August 2005
Wed 31
- A hectic week lies ahead for the national teams as Malta plays no less than five international matches.
The Under-21 side faces Hungary in a UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier in Budapest on Saturday 2nd September. The following day, the senior side meets Hungary as well in a World Cup qualifier.
On Tuesday 6th, the women's national team hosts Croatia in a match from the qualifying round of the FIFA Women's World Cup at Ta' Qali. On the same day at the same venue, the Under-21 side hosts Croatia as well in a match from the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying round. Finally, the senior side welcomes the Croatian side on Wednesday, also at the National Stadium.
Addressing a press conference at the Centenary Hall on Wednesday, MFA senior vice-president Carmelo Bartolo said the forthcoming fixtures for the senior side will be difficult ones for Malta.
Despite the strength of both the Hungarian and Croatian sides, Bartolo believes good results could be obtained if the Maltese do well if they show the same commitment as they did in the last performance against Northern Ireland in a friendly match earlier this month.
"Against Hungary, Malta is yet to register a first win although we obtained good results such as the two draws at Ta' Qali and another in Budapest. Against Croatia, back in 1999, Malta had played one of the best matches away from home despite losing 1-2," said Bartolo.
He concluded with an appeal for the general public to support the national team in the three matches being played at Ta' Qali. "Our players need our continuous support."
National coach Horst Heese said the matches against Hungary and Croatia are two tough matches.
"Hungary are a stronger side than I had expected. And with the absence of players like Michael Mifsud, Luke Dimech and Gilbert Agius, it would even be more difficult," said Heese.
Michael Mifsud is ruled out injured together with Etienne Barbara and Jonathan Bondin. Gilbert Agius serves a one-match ban while Luke Dimech opted to stay in England to play for his club.
"We accepted Luke's decision. We did not want to force a player to play for the national team when his heart is not here," said Heese.
Massimo Grima could be the player to replace Gilbert Agius in the starting line-up as according to Heese, the Valletta midfielder "deserves a chance". On the other hand, Kenneth Scicluna should replace Luke Dimech as he left a good impression when included as a substitute in the game against Northern Ireland.
Ivan Woods is slightly injured but should recover in time.
Under-21 coach Mark Miller said that after collecting four points so far, the team is looking forward to winning more points.
"We had excellent preparation in Wales. They were a team full of strong players who play in the Championship and Division 1. That game gave me the opportunity of trying some new players."
Besides the injured Shawn Tellus, Dyson Falzon is ruled out as he is sick. Ryan Mintoff is also sick but could make the trip to Hungary.
Miller revealed that Paul Fenech could get his chance to make it to the starting line-up. He also praised goalkeeper Bernard Paris for leaving a very good impression in Wales despite the fact that he is not playing for his club. Hibs defender Jonathan Caruana should also make it to the squad.
One thing which is worrying Mark Miller. "Some players are failing to make the grade. I would expect a player who has been playing for the Under-21 side for almost four year to improve and be ready for the national team. My objective as coach of the Under-21 side is not only to obtain results but to prepare the players for the national team," said Miller.
Meanwhile the assistant coach of the women's team Alfred Zammit said that following the participation in the Women's Championship campaign, players have now gained some experience.
"Before we had to choose among established players but now there are now some young players as well who have made it to the national team."
Dionne Tonna is ruled out from this game while Michelle Grech moved back to Australia.
Zammit hopes the women's league will in future be played on a turf pitch.
"Unfortunately players are playing on a hard ground in domestic competitions but then have to play on a turf pitch. Playing regularly on turf will definitely improve the level of the game," concluded the women's team's assistant coach.
Match ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup Qualification Match Malta vs Croatia (Wednesday September 7 - Kick-Off: 18:45 - National Stadium) are as follows:
West Sides A & C (Enclosure Stand) - Lm 4.00; Millennium Stand - Lm 3.00; Ladies, Children (Under 11), Kartanzjan Holders and Persons with Special Needs Card Holders and Persons on Wheelchair (in Millennium Stand only) - Lm 1.50
The following are the Authorised Ticket Retailers: Geraldu Kiosk (Republic Street, Valletta); Eros Stationery (Wilga Street, Paceville), Star Tourism (Pioneer Road, Bugibba) and the National Stadium.
Pre-Sale of tickets starts on Thursday 1st September and will continue up to mid-day on match-day on Wednesday, 7th September, 2005. Tickets will also be available at the gates just before the match. The gates at the National Stadium will open at 17:30.
Match Officials are from the FA of Greece: referee Athanassios Briakos; assistant referees Kostantinos Dalas and Simson Tsolokidis and fourth official Ioannis Tsachelidis.
Match Officials for the UEFA Under-21 Championship match Malta vs Croatia (on
Tuesday September 6 - Kick-Off: 19:00 - National Stadium) are from the FA of Luxembourg: referee Luc Wilmes, assistant referees Luc Nober and Christian Holtgen and fourth official Christian Holtgen.
Match Officials for the FIFA Women's World Cup Qualifying match Malta vs Croatia (Tuesday September 6 - Kick-Off: 16:00 - National Stadium) are from the FA of Spain: referee Nuria Gavilan Gralla, assistant referees Yolanda Parga Rodriguez and Maria Jose Tunas Pena. The fourth official is Maltese referee Esther Farrugia.
Match ticket price for the Under-21 and women's match is Lm 1.50.
- Former Malta national team midfielder Jonathan Holland joined Birkirkara. He signs a three-year contract.
A product of Floriana, Holland moved to the UK last season. He played non-league football for Bradford Park Avenue.
The 27-year old midfielder made his Premier League debut in season 1994-1995 and has played regularly for the Greens until season 2003/2004.
- Hamrun Spartans signed midfielder Ivan Zammit. Zammit was on the books of Marsaxlokk last season but was no longer in the plans of coach Atanas Marinov.
This will be the second spell for Ivan Zammit with Hamrun having played for the Spartans between season 1990/1991 and 1992/1993.
Zammit started his career with Valletta in season 1988/89. He moved to Zurrieq the following season but mid-way through the season, he moved to Floriana. In 1990, he joined Hamrun where he stayed for three years. Zammit signed for Valletta in summer 1993. He spent four years with Valletta, moving to Birkirkara in summer 1997. Mid-way through season 2000/2001, he was transferred back to Valletta. He then left the Citizens last summer to join Marsaxlokk.
The Spartans also signed goalkeeper Anthony Mallia. A product of Valletta, Mallia played for short spells with Hamrun Spartans, Sliema Wanderers, Naxxar Lions and Birkirkara Luxol. He is also a former Under-21 international.
- Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva joined First Division side Tarxien Rainbows.
Da Silva was released by Floriana last Saturday as the Greens wanted to register Senegalese defender Adama Diao.
Tarxien, Second Division champions last season, renewed the loan of Eric Saliba from Pietà Hotspurs, Alan Tabone from Birkirkara and Carlos Camenzuli from Mosta. They also managed to sign Kurt Coleiro from St. Andrews while Kurt Zammit, Edmond Thornton and Michael Micallef join the club from Valletta, Gudja United and Rabat Ajax respectively on loan.
Andre Rocha Da Silva arrived in Malta in July 2003. During his first year with Floriana, he scored four goals in 24 matches. Last season, he missed a number of matches due to injuries but still scored three goals in 18 league matches.
The player was also attracting the interest of Premier Division side Hibernians.
- Two promising Hibernians players - Jonathan Caruana and Matthew Bartolo - joined Mosta FC on a one-year loan.
Defender Jonathan Caruana and midfielder Matthew Bartolo - both members of Mark Miller's Under-21 squad - were given the opportunity to join Mosta in order to play more regularly. Both made a number of Premier League appearances for the Paolites when included as substitutes.
Caruana had played for the Malta Under-17 and Under-19 sides. Bartolo, on the other hand, played for the Under-19 side and recently played for Malta in the Mediterranean Games.
- Referee Adrian D. Casha will be controlling the Under-21 UEFA Group match between Poland and Austria in Jaworzno, Poland, on September 2nd.
He will be assisted by Assistant Referees Ingmar Spiteri and Nicky Debattista. Alan Mario Sant will be the Fourth Official.
- Dingli Tournament - Final 5th/6th Dingli S. vs Mgarr U. 1-0
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organizing another instructional meeting on Monday 12th September 2005 for holders of Foundation, YDD and CCC Licence coaches. This meeting will commence at 17:30.
All coaches are advised to wear the proper attire for this practical instructional session.
Tue 30
- Dingli Tournament Mqabba vs Luqa SA 1-1 (5-3 pen)
- Floriana coach Jimmy Briffa handed in his resignation with immediate effect.
The Greens collected just one point in three BOV Premier League matches. They suffered a most disappointing 0-2 defeat to Pietà Hotspurs in their opening game. Floriana then earned their only point in a 1-1 draw with Valletta but once again suffered another defeat in their last outing against Hibernians. Three goals in six minutes during the first 20 minutes enabled the Paolites to register a 3-0 win.
Briffa's place could be taken by newly-appointed Technical Director, Dutchman Jan Artz although the possibility of appointing a new coach is not being ruled out.
Floriana's next game is against Msida St. Joseph on September 10.
- Hamrun Spartans secured the services of two new Nigerian players - Maczerob Okoro and Eric Chidi Nwankwo. They replace midfielder Iyiaba Iyiabo and forward Ishaku Umoru who failed to impress in the first three matches.
Both Okoro and Nwankwo were based in Gozo last season.
Okoro is not new to the Premier League having played for Valletta during season 2001/2002, scoring two goals in 14 matches. He then moved to Gozo where he played for Nadur Youngsters. The 24-year old striker spent season 2003/2004 in Division 1 with Tarxien Rainbows. Last year, he was on the books of Victoria Hotspurs. With the Hotspurs, Okoro scored ten goals.
Nigerian striker Eric Chidi Nwankwo played for the Floriana youths before joining Nadur Youngsters last season. He scored 13 goals for Nadur.
These two players will be joining the other Nigerian player in the squad - defender Patrick Ndah.
- Sliema Wanderers FC Nursery will be organising a Recruitment Weekend on Friday 2nd September between 17:00 and 19:30 and Saturday 3rd September between 09:30 and 11:00.
Nursery staff coaches and administration will be available at the artificial turf pitches situated at the University Grounds Tal-Qroqq to welcome children born between January 1st 1995 and January 1st 2000.
During this weekend, children will have the opportunity to meet the Sliema Wanderers Nursery Coaching team, participate in fun drills and games, meet players from the senior side and take photos with the league cup.
All participating children will receive a free bottle of Powerade Energy Drink, a T-Shirt and a SWFC Magazine.
Mon 29
- Fgura Tournament Marsa vs Vittoriosa S. 1-1, Kirkop U. vs Senglea A. 0-6
- Dingli Tournament St. Patrick vs Tarxien R. 0-2
- Msida St. Joseph announced the signing of Clint Micallef from Birkirkara and Karl Ebejer from Floriana. Micallef, who was already on loan with the Saints last season, joins the club on another one year loan.
Micallef failed to hold a regular place in the Birkirkara line-up this summer. Besides playing for Birkirkara, he was loaned to Rabat Ajax during season 2000/2001.
Micallef and Ebejer join six other new players in the Msida squad - Olalekan Ibrahim Babatunde, David Carabott, Shane Tagliaferro, Stefano Grima, Michael Valenzia and Mark Pullicino.
Meanwhile following the resignation of Antoine Portelli, Edward Calleja has been appointed as the club's vice-president. Calleja is also the club's representative on the Council of the Malta Football Association.
- Hamrun Spartans are set to replace two of their foreigners before the end of the transfer market which closes on Wednesday at 19:00.
Midfielder Iyiaba Iyiabo and forward Ishaku Umoru will in fact make way for one or two new foreigners. One of these could be Nigerian striker Eric Chidi Nwankwo. Chidi played for the Floriana youths before joining Nadur Youngsters last season.
The other foreigner on the club's books is Nigerian defender Patrick Ndah.
On the other hand, Maltese-Australian Adam Mansueto, who was registered last week does not qualify as a Maltese player as regards the rule which states that there should be eight Maltese players on the field of play - players who were either brought up by a youth nursery or had the legal right to work in Malta as at February 2004.
Sun 28
- Floriana released Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva. The Greens will now register Senegalese defender Mohamed Adama Diao.
The club's official website www.florianafc.com reports that the club agreed to release Da Silva and that Adama Diao will be registered as the club's third foreigner. He will be making his debut in the next league match against Msida on September 10.
Da Silva arrived in Malta in July 2003. During his first year with Floriana, he scored four goals in 24 matches. Last season, he missed a number of matches due to injuries but still scored three goals in 18 league matches.
Meanwhile Floriana have appointed Dutchman Jan Artz as the club's Technical Director. Artz will be assisting coach Jimmy Briffa.
- The national coaches of Hungary and Croatia named the squads for their FIFA World Cup Group 8 qualifiers.
Hungary host Malta on September 3 and Sweden four days later. Croatia, on the other hand, will first travel to Iceland and then Malta on September 3 and 7 respectively.
Hungary coach Lothar Matthaus named a 26-man squad for the two matches. The squad includes England-based midfielder Akos Buzsaky of Plymouth. Debreceni defender Peter Mate is included for the first time after impressing at Under-21 level.
The players in the Hungarian squad are:
goalkeepers Gabor Kiraly (Crystal Palace), Balazs Raboczki (FC Kobenhavn), Marton Fulop (Tottenham Hotspur);
defenders Peter Stark (Gyori ETO), Gabor Gyepes (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Roland Juhasz (MTK), Laszlo Eger (Debreceni), Vilmos Vanczak (Ujpesti), Peter Mate (Debreceni), Otto Vincze (Gyori ETO), Zoltan Balog (Ferencvarosi TC), Laszlo Bodnar (Roda JC);
midfielders Szabolcs Huszti (Metz), Balazs Nikolov (Debreceni), Peter Halmosi (Debreceni), Akos Takacs (Ferencvarosi), Krisztian Vadocz (Budapest Honved), Zoltan Boor (Debreceni), Tamas Hajnal (Sint-Truidense), Akos Buzsaky (Plymouth Argyle), Zoltan Gera (West Bromwich Albion) and
forwards Tamas Priskin (Gyori ETO), Peter Rajczi (Ujpesti), Krisztian Kenesei (Gyori ETO), Sandor Torghelle (Panathinaikos), Zsombor Kerekes (Debreceni).
Meanwhile Rangers striker Dado Prso returns for Croatia as he was named in the 22-man squad selected by Zlatko Kranjcar.
Prso skipped the friendly match against Brazil as he was preparing for the derby against Celtic, scoring in a 3-1 victory.
The Croatian squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Tomislav Butina (Club Brugge), Joey Didulica (Austria Wien), Stipe Pletikosa (Shakhtar Donetsk);
defenders Robert Kovac (Juventus), Josip Simunic (Hertha Berlin), Stjepan Tomas (Galatasaray), Mario Tokic (Austria Wien), Dario Simic (Milan);
midfielders Igor Tudor (Juventus), Darijo Srna (Shakhtar Donetsk), Ivan Bosnjak (Dinamo Zagreb), Anthony Seric (Panathinaikos), Marko Babic (Bayer Leverkusen), Niko Kovac (Hertha Berlin), Jerko Leko (Dynamo Kyiv), Niko Kranjcar (Hajduk Split), Ivan Leko (Club Brugge), Jurica Vranjes (Werder Bremen) and
forwards Dado Prso (Rangers), Ivan Klasnic (Werder Bremen), Bosko Balaban (Club Brugge), Eduardo da Silva (Dinamo Zagreb).
Sat 27
- The Youth Football Association held its annual Youth FA Pepsi Seminar at the Corinthia Hotel on Saturday. A number of topics dealing with youth football were discussed and the draws for the Under-14 and Under-16 competitions brought the seminar to an end.
The Youth FA competitions kick-off next week with the first matches from the Under-14 and Under-16 APS Bank Leagues.
Twelve teams will be taking part in the Under-16 APS Bank League Section A, another twelve in Section B and 16 in Section C. Sections A and B will be played on two rounds while section C will be played on one round.
Twelve teams will be taking part in the Under-14 APS Bank League Section A, another twelve in Section B and 18 in Section C. Sections A and B will be played on two rounds while section C will be played on one round.
The Knock-Out competitions will be sponsored by Vodafone. Forty teams will be taking part in the Vodafone Under-16 Knock-Out competition while eight teams will be taking part in the Vodafone Under-14 Knock-Out.
Throughout the season, the Youth FA also holds the Pepsi Under-10 and Under-12 Festivals.
Meanwhile following an introduction by YFA president Fr. Hilary Tagliaferro, Ms. Mona Farrugia - Head Marketing and Communication for the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport delivered a paper "Communicating your Product Better".
The results obtained from the YFA Questionnaire - 100 + Plus were then presented. An interesting discussion followed on a number of aspects related to Youth Football.
One major concern for youth nurseries seem to be the football schools which cropped up recently. It was pointed out that such football schools cannot be recognised officially and therefore cannot be allowed to take part in official competitions. This was described as the biggest safeguard for nurseries. Nurseries were asked to do their part and not invite such schools to take part in tournaments organised by them as this could turn out to be a suicide for nurseries.
Facilities were another hot topic. Fr Hilary said the Youth FA, thanks to the support by APS, was spending Lm 12,000 a year in order to use football grounds. He said the possibility of the association having its own ground was discussed. However it was found out that it was not feasible to have a football ground and spend a lot of money to maintain it as it will not be able to host all competitions organised by the association.
As regards refereeing, it was pointed out that although the YFA believes it should provide the recruiting ground for young referees, more experienced referees were needed for particular matches.
In order to improve the level of the game, the importance of having more qualified coaches was highlighted. It was explained that the Coaching Young Footballers (CYF) Course was not enough as this was only meant for helpers. The target is to have a qualified coach for every 20 children.
- Maltese international defender Luke Dimech has to take a difficult decision whether to play for his club or Malta as Chester City fixtures next week clash with the two World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Croatia.
Chester meet his former club Mansfield Town on September 2 and Grimsby on Tuesday 6.
According to icCheshireOnline, Dimech said "I have to make a decision in the next week because I don't want to miss the games for Chester either. Maybe I will get some special leave so I don't have to play those games, I don't know."
Chester City manager warned Dimech his place would be under threat. "Luke knows if he doesn't play somebody can take his place and put in a performance that keeps them in the team."
- The organs of 13-year old Graziella Fenech, who lost her life on Wednesday after being involved in a traffic accident on Sunday, have been donated to six persons.
Fenech and her second cousin, Emma Marie Housley, were hit by a car while crossing the Mriehel by-pass. Housley died on the spot.
Graziella's kidneys and corneas were donated to Maltese patients while patients in Italy received her heart and liver.
Football was Graziella's passion and she played for Sta. Venera Lightenings in the Women's League.
The funeral was held on Saturday. The St. George's Parish Church in Qormi was packed with people, amongst which several youths, who bid the 13-year-old their final farewell.
Fri 26
- Floriana secured the services of Sliema Wanderers defender Ian Ciantar from Sliema Wanderers on a one-year loan.
Ciantar is the second Sliema player to join Floriana in a week after Adrian Mifsud also moved on a one-year loan.
Last season, Ciantar had also joined Floriana on loan but spent six months injured after suffering an injury on the November 21 clash with Pietà Hotspurs.
This season, he was yet to make an appearance in the Premier League but was included as a substitute in last week's friendly match between Malta and Northern Ireland.
Ironically, his brother Clifton is ruled out for a long period after suffering an injury in the opening Premier League match against Pietà.
- Dingli Tournament Mqabba vs Tarxien R. 1-0
- Fgura Tournament Zurrieq vs Gudja U. 1-0, Zebbug R. vs Fgura U. 2-0
- First Division side Lija Athletic won a one-day tournament organised by Mellieha SC - the Edward Camilleri Cup.
In the first game, Lija defeated Third Division side Sta. Lucia 1-0, a goal by Paul Camilleri while goals by Wayne Borg St John and Mario Debono gave hosts Mellieha a 2-0 win over Sta. Lucia.
The decisive match between Lija and Mellieha ended in a goalless draw. However Lija won on penalties.
- Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery are accepting applications from children between the age of 5 and 16 who are interested in joining the nursery from the coming season. Applications can be collected from the Infetti Training Grounds, B. Bontadini Str; Birkirkara. For more information one may call on 99468248.
Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery appointed Alfred Cardona and Charles Spiteri as Technical Advisors, Edmond Lufi as Academy Head-Coach and Franco Agius as Nursery Head-Coach for the season 2005/2006
The qualified Coaching Staff will be made up of Charles Agius, Ramon Zammit, Richard Borg, Charles Sciberras, Pierre Theuma, Chris Schembri, John Galea, Mario Borg and Chantelle Demanuele and they will be assisted by Ivyn Mark Vella, Joe Felice, Robert Bray and Rosalie Cauchi.
In the meantime, Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery will soon be upgrading their football pitches in artificial turf.
Thu 25
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Mosta 5-1, Sliema W. vs Hamrun S. 4-1
- Dingli Tournament St. Patrick vs Dingli S. 0-0
- Second Division side Qormi FC acquired no less than eight players in order to strengthen the team in their bid for promotion.
The new players are Johann Zammit, Kevin Farrugia, Thomas Paris, Andrew Scerri, Edward Azzopardi, Joseph Chetcuti, Shaun Peplow and Daniel Zuccaro.
Johann Zammit played Premier League football with Marsaxlokk and Msida over the past three years while Edward Azzopardi turned out for Rabat Ajax, Valletta and Hibernians.
Andrew Scerri, who joins the club on loan from Sliema Wanderers, forms part of the Under-21 squad. Thomas Paris arrives on loan from Birkirkara.
Qormi appointed a new coach - Oliver Spiteri. Spiteri coached the Birkirkara youths last season. Also part of the technical staff are team manager Jeffrey Mifsud, kit manager Emmanuel Saliba and physio Matthew Azzopardi.
The club sponsors include Kia, Teamsport, Azzopardi Fisheries, Twighlight Sound Systems, Fitness Planet and Maurice Bakery.
During the pre-season, Qormi have already played some friendly matches versus Floriana, San Gwann, Fgura, St. Georges and Luxol St. Andrews.
Wed 24
- Members of the Council of the Malta Football Association were the first to receive a copy of the MFA Official Handbook which was now been released on a CD-ROM.
Dr Gege Gatt LL.D from Icon Studios, the company which was commissioned by the MFA to prepare the CD-ROM, delivered a presentation in which he described the various features of this CD-ROM.
The CD-ROM does not only include the Official Handbook, including the statute of the Malta Football Association, but also the statutes of FIFA and UEFA, the Laws of the Game, a list of MFA officials, contact details of Office Holders and lists of Members on MFA Boards and Committees, coaches and referees.
The CD-Rom will be updated at regular intervals.
Icon Studios will be responsible for the revamping of the MFA website.
- Three Premier League players were suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off in the BOV Premier League matches last weekend.
Dyson Falzon and Miroljub Spasic of Mosta, who were sent off in the game against Sliema, will be missing the game against Marsaxlokk on Thursday.
On the other hand, Birkirkara defender Lino Galea is ruled out of the September 12 clash with Sliema Wanderers after being sent off in the game against Marsaxlokk last Monday.
- The Women's League kicks-off on September 18.
Following the addition of Sta. Venera Lightenings last season, this year two new clubs are taking part - Qormi and Sliema Wanderers. Therefore nine teams will be taking part this season.
The league will be played on a two-round basis at the Pace-Grasso Ground.
This year will also be a busy one for the national team as Malta will by playing in the 2005-07 European Qualifying Competition for the 5th FIFA Women's World Cup. Pierre Brincat's side will be facing three opponents from the former Yugoslavia.
On September 6, Malta hosts Croatia. Malta then plays in Slovenia on November 6, Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 25 and Croatia four days later. The final two matches are at home: against Slovenia on April 26 and Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 7.
- The football season in Gozo kicks-off on September 3 with the preliminary round of the Independence Cup.
The GFA First Division League is set to start on September 24. Besides Second Division champions Sannat Lions, runners-up SK Victoria Wanderers will also play in the top division after Zebbug Rovers opted to play in Division 2.
Zebbug, champions in season 2003/2004, placed fifth last season but still wished to play in the lower division. SK Victoria Wanderers, on the other hand, had missed out on promotion, losing a decider with Xaghra United.
The Sprite Second Division League also kicks-off on September 24. The opening match is between the two teams who played in Division 1 last season, Victoria Hotspurs and Zebbug Rovers.
The other competitions which will be held throughout the season are the GFA Cup, the Super Cup, the Freedom Day Cup and the Second Division Knock-Out.
- Sixty-three teams will be taking in this year's Futsal League - an increase of nine teams from last season.
There will be the usual three divisions with each divided into sections.
Fourteen teams will be playing in Division I, which is divided into two sections of seven teams. The First Division League will be played between October 10 and April 13. The top two teams in each section will take part in the championship play-offs. The bottom two teams in each section are relegated to Division II.
Another fourteen teams will be playing in Division II, which is also divided into two section of seven teams each. The Second Division League will be played between October 11 and April 18. The top two teams in each section win promotion to Division I. The winners of the two section also play for the Second Division title in a championship decider. The bottom two teams in each section are relegated to Division III.
Thirty-five teams will be playing in Division III. There will be five sections with six teams and one section with five. There will be no automatic promotion. The top two teams in each section plus the best four teams among the others will take part in the promotion play-offs. Four teams will be promoted to Division II. The Third Division League will be played between October 10 and April 3.
The Futsal Knock-Out will be reserved for just 32 teams - all teams in Divisions I and II and the four teams which win promotion from Division III. The competition will be played between April 19 and May 22.
Meanwhile the Malta Football Association is studying the possibility of a national Futsal team which would take part in the Futsal competition organised by UEFA - the UEFA European Futsal Championship. Thirty-four countries took part in the last edition of the competition.
Tue 23
- Dingli Tournament Mgarr U. vs Mqabba 1-1
Mon 22
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 1-1
- Sirens Tournament Mgarr U. vs Pembroke A. 2-0
- Fgura Tournament Marsa vs Gudja U. 5-1, Kirkop U. vs Fgura U. 2-0
- Dingli Tournament Luqa SA vs St. Patrick 0-2
Sun 21
- Premier League Mosta vs Sliema W. 0-6, Valletta vs Msida SJ 1-3
Sat 20
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Pietà H. 2-4, Floriana vs Hibernians 0-3
Fri 19
- Sirens Tournament Ta' Xbiex vs Pembroke A. 0-2
- Fgura Tournament Zebbug R. vs Senglea A. 0-2, Zurrieq vs Vittoriosa S. 0-1
- Dingli Tournament Tarxien R. vs Mgarr U. 1-0
- The Mario Muscat Goalkeeper School will commence again training on Saturday 27th August. Goalkeepers who are interested to join the school should phone 21424373/79620045, email muscatgk@di-ve.com or vist the website www.keeperschool.com
Thu 18
- Sirens Tournament Sirens vs Balzan Y. 0-5
Balzan Youths won the tournament after beating hosts Sirens 5-0 in a decisive match on Thursday. The two teams held maximum points from the previous three matches.
Antoine Sacco scored three goals for the Youths with Aaron Agius and Simon Mizzi scoring the other two goals. Simon Mizzi was voted Best Player.
The Sirens tournament carries the name of Maurice Debono - a name that has become synonymous with the club. Maurice joined Sirens FC as a "player coach" in 1972 and remained active within the club until his demise on the 29th March, 1989. Maurice was a very dedicated and disciplined person.
Debono worked for Sirens FC for the love of the club and not for gain, never accepting anything in return.
Regrettably Maurice Debono died precisely at the same time that Sirens FC won the promotion in March 1989. Something he dreamed about for so many years. The last game that he had the honour to accompany his team was against Birzebbugia on the 26th March, 1989. During this match Maurice felt very weak and was in fact hospitalized soon after. He died three days later.
The winners of the previous editions of the Maurice Debono Tournament are:
1993 - Zebbug Rangers FC; 1995 - Zebbug Rangers FC; 1996 - Zebbug Rangers FC; 1998 - Lija Athletics FC; 1999 - Qormi FC; 2000 - Qormi FC; 2001 - Qormi FC; 2002 - Balzan Youths FC; 2004 - Zebbug Rangers FC; 2005 - Balzan Youths FC.
- Dingli Tournament Dingli S. vs Luqa SA 2-3
- The Annual Presentation Night of the Youth Football Association was held on August 12 at the Corinthia Hotel, Attard.
Mr Alfred Triganza, Senior Marketing Manger of APS Bank - the official sponsors of the Under-16 and Under-14 Leagues presented the various awards.
Representing Farsons, Mr Paul Rapa presented a checque to YFA president Fr Hilary Tagliaferro as part of the sponsorship of the Under-10 and Under-14 Pepsi Festivals.
The honours for season 2004/2005 were:
APS BANK LEAGUE Under-16: Section A - Pietà Hotspurs, Section B - Hamrun Spartans and Section C - Msida St. Joseph;
APS BANK LEAGUE Under-14: Section A - Sliema Wanderers, Section B - Luxol St. Andrews, Section C1 - San Gwann and Section C2 - Hamrun Spartans;
CASSAR CUP Under-16 Knock-Out: Winners - Sliema Wanderers, Runners-Up - Birkirkara;
THE YOUTH FA Knock-Out Under-14: Winners - Sliema Wanderers, Runners-Up: Pietà Hotspurs
MOST PROMISING YOUNGSTER: Under 16 - Tyrone Farrugia (Msida St. Joseph), Under-14 - Miguel Ciantar (Sliema Wanderers);
GOOD CONDUCT AWARD: Under 16 Winners - Sirens and Runners-Up - Zejtun Corinthians; Under 14 Winners - Siggiewi and Runners-Up - Naxxar Lions.
Wed 17
- Friendly Match Malta vs Northern Ireland 1-1
- Malta lost one place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday and is now 138th. This is the worst ever placing for the national team since the rankings were introduced in 1994.
Among the other European countries, Malta is still 48th, just ahead of Liechtenstein. Ahead of Malta are Cyprus (105, up 4), Moldova (113, up 2), Azerbaijan (116), Northern Ireland (116, down 4), Armenia (120, down 1), Faroe Islands (126) and Andorra (134, up 1). Behind Malta are Liechtenstein (138, down 1), Kazakhstan (148), Luxembourg (155) and San Marino (161, up 1).
Malta will be facing Hungary on September 3 away from home and Croatia four days later at Ta' Qali.
- Sliema Wanderers striker Adrian Mifsud joins Floriana on a one-year loan.
The Greens' official website www.florianafc.com revealed that the striker agreed his personal terms with the club on Tuesday evening. He is now expected to make his debut on Saturday as Floriana face Hibernians.
Mifsud had joined Sliema last summer but struggled to win a place in the starting line-up. He made seventeen league appearances for the Blues, mostly as a substitute.
After joining Rabat Ajax from Sta. Venera Lightenings in summer 1995, Mifsud moved to Hibernians in 1999 where he was a regular scorer. He was voted Player of the Year in 2001/02 and was joint top scorer in the Premier League the following season.
Tue 16
- Under-21 Friendly Wales vs Malta 3-1
The Malta Under-21 side lost 3-1 to Wales in a friendly match at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli on Tuesday.
The score at the end of the first half was 1-0 as Andrew Crofts had put Wales ahead on 12 minutes with a header off an Arron Davies corner from the right.
Ryan Mintoff came to the rescue a few minutes later, clearing off the goal line a header by Davies which had beating goalkeeper Kris Calleja.
Mark Pritchard doubled the score on 52 minutes with a lob from the edge of the area after receiving a through pass by Byron Anthony.
Arron Davies made it 3-0 on 74 minutes, receiving a pass by Fleetwood before beating Paris with a low shot into the bottom corner.
Roderick Bajada pulled one back for Malta nine minutes from time, hitting low past Worgan after being served on the left.
- Sirens Tournament Ta' Xbiex vs Mgarr U. 0-2
- Nigerian-born striker Orosco Anonam is expected to make his debut for Malta as the national team hosts Northern Ireland in a friendly match at Ta' Qali on Wednesday, kick-off at 20:00.
This game is in preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Hungary on September 3 in Budapest, against Croatia on September 7 and Bulgaria on October 12, both at Ta' Qali.
Hibernians defender Adrian Pulis withdrew from the squad as he is sick. On the other hand, Valletta defender Jonathan Bondin and strikers Etienne Barbara of Birkirkara and Michael Mifsud of Norwegian side Lillestrom are ruled out due to injuries.
The players at Heese's disposal are:
goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Marsaxlokk), Justin Haber (US Quevilly - France);
defenders Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Ian Ciantar (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Chester City - England), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Orosco Anonam (Sliema), Massimo Grima (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Antoine Zahra (Birkirkara) and
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibernians) and Ivan Woods (Sliema).
The game will be controlled by English referee Mr Michael Riley. He will be assisted by assistant referees Konrad Borg and Joe Rapa and fourth official Chris Lautier.
Match ticket-prices are: Enclosure Lm 3; Millennium Stand Lm 2; Ladies, Children, Kartanzjan Special Needs Card Holders Lm 1.50.
- Irish coach Lawrie Sanchez named a 16-man squad for next Wednesday's friendly match against Malta at Ta' Qali, kick-off at 20:00.
Sanchez has only three defenders in squad - captain Aaron Hughes, Colin Murdock and Stephen Craigan. Therefore Keith Gillespie will be playing in defence as well, being deployed on the right. Hughes will start on the left.
David Healy, who scored the only goal in a World Cup qualifier at Ta' Qali in October 2001, is set to partner James Quinn up in attack.
The players selected by Sanchez are:
goalkeepers Maik Taylor (Birmingham City), Michael Ingham (Wrexham),
defenders Aaron Hughes (Aston Villa), Colin Murdock (Rotherham United), Stephen Craigan (Motherwell),
midfielders Jeff Whitley (Cardiff City), Steve Davis (Aston Villa), Damien Johnson (Birmingham City), Chris Brunt (Sheffield Wednesday), Stuart Elliott (Hull City), Keith Gillespie (Sheffield United), Philip Mulryne (Cardiff City), Steve Jones (Crewe Alexandra)
forwards James Quinn (Peterborough United), Warren Feeney (Luton Town), David Healy (Leeds United).
Northern Ireland have failed to win in nine matches, losing 4-1 at home to Germany in their last game in June.
Northern Ireland are currently playing in Group 6 of the World Cup qualifiers. They are fourth with three points, behind leaders Poland (18 points), England (16) and Austria (11). Wales and Azerbaijan are joint-last with 2 points.
After suffering a 0-3 defeat to Poland in Belfast, they drew 2-2 with Wales and 0-0 with Azerbaijan away from home and 3-3 with Austria at home. In their last two matches, they lost 4-0 to England and 1-0 to Poland.
Speaking during a press conference at the Corinthia Hotel, Attard on Tuesday, Sanchez said "This year we have lost four games on the spin. This gives us a chance to put a win on the board, we have a good record against Malta, but football is not predictable, the conditions are different to what the players are used to. We want to keep a clean sheet – that is very important in these two games coming up."
This will be the sixth clash between Northern Ireland and Malta. The Irish won the previous five encounters.
21/05/1988 Northern Ireland vs Malta 3-0 (World Cup)
26/04/1989 Malta vs Northern Ireland 0-2 (World Cup)
23/08/2000 Malta vs Northern Ireland 0-3 (Friendly)
02/09/2000 Northern Ireland vs Malta 1-0 (World Cup)
06/10/2001 Malta vs Northern Ireland 0-1 (World Cup)
The squad leaves London Heathrow Airport on Tuesday at 01:10. They will be holding a training session on Tuesday at the National Stadium at 20:00 and another on Wednesday morning at 10:00 at the Training Grounds.
- Mqabba FC Youth Nursery appointed Joe Calleja as Head Coach for season 2005/2006 whilst former Malta International Joe Falzon was appointed as U/19 Coach.
The Nursery Coaching Staff will be made up of Mark Bondin, Nicholas Baldacchino, Alan Friggieri, Alex Falzon, William Barbara, Perry Bugeja, Stephen Belli, Jason Camilleri, Paul Calleja, Kurt Pace, Leonard Abdilla, Vince Mifsud, Omar Caruana, Joe Borg and Luigi Aquilina.
The Committe is inviting children between the age of 4 and 16 to attend for training which has already started. For more information please contact 79051404.
- This year, Naxxar Lions president Michael Zammit Tabona will be celebrating his twentieth anniversary as president of the club.
Zammit Tabona was appointed as president in 1985 leading the club from the Third Division to the Premier League in just three years.
As part of the celebrations of this anniversary, the Naxxar Lions FC comittee will be holding a reception - an open air disco party and BBQ - at the club on Friday August 19th at 19:30.
Former players, coaches and comittee members, which were part of Michael Zammit Tabona's team during the past twenty years are invited to attend. Present club members are also welcome for this reception.
Entertainment will be provided by DJ Ruby, DJ Ryan and alternative band Thorn.
Mon 15
- The Under-21 squad will be facing Wales in a friendly match at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli on Tuesday.
Before leaving for Wales, Under-21 coach Mark Miller had to drop Mosta's Dyson Falzon as he was feeling sick. Goalkeeper David Farrugia of Floriana and Hibernians duo Jonathan Caruana and Matthew Bartolo were also left out of the squad but Andrew Scerri joins the final squad.
The players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Kristian Calleja (Mqabba), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
defenders Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Messina - Italy), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Christian Cassar (Floriana), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Scerri (Qormi), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk) and
forwards Nicoḷ Baldacchino (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana) and Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Miller will be using this visit to Wales as a mini-training camp in view of the UEFA Under 21 Championship qualifiers against Hungary on September 2 and Croatia four days later. The team will be training twice daily. The squad returns to Malta on Thursday at 00:15.
Welsh Under-21 coach Brian Flynn named a 20-man squad for this game which will act as preparation for the UEFA U-21 qualifier against England on September 2nd.
Flynn lost Kyle Critchell (cruciate ligaments), Wrexham's Matty Crowell (knee) and Cardiff's Joe Ledley (hamstring) while Wrexham youngster Mark Jones has been called into John Toshack's senior squad for the friendly against Slovenia.
The Under-21 squad is therefore made up of: Lee Worgan (unattached), Wayne Hennessey (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Anthony Byron (Cardiff City), Peter Gilbert (Leicester City), Dan Martin (Notts County), Lee Beevers (Lincoln City), Lewin Nyatanga (Derby County), Andrew Crofts (Gillingham), Arron Davies (Yeovil Town), Anthony Pulis (Torquay United), Adam Birchall (Mansfield Town), Stuart Fleetwood (Cardiff City), David Cotterill (Bristol City), Mark Pritchard (Swansea City), Craig Davies (Oxford United), Adam Davies (Cambridge United), Joe Jacobsen (Cardiff City), Curtis McDonald (Cardiff City), Owain Tudur Jones (Crewe Alexandra) and Jamal Easter (Cardiff City).
This is the first time the two countries will be meeting at this level.
Sat 13
- Practical Trading Co. Ltd of Handaq Qormi, and suppliers of Enervit energy drink, are sponsoring the second edition of Dingli Swallows' pre-season tournament.
The tournament will kick off on Thursday 18th August when hosts Dingli Swallows face Third Division side Luqa St. Andrew's at 18:00 at the Tartarni Ground, Dingli.
The tournament is divided in two sections. St. Patrick are the other team in group A together with Dingli and Luqa. Mgarr United, Mqabba and Tarxien Rainbows will be playing in group B.
The Trophies will be presented after the final on September 2nd by Mr. Steve Sullivan, Managing Director of Practical Trading Co. Ltd. and suppliers of Enervit energy drink.
Further information about the tournament and Dingli Swallows Football Club can be obtained on visiting www.dingliswallows.com
- Net Stars FC is seeking a new coach for the coming Futsal season 2005/06.
Following last year's success, the reality show of Net Television, Net Stars will now embark on a bigger project and at this point the programme will feature the day-to-day business of an existing MFA 11-a-side team playing in the national 3rd division league. Net Television amalgamated with Santa Lucia FC and hence the new coach of the club will be former Net Stars Futsal coach, Joe Micallef. The latter last year guided the Futsal team to a complete unbeaten run of 12 matches in the official MFA 5-a-side 3rd division, Section A league.
This year Net Stars FC will play in the 2nd division and the cameras of Net Television will still follow the team in various occasions although with less promotion than before. Following the appointment of Micallef with Santa Lucia, the production team are interested in recruiting a new coach.
The ideal candidate must have an excellent level of discipline, friendly with television cameras and at least must have the foundation course in coaching or preferably a 'C' licence in coaching. Interested applicants should send an e-mail to the production team of Net Stars, together with their coaching CV on netstars@media.link.com.mt by Wednesday 31st August.
In the mean time, Net Stars will be back on Net Television as from September. The programme will be screened LIVE every Tuesday night.
- Valletta FC Nursery appointed Joe Bajada as Head Coach for season 2005/2006 whilst former Malta International Martin Scicluna was appointed as Technical Director.
The Coaching Staff will be made up of Joe Zarb, Alfred Micallef, Anton Cremona, Frans Grioli, Ivan Vella, Sergy Troublenkov, Patrick Vidal, Michael White, Raymond Gauci, Mark Tabone, Charles Cristiano and current Valletta FC player Massimo Grima.
In the meantime, applications from children between the age of 5 and 16 who are interested in joining the nursery from the coming season can be collected from the Salinos Grounds. For more information one may call on 79224674.
Fri 12
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Hibernians 0-4, Msida SJ vs Birkirkara 2-5
- Fgura Tournament Senglea A. vs Fgura U. 6-0, Vittoriosa S. vs Gudja U. 0-1
- Three young players aged 12 to 14 will be going for a training camp with the youth teams of Serie A side FC Messina while Malta Under-21 midfielder Andrei Agius will be joining the club where he will be playing for the primavera side. This was revealed during a press conference which was held at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St. Julian's on Friday.
Bjorn Vassallo, who is one of the three administrators of the Mondo Messina Junior - Malta, together with Paul Falzon and Christopher Sant, said that Mondo Messina will start operating in Malta as from September.
Five hundred children attended the trials which were held for those aged 6-15 and over a hundred and fifty will now be offered the chance to join Mondo Messina Junior.
During these trials, three players were selected and will now attend a two-week training camp in Messina. The players are Neil Chetcuti (born 1990) from Luxol, Yan Cauchi (born 1991) from Hibernians and Matthew Agius (born 1992) from Pietà).
The person in charge of the Mondo Messina Junior Claudio Lucchini said this was a starting point for these kids.
"These children are being given the opportunity to live a valuable experience. If they are good enough, there is also the possibility of staying with the club."
Lucchini said he was impressed with the level of the players aged 13 and under and was particularly impressed with the level of the goalkeepers.
"Some of the goalkeepers show particular characteristics which I did notice in other goalkeepers in Sicily," admitted Lucchini.
Claudio Lucchini thanked Luxol, Hibernians and Pietà for their support and pointed out that although Messina are collaborating with San Gwann and Luxol, the project is open for all.
Net TV sports programme Replay, which will start in mid-September, will be following this project closely.
Meanwhile Under-21 midfielder Andrei Agius will be joining FC Messina where he will be playing for the primavera side.
A product of Sliema Wanderers, Agius played for FC Zemun in Serbia two years ago and Sporting Mascalucia in Sicily last year.
"I will be doing my best to gain the utmost from this experience after being given the opportunity to join this club," said Agius.
Lucchini said, "This is a big opportunity for Andrei Agius to play with players of a higher level. Something which should help him improve further and make him more mature. This would enable him to reach the target of being ready to join a big club."
"The players in the primavera regularly have the opportunity to play against the senior side during training sessions and therefore Agius will have the opportunity to test his skills while playing against top players."
"Playing for the primavera side, Agius will also have the opportunity to play in the Viareggio Tournament which is a showcase for young players from several countries," concluded Lucchini.
- This season will be another busy year for the national teams with at least 28 matches in programme at various levels.
The senior side will be playing at least seven matches this season. There are three competitive matches from the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers - against Hungary on September 3 in Budapest, against Croatia on September 7 and Bulgaria on October 12, both at Ta' Qali.
In view of these matches, Malta will be hosting Northern Ireland in a friendly match next Wednesday.
The Malta International Tournament will be held between February 25th and March 1st. Before then, however, the Malta Football Association will have to decide on a new coach for the national team as the contract of Horst Heese expires at the end of the World Cup qualifying campaign.
Like the senior side, the Under-21 team will be playing three competitive matches: against Hungary on September 2 away from home, against Croatia on September 6 and Bulgaria on October 11, both at Ta' Qali.
This will be the last time, the UEFA Under-21 Championship was linked with the senior side's competitions. In fact as from next year, there will be a separate draw for the Under-21 Championship. Malta will be playing two qualifying matches between March and July and then, if the team qualifies, it will take part in another qualifying phase which comes to an end on October 2006. The finals will be held in June 2007.
Only one friendly match is in programme so far - against Wales in Llanelli next Tuesday.
Between September 19 and 23, the Under-20 side will be taking part in a tournament in Viseu, Portugal following an invitation by the FA of Portugal. The team will be made up of players from the U-19 and U-21 sides.
The Under-19 side will be playing in a mini-tournament in Israel between November 2 and 6 together with Cyprus, Norway and hosts Israel. The Under-17 side, on the other hand, plays in a mini-tournament in Lithuania together with Serbia & Montenegro, Northern Ireland and hosts Lithuaia between September 27 and October 1.
The Women's national team will be taking part in an international competition for the second time. Malta will be playing in the European Second Division of the fourth WOmen's World Cup. The first game is against Croatia on September 6. The other games are: 6/11 vs Slovenia (away), 25/3 vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (away), 29/3 vs Croatia (away), 26/4 vs Slovenia (home), 7/6 vs Bosnia-Herzegovina (home).
Meanwhile as part of the Battle for Malta Veterans' Reunion, there will be an exhibition match between former players of the Malta and English national teams. This will be played at the National Stadium on September 29.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud revealed that Malta could take part in Futsal competitions organised by UEFA in the near future. In such case, Malta would be taking part in all UEFA competitions for national teams, except the Women's Under-19 Championship.
Malta vs Northern Ireland: The friendly game Malta vs Northern Ireland will be played at the National Stadium on Wednesday, kick-off at 20:00.
National coach Horst Heese said he was glad Malta was playing against such opponents.
"Unfortunately due to the Premier League's early start, the national team preparation was not good as I would have wished," said Heese.
The German mentor is worried due to the absence of Michael Mifsud, Jonathan Bondin and Etienne Barbara who are ruled out injured. Andrew Cohen is therefore the only pure striker left in squad. Sliema Wanderers midfielder Orosco Anonam will probably make his debut for Malta in this game.
The game will be controlled by English referee Mr Michael Riley. He will be assisted by assistant referees Konrad Borg and Joe Rapa and fourth official Chris Lautier.
Match ticket-prices are: Enclosure Lm 3; Millennium Stand Lm 2; Ladies, Children, Kartanzjan Special Needs Card Holders Lm 1.50.
Wales U-21 vs Malta U-21: The match will be played at Stebonheath Park, Llanelli, kick-off at 20:30 CET.
Under-21 coach Mark Miller said he will be using this visit to Wales as a mini-training camp. The team will be training twice daily in a definitely much cooler temperature.
"Two difficult games lie ahead, the most difficult one being the game against Croatia," concluded Miller.
The Under-21 side will be travelling to Wales on Sunday at 07:15 and returns to Malta on Thursday at 00:15.
- Valletta defender Jonathan Bondin and strikers Etienne Barbara of Birkirkara and Michael Mifsud of Norwegian side Lillestrom are ruled out of next Wednesday's international friendly match against Northern Ireland at Ta' Qali, kick-off at 20:00.
There are two uncapped players in squad: Birkirkara defender Kenneth Scicluna and Sliema midfielder Orosco Anonam. The Nigerian-born player, who now holds Maltese citizenship, is set to make his debut during this game.
The provisional squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Marsaxlokk), Justin Haber (US Quevilly - France);
defenders Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Ian Ciantar (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Chester City - England), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Orosco Anonam (Sliema), Massimo Grima (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Antoine Zahra (Birkirkara) and
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibernians) and Ivan Woods (Sliema).
This game is in preparation for the 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Hungary on September 3 in Budapest, against Croatia on September 7 and Bulgaria on October 12, both at Ta' Qali.
Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez named a 23-man squad last month. He is now expected to trim the squad to eighteen players before the team leaves on Tuesday. The squad leaves London Heathrow Airport at 01:10.
The squad is made up entirely of England-based players, except for one player who plays in Scotland.
The players selected by Sanchez are:
goalkeepers Roy Carroll (West Ham), Michael Ingham (Wrexham), Maik Taylor (Birmingham);
defenders Chris Baird (Southampton), Tony Capaldi (Plymouth), Mark Clyde (Wolves), Stephen Craigan (Motherwell), Aaron Hughes (Aston Villa), George McCartney (Sunderland), Colin Murdock (Rotherham);
midfielders Chris Brunt (Sheffield Wednesday), Steve Davis (Aston Villa), Tommy Doherty (QPR), Stuart Elliot (Hull), Michael Hughes (Crystal Palace), Damien Johnson (Birmingham), Steve Jones (Crewe), Philip Mulryne (Cardiff), Jeff Whitley (Cardiff) and
forwards Warren Feeney (Luton), David Healy (Leeds), Andy Kirk (Northampton), Andy Smith (Preston).
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud was unlucky to suffer a shoulder injury during training with his club, Lillestrom SK. An injury which will rule him out for about three months, and therefore for the rest of the football season in Norway.
Mifsud was playing regularly for Lillestrom this season, scoring six goals in 15 matches.
The former Sliema Wanderers and Kaiserslautern striker will therefore miss the World Cup qualifiers against Hungary and Croatia next month and Bulgaria in October.
Thu 11
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Marsaxlokk 1-2, Valletta vs Floriana 1-1
- Sirens Tournament Balzan Y. vs Pembroke A. 3-0
Wed 10
- Fgura Tournament Zurrieq vs Marsa 0-3, Zebbug R. vs Kirkop U. 4-0
- Former national goalkeeper David Cluett was remembered during a triangular tournament organised by the Friends of David Cluett Foundation.
Cluett passed away last month just a few days before his 40th birthday.
Former players of Melita, Floriana and the national team faced eachother in this tournament at the Floriana FC artificial pitches on Wednesday.
A main objective of this event was to help raising an awareness for the donation of organs.
David had in fact decided to donate his organs gave a new life to other persons.
- Four players were suspended for one match after being sent off in the first programme of matches of the BOV Premier League.
Floriana defender Julian Briffa will be missing the game against Valletta on Thursday.
Msida midfielder Roderick Bajada is ruled out of the game against Birkirkara on Friday while David Camenzuli of Pietà will be missing the game against Hibernians, also on Friday.
Ives Bilocca of Mosta will be unavailable for selection in the game against Sliema on Sunday 21.
Meanwhile Valletta coach Joseph John Aquilina and president Charles Camilleri were also suspended for one match and therefore cannot assist the team from the bench on Thursday.
Both were reported by referee Joe Attard for passing remarks at the end of the game against Birkirkara.
Tue 9
- Sirens Tournament Sirens vs Mgarr U. 3-0
- Former players of Melita, Floriana and the national team will be facing each other in a triangular tournament organised by the Friends of David Cluett Foundation. The tournament will be held at the Floriana FC artificial pitches on Wednesday, kicking off at 20:30.
Cluett who passed away last month at the age of 39 had started his career at Melita before joining Floriana where he spent more than ten years. He played 69 matches for the national team.
The main objective of this event is to help raising an awareness for the donation of organs.
- First Division side Marsa FC were strenthened with the signing of six new players, including Bulgarian defender Nikolai Slavtchev who will therefore return with the club.
Last season, Slavtchev was on loan with Hamrun Spartans from Marsaxlokk. He had left Marsa in summer 2003.
Another player to return with Marsa is goalkeeper Ivan Casha, whose loan transfer to Birkirkara last month has been cancelled. Brandon Zammit is back with the Red-Blues from Sliema Wanderers.
The other new players are Steve Borda who joins the club from Hibernians, Kevin Cassar from Naxxar Lions and Graham Bencini who spent the last six months with Ghajnsielem.
The team started its pre-season training last week under the guidance of coach Michael Molzahn, who has been confirmed for another season. Their first outing will be during the pre-season tournament organised by Fgura United at the National Hockey Complex, Corradino.
The new players will be presented during a rally for club members on Sunday 14th August at 10:00.
This season, Marsa will be sponsored by Weetabix, Typhoo (Paolo Bonnici Ltd), Barilla, Euroweb, TeamSport, Clentec, Argentinian Steak House and Shopline Discount Store (Marsa).
Mon 8
- Sirens Tournament Balzan Y. vs Ta' Xbiex 6-0
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud was one of the scorers for Lillestrom as they defeated champions Rosenborg 2-1 away from home.
Rosenborg dominated during the first half but Mifsud notched the equaliser on 61 minutes with a beautiful first timer. He managed to get in front of his marker, hitting a low cross into the top of the net. The Maltese striker fought hard up front, being a constant menace for the Rosenborg defenders.
He was substituted on the 72nd minute after a good game. He was replaced by Arild Sundgot who also managed to score the second goal.
It was the first time in several years that Lillestrom managed to beat Rosenborg in Lerkendal.
Lillestrom are currently joint-third with 30 points, four behind leaders Start.
Meanwhile in England, Maltese international defender Luke Dimech played the whole 90 minutes in Chester City's away win over Peterborough in the Coca-Cola League Two.
- Msida St. Joseph vice-president Antoine Portelli handed his resignation from the post with immediate effect.
In a statement issued on Monday, Portelli says, "In a letter dated Sunday 7th August 2005, addressed to the Management Committee of the Club, I have handed in my formal and irrevocable resignation from the post of Vice President and Council member of Msida St. Joseph FC, with immediate effect."
"I would like to make it absolutely clear that the decision of whether I should continue with my active role within the Club was taken after a lot of thought and consideration. The team's result in Saturday's game against Mosta FC has nothing to do with my decision or its timing."
"The reasons for this resignation were clearly explained during a meeting of the same Committee held on Sunday morning."
"I wish Msida St. Joseph FC the best of luck for the season which has just kicked off," concludes the statement.
- A beach soccer tournament will be held during the last weekend of August 2005 at Golden Bay. Among the teams taking part are the Net Stars Futsal team who will participate in view of the MFA Futsal League.
For more info and applications text or call Alan Cutajar on 79498947.
Matches will be filmed and highlights will be aired on Net TV.
The Sports Experience Beach Soccer Weekend Tour, which is sponsored by by Powerade, is organised by Events Services.
- The new season at the Zazu Football School starts on Monday 5th September 2005.
Applications are now available from Peugeot Buildings, Old Railway Track, Sta. Venera.
Boys or girls aged 5 to 14 can join in the training sessions which are held at the University Football Pitches from Monday to Friday between 16:30 and 18:00.
For further information phone 21445153 during office hours, mobile 994707910 or email zazufs@di-ve.com
Sun 7
- Friendly Match Senglea A. vs Vittoriosa Stars 3-1. Goals by Malcolm Tirchett (V); Jason Borg (2) and Jason Tabone (S)
- Chucks Nwoko will be staying with Birkirkara after reaching an agreement with the club. Nwoko signed a new one-year contract with an option for another season.
His previous contract expired at the end of last season.
Nwoko, who has been playing for the Stripes for the past ten years except for a short spell with CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria, will be resuming training on Monday.
Sat 6
- Premier League Mosta vs Msida SJ 2-1, Hibernians vs Sliema W. 0-3
- Goalkeeper Ivan Casha left Birkirkara just one month after joining them on loan from Marsaxlokk.
The Council of the Malta Football Association accepted a request by the player and the two clubs to cancel the transfer. However according to regulations governing such transfers, he cannot play for the club from which he was transferred - Marsaxlokk.
In fact, Casha is expected to join Marsa in Division 1. The 29-year old goalkeeper had already played for the Red-Blues in season 2001/2002.
Ivan Casha made two appearances for Birkirkara in the Euro Cup.
Fri 5
- Premier League Floriana vs Pietà H. 0-2, Birkirkara vs Valletta 4-2
- Friendly Match Hamrun S. vs San Gwann 1-1
- Marsaxlokk's latest signing Chris Bart-Williams was presented to the media during a press conference at the premises of Carmelo Abela Marketing, Mriehel.
The 31-year old midfielder said, "I'm pleased to be here. I was lucky to play for top clubs but now I want to be part of a bright future for this club."
Bart-Williams is not worried that the level of the game in Malta is lower than that of other leagues in which he played.
"I always liked new challenges. Different players have different motivations. For me, it's far simpler. It's just looking for a new experience."
The former Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic midfielder was impressed with the players in the Marsaxlokk squad.
"I was impressed with the technical ability of the players. Maybe they lack physical strength but that is something which could be developed. They are genuinely a nice group. It's more like a family."
Being such an experienced player, Chris Bart-Williams will definitely be under pressure to impress. "I'm a bossy player who takes charge. I'm not afraid of responsibility."
Club president Mark Sciriha was delighted with the signing of the former England Under-21 international.
"He is our most prestigious signing. A player who could take us to a different level. We hope that thanks to him we will be able to challenge for the league in the near future."
Bart-Williams played Premiership football for Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic. With the Forest, he played more than 200 games between 1995 and 2001. In December 2001, he joined Charlton Athletic. He stayed for two years with Charlton before moving on to Ipswich Town FC in season 2003/2004. Last season, Bart-Williams signed for APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus.
He signed a three-year contract with Marsaxlokk.
- The fixtures for the BOV First Division, BOV Second Division and BOV Third Division have been published.
The BOV First Division League kicks-off on Saturday 10 with Marsa vs Mqabba and San Gwann vs St. George's. On Sunday 11, Naxxar Lions face Tarxien Rainbows and St. Andrews meet Senglea Athletic.
All matches until October 2 will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. The Centenary Stadium will be used between October 14 and November 27. Matches will continue at the Victor Tedesco Stadium until January 8 and from then onwards, the Hibernians Ground will be used as well.
The league comes to an end on May 14.
The BOV Second Division League kicks-off on September 24 and comes to an end on May 8. The Centenary Stadium will be used for all matches, except for Gozo FC's home matches which will be staged at the Gozo Stadium.
The BOV Third Division kicks-off on September 25 and comes to an end on May 7. The BOV Third Division play-offs will be played on May 14, 18 and 21.
The fixtures for the first round of the U*BET FA Trophy and the quick KENO Second & Third Division Knock-Out were also announced.
The FA Trophy first round matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium on November 5, 6, 12 and 13.
The first round of the Second & Third Division Knock-Out will be played between September 4 and 21 - 36 matches in 17 days at the Centenary Stadium.
- Upon instructions by FIFA, the Malta Football Association will be holding an exam for those interested in becoming licensed Players' Agents on Thursday September 29.
Those interested in sitting for this exam should fill in the application form issued by the MFA and send it to the secretary general of the MFA together with the relevant documents. Application forms should reach the MFA headquarters by September 7.
Application forms and copies of the Players' Agents Regulations may be obtained from the MFA Headquarters, 280 St. Paul's Street, Valletta.
Thu 4
- Sirens Tournament Sirens vs Pembroke A. 2-0
- Msida St. Joseph unveiled their new signings during a press conference at the club's premises on Thursday.
The Saints added a mixture of youth and experience: former national team captain David Carabott, defender Stefano Grima and striker Michael Valenzia.
Carabott joins the club after spending most of last season with Ghajnsielem - on loan from Marsaxlokk. Stefano Grima, a Sliema product, was on loan with Valletta while Michael Valenzia, another Sliema product, played for St. Andrews in Division 2. Valenzia had played for Premier League football with Balzan Youths two years ago.
The Saints will have two new foreigners - Nigerian midfielder Olalekan Ibrahim Babatunde and Maltese-Australian striker Shane Tagliaferro.
Babatunde played in Italy for Arezzo in the Serie C1 and Piacenza. For the latter, he made two Serie A appearances in season 2002/2003 and three matches in the Serie B the following season. Last year, he played for AEC Mons in the Belgian top division.
On the other hand, Shane Tagliaferro is a 17-year old lateral midfielder/striker who played for Green Gully in Australia.
The other foreigner will be Daniel Nwoke who extended his stay with Msida for another two years.
The new coach of Msida is Todor Stoyanov Raykov. In Malta, Raykov had acted as a player coach with Birkirkara and had a short spell with Pietà Hotspurs. He will be assisted by Donald Attard.
Msida president Dr Kevin Deguara said that this season the club is building on what it did last season. There were no need for major changes as there was a good foundation to build on.
The nucleus of players who managed to reach the final of the FA Trophy last season are still with the club. Three players who were on loan with other clubs - Donald Gatt, Neil Zarb Cousin and Antoine Spiteri - returned with Msida.
Dr Deguara said the average age of the squad is twenty-five but still almost all players in the squad have Premier League experience. Although Msida are satisfied with the players in the squad, the president did not rule out the possibility of one or two new players joining the club in the coming days.
"Improving over last season's position is our main target. It's important to start well and then we'll see how our campaign develops," concluded Dr Deguara.
- Twenty-three year old Italian striker Carmelo Angelo Sciuto is Pietà Hotspurs' third foreigner.
Sciuto did quite well in the friendlies played over the past weeks and during the Hibernians Tournament.
The Italian forward started his career with Novara in the Serie C2 in season 1999/2000. He moved to Valenzana where he played for one year scoring one goal in eleven league matches in the Serie D. In 2001 he moved to Vigevano where he has been playing for the past four years.
The other two foreigners on the books of Pietà are Ilian Deanov and Martin Deanov, sons of coach Georgi Deanov.
Other new players in the Pietà Hotspurs squad are Andrew Decesare, Ryan Grech and goalkeeper Paul Psaila.
Meanwhile as from this season, Pietà will be wearing a new Lotto kit supplied by Teamsport.
- Marsaxlokk FC will be presenting their players during a mass rally and BBQ which will be organised by the Marsaxlokk Supporters Club on Friday.
There will be a show featuring singers Olivia Lewis, Fabrizio Faniello and Stephen Mizzi and comedians Gawdenz, il-Majsi and Ginger.
Tickets are available at Lm 3.75 adults and Lm 2 children and can be obtained just before the activity, which is being held next to the playing field, starts at 19:30.
Players and officials are expected to arrive at around 21:30. Supporters can take photos with the players including the three new foreigners - Wendell Gomes, Nuno Gomes and Chris Bart Williams.
Wed 3
- Sirens Tournament Balzan Y. vs Mgarr U. 3-0
Tue 2
- Sirens Tournament Sirens vs Ta' Xbiex 3-0
Mon 1
- Super Cup Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 0-3
- National goalkeeper Justin Haber and former national goalie Saviour Darmanin will be starting a new career away from our shores after both agreed deals with clubs in France and England respectively.
Justin Haber played for Birkirkara for the past three years after joining them from Floriana in 2002. His contract with the Stripes expired in June. On the other hand, Saviour Darmanin played for Pietà Hotspurs for over ten years before joining Birkirkara on loan in January. Darmanin's contract also expired at the end of the season.
Haber will be joining US Quevilly in France. US Quevilly play in the Championnat de France Amateur - Group D. The CFA is equivalent to a fourth division.
Last season, they finished fourth when playing in section A of the same division.
The former Floriana and Birkirkara goalkeeper has been on trial with the club for the past ten days, taking part in the friendly matches against Cannes, Saint Lo and Sannois St. Gratien. The International Transfer Certificate was issued on Monday and the transfer could therefore be concluded.
For Haber, this will be the second adventure abroad following a short spell with SK Dobrudzha in Bulgaria.
Saviour Darmanin joined Vauxhall Motors FC, a club in the Nationwide Conference North - two categories lower than the League Two.
Vauxhall Motors, who were founded in 1963, are based at Rivacre Park in Hooton, Ellesmere Port. They were originally the factory team of the car manufacturer Vauxhall. However, they met a lot of success in local leagues and fought their way up to be among the highest ranked amateur football teams in England and currently have a semi-professional status.
Last season, the Motormen finished in the 15th place.
A couple of weeks ago, Darmanin was on trial with League Two side Wrexham but he turned down an offer to sign a semi-professional contract with the Welsh side.
- Marsaxlokk secured the services of 31-year old midfielder Chris Bart-Williams. He will be joining Portuguese defender Nuno Gomes and Brazilian striker Wendell Gomes as the club's third foreigner.
After starting his career as a trainee with Leyton Orient, Bart-Williams joined Sheffield Wednesday in November 1995.
Bart-Williams played Premiership football for Sheffield Wednesday, Nottingham Forest and Charlton Athletic. With the Forest, he played more than 200 games between 1995 and 2001. In December 2001, he joined Charlton Athletic. He stayed for two years with Charlton before moving on to Ipswich Town FC in season 2003/2004.
At the end of the season, Bart-Williams signed for APOEL Nicosia in Cyprus - a signing which was described as "the biggest ever signing for the club." However failure to win the league or the cup meant that APOEL, Birkirkara's opponents in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, made a number of changes in the squad, releasing him.
- Third Division Section winners Safi Southsiders will be organising a four-day tournament for futsal teams between September 8 and 11 at the Safi Synthetic Pitch.
Applications will be received at the Safi Local Council from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 13:00 until Monday 5th September.
Trophies will be awarded to winners, runners-up and third-placed.
- Valletta FC in collaboration with the Valletta Local Council, Valletta FC
Supporters' Club and the White Warriors, will be organising an outdoor
festivity - Vallettafest - on Thursday 4th August, 2005 at 20:00 opposite
the Law Courts in Valletta.
Various well known local singers, musicians and dancers will be performing
on the evening.
The Valletta FC squad will also be officially presented during the
Vallettafest. Supporters will have the opportunity to meet and take photos
with the Valletta FC players.
All Valletta FC Supporters are urged to be present for this first
gathering prior to kick-off of season 2005/2006.
- Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez named a 23-man squad for the August 17 friendly match at Ta' Qali.
The squad is made up entirely of England-based players, except for one player who plays in Scotland.
The players selected by Sanchez are:
goalkeepers Roy Carroll (West Ham), Michael Ingham (Wrexham), Maik Taylor (Birmingham);
defenders Chris Baird (Southampton), Tony Capaldi (Plymouth), Mark Clyde (Wolves), Stephen Craigan (Motherwell), Aaron Hughes (Aston Villa), George McCartney (Sunderland), Colin Murdock (Rotherham);
midfielders Chris Brunt (Sheffield Wednesday), Steve Davis (Aston Villa), Tommy Doherty (QPR), Stuart Elliot (Hull), Michael Hughes (Crystal Palace), Damien Johnson (Birmingham), Steve Jones (Crewe), Philip Mulryne (Cardiff), Jeff Whitley (Cardiff) and
forwards Warren Feeney (Luton), David Healy (Leeds), Andy Kirk (Northampton), Andy Smith (Preston).
Malta and Northern Ireland faced each other five times - with the Irish winning the five matches.