A. vs Mqabba 2-2, Mosta vs Marsa 3-1
• Second Division Qormi vs Dingli S. 2-2, Rabat A. vs Tarxien R. 1-3
• Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Sirens 0-1, Ghaxaq vs Birzebbuga SP 1-2
• Women's First Division Raiders vs Birkirkara 0-4, Rabat A. vs Sta. Venera L. 1-3
• Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Zebbug R. 8-0, Victoria H. vs Xaghra U. 1-1

Sat 12

• Premier League Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 2-2, Valletta vs Sliema W. 0-3
• Second Division Melita vs Gzira U. 2-0, Zebbug R. vs Sta. Venera L. 0-0
• Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Xewkija T. 1-2
• Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Sannat L. 0-0
• The team of Net Television's reality-show, Net Stars registered its tenth successive win as they defeated Cool Boys 3-0 in another match from the Third Division Section A on Friday. Net Stars therefore made sure of winning Section A.

Fri 11

• The MFA Technical Centre will be holding a Goalkeepers' Coaching Course from Friday 8th April to Sunday 10th April, 2005, both days inclusive. Mr Frans Hoek, former Goalkeepers' Coach of FC Barcellona will conduct the course.
  All interested coaches can apply at the MFA Technical Centre (Att. Mr Nunzio Frendo - during office hours, tel. 21411505) by not later than Monday, 4th April, 2005

Thu 10

• A number of Maltese referees and assistant referees have received appointments to control matches abroad.
  Chris Lautier will be controlling matches from the UEFA Under-17 Mini-Tournament in Turkey which will be held between March 15 and 19. He will be accompanied by assistant referee Nicholas Debattista.
  Joe Attard will control the World Cup qualifier between Armenia and Andorra on March 26. He will be assisted by assistant referees Philip Agius and Konrad Borg and fourth official Adrian Casha.
  Three days later, Adrian Casha will be controlling the friendly 'A' international match between the Republic of Ireland and China.
  On March 30, Anton Zammit will be controlling the UEFA Under 21 championship qualifier between FYR Macedonia and Romania. He will be assisted by assistant referees Ingmar Spiteri and Alan Camilleri. The fourth official is Marco Borg.
• In a circular which is being sent to Member Clubs and Associations, the MFA reminds the Referees, Assistant Referees, 4th Officials and Match Inspectors to be particularly on the alert for any words, gestures and acts hinting of racism from players, club officials and spectators before, during and after matches played under the jurisdiction of the Malta FA.
  The referees are also being informed that, besides taking all disciplinary measures according to the case, the officials in charge and the Match Inspectors are being reminded to prepare a detailed report of similar racist incidents so that disciplinary measures laid down in the regulations could be taken.
• The Police Commissioner issued instructions for supporters attending the Premier League matches on Saturday.
  Marsaxlokk and Valletta supporters are to enter Ta' Qali from Mdina Road, Rabat and use the parking area in front of the Millennium Stand and next to the Basketball Pavilion.
  They will be seated in the West Side C and Millennium Stand - South side.
  Floriana and Birkirkara supporters are to enter Ta' Qali from Mosta or Attard (Pitkali Road) and should park their cars in the parking area in front of the Enclosure and the road leading to it.
  Their supporters will be seated in the West Side A and Millennium Stand - North side.
  Searches will be carried out by police and objects which could be used as missiles will not be allowed.

Wed 9

• Friendly Match Malta Under-21 vs Turkey Under-20 0-1
  The Malta Under-21 side lost 0-1 to the Turkey Under-20 team in a friendly match at Ta' Qali on Wednesday. This match served as preparation for the coming UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier against Croatia on March 31.
  The Turkish side, a finalist in the Under-19 Championships last year and a finalist in the FIFA Youth World Cup next June, proved to be a team made up of several technically-gifted players. However Mark Miller's boys gave a good account of themselves throughout the 90 minutes.
  In the first half, although Turkey held the initiative they had only one shot at goal - a powerful Ali Azturk first-time effort which ended wide on 21 minutes. The locals replied with a Cleaven Frendo cute lob which hit the crossbar a minute later. Four minutes from the end of the first half, a fine Shaun Bajada freekick was turned into a corner by goalkeeper Serkan Kirintli.
  Turkey scored the only goal five minutes in the second half thanks to Ali Azturk who managed to beat Gauci with a shot from inside the area.
  The Turkish side went close with a great freekick by Selcuk Inan which hit the upright on 56 minutes while a powerful shot by Sinan Turan was neutralised by Rueben Gauci on 76 minutes.
• Marsaxlokk striker Michael Ochei was handed a three-match ban after being sent off in the Championship Pool clash between Marsaxlokk and Hibernians on Sunday.
  Ochei hit Hibs defender Ryan Mintoff in the face and then went on to make gestures in the direction of Hibs fans on his way to the dressing room.
  He will be missing the next three matches against Birkirkara, Floriana and Valletta.
  Kurt Formosa of Floriana, who was sent off in the game against Valletta, was suspended for one match and will miss the game against Hibernians on Sunday.
  Hibs defender Aaron Xuereb, who collected his fourth card, will be missing the same game after receiving a one-match ban.
  Pietà defender David Camenzuli and Mark Pullicino of St Patrick were also suspended for one match and will be missing the games against Lija and Msida respectively.

Tue 8

• The Malta Under-21 side will be facing the Turkey Under-20 side on Wednesday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 18:00. Coach Mark Miller was forced to make one change from the 20-strong squad he named on Monday as Pietà defender David Camenzuli replaced the injured Carl Sammut.
  Mosta midfielder Dyson Falzon was included in the squad but there was no place for Pietà defender Andrew Spiteri, Kenneth Spiteri of Hibernians, Christian Cassar of Floriana, Ian Zammit of Valletta and goalkeeper Kris Calleja of Mqabba.
  This will be the third friendly match in six weeks for the Under-21 side after Mark Miller's boys defeated Italy U-20 3-1 in January and Norway U-21 2-1 last month.
• Holders Mellieha will be facing Third Division side Gudja United in the semi-finals of the Second & Third Division Knock-Out following the draw which was held on Tuesday.
  The other semi-final will be a clash between two Second Division sides - Qormi and Vittoriosa Stars.
  The two matches will be played on Thursday March 31 at the Centenary Stadium.
  In the quarter-finals, Mellieha had defeated Kirkop United 3-1 while Gudja United eliminated Dingli Swallows following the penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw. Qormi beat Third Division leaders Gharghur 2-0 while Vittoriosa Stars defeated Gzira United 1-0 after extra-time.

Mon 7

• Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller named the final squad for next Wednesday's friendly match against the Turkey Under-20 side on Wednesday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.
  Mosta midfielder Dyson Falzon was included in the squad but there was no place for Pietà defenders David Camenzuli and Andrew Spiteri, Kenneth Spiteri of Hibernians, Christian Cassar of Floriana, Ian Zammit of Valletta and goalkeeper Kris Calleja of Mqabba.
  This will be the third friendly match in six weeks for the Under-21 side after Mark Miller's boys defeated Italy U-20 3-1 in January and Norway U-21 2-1 last month.
  Like Italy, Turkey has qualified for the FIFA Youth (Under-20) World Cup Finals which will be held in Holland between June 10 and July 2. At youth level, Turkey are considered to be one of the strongest teams in Europe placing second in the UEFA Under-19 Championships last year.
  Malta has so far played four matches in Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship. Following a narrow 0-1 defeat to Sweden at Ta' Qali, Malta defeated Iceland 1-0 also at home but then lost 2-1 to Bulgaria away from home. In November, the Under-21 side suffered a 0-2 defeat to Hungary at the Gozo Stadium.
  The next game is in programme on March 30 in Velika Gorica in Croatia. The latter are probably the strongest team in the group, being the only one with maximum points from three matches. Malta then faces Sweden on June 3 and Iceland four days later in another two matches away from home.
  The players selected by Miller are:
  goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Hogg (Pietà);
  defenders Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Carl Sammut (Pietà), Shawn Tellus (Marsaxlokk);
  midfielders Andrei Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Msida), Mauro Brincat (Floriana), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Paul Fenech (Msida), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà) and
  strikers Nicoḷ Baldacchino (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk).
  Wednesday's match will be controlled by referee Joe Attard who will be assisted by assistant referees Charles Micallef and Joe Camilleri and fourth official Paul Caruana.

Sun 6

• Premier League St. Patrick vs Pietà H. 2-0, Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians 1-3
• First Division Naxxar L. vs Mosta 2-2, San Gwann vs Balzan Y. 0-1, Gozo vs Hamrun S. 1-0
• Second Division St. Andrews vs Vittoriosa S. 4-1, Attard vs Mellieha 1-2
• Third Division Pembroke A. vs Xghajra T. 0-1, Fgura U. vs Siggiewi 2-1
• Women's First Division Sta. Venera L. vs Mosta 1-4, Hibernians vs Melita 7-1
• Gozo - First Division Xewkija T. vs Nadur Y. 2-3

Sat 5

• Premier League Birkirkara vs Floriana 3-0, Hibernians vs Valletta 0-3
• Second Division Dingli S. vs Rabat A. 1-0, Tarxien R. vs Zebbug R. 2-0
• Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Qala SJ 2-2, SK Victoria W. vs St. Lawrence S. 1-3

Fri 4

• The Police Commissioner issued instructions for supporters attending the Premier League matches on Saturday.
  Valletta and Sliema supporters are to enter Ta' Qali from Mdina Road, Rabat and use the parking area in front of the Millennium Stand and next to the Basketball Pavilion.
  They will be seated in the West Side C and Millennium Stand - South side.
  Floriana and Birkirkara supporters are to enter Ta' Qali from Mosta or Attard (Pitkali Road) and should park their cars in the parking area in front of the Enclosure and the road leading to it.
  Their supporters will be seated in the West Side A and Millennium Stand - North side.
  Searches will be carried out by police and objects which could be used as missiles will not be allowed.
• With eight wins in eight matches, Konica Minolta Gunners have already made sure of winning the Futsal Second Division Section A league. KMG FC made sure of the first place after beating Micab Futsal 6-3 in their last outing.
  The Gunners now hold a record of 23 consecutive official League and Knock Out matches unbeaten.
  The players who starred for Konica Minolta Gunners were this season were: Carmel Busuttil, John Buttigieg, Silvio Vella, Ray Farrugia, Marko Glumac, Aaron Micallef, Silvan Borg, Oliver Mallia, Raphael Psaila, Adrian Caruana, Tony Farrugia, Robert Micallef and James Navarro.
  The main objective for KMG FC, who are supported by Konica Minolta - Office Equipment ; Office Electronics Ltd and Print X Press - is now to succeed in a European Futsal Tournament.
  Meanwhile another team is still unbeaten after playing nine matches. The team of Net Television's reality show - Net Stars claimed maximum points after playing nine matches in the Third Division Section A.
  In the First Division Section A, Air Malta Cabin Crew are favourites to win the section but the battle for the second place between El Mundos, Serbia - last season's champions and Vindaloo is very close. Hibernians are on top in Section B with King of Shaves having an edge over Amazon Pago and Swing Kids in the race for the runner-up position.
  Zurrieq FC are favourites to win the Second Division Section B after losing just one game in eight matches.
  Korol and ECB FC share the top spot in the Third Division Section B after Korol won the direct clash 6-2. The situation is more complicated in Section C with four teams seperated by just three points: Lazio Supporters Club on 18 points, Fugazi 5 16, Paramatta A, Olimpia 5 Thermaseal and Central Bank of Malta all on 15 points. On the other hand, Southsiders seem heading for the title in Section D.

Fri 4

• There will be no change in the format of the Premier League and the other leagues after council members voted against a proposal for a Premier League with eight clubs in a meeting of the Council of the MFA on Thursday.
  According to the proposal, the number of teams in the Premier Division had to be reduced to 8 teams as from season 2006/2007 with teams playing against each other on a three-round basis for a total of 21 matches.
  The proposal also stated that there had to be ten teams in the First Division and twelve in the Second Division with the remaining teams playing in the Third Division.
  Before the voting took place, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud described this proposal as an attempt to improve the level of the game. He said everyone felt the need to do something as one could not deny the fact that figures show a downward trend in the amount of spectators attending league matches.
  From the discussion that followed, it was soon evident that most clubs were against reducing the number of teams in the Premier League. These council members cited reasons such as the difficulty for smaller clubs to establish themselves in the Premier League - what is considered to be the showcase of the local game and the difficulty for clubs to give younger players the possibility to play top level football.
  Last year, council members had voted against another proposal for a Premier League with eight clubs but according to that proposal, the number of teams in the First, Second and Third Division would have been ten with the remaining teams playing in a Third Division B.

Wed 2

• Sliema Wanderers midfielder Joe Brincat and Floriana's Andre Rocha Da Silva will be missing important matches this weekend after both were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after collecting a fourth yellow card.
  Joe Brincat will be missing the game against Birkirkara while Andre Rocha Da Silva will be unavailable for the Greens' in the clash with rivals Valletta.
  Three players were suspended in Division 1. Clint Gatt of San Gwann was suspended for two matches while Stacy Vella, also of San Gwann, and Mark Anthony Psaila of Mqabba were banned for one match.
  In Division 2, Adrian Galea of Mellieha was suspended for two matches while Fabian Cutajar (Attard), Adriano Fenech and Daniel Gravina (Melita), Anthony Gera (St. Andrews), Charles Cachia and Robert Micallef (Vittoriosa) were handed a one-match ban.
  Kevin Grima (Sirens) and Jesmar Joe Abela (Zejtun) were suspended for one match in Division 3.
  In the Youth League, Brian Vassallo (Dingli) was suspended for two matches while Adam Spiteri (Msida), Emanuel Gauci (Naxxar), Melvin Pisani (Tarxien), Steve Attard (Zebbug) and Leonard Zammit (Zurrieq) were suspended for one match.

Tue 1

• The MFA Technical Centre will be organizing another UEFA 'A' Diploma Course at the Technical Centre from Saturday 2nd April to Saturday, 16th April, 2005, both days included.
  Applications are available from the Technical Centre at Ta' Qali (office hours).
  Closing date for applications will be Monday, 28th March, 2005. A passport size photo, a photocopy of the UEFA 'B' Diploma Certificate and a Medical Certificate are also required.
  Applications will be accepted on a 'first come first served' basis.
• As part of the preparations for the next UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier against Croatia, the Malta Under-21 side will be playing another friendly match next week.
  Malta hosts the Turkish Under-20 side on Wednesday 9 at Ta' Qali.
  This will be the third friendly match for the Under-21 side after Mark Miller's boys defeated Italy U-20 3-1 in January and Norway U-21 2-1 last month.
  Malta has so far played four matches in Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship. Following a narrow 0-1 defeat to Sweden at Ta' Qali, Malta defeated Iceland 1-0 also at home but then lost 2-1 to Bulgaria away from home. In November, the Under-21 side suffered a 0-2 defeat to Hungary at the Gozo Stadium.
  The next game is in programme on March 30 in Velika Gorica in Croatia. The latter are probably the strongest team in the group, being the only one with maximum points from three matches.
  Malta then faces Sweden on June 3 and Iceland four days later in another two matches away from home.
  Meanwhile for the friendly match against Turkey Under-20, Miller named the provisional squad which is made up of:
  goalkeepers Kris Calleja (Mqabba), Reuben Gauci (Floriana), Andrew Hogg (Pietà);
  defenders David Camenzuli (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Carl Sammut (Pietà), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà), Kenneth Spiteri (Hibernians), Shawn Tellus (Marsaxlokk);
  midfielders Andrei Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Mauro Brincat (Floriana), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Paul Fenech (Msida), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà) and
  strikers Nicoḷ Baldacchino (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk) and Ian Zammit (Valletta).
  Pietà defender David Camenzuli, who had turned out for Sweden Under-18 side has recently been cleared to play for Malta.