October 2005
Sun 30
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Floriana 1-3, Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun S. 4-3
- First Division Senglea A. vs Mqabba 2-1, Lija A. vs San Gwann 0-2
- Third Division Kalkara vs Zejtun C. 1-1, Fgura U. vs Ghaxaq 2-0
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Xewkija T. 1-0, Nadur Y. vs Sannat L. 1-0
Sat 29
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Mosta 4-1, Sliema W. vs Hibernians 0-2
- First Division St. George's vs St. Patrick 2-0, St. Andrews vs Tarxien R. 2-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 4-1, Victoria H. vs Qala SJ 1-3
Fri 28
- Premier League Valletta vs Birkirkara 0-2
- Third Division Kirkop U. vs Zurrieq 1-2, Sirens vs Luqa SA 2-1
- Malta Under-19 coaches Edwin Camilleri and Mark Miller named an 18-man squad ahead of the UEFA Under-19 Championship mini-tournament which will be held in Israel between November 2 and 6.
Malta meets Norway on Wednesday 2, Israel on Friday 4 and Cyprus on Sunday 6.
The eighteen players are:
goalkeepers Joshua Galea (Birkirkara), Henry Bonello (Sliema);
defenders Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Brandon Bonnici (Valletta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema);
midfielders Ben Camilleri (Hibernians), Domnic Mifsud (Pietà), Jonathan Pearson (Hibernians), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Quilin Refalo (Hibernians), Joel Sammut Vazquez (Birkirkara), Dylan Zarb (Valletta);
forwards Roberto Brincat (Valletta), Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Anthony Lawrence Vassallo (Birkirkara).
The Maltese contingent leaves Malta on Sunday October 30 at 18:20hrs on flight AZ 887 to Rome.
Wed 26
- Eight Premier League players were handed a one-match ban after being cautioned or being sent off during the weekend. Floriana and Marsaxlokk were worse hit as they had two players suspended.
Floriana goalie Simon Agius and Julian Briffa will in fact miss the next game against Pietà Hotspurs while Marsaxlokk duo Andre Schembri and Steve Wellman are ruled out of the game against Hamrun Spartans, also on Sunday.
Sliema Wanderers defender Darren Debono and Hibernians striker Andrew Cohen will miss next weekend's big match between the BOV Premier League leaders and the team in the second place.
Valletta will be without Keith Fenech for the game against Birkirkara on Friday while Mosta striker Udo Nwoko is ruled out of the Blues' next game against Msida St. Joseph on Saturday.
- The Valletta F.C. Supporters' Club will be launching 'The Valletta FC Calendar 2006' on Friday 28th October before the Valletta vs B'Kara match.
As has been the norm in every edition of the 'Valletta FC Calendar', this year's calendar will once again be a first of its kind in its format.
The 2006 calendar shows individual pictures of all the Valletta FC players forming part of the 2006 squad. The difference from other calendars is that the players' pictures are all original Caricatures Paintings by local artist Adrian Fenech.
The Calendar will be on sale for the price of Lm 3.00 from L-Amerikan and Photo City of Valletta, Valletta FC Nursery, Lion King Stationery in G'Mangia and Hill Top Stationery, Ta' Giorni.
The calendar, will also be on sale on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October, from a specially set-up stand in front of the Law Courts as well as on Friday evening, before the Valletta vs B'Kara match from the stadium.
Mon 24
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Pembroke A. 0-1, Siggiewi vs Sta. Venera L. 1-1
Sun 23
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Hamrun S. 2-1, Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians 1-4
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Dingli S. 0-0, Mellieha vs Attard 3-0, Gozo vs Gudja U. 1-1
- Third Division Birzebbuga SP vs Mgarr U. 2-0, Xghajra T. vs Santa Lucia 0-0
- Women's League Birkirkara vs Raiders 2-0, Mosta vs Qormi 9-0
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Xaghra U. 0-2
- Italian Serie A side Messina will be playing a friendly match at the Hibernians Ground on November 10 against a local selection which will be playing under the name of Replay XI.
The Maltese players were selected through televoting during Net TV's football programme Replay.
The selected players are:
goalkeepers Murphy Akanji, Mario Muscat
defenders William Camenzuli, Ian Ciantar, Stephen Wellman, Ian Azzopardi, Mauro Di Lello, Brian Said;
midfielders Gilbert Agius, Roderick Bajada, Roderick Briffa, Claude Mattocks, Essien Mbong, Jamie Pace, Paul Fenech, Antoine Zahra;
forwards Ibrahim Babatunde, Daniel Bogdanovic, Andrew Cohen, Ivan Woods.
Sat 22
- Premier League Valletta vs Mosta 1-0, Sliema W. vs Pietà H.
- Second Division Vittoriosa S. vs Gharghur 1-0, Melita vs Gzira U. 3-2
- Gozo - First Division SK Victoria W. vs Nadur Y. 1-3
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs Qala SJ 0-3
- St. George's FC will be organising a 5-a-side tournament at the Luxol Grounds, St. Andrews on Sunday October 30. For information call 79200819 or 99497182.
Fri 21
- Premier League Floriana vs Birkiakra 0-1
- Third Division Kalkara vs Fgura U. 0-1, Ghaxaq vs Rabat A. 0-2
- St. Rita Home in Tarxien is the beneficiary of the cash donation which Udochukwu Nwoko, the BOV Player of the Month for September 2005, presented upon receiving the BOV trophy. Udochukwu Nwoko, presented the cash donation to Sister Elizabeth, Mother Superior of the St Rita's Home.
The presentation of the BOV Player of the Month trophy to Udochukwu Nwoko was made by Michael Galea, Head, PR, Communications & Corporate Branding at Bank of Valletta during a visit to St Rita's Home. Also present was John Farrugia, Vice-President of the Malta Football Association.
Mr. Galea explained that it was BOV's wish to link the Player of the Month competition to a philanthropic cause. The Bank has decided that, every month, it makes a cash donation available to a local charity chosen by the BOV Player of the Month. The Bank, in turn, is presenting an original trophy for the player to keep in recognition of the excellent performance he would have registered during the month.
Udochukwu Nwoko in the recent weeks has delighted the Mosta Football team supporters with some polished performances which helped his newly-promoted team leave their mark against higher-rated opponents. His goal-scoring ability is also another high point in his game.
- Italian Serie A side Messina will be playing a friendly match at the Hibernians Ground on November 10 against a local selection and you have the opportunity to select the players by sending an sms on number 50617093.
The final squad will be announced during next Sunday's programme, Replay on Net TV.
Those who send their choice will have the opportunity to win a special prize consisting of VIP treatment during the Serie A match between Messina and Roma on November 6. The prize includes the flight and accomodation. The winner will be announced during Sunday's programme and will be invited to join the other guests in the programme.
The players who are currently leading the way are:
goalkeepers Murphy Akanji, Ivan Casha, Mario Muscat
defenders Ian Azzopardi, William Camenzuli, Ian Ciantar, Mauro Di Lello, Riad Gango Rsta, Brian Said, Stephen Wellman
midfielders Gilbert Agius, Roderick Bajada, Roderick Briffa, Christian Cassar, Claude Mattocks, Essien Mbong, Jamie Pace, Gareth Sciberras, Paul Fenech
forwards Ibrahim Babatunde, Etienne Barbara, Daniel Bogdanovic, Andrew Cohen, Ivan Woods.
Wed 19
- Malta climbed another two places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking following last week's 1-1 draw with Bulgaria at Ta' Qali. Malta is now 125th.
Last month, Malta had improved its position in the rankings by nine places from 138 to 127 following another prestigious 1-1 draw with Croatia. This is the best placing for Malta since March 2003.
Malta is now 46th among the other European countries. Ahead of Malta are Cyprus (103), Northern Ireland (104, down 3), Moldova (108, down 1), Armenia (109, up 6) and Azerbaijan (114). Behind Malta are Liechtenstein (126, down 3), Andorra (128, down 3), the Faroe Islands (134), Kazakhstan (140, up 6), Luxembourg (152, up 3) and San Marino (157, up 4).
The next commitment for Malta is the Malta International Tournament which will be held between February 25 and March 1.
Tue 18
- Five players were suspended for one match after collecting a fourth yellow card or being sent off during last weekend's BOV Premier League matches.
Adrian Mifsud of Floriana will be missing the game against Floriana. Hibernians midfielder Essien Mbong is out of the match against Marsaxlokk while Msida defender Mark Pullicino and Pietà midfielder Ilian Deanov are ruled out of the games against Hamrun Spartans and Sliema Wanderers respectively. Valletta defender Rennie Forace will be missing the game against Mosta.
Naxxar Lions club official John Galea, Qormi FC official Redino Apap and Qormi kit-manager Victor Camilleri were suspended for two matches each.
Nathaniel Falzon of Luqa St. Andrews was suspended for one match.
Tue 18
- On Saturday 29th October, AEGEE-Valletta is organising the 4th 'AEGEE-Valletta Burger King Football Tournament' powered by Kristal and Powerade. The Tournament which is organised in collaboration with Burger King is open to everyone and will be held at St. Martin’s (Swatar) College Synthetic grounds. Kick off will be at 1pm and each game will last twenty minutes.
Teams are limited and will only be accepted on a first come first serve basis. Prizes will be given to the winning team, runners up and best player right after the final game. The application form is available online from our website www.aegee-valletta.org
For more information please contact AEGEE-Valletta on 79307752 or else send an email to zarba@euroweb.net.mt
Mon 17
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Valletta 4-2
- First Division Naxxar L. vs Lija A. 0-1, San Gwann vs Marsa 1-3
Sun 16
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Marsaxlokk 1-4, Sliema W. vs Floriana 1-0
- Second Division Gudja U. vs Mellieha 0-3, Balzan Y. vs Gozo 2-0
- Third Division Luqa SA vs Kirkop U. 1-3, Zejtun C. vs Sirens 1-4
- Women's League Hibernians vs Sta. Venera L. 9-0, Melita vs Rabat A. 4-1
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Ghajnsielem 6-0
- Gozo - Second Division Victoria H. vs Oratory Y. 0-0
- The Maltese Rugby League National Team will be guests at the Ta' Qali National Stadium when Sliema take on Floriana this afternoon, October 16.
The Maltese Rugby League Association (MRLA) will make a presentation, as a token of appreciation towards the Malta Football Association (MFA), which will take place in the lead up to the historic 'first ever game of rugby league on Maltese soil' at Marsa Stadium next Saturday.
Sat 15
- Premier League Mosta vs Birkirkara 2-3, Hibernians vs Msida SJ 4-2
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Melita 0-0, Qormi vs Attard 2-1
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Kercem A. 2-1
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Qala SJ 0-3
- Reigning European champions Greece are top seeds in the draw for the UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying competition but Germany, Italy and Spain failed to make it to Pot 1 which include the seven top seeds. The draw will be held in Montreux, Switzerland on January 27, 2006.
Austria and Switzerland, as host nations, qualify directly for the final tournament. The remaining 50 associations will be drawn into one group of eight and six groups of seven teams. The seven group winners and seven runners-up will qualify for the finals.
The sides have been split into seven pots, based on results achieved in the qualifying tournaments for UEFA EURO 2004 and the 2006 FIFA World Cup. The total number of points obtained has been divided by the total number of matches to give the coefficient rankings. In the case of national associations with equal coefficients, the most recent qualifying competition has been taken into account to determine the ranking.
Malta was placed in Pot 7 together with Liechtenstein, Azerbaijan, Andorra, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg and San Marino.
UEFA EURO 2008 qualifying round draw:
Pot 1: Greece, Netherlands, Portugal, England, Czech Republic, France, Sweden.
Pot 2: Germany, Croatia, Italy, Turkey, Poland, Spain, Romania.
Pot 3: Serbia and Montenegro, Russia, Denmark, Norway, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Slovakia
Pot 4: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Republic of Ireland, Belgium, Latvia, Israel, Scotland, Slovenia
Pot 5: Hungary, Finland, Estonia, Wales, Lithuania, Albania, Iceland
Pot 6: Georgia, F.Y.R. Macedonia, Belarus, Armenia, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Moldova
Pot 7: Liechtenstein, Azerbaijan, Andorra, MALTA, Faroe Islands, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg, San Marino
Fri 14
- First Division St. Patrick vs Senglea A. 1-1, Mqabba vs St. Andrews 2-0
- Football League Championship leaders Sheffield United will be visiting Malta next month.
SheffieldToday.co.uk reports that Sheffield United will be spending five days in Malta. They are due to arrive on Monday 7 and will play a friendly match against Valletta on Wednesday 9 at the Hibs Ground.
Thu 13
- Third Division Sta. Venera L. vs Ta' Xbiex 5-0, Zurrieq vs Siggiewi 1-2
- The President, Executive Committee and the Council of the MFA would like to thank all the supporters present at the National Stadium for the vocal backing they provided to our National Teams during the Malta vs Bulgaria matches on the 11th and 12th October 2005.
The good crowd and the incessant support were the driving forces behind the Maltese players’ positive ending to their competitive international campaign for the 2006 World Cup and European Under 21 Championship.
The Bank of Valletta, who have assisted in such a massive way to help the Maltese supporters provide an ideal atmosphere at the Stadium, come in for special mention. Appreciation also goes to the several Youth Nurseries and the Kunsill Studenti Universitarji for their part in boosting support for our players.
Thanks are also extended to the Police Force for their invaluable assistance in the discharge of their duties, General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd., the Media for their build-up and coverage of these matches and Enzo Gusman, Benny & Tonia together with the Young Talent Team and Thea & Friends.
Last but not least, the Maltese players are heartily congratulated for their performances throughout the qualifying matches, as well as the coaches of the respective teams. Horst Heese and Mark Miller, helped by their assistants and technical personnel, did their work in a truly professional way which made all of us proud.
Wed 12
- World Cup Malta vs Bulgaria 1-1
- Malta national coach Horst Heese was delighted as his players earned a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria in the match which marked the end of his second spell as Malta coach.
The German mentor admitted he was surprised with the performance of the Bulgarian side as they had disappointed in their last outing against Hungary.
"I was worried we could not keep up with the speed of the game. However our boys did a miracle during the first half. In the second half, we suffered a lot until we conceded the goal but then we recovered well," said Heese. "Technically and tactically, it was a great performance."
Heese thanked the spectators for their support, claiming that without such a strong support, the players would have not performed so well.
He went on to speak about the last two years. "When I was appointed as national coach, the hardest job was to select the players who were due to form the group we have now. We started with a completely new team and I had to guts to introduce a new system despite strong criticism. The players suffered a lot but finally they are bearing the fruit of their efforts. We improved and obtained results, not against some small countries but against much stronger sides."
Malta will still have a special place in his heart. "Part of my heart will be still be here," said Heese, admitting that he will be coming to Malta to watch the team in the coming matches.
Captain Brian Said said he was happy with the team's performance considering the strength of the visiting side.
"I would like to thank the supporters as they were the twelfth player on the pitch. We should thank our coach as it was thanks to him that we achieved these positive results."
The Sliema defender concluded by dedicating the result "to the coach, supporters and last but not least to ourselves."
Etienne Barbara, who notched the equaliser for Malta after being included as a substitute, said the morale of the players was high before the game. We were eager to present Heese with such a gift following the two years he spent with us.
"It was great watching so many children and supporters on the stands. Support encourages players and for the national team, support is of utmost importance," concluded Barbara.
Meanwhile Bulgarian assistant coach Petar Hubchev, who was guiding the team from the bench as Hristo Stoichkov is serving a four-match ban said that although this result may come as a surprise for many, he was expecting such a result as the players lacked motivation after failing to reach the World Cup finals.
"Players were more focussed on their clubs' commitments," concluded Hubchev.
- The Malta Football Association have again entrusted DHL Express to become the Official Courier to the MFA for the seasons 2005/2006 and 2006/7. The agreement is based on DHL Express providing transport services including transporting samples for doping analysis to testing laboratories in Europe. In addition the re-useable elements of the kits will be returned from Europe to the MFA via DHL's Import Express overnight service.
Dr. Joe Mifsud, President of the Malta FA quoted "This agreement is very important for the Malta FA because it helps it in the execution of its anti-doping programme in connection with competitive matches organised by the Malta FA."
Glen Scowen, Managing Director for DHL Express in Malta, added "As well as assisting the MFA to remain successful by facilitating compliance to the anti-doping regulations, this is an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate the reliability and security of our import and export services."
Tue 11
- UEFA Under-21 Malta vs Bulgaria 1-1
The Malta Under-21 side ended its commitments in Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying round with five points following a 1-1 draw with Bulgaria at Ta' Qali.
This was the highest number of points ever obtained by Malta in the Under-21 Championship.
Lacking a number of players due to injuries, Malta coach Mark Miller included Jonathan Caruana of Mosta in the starting line-up. For Malta, Reuben Gauci, Gareth Sciberras, Roderick Bajada, Shaun Bajada and Trevor Cilia made their last appearance for the Under-21 side as they are no longer eligible.
The two teams shared the exchanges throughout the ninety minutes and a draw was a fair result.
Valeri Domovchyski put Bulgaria ahead on 15 minutes hitting home off the rebound after that Reuben Gauci had partially saved another shot at goal. However four minutes later, Andre Schembri levelled the score for Malta, hitting home from close range when served by Clayton Failla.
Towards the end of the first half, Domovchyski went close following a solo effort and then captain Dimitar Rangelov was unlucky to hit the crossbar with a header.
During the second half, the Maltese controlled their opponents well but goalkeeper Reuben Gauci was called into action, performing good saves on Domovchyski and
Micanski.
- Following a positive result and performance in the last outing against Croatia, Malta hopes to end its commitments with another positive result against Bulgaria.
The game against Bulgaria will be the last one for Horst Heese as national coach. His second spell as national coach had started with a friendly match against Poland in December 2003.
From the team which faced Croatia, there should be three or four changes in the starting line-up. Kenneth Scicluna, Gilbert Agius, Claude Mattocks and Orosco Anonam were all recovering from injuries. Scicluna and Mattocks will definitely miss the game while there is a little hope for Anonam and Agius. However the Valletta midfielder is not match-fit as he missed the last three league matches. Kevin Sammut, who was included as a substitute in the last game is ruled out through suspension.
One player who will definitely start the game is Luke Dimech, who missed the games against Hungary and Croatia due to club commitments. Massimo Grima could make it to the starting line-up as he seems to have recovered fully from a slight injury.
The players at Horst Heese's disposal are:
Reuben Gauci (Marsaxlokk), Justin Haber (US Quevilly), Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Ian Ciantar (Floriana), Luke Dimech (Chester), Massimo Grima (Valletta), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Orosco Anonam (Sliema), Jonathan Bondin (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema), Antoine Zahra (Birkirkara), Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
After missing out on a place in the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, Bulgaria is keen to secure a third-placed finish in Group 8.
Bulgaria started their campaign on a positive note with a 3-1 win over Iceland in Reykjavik, a 2-2 draw with Croatia in Zagreb and a 4-1 win over Malta in Sofia. However they collected just one point in the next four matches, losing 3-0 to Sweden both in Sofia and Goteborg and 1-3 to Croatia in Sofia, earning a point in a 1-1 draw with Hungary in Budapest. Last month, they struggled to beat Iceland 3-2 in Sofia after going two goals down.
At Ta' Qali, Stoichkov will not be allowed to direct his team from the touchline, following a four-game ban by FIFA's disciplinary committee. The former Bulgarian international was punished for his remarks after a World Cup qualifying match against Sweden for making derogatory remarks about UEFA president and FIFA vice president Lennart Johansson, suggesting the result of the game was predetermined.
This will be the eighth clash between Bulgaria and Malta. The only positive result for Malta was a goalless draw in a friendly match at Ta' Qali in December 1982. Bulgaria won the other six matches, the last one being a 4-1 win in Sofia last year. A goal by Michael Mifsud had put Malta ahead but a brace by Berbatov and goals by Yanev and Yankov gave the hosts the three points.
In the last game between the two teams at Ta' Qali, Bulgaria won 2-0 in another World Cup qualifier in September 2001.
Stoichkov has 19 players at his disposal as Stilian Petrov is ruled out through suspension after collecting a second yellow card last Saturday. The players selected by the Bulgarian coach are:
goalkeepers Stoyan Kolev (Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Dimitar Ivankov (Kayserispor);
defenders Radostin Kishishev (Charlton Athletic), Elin Topuzakov (Levski Sofia), Valentin Iliev (CSKA Sofia), Alexander Tunchev (Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Mihail Venkov (Litex Lovech), Asen Karaslavov (Slavia);
midfielders Chavdar Yankov (Hannover), Blagoi Georgiev (Slavia), Zdravko Lazarov (Gaziantepspor), Velizar Dimitrov (CSKA Sofia), Georgi Iliev (Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Emil Gargorov (CSKA Sofia) and
forwards Dimitar Berbatov (Bayer Leverkusen), Martin Petrov (Atletico Madrid), Valeri Bozhinov (Fiorentina), Tsvetan Genkov (Lokomotiv Sofia), Martin Kamburov (Lokomotiv Plovdiv).
The game at the National Stadium on Wednesday kicks-off at 19:00. The match officials are from the FA of Ukraine: referee Vitaliy Godulyan, assistant referees Vasyl Olshanetskyy and Andriy Prymak and fourth official Igor Ishechenko.
Tickets will be available at the gates at the following prices:
West Sides A & C – Upper - Lm 7
West Sides A & C – Lower - Lm 4
Millennium Stand - Lm 3
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 gates will open at 17:45 and at 18:00, entertainment will be provided by Enzo Guzman, Benny & Tonia, Thea Saliba and the Young Talent Team. Furthermore, Bank of Valletta will distribute support material to all the spectators to help create an atmosphere prior to and during the match.
- Bank of Valletta will be distributing wave-stix to all supporters at the Ta' Qali National Stadium during Malta's World Cup Qualifier match against Bulgaria.
Bank of Valletta is encouraging the Maltese supporters to make some noise with these stadium-bangers to support the Maltese Team on the field, as part of Bank of Valletta's collaboration with the Malta Football Association.
Mon 10
- Second Division Attard vs Vittoriosa S. 0-2, Gharghur vs Zebbug R. 0-0
- The Malta Under-21 side hosts Bulgaria on Tuesday in the final match from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying round aiming for a positive result. However it will be no easy task for Malta as a number of players are ruled out from this game due to injuries.
Besides Shaun Tellus, Ryan Mintoff and Ian Zammit, other players to join the casualty list were Chris Cassar and Nicoḷ Baldacchino of Floriana, Silvan Ciscaldi of Pietà while David Camenzuli sustained an injury on Sunday and is in doubt for the game. His place should be taken by a colleague from Pietà, Dean Gera. Andrew Hogg, Bernard Paris, Andrew Spiteri were dropped from the squad.
Malta has so far obtained a win over Iceland at Ta' Qali and a draw in Reykjavik - four points - the same total obtained in the 2000/2001 campaign when Malta obtained four draws. However during that campaign, Malta had obtained another draw but points were lost due to the presence of an ineligible player.
With a positive result against Bulgaria, Malta would therefore collect the highest number of points ever in the Under-21 Championship.
Malta's opponents on Tuesday - Bulgaria are second from bottom with just six points, two ahead of Malta. They registered just two wins - two identical 2-1 wins over Malta and Croatia.
Two goals late in the first half by Gerasim Zakov and Todor Palankov had given Bulgaria a two-goal lead in Sofia before Malta pulled one back thanks to an own goal by Zhivko Milanov.
The players at the disposal of coach Mark Miller are:
goalkeepers Kristian Calleja (Mqabba), Reuben Gauci (Marsaxlokk);
defenders Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Dean Gera (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Messina), Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida) and
forwards Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk).
The starting line-up is expected to be Reuben Gauci, Alex Muscat, Jonathan Caruana, Gareth Sciberras, Clayton Failla, Andrei Agius, Roderick Bajada, Shaun Bajada, Cleaven Frendo, Paul Fenech, Andre Schembri.
The match will be played at the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:00. Tickets are available at the gates for Lm 1.50.
Match officials are from the FA of San Marino - referee Gabriele Rossi, assistant referees Marcello Busignani and Manuel Giusti and fourth official Stefano Podeschi.
Sun 9
- Second Division Mellieha vs Qormi 0-0, Balzan Y. vs Gudja U. 1-0, Gozo vs Gzira U. 2-0
- Third Division Santa Lucia vs Birzebbuga SP 0-2, Pembroke A. vs Xghajra T. 2-0
- Women's League Qormi vs Melita 0-3, Raiders vs Mosta 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Nadur Y. 2-3
Sat 8
- Third Division Fgura U. vs Rabat A. 0-3, Mgarr U. vs Ghaxaq 1-0
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs Oratory Y. 0-2, Victoria H. vs Gharb R. 1-0
- A course for trainee referees will be held early in November 2005.
The date of this course will be announced soon.
Applications from candidates will be received not later than Friday, October 28, 2005.
These are to be addressed to: The Head, Refereeing Department, Malta Football Association, 280, St Paul's Valletta. VLT 07.
Applications can also be emailed to tom.restall@mfa.com.mt
- Fiorentina striker Valeri Bozhinov, who caught the eyes of Lecce general manager Pantaleo Corvino while playing for Pietà Hotspurs at the age of 13, is part of the Bulgarian squad which will be travelling to Malta for the final Group 8 World Cup qualifier at Ta' Qali.
This national team call-up marks the nineteen year old striker's return to the national team after being left out of the squad for the games against Sweden and Iceland.
Bozhinov, who was in Malta with his mother and Sasho Angelov, a former Pietà player, was spotted by the Lecce general manager who offered him a contract with the club. He went through the youth teams, making his debut in the Serie A in January 2002 at the age of 15. Bozhinov played for Lecce until last January when he joined Fiorentina.
Litex Lovech defender Mihail Venkov and CSKA Sofia midfielder Velizar Dimitrov are also back in squad. However, there is no place for Georgi Ivanov and Ivailo Petkov.
After missing out on a place in the 2006 FIFA World Cup finals, Bulgaria is keen to secure a third-placed finish in Group 8.
"Our goal is to claim two victories," said Stoichkov on Monday. On Saturday, Bulgaria defeated Hungary 2-0 in Sofia, goals by Dimitar Berbatov on 30 minutes and Zdravko Lazarov on 55 minutes.
Bulgaria started their campaign on a positive note with a 3-1 win over Iceland in Reykjavik, a 2-2 draw with Croatia in Zagreb and a 4-1 win over Malta in Sofia. However they collected just one point in the next four matches, losing 3-0 to Sweden both in Sofia and Goteborg and 1-3 to Croatia in Sofia, earning a point in a 1-1 draw with Hungary in Budapest. Last month, they struggled to beat Iceland 3-2 in Sofia after going two goals down.
At Ta' Qali, Stoichkov will not be allowed to direct his team from the touchline, following a four-game ban by FIFA's disciplinary committee. The former Bulgarian international was punished for his remarks after a World Cup qualifying match against Sweden for making derogatory remarks about UEFA president and FIFA vice president Lennart Johansson, suggesting the result of the game was predetermined.
This will be the eighth clash between Bulgaria and Malta. The only positive result for Malta was a goalless draw in a friendly match at Ta' Qali in December 1982. Bulgaria won the other six matches, the last one being a 4-1 win in Sofia last year. A goal by Michael Mifsud had put Malta ahead but a brace by Berbatov and goals by Yanev and Yankov gave the hosts the three points.
In the last game between the two teams at Ta' Qali, Bulgaria won 2-0 in another World Cup qualifier in September 2001.
The 20-man squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Stoyan Kolev (Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Dimitar Ivankov (Kayserispor);
defenders Radostin Kishishev (Charlton Athletic), Elin Topuzakov (Levski Sofia), Valentin Iliev (CSKA Sofia), Alexander Tunchev (Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Mihail Venkov (Litex Lovech), Asen Karaslavov (Slavia);
midfielders Stilian Petrov (Celtic), Chavdar Yankov (Hannover), Blagoi Georgiev (Slavia), Zdravko Lazarov (Gaziantepspor), Velizar Dimitrov (CSKA Sofia), Georgi Iliev (Lokomotiv Plovdiv), Emil Gargorov (CSKA Sofia) and
forwards Dimitar Berbatov (Bayer Leverkusen), Martin Petrov (Atletico Madrid), Valeri Bozhinov (Fiorentina), Tsvetan Genkov (Lokomotiv Sofia), Martin Kamburov (Lokomotiv Plovdiv).
The game at the National Stadium on Wednesday kicks-off at 19:00. The match officials are from the FA of Ukraine: referee Vitaliy Godulyan, assistant referees Vasyl Olshanetskyy and Andriy Prymak and fourth official Igor Ishechenko.
- The Futsal League organised by the Malta Football Association kicks-off on Monday with the first matches from the First Division.
First and Second Division matches will be played at the Corradino Complex. On the other hand, games from the six sections in the Third Division will be played at five venues - Zabbar, Floriana, Gudja, Zebbug and Corradino.
First Division matches will be played on Mondays and Thursdays, Second Division matches on Tuesdays and Fridays while Third Division matches will be played from Mondays to Fridays.
Meanwhile there were some changes in the Third Division League following the withdrawal of two teams - Mgarr Youngsters and JPS. JPS's place in Section D was taken by Qrendi.
Therefore there will be five teams in Section B - Central Bank of Malta, Black Nights, Demons, River Plate and Celtia FC and six in Section D - RMF Wolves, AC Trampi, Estudiantes SMC, ECB, Qrendi and Pumas.
The Third Division League will now kick-off on October 17 following changes in fixtures and venues in all sections.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Youth Development Diploma (YDD) Course at Ta' Qali Technical Centre from the 5th November to the 13th November 2005, both days included.
Applications are available from the Technical Centre, Ta' Qali during office hours.
Closing date for applications will be Monday 31st October 2005.
A passport-size photo and a CYF certificate are also required. Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first served basis.
Thu 6
- Following a most positive performance in the 1-1 draw with Croatia at Ta' Qali last month, Malta national coach Horst Heese calls for caution ahead of the final World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria next week but is still optimistic on Malta obtaining a positive result. Heese was speaking during a press conference which was held at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
"Expectations are high following the game against Croatia and therefore we need to be cautious," said Heese. "The Bulgarians have nothing to lose. They could opt to give new players a chance and such players would be eager to do their best and earn a place in the national team."
Heese appealed for support as a win for Malta and a defeat for Iceland would mean that Malta finishes in fifth place, ahead of Iceland. But it will not be an easy task as so far, the best result ever obtained against Bulgaria was a goalless draw in a friendly match at the National Stadium in December 1982.
Central defender Luke Dimech will be back for Malta after missing the games against Hungary and Croatia due to club commitments.
Three players are definitely ruled out of the squad as they are recovering from injuries - Kenneth Scicluna, Gilbert Agius and Michael Mifsud. Players like Jonathan Bondin, Massimo Grima, Orosco Anonam and Claude Mattocks are recovering from slight injuries but Heese hopes they will be fit to make it to the final squad. Kevin Sammut will be missing as he serves a one-match ban.
The provisional squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Marsaxlokk), Justin Haber (US Quevilly)
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Ian Ciantar (Floriana), Luke Dimech (Chester), Massimo Grima (Valletta), Adrian Pulis (Hibernians), Peter Pullicino (Hibernians), Brian Said (Sliema), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Orosco Anonam (Sliema), Jonathan Bondin (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Sliema), Antoine Zahra (Birkirkara) and
forwards Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
The match on Wednesday kicks-off at 19:00. The match officials are from the FA of Ukraine: referee Vitaliy Godulyan, assistant referees Vasyl Olshanetskyy and Andriy Prymak and fourth official Igor Ishechenko.
Tickets will be on sale as from Friday. Match ticket prices are as follows:
West Sides A & C – Upper - Lm 7
West Sides A & C – Lower - Lm 4
Millennium Stand - Lm 3
Ladies, Children (Under 11), Kartanzjan Holders and Persons with Special Needs Card Holders and Persons on Wheelchair (in Millennium Stand only) - Lm1.50
The Authorised Ticket Retailers are Geraldu Kiosk (Republic Street, Valletta), Eros Stationery (Wilga Street, Paceville), Star Tourism (Pioneer Road, Bugibba) and the National Stadium. Tickets will also be available at the gates before the game. The gates will open at 17:45 and at 18:00, entertainment will be provided by Enzo Guzman, Benny & Tonia, Thea and the Young Talent Team. Furthermore, Bank of Valletta will distribute plastic sticks to the spectators to help create an atmosphere prior to and during the match.
Meanwhile the Malta Under-21 side will be hoping to obtain the highest number of points ever in the Under-21 Championship with a positive result against Bulgaria in the final match from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship.
Malta has so far obtained a win over Iceland at Ta' Qali and a draw in Reykjavik - four points - the same total obtained in the 2000/2001 campaign when Malta obtained four draws.
Coach Mark Miller is hoping his players' performance will be a good one as it was in the game against Croatia. A number of players are ruled out injured, namely Shaun Tellus, Ryan Mintoff and Ian Zammit. However a number of Pietà Hotspurs return or join the Under-21 squad for the first team. These include goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, David Camenzuli, Dean Gera, Andrew Spiteri and Silvan Ciscaldi.
The provisional squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Kristian Calleja (Mqabba), Reuben Gauci (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
defenders David Camenzuli (Pietà), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Dean Gera (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà);
midfielders Andrei Agius (Messina), Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Roderick Bajada (Msida), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Chris Cassar (Floriana), Trevor Cilia (Floriana), Silvan Ciscaldi (Pietà), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida) and
forwards Nicoḷ Baldacchino (Floriana), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk).
The match will be played at the National Stadium on Tuesday, kick-off at 19:00. Match officials are from the FA of San Marino - referee Gabriele Rossi, assistant referees Marcello Busignani and Manuel Giusti and fourth official Stefano Podeschi.
- Thirty-five mini-pitches will be installed around Malta and Gozo by the end of December 2006.
The mini-pitches will be supplied by a Finnish company, Aaba Homegrounds. An agreement between the Malta Football Association and a representative of the Finnish company was signed on Thursday.
Member clubs and local councils were given the opportunity to benefit from this offer.
Out of the 35 localities which will benefit from these mini-pitches, nine will be in Gozo - two of which in Victoria.
One of the mini-pitches which will be installed in Malta will be at the San Blas Drug Rehibilitation Centre, operated by Caritas
- Bulgarian Atanas Marinov tendered his resignation from his post as coach of Marsaxlokk on Wednesday.
This decision follows the appointment of Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia as the club's technical director last week.
The Southseasiders are now aiming at appointing a new coach in the coming days. Their next BOV Premier League game is against Pietà Hotspurs on October 16.
Marsaxlokk are currently fifth with nine points from seven matches. They registered just two wins over Hamrun and Mosta and obtained three draws against Birkirkara, Msida and Floriana, losing to Valletta and Sliema.
Wed 5
- Six Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following last weekend's matches.
Msida St. Joseph and Pietà Hotspurs each had two players suspended.
Msida duo David Carabott and Daniel Theuma, who both received a fourth yellow card, will be missing the game against Hibernians on Saturday 15.
Andrew Spiteri and David Camenzuli of Pietà Hotspurs, who were sent off in the game against Msida will be missing the game against Marsaxlokk on Sunday 16.
Birkirkara Antoine Zahra will be unavailable for the game against Mosta while Stefan Giglio, who was sent off in Sliema's win over Marsaxlokk will be missing the game against Floriana.
Pietà Hotspurs kit-manager Michael Vella was suspended for two matches.
In Division 1, Sandro Zammit Fava and Chris Cuschieri of San Gwann were suspended for one match while San Gwann coach Noel Coleiro was suspended for two matches.
Gzira United official Frankie Muscat was suspended for two months.
Kevin Naudi (Gzira), Sandro Calleja (Vittoriosa), Colin Gatt and Malcolm Psaila (Luqa) were all suspended for one match. Jurgen Farrugia (Mqabba) was suspended for one match in the Youth League.
- Nigerian striker Ndubisi Chukunyere was given the go-ahead to join Valletta. He is now the Citizens' third foreigner after they decided to terminate the contract of Bulgarian midfielder Milen Penchev last week.
Thanks to an amendment to the Regulations Regarding Players Registered With Member Clubs, earlier this year, the Executive Committee of the Malta Football Association has now the power to allow a professional player to register for a club outside the transfer period if his contract had expired prior to the end of the registration period ending on the 31st August.
Chukunyere played for Hibernians for eight years but his contract with the Paolites was terminated this summer following an agreement with the two parties.
Milen Penchev has been playing for Valletta for the past three years. However a nagging knee injury meant that he missed a number of matches. It is understood that the player would have spent a number of months to fully recover from the injury.
Chukunyere joins Serbian defender Branko Nisevic and Nigerian striker Jerry Ani.
Tue 4
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting on Monday 10th October 2005 for holders of UEFA 'A' and 'B' Licence coaches. This meeting will be held at the Centenary Hall at 17:30. The meeting is planned to be a theoretical session.
Mon 3
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Gozo 1-1, Melita vs Gharghur 1-2
Sun 2
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Pietà H. 4-2, Valletta vs Hibernians 2-0
- First Division St. George's vs Naxxar L. 3-1, Tarxien R. vs San Gwann 3-1
- Second Division Balzan Y. vs Mellieha 2-0, Zebbug R. vs Attard 1-0
- Third Division Kirkop U. vs Zejtun C. 2-2, Sirens vs Kalkara 2-0
- Women's League Rabat A. vs Hibernians 0-10, Sta. Venera L. vs Birkirkara 1-5
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Sannat L. 0-2, SK Victoria W. vs Kercem A. 1-2
Sat 1
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 1-2, Birkirkara vs Hamrun S. 2-1
- UEFA Under-17 Championship Lithuania vs Malta 2-0
Two goals in the final five minutes gave hosts Lithuania a 2-0 win over Malta in the final match from the Group 11 mini-tournament of the Qualification Round for the 5th European Under-17 Championship.
- First Division St. Andrews vs St. Patrick 1-1, Marsa vs Lija A. 0-0
- Second Division Gudja U. vs Gzira U. 2-2, Vittoriosa S. vs Qormi 3-3
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-1, Qala SJ vs Gharb R. 3-1