April 2006
Sun 30
- Premier League Hibernians vs Msida SJ 0-0, Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 1-1
- First Division St. Andrews vs San Gwann 0-2, Naxxar L. vs Mqabba 2-5
- Second Division Melita vs Vittoriosa S. 0-2, Balzan Y. vs Gharghur 7-0
- Third Division Kirkop U. vs Kalkara 1-1, Siggiewi vs Zejtun C. 3-4
- Women's First Division Melita vs Birkirkara 0-2, Sta. Venera L. vs Mosta 0-4
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Sannat L. 3-1, Xaghra U. vs SK Victoria W. 2-1
Sat 29
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Mosta 2-2, Sliema W. vs Valletta 2-1
- First Division Marsa vs Senglea A. 3-0, Tarxien R. vs St. George's 2-1
- Second Division Gzira U. vs Dingli S. 0-1, Mellieha vs Zebbug R. 0-1
- Gozo - GFA Cup Xewkija T. vs Ghajnsielem 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Qala SJ vs St. Lawrence S. 3-2
- Net Stars are clearly living a dream! Its the Futsal team that currently everyone is talking about as they eliminated Serbia FC in the first round of the MFA Futsal knock-out competition. It was another outstanding performance by Net Stars, beating former Maltese champions 4-3 with two goals scored by Alessandro Ciantar, another one by John Cutajar and a decisive goal netted by Charles Borg.
The reality show squad continued their amazing positive run and left no doubt about their current form and now they will play against Third Division side, Stingrays FC. The latter on Friday evening eliminated First Division side Konica Minolta Gunners.
Serbia started as clear favorites to pass the round but with their opponents presently playing good football and their top scorer, Nebojsa Mijalovic was suspended, the Maltese vice champions found it difficult to get rid of Net Stars.
Net Stars managed to beat their strong opponents even though Serbia were initially winning 2-1 during the first half of the game. Before the end of the first half, Ciantar restored equilibrium and then managed to put Net Stars ahead. In the second half, Boban Milovanovic leveled the score for Serbia. A few seconds later, Net Stars had a Robert Magro goal disallowed but midway in the second half, Charles Borg sealed the victory for his side with a powerful deflected shot.
On Wednesday, Net Stars will be playing their second match from this competition against Stringrays. The latter defeated Konica Minolta Gunners 11-2. This will be a difficult match for Net Stars as the game will be not be played at the Corradino Pavilion but in Gudja. Stringrays will start as clear favourites to win this encounter having played the whole season outdoors.
Stringrays are a new MFA Futsal squad and this season till now they played fourteen official matches and lost only one game as they were eliminated from the semi-final of the third division championship play-offs against division champions, Warriors. Stringrays lost 7-5. On the other hand Stringrays won all the matches they had to play in their section and clinched the section title with maximum points from ten matches. Next Wednesday's match will be played at 19:30 at the Gudja FC synthetic pitch.
So far seven First Division teams out of the fourteen who are taking part in the MFA Futsal Knock-Out Competition were eliminated from this competition. Third Division sides, Thomas Cook United, Stringrays and Warriors beating El Mundos, Konica Minolta Gunners and St. Helen Band Club respectively, registered the biggest surprise of all. This means that all four teams, which this year won promotion from the third division, will play in the next phase of this competition following RMF Wolves' walkover against Airm8s.
From the other matches, Maltese Vice-Champions, Serbia lost against Net Stars 4-3, Babylonia FC incredibly overpowered Amazon Pago 1-0 and AJR Roadstar defeated Middle Sea in a thrilling match that ended 5-4. On the other hand, Swing Kids were too strong for Aluserv Youths beating them 5-1, Second Division newly promoted side, Safi Southsiders won 4-2 on penalties against Scandals Bar and Southenders and King of Shaves had an easy outing against Handyman Centre and Fugazi 5 trashing them 9-0 and 5-0 respectively. Union Press didn't turn up for the match against Zurrieq Old Boys and the latter won on walkover, whereas Korol FC defeated Jeepers 3-1 and Dirst Division side Zurrieq FC defeated Engergizer Boys 5-4 after the penalty shoot-out.
If Net Television Reality Show squad, Net Stars manage to pass the 2nd round, than the blues will play against the winners from the match Southenders vs. King of Shaves.
Fri 28
- Third Division Sta. Lucia vs Mgarr U. 1-0, Fgura U. vs Sirens 0-3
Thu 27
- Third Division Sta. Venera L. vs Ghaxaq 4-1, Pembroke A. vs Rabat A. 1-2
- The BOV Premier League 2006/2007 will be kicking-off on August 19th. The programme for BOV Premier League, the BOV First Division, the U*BET FA Trophy, the Euro Challenge Cup, the BOV Super Cup and the First Division Knock-Out was proposed by the Executive Committee and approved by the Council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday.
The season kicks-off with the traditional Euro Challenge Cup competition which will be played on July 3, 5 and 7. The BOV Super Cup will then be held on August 11.
After the first two complete programmes of matches in the Premier League starting August 19th, the teams takes a break due to the national team's commitments against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Turkey on September 2 and 6 respectively.
Except for another break due to the game against Hungary, all clubs will be in action every weekend until October 22.
The U*BET FA Trophy first round matches will be played on October 28/29 and November 4/5.
The BOV Premier League resumes on November 25 and from then onwards there will be usually four games each weekend.
The first phase ends on February 11 while the second phase gets underway on February 24.
In the mean time, the FA Trophy second round matches will be played on February 17/18.
The Premier League will take another break in March due to the international matches against Moldova and Greece on March 24 and 28 respectively and due to the FA Trophy quarter-finals on April 7/8.
The last game from the BOV Premier League will be played on May 13.
The U*BET FA Trophy semi-finals will be played on May 18 and 19 while the final will be held on May 25.
No matches from the BOV Premier League are scheduled to be played at the Centenary Stadium, although some matches could end up being played there if they are postponed.
Meanwhile the BOV First Division League will kick-off on September 4 with the first four matches. The last games will be played on May 13.
There will only be two rounds of matches which will be played at the Centenary Stadium - on October 15 and 22.
The First Division Knock-Out preliminary round will be played on November 11, the quarter-finals on April 7 and 8, the semi-finals on May 20 and the final on May 24.
- Malta ended their commitments on a successful note in the Slovakia Under-18 International Tournament which is being played in Piestany, Slovakia, ending up in third place in their Group A.
The Maltese youngsters managed to beat Hungary 1-0 in their last group match today and thus obtain a prestigious result against a team who had earlier drawn their matches against USA, 2-2, and Slovakia, 1-1.
The only goal of the match was netted by the Hibernians forward Quilin Refalo in the opening half. Throughout the ninety minutes the Maltese, guided by coach Edwin Camilleri and assisted by Charles Scerri, were compact and unyielding, while at the same time they put up some good, positive fare.
It was a sound performance by our side, definitely the best they produced in their three-match stint in four days and a landmark victory against an established footballing nation.
By virtue of this win over the Magyars they ended in third place behind the USA, who lost to group winners Slovakia 2-1.
The host country will now meet the Czech Republic, who topped the other group, for the Slovakia Cup, while the USA will face Poland in a match for third place
For Malta this tournament proved extremely useful and has vindicated the MFA’s policy of giving our Youths the opportunity to face good calibre teams in overseas international competition.
- The Malta Football Association will consider applications from constituted Clubs to participate in the BOV Third Division League for next season 2006/2007.
Applications, which must include a copy of the Club Statute and a list of Committee Members, with their respective ID's must reach the MFA General Secretary at 280, St Paul's Street, Valletta. VLT 07, by not later than Monday 15th May 2006.
Late applications will not be considered.
- The MFA is organising a series of meetings aimed at member clubs for better administration within clubs.
Later on this year, the association will also organise a seminar for administrators which will be addressed by foreign experts sent by FIFA. For this seminar, all club officials will be invited.
In view of this seminar, a number of meetings focussing on the various aspects of administration will be held. The first meeting was held on March 21 but unfortunately only representatives from nineteen clubs turned up for the meeting.
The second meeting will be held on Friday April 28th at 18:30 at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
MFA vice-president John Farrugia will be speaking about the new regulations for Club Licensing while Mario Gauci will talk about Club Licensing for season 2006/07.
Wed 26
- Women's World Cup Malta vs Slovenia 1-3
A good performance by the women's national team was not enough to stop Slovenia from scoring three times in the final thirty minutes to extend their hundred percent record in Group 6 of the European Qualifying Round of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Playing probably the best game so far on home soil, the Maltese controlled their opponents well until the hour but two goals in a minute ruled out any chance that Malta could obtain its first point in a women's international game.
Among the locals, the best players were captain Rebecca D' Agostino and Dorianne Theuma while among the visitors, Slovenian captain Karmen Vais left a very good impression for her fine skills.
Slovenia broke the deadlock on 62 minutes with a direct freekick by Snezana Malesevic from the left which caught the Maltese goalkeeper out of place. A minute later, they doubled the score with Nikl sending Malesevic through and the latter hitting home from close range.
The Maltese goalkeeper came to the rescue on 70 minutes blocking a Petrovic effort but five minutes later, Slovenia scored the third goal. It was a great run by captain Karmen Vais on the left flank, she exchanged the ball with Polona Govek outside the area and managed to beat Dimech with a cute lob from the edge of the area.
Three minutes from time, Malta pulled one back when Dorianne Theuma was floored inside the area by substitute floored by Milica Vuksanovic. Malta was awarded a penalty and from the penalty spot, Dorianne Theuma made no mistake.
- UEFA Under-21 Championship Georgia vs Malta 2-1
In a second-leg play-off match valid for the European Under-21 Championship 2006-2007 played in Georgia today, Malta went down 2-1 to the host country.
The result meant that Maltese were eliminated from the competition on a 4-2 aggregate score after Mark Miller’s team were defeated by two goals to one at Ta’ Qali National Stadium two weeks ago.
Reports from Georgia stated that the Malta played quite well throughout the ninety minutes and on the whole it was a good effort by our team.
Georgia were a goal up at half-time before they increased their lead in the second period.
There was a good reaction from the Maltese and Dyson Falzon managed to net a consolation goal seven minutes from time.
It was almost a replica of the first-leg match when the same player reduced Malta’s deficit towards the end of the game.
The squad returns back to Malta on Thursday at 13:15.
- Three Premier league players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Wednesday.
Valletta striker Sebastian Monesterolo and Marsaxlokk defender Carlo Mamo, who both received their fourth yellow card, are ruled out of the games against Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara respectively.
Hamrun Spartans defender Jonathan Magri Overend, who was sent off in the Spartans' defeat to Floriana, is now ruled out of the game against Mosta.
In Division 1, Tarxien Rainbows midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva was handed a five-match ban. Tarxien kit-manager Paul Schembri was suspended for one year, until April 25, 2007.
Roderick Spiteri and Justin Tellus (Mqabba), Luke Vella Critien (San Gwann), Simon Aquilina and Lawrence Attard (Senglea) and Thomas Caruana (St. Patrick) were banned for one match.
Joe Mallia of Zebbug Rangers was suspended for three matches in Division 2 while Reuben Mercieca (Gozo) and Jason Cassar (Attard) were handed a one-match ban.
Tue 25
- After their commitments in the Balkans towards the end of last month against Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia, two matches which the Maltese Women's team lost narrowly by a solitary goal, Pierre Brincat's outfit will again be in action on Wednesday as Malta hosts Slovenia at the Hibernians Ground.
This will be the fifth game for Malta from Group 6 of the European Qualifying Round of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
Although starting to take part in international competitions in recent years, our women's team have played to acceptable standards. None more so than in their last two matches.
Their dedication to perform to the best levels and their spirited commitment were always evident and coach Pierre Brincat, together with his assistant Alfred Zammit, have worked hard to help the team produce their utmost despite our limited resources.
The match against Slovenia on Wednesday is another opportunity for our women to show they are a valid side capable of putting up decent performances against teams from more established footballing nations.
Brincat and Zammit named a 20-strong squad for the game.
The players are:
goalkeepers Sharon Costantino (Sta. Venera), Tonina Dimech (Birkirkara);
defenders Theresa Agius (Hibs), Maria Azzopardi (Hibs), Mandy Debono (Hibs), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Leslie Ann Galea (Hibs), Isabelle Mazzitelli (Birkirkara), Natasha Pace (Melita), Dorianne Theuma (Hibs);
midfielders Therese Briffa (Sta. Venera), Rosanne Gatt (Mosta), Jane Coates (Mosta), Rebecca D' Agostino (Melita), Ruth Steerchatham (Melita);
forwards Ylenia Carabott (Hibs), Rebecca Chircop (Mosta), Karen Lia (Mosta), Kathleen Saliba (Hibs).
For some reason or another, players like Chantal Fenech, Alexia Scicluna, Dione Tonna and Sarah Caruana are therefore absent from the squad.
The team certainly deserves the support of the Maltese public on Wednesday evening. Backing from the terraces will be much needed in order that the girls could give a good account of themselves.
The game kicks-off at 17:30, half an hour earlier than originally scheduled. Entrance is free.
- Sylvan Galea and Anthony Portelli won the Melita Digital Player of the Month awards for February and March respectively.
Xaghra United striker Sylvan Galea won the Melita Digital Player of the Month award for February.
Gifted with speed sense of opportunism the United striker was a central figure in his team’s appearances against Ghajnsielem, SK Victoria Wanderers and Nadur Youngsters.
Galea started his career with Zebbug Rovers at the age of nine years of age. He then joined the nursery of Sta. Venera Lightnings. Back to Gozo, Galea returned with Zebbug Rovers with whom he won various Cups and the Gozitan First Division League championship in season 2003/04.
On the other hand, Anthony Portelli of Nadur Youngsters won the Melita Digital Player of the Month award for March.
The Youngsters striker won this award on the back of his constant good performances which helped his team to regain leadership of the On Vol First Division League. Gifted with agility and technique on the ball, complemented by his goal scoring ability, Portelli was fundamental in the Youngsters' success against Kercem Ajax and Xewkija Tigers.
Starting his career at the age of nine he played with his home and won the G.F.A. Best Player of the Year in the Under 16 Category and Under 21 Category for the Seasons 1999/2000 and 2003/2004 respectively. With Nadur, Portelli won various honors in Gozitan Football including three times the First Division League championship in seasons 1998/99, 2001/02 and 2002/03.
- After losing 1-2 at Ta' Qali, the Malta Under-21 side has an uphill task in trying to reach the Qualifying Round of the 2007 UEFA Under-21 European Championships as the team faces Georgia in the second leg on Wednesday.
In the first leg, Malta went two goals down but a goal by Dyson Falzon ten minutes from time leaves a small chance for the Maltese.
Missing from the Maltese squad is Marsaxlokk midfielder Andre Schembri, who was ordered not to travel abroad in order to recover fully after being involved in a car accident.
Ian Zammit should replace Schembri in the starting line-up while David Camenzuli could make it to the first eleven after missing the first leg.
The players selected by Under-21 coach Mark Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
defenders Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), David Camenzuli (Pietà), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Dean Gera (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Julian Vella (Hibs);
midfielder Andrei Agius (Messina), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida);
forwards Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Wednesday's match will be played at the Zestaphoni Central Stadium, kick-off 13:00. The match will be controlled by Veaceslav Banari from Moldova.
The squad returns back to Malta on Thursday at 13:15.
- Playing in Piestany, Slovakia, Malta suffered their second defeat in their group match for the Slovakia Cup. In today’s match they were beaten 3-1 by the United States.
Our opponents, who had previously drawn 2-2 with Hungary, were a stronger outfit and took a reassuring three-goal lead.
But Malta’s efforts to keep fighting till the end were rewarded when John Mintoff reduced the arrears.
The Maltese lost their first match 1-0 against Slovakia on Monday. The last group match will be against Hungary on Thursday.
The teams in the other group are the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Belgium.
On Friday the winners of the groups and runners-up will face each other respectively to decide the final placings.
Tournaments for teams in this age-category are very useful for the Maltese since such competition is a platform for our boys to gain international experience.
Mon 24
- In their first group match valid for the Slovakia Cup 2006 - Under-18 International Tournament, which is being played in Piestany, Slovakia, the Malta Under-18 team was narrowly beaten by the host country, Slovakia.
According to reports from Piestany, the Maltese played soundly throughout and although ending on the wrong end of a solitary goal scoreline, our players gave a good account of themselves.
They are due to play their second match against the United States tomorrow, followed by their last group match on Thursday, 27th April against Hungary.
The other group in the Tournament is made up of the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine and Belgium.
On Friday the winners of the groups will play each other for the Slovakia Cup, while the runners-up will play for third place.
Such overseas exposure is very useful for our boys and competition in this category is bound to help the youngsters gain much necessary experience.
Sun 23
- First Division Lija A. vs St. Andrews 4-2, Mqabba vs St. Patrick 0-2
- Second Division Attard vs Balzan Y. 2-1, Qormi vs Gudja U. 2-1, Gozo vs Vittoriosa S. 0-0
- Third Division Luqa SA vs Xghajra T. 0-0, Zurrieq vs Birzebbuga SP 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Xewkija T. 2-1
- Former Hibernians coach Brian Talbot arrived in Malta on Friday to hold discussions with Marsaxlokk regarding the possibility of becoming the new coach.
Talbot is definitely remembered most for leading Hibernians to two successive Premier League championships in seasons 1993-94 and 1994-95 and the Super Cup in 1994.
After leaving Malta in 1996, the ex-Ipswich Town, Arsenal and England player, was appointed to the coaching staff of non-league Rushden & Diamonds on 1st March 1997, taking complete control a week later. The team finished in 12th place and Talbot was confirmed as Head Coach in time for the 1997/98 campaign where the Diamonds settled for a fourth place finish.
Talbot was appointed club manager before the start of the 1999-2000 season. At the end of the 2000/01 season Rushden secured promotion to the Football League under his management. The team reached the Division Three playoffs in 2001/02 but lost in the final. In their second season in the League, they secured the 2002/03 Division Three Championship. Talbot left the club in March 2004 after seven years to take over at Oldham Athletic.
Talbot succeeded in keeping Oldham in the Football League Division Two in 2004, but resigned in March 2005. In May 2005, he signed a two-year contract as manager of Oxford United before the final game of the 2004/05 season. However, after an unsuccessful stint in charge, Talbot was sacked last month, leaving the club 22nd in League Two.
The possible signing of Brian Talbot as the new Marsaxlokk coach could lead to the strengthening of the squad with one or more foreigners, the return of on-loan players Daniel Bogdanovic and David Camilleri and the signing of other new players.
Talbot was present for the BOV Premier League matches on Friday and Saturday, therefore having the opportunity to watch Marsaxlokk in action against Msida St. Joseph.
- Marsaxlokk midfielder Andre Schembri was left out of the Malta Under-21 squad which left Malta on Sunday afternoon, destination Georgia, for next Wednesday's UEFA Under-21 Championship preliminary round qualifier.
Schembri, who was involved in a car accident on Friday morning was ordered not to travel abroad.
Pietà defender Andrew Spiteri was also dropped while defenders David Camenzuli of Pietà and Steven Bezzina of Valletta were included in the 18-man squad.
The players selected by Under-21 coach Mark Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
defenders Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), David Camenzuli (Pietà), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Dean Gera (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Julian Vella (Hibs);
midfielder Andrei Agius (Messina), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida);
forwards Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Malta lost 1-2 at Ta' Qali in the first leg and therefore beating Georgia is a must in order to reach the group stage.
Wednesday's match will be played at the Zestaphoni Central Stadium, kick-off 13:00. The match will be controlled by Veaceslav Banari from Moldova.
The contingent, which is led by Executive Committee member Mr Joe Micallef, left Malta on Sunday at 1335 hrs. The squad returns on Thursday at 13:15.
Sat 22
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Marsaxlokk 3-4, Hibernians vs Sliema W. 4-3
- First Division Senglea A. vs Tarxien R. 1-0, San Gwann vs Naxxar L. 4-1
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Melita 0-2, Gharghur vs Gzira U. 3-4
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Xaghra U. 5-1
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs Gharb R. 4-1
Fri 21
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Floriana 2-4, Valletta vs Birkirkara 0-3
- Third Division Kalkara vs Siggiewi 2-3, Zejtun C. vs Ta' Xbiex 10-0
- Making football a family outing is the main objective of the Premier League Supporters Association. An association which was formed a few weeks ago and is made up of representatives from the Supporters' Clubs of the Premier League teams.
The Premier League Supporters Association was officially launched during a press conference at the Le Meridien, St. Julian's on Friday.
PLSA president Marco Barbara said the idea of forming such an association cropped up during a meeting between MFA officials and Birkirkara FC officials. A meeting for which members from the Birkirkara supporters' club - the Stripes Supporters Club were also present.
A letter was sent to all Premier League clubs and a few days later, the first meeting was held. All Premier League clubs, except for Pietà Hotspurs, were represented for this meeting. The committee is meeting every week and last month, they had a first meeting with officials from the Malta Football Association as well.
The committee is discussing a number of matters and will be making a number of proposals to the Malta Football Association. These proposals are mainly intended to creating a more colourful and entertaining environment at the National Stadium and other venues. But most of all, the objective is to make the stadium a safe environment which would finally attract more families to attend football matches.
Mr Barbara revealed that the association is hoping supporters club would join forces in organising support for the national team as well in future.
PLSA vice-president Simon Spiteri said the association needs full support by the Malta Football Association, Police and the media as it aims to make football an outing for all the family.
MFA senior vice-president Carmelo Bartolo said the MFA had no difficulty in recognising the Premier League Supporters Association as it firmly believes the importance of supporters in the game of football.
Mr Bartolo spoke about the need to have a safer environment at the football grounds in order to attract more people. This could be achieved thanks to strict collaboration between the MFA, the Police and supporters.
He said the MFA is glad that the PLSA is ready to support the national team which after all should be the team which unites all local football supporters.
"Although the association is putting together supporters coming from different clubs, these people are working for the same objective - that of making the football grounds a safer environment and getting rid that of any prejudices that some people have towards the game. Therefore I am sure that there will be definitely several positive aspects from the setting-up of this association," concluded the MFA vice-president.
Also present for the press conference were PLSA secretary Paul Spiteri Lucas, treasurer Julian Brown and public relations officer Joseph Debono.
- Stephen Wellman was handed a two-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Wellman had failed to serve a one-match ban following a decision taken on March 8 and played the five matches for Marsaxlokk against Msida on March 12, Birkirkara on March 18, Valletta on March 26, Hibernians on April 1 and Sliema on April 16.
Sliema had filed a protest after this game. However the protest was not upheld by the Protests Board of the Malta Football Association which met on Thursday. Therefore the result - a 1-0 for Marsaxlokk - is to stand.
The Wanderers had claimed that Marsaxlokk made use of an ineligible player - Stephen Wellman in Sunday's game.
This two-match ban on Stephen Wellman means that the player is ruled out of the games against Msida on Saturday and next week's clash against Birkirkara. For the game against Msida, Marsaxlokk already have Nuno Gomes, Andre Schembri and Jamie Pace suspended.
- Malta Under-18 coach Edwin Camilleri named an 18-man squad ahead of the Slovakia Cup 2006 Under-18 International Tournament which will be held in Piestany, Slovakia between Sunday 23 and Saturday 29 April.
Malta will be facing hosts Slovakia on Monday 24, then USA on Tuesday and Hungary on Thursday 27 in matches from Group A.
The Maltese team is made up of the following players:
goalkeeper Miguel Montfort (Valletta), Nicholas Vella (San Gwann);
defenders Steve Bonnici (Melita), Lawrence Buhagiar (St. Patrick), David Cauchi (Mellieha), Osbert Ellul (Hibs), Lee Galea (Floriana), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Jonathan Scerri (Hibernians), Clive Spiteri (Valletta);
midfielders Daniel Gatt (Pietà), John Mintoff (Sliema), Karl Pulo (Pietà), Dylan Zarb (Valletta) and
forwards Beppe Muscat (Sliema) and Quilin Refalo (Pietà).
Valletta goalkeeper Miguel Montfort will be a guest player in the Maltese squad.
Coach Edwin Camilleri will be assisted by assistant coach Charles Scerri.
The Maltese contingent, led by Executive Committee Member Charles Scerri, leaves Malta on Sunday at 14:35 on flight KM512 to Vienna.
- It was a remarkable performance for Net Stars as they they registered a dramatic win in the championship decider against Scandals Bar to seal the Futsal Second Division title.
The reality show squad were losing 4-1 mid-way in the second session, but they were capable to recover their deficit and level the score thanks to a hat trick scored by Robert Magro. With one minute from the end of the match, Net Stars continued to impress and Scandals Bar lay down their arms and eventually lost the game. Net Stars scored again with a powerful strike by John Cutajar and in the last gasp of the encounter, Konrad Farrugia scored his first ever goal with Net Stars following a missed chance by Charles Borg.
Scandals' Italian player, Marco Astrologo scored two goals, whereas Timothy Galea and Kevin Mifsud netted the other two goals for the yellows. On the other hand, the goals for Net Stars were scored by Robert Magro (3 goals), John Cutajar (2 goals) and Konrad Farrugia. This was Net Stars' second success after winning the Second Division Section B title two weeks earlier against Safi Southsiders. Last year, Net Stars won the Third Division Section A championship. Net Stars will now play against Serbia FC in the first round match of the Futsal knock-out competition.
In the mean time following the three goals scored by Magro against Scandals Bar, the Naxxar player secured his place at the helm of Net Stars top scorer's list. Magro till now scored 17 goals and John Cutajar who scored 13 goals follows him. On a positive note, Konrad Farrugia scored his first goal with Net Stars when he assured Net Stars 2nd division title with his 6-4 goal. The complete list of Net Stars scorers for this season is as follows:
17 goals - Robert Magro; 13 goals - John Cutajar; 5 goals - Alessandro Ciantar and Michael Carachi; 3 goals - Mimmo Vella; 1 goal - Patrick Bongailas, Charlie Borg and Konrad Farrugia.
For more information regarding Net Stars and the reality show programme on Net Television, log on the programme's web site www.netstars.tv . Net Stars is screened live on Net Television every Tuesday night at 21:35 with a regular daily update on TV every day at 16:15 and midnight. The programme is produced and presented by Media.Link sports journalist, Christian Micallef.
Thu 20
- The protest filed by Sliema Wanderers against the result of the BOV Premier League match against Marsaxlokk was not upheld by the Protests Board of the Malta Football Association. Therefore the result - a 1-0 for Marsaxlokk - is to stand.
The Wanderers had claimed that Marsaxlokk made use of an ineligible player - Stephen Wellman in Sunday's game.
Stephen Wellman was actually suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on March 8. However he failed to serve the ban in the game against Msida St. Joseph on March 12.
- Despite playing no matches over the past month, Malta lost one place in the Coca-Cola FIFA World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta is now 123rd.
Malta is still 46th among the other European countries. Just ahead of Malta are Cyprus (100, down 2), Georgia (101, up 3), Moldova (104, up 3), Armenia (109) and Azerbaijan (112, up 2) while Liechtenstein (124), Andorra (128, down 1), Kazakhstan (136, down 2), the Faroe Islands (137, down 2), Luxembourg (152, down 1) and San Marino (160, down 2) are behind Malta.
Malta will be playing two friendly matches in the coming months ahead of the EURO 2008 qualifying campaign which gets underway in September. The first game is against Japan in Germany on June 4th while the second is against Slovakia on August 16th away from home.
Wed 19
- Gozo - Second Division Victoria H. vs St. Lawrence S. 1-0
- Twelve Premier League players were suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following last weekend's matches from the BOV Premier League.
The worst hit were Hibernians who had four players suspended. Aaron Xuereb and Kenneth Spiteri who were sent off in the game against Valletta were suspended for one match. Clayton Failla, who collected his fourth yellow card, was also handed a one-match ban while goalkeeper Mario Muscat, who was also sent off, was banned for two matches and removed from captain for one year, until April 18, 2007.
Xuereb, Spiteri and Failla will be missing the game against Sliema on Saturday while Muscat is ruled out of the match against Msida as well.
For the game against Hibernians, Sliema Wanderers will be without two players - Daniel Bogdanovic and Mauro Di Lello. Bogdanovic, who received a fourth yellow card, was suspended for one game while Di Lello, who was sent off, was suspended for two matches. The Italian defender is therefore ruled out of the game against Valletta as well.
Three Marsaxlokk players were suspended for one game after collecting a fourth yellow card - Nuno Miguel Dos Santos Gomes, Andre Schembri and Jamie Pace. These are ruled out of the game against Msida St. Joseph on Saturday.
Other players to be suspended for one match after collecting a fourth yellow card were Hamrun Spartans midfielder Rupert Mangion and Pietà Hotspurs' Bulgarian midfielder Svetlan Kondev. Mangion will miss the game Hamrun vs Floriana on Friday while Kondev is ruled out of the Pietà-Mosta clash.
In Division 1, leaders St. George's had three players suspended. Silvio Sciberras was handed a two-match ban while Anthony Chimezie Ewurum and Christian Grech were banned for one match. St. George's coach Marco Gerada was suspended for two matches.
Other players to be suspended for one match include Nicky Gatt (Lija), Darren Anton Vella (Marsa) and Clayton Micallef (St. Patrick).
Michael Magro (Kirkop) and Kurt Grima (Sta. Lucia) were handed a one-match ban in Division 3 while Clive Lanzon and Luke Borg (Attard), Johann Micallef (Dingli), Wayne Pantallaresco (Marsaxlokk) and Jason Mifsud (Sta. Venera) were banned for one match in the Youth League. Attard kit-manager Anthony Lanzon was suspended for two matches.
- The Coca-Cola 2006 World Cup campaign, launched by the General Soft Drinks, will have a local touch with the issue of a set of limited-edition sleeved Coca-Cola bottles featuring six Maltese national team players.
This was revealed during the launch of the campaign which was held at the Pintonino restaurant at the Valletta Waterfront on Wednesday.
"The belief in supporting the local football scene has resulted in an association with the Malta Football Association, which kicked-off with the co-sponsorship of the Malta International Tournament," said Ms Maria Micallef, the General Manager of the General Soft Drinks.
Ms Micallef said that Coca-Cola has always been a major supporter of sports events locally and internationally. "The association between Coca-Cola and football, and especially FIFA, goes back to 1974 and this partnership has been extended till 2022."
She went on to say that during this campaign, it was the company's wish to promote local players as they deserve the neccessary support for their efforts.
Mr Martin Agius, Sales and Marketing Manager of the General Soft Drinks said that the localised approach will be taken to new heights with the launch of the first limited edition sleeved Coca-Cola bottles for Malta. These bottles will feature the image of six national team players namely, Gilbert Agius, Brian Said, Michael Mifsud, George Mallia, Justin Haber and Andrew Cohen - five of the most-capped players and the winner of last season's Footballer of the Year award.
There will be around 40,000 of these bottles in all and they will be available as from May 12th.
MFA senior vice-president Mr Carmelo Bartolo said the association was honoured to take part in such an initiative as this would help the promotion of the local game.
Mr Bartolo thanked the company for supporting the Malta Football Association throughout the years, especially when Coca-Cola was the main sponsor of the association and the recent co-sponsorship of the International Tournament.
The MFA vice-president said football was going through several changes worldwide especially with the recent case where FIFA was taken to court.
"FIFA and UEFA are taking these matters seriously as their main objective is to keep football the game that fascinates everyone. Together with the international bodies, all football associations need to find the right way forward, also thanks to the support of companies which are ready to invest in and support football," concluded Mr Bartolo.
On behalf of the other players, Brian Said said they were honoured to take part in the Coca-Cola World Cup campaign as this was giving them more exposure as it was the case with top-level players which are being featured abroad in similar campaigns.
The whole campaign, which started on Monday 17th April, will introduce a number of Coca-Cola World Cup 2006 limited edition merchandise gifts. The campaign will be divided into three phases. For the first month, Coca-Cola consumers will be able to collect limited edition World Cup glasses. The limited edition Coca-Cola bottles will be available in the second part of the campaign while the Coca-Cola World Cup Football will be launched in June.
These gifts can be redeemed from all Franks and Astral outlets by presenting three (3) Coca-Cola Football caps (1 litre) or three (3) Coca-Cola Football crowns (30 cl) and adding the nominal value as follows:
Limited Edition Glass or the Limited Edition Sleeved Bottle - Lm 0.30 and the Football 0 Lm 2.25.
With every gift exchanged, a final lottery ticket will be issued. This ticket will give the holder a chance to win one of five fabulous grand final prizes.
There are three sets of prizes each comprising of a Chateau D'Ax sofa set from Fino, a 42" Philips Plasma TV and a Philips Sound System from Astral and another two sets of prizes each comprising of a Chateau D'Ax reclining armchair from Fino and a Philips Sound System from Astral.
- Preparations are now well on their way for the inauguration of the new ‘state of the art’ artificial grass surface at the Luxol St. Andrew’s main football pitch towards the end of next month with a week-long football manifestation commencing on Friday, 26th May, 2006.
Apart from various festivals for nurseries from the Under-6 to the Under-13 age-groups, the Organising Committee will also organise an invitational Tournament for the Under-14’s and the Under-16’s with the participation of local and visiting teams from abroad.
In its determined bid to further improve its infrastructural facilities at the St. Andrew’s sports complex, the Club has also invested, from its own funds, on the construction of an 800-seater Stand complete with flood-lights which is nearing completion. This will include an office, reception area, cafeteria, as well as new dressing rooms complete with toilets and showers.
This project is, by far, the largest and most ambitious one ever undertaken by the Club following the construction of the five-a-side pitches which certainly pioneered the game of Futsal at a social level on the Maltese Islands.
The main beneficiary of this new facility will certainly be the Club’s youth Nursery, for many years, one of the largest and most enterprising Football Schools in Malta.
Wed 19
- The draws for the Youth A and Youth B Knock-Outs were held at the MFA Headquarters on Tuesday.
As from this season, teams in the Youth League Section A are playing in the Youth A Knock-Out while teams in the Youth League Sections B, C and D are playing in the Youth B Knock-Out.
In the Youth A Knock-Out, Youth League Section A winners Pietà Hotspurs were drawn with Mosta in the preliminary round. The winner faces Hamrun Spartans in the quarter-finals. Holders Hibernians take on Balzan Youths in the quarter-finals.
Youth A Knock-Out
Preliminary Round: Pieta' Hotspurs vs Mosta; Valletta vs Birkirkara.
Quarter-Finals: (A) Sliema Wanderers vs Floriana; (B) Winner Match 1 vs Hamrun Spartans; (C) St. Patrick vs Winner Match 2; (D) Hibernians vs Balzan Youths
Semi-Finals: A vs B and C vs D
Youth B Knock-Out
Quarter-Finals: (A) Mellieha vs Lija Athletic/San Gwann; (B) Qormi vs Mgarr United; (C) St. George's vs B'Bugia St. Peter's; (D) Marsaxlokk vs Zurrieq/Melita
Semi-Finals: A vs B and C vs D
Mon 17
- Third Division Santa Lucia vs Fgura U. 0-1, Sirens vs Kirkop U. 1-0
- Sliema Wanderers filed a protest against the result of the BOV Premier League match against Marsaxlokk which was played on Sunday.
Marsaxlokk won 1-0, a goal by Cleaven Frendo.
The Wanderers claim that Marsaxlokk made use of an ineligible player - Stephen Wellman. The protest will be heard on Thursday.
Stephen Wellman was actually suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on March 8. However he failed to serve the ban in the game against Msida St. Joseph on March 12.
Meanwhile, irrespective of the decision which the MFA Protests Board will be taking, the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner will have to take further disciplinary action against the player.
In fact, according to the section "Breaching of a Suspension Order" in the Disciplinary Procedures and Sanctions in the Statute of the Malta Football Association,
"If the Commissioner finds such a player or other individual guilty of having breached a suspension order, he shall inflict a new suspension which shall be double the original suspension inflicted on such a player or other individual. This new suspension shall commence to run from the date of the decision finding such player or other individual guilty and punishing such player or other individual in accordance with the provisions of this rule."
Therefore Stephen Wellman is now expected to be suspended for at least two matches. A decision on a further suspension for Stephen Wellman is expected to be taken on Friday.
Sun 16
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Pietà H. 0-2, Sliema W. vs Marsaxlokk 0-1
- First Division St. Andrews vs Marsa 1-1, Naxxar L. vs St. Patrick 1-2
- Women's First Division Birkirkara vs Hibernians 0-4, Raiders vs Rabat A. 6-1
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Ghajnsielem 2-1, SK Victoria W. vs Nadur Y. 1-1
Sat 15
- Premier League Valletta vs Hibernians 2-2, Msida SJ vs Birkirkara
- First Division San Gwann vs Lija A. 2-0, St. George's vs Mqabba 1-1
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gzira U. vs Pembroke A. 1-0, Zebbug R. vs Qormi 0-5
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Kercem A. 1-9
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Qala SJ 0-2
Fri 14
- Minister for Education, Youth and Employment Dr Louis Galea inaugurated the new artificial turf pitch in San Gwann - definitely the most ambitious project San Gwann FC have embarked on.
The club's committee appointed Mr Dione Mercieca from All Sports International to take care of the installation of the turf pitch and the floodlighting. De Luxe Construction were in charge of construction works while Central Asphaltar Ltd worked on the surface of the football ground before the artificial pitch could be installed. Architects David Xuereb and Claire Bezzina were in charge of the project which was completed in ten weeks.
The ground is 90 meters long and 45 meters wide. Apart from the club's services offered to its members which include training sessions both for the youth sector and the senior teams, the ground is also aimed for recreational purposes and can be divided in four 5 a-side pitches, two 7 a-side pitches and one full pitch.
The works were terminated in time the 12th Edition of the Mediterranean Cup, the largest youth international tournament organised in Malta. The tournament is organised annually by the San Gwann FC Youth Nursery in collaboration with the Malta Football Association, the Malta Tourism Authority and the San Gwann Local Council.
Taking part in this year's edition are 44 teams from 21 local nurseries together with a team from Serbia-Montenegro and two teams from Sicily.
Wed 12
- UEFA Under-21 Championship Malta vs Georgia 1-2
Malta's hopes of reaching the first round of the UEFA Under-21 European Championship 2007 suffered a major blow after the Under-21 side lost 1-2 in the first leg of the qualifying round at Ta' Qali.
Malta coach Mark Miller adopted quite a cautious approach during the first half but the result was that the locals disappointed never testing goalkeeper Revashvili. After the break, the Maltese improved, reducing the gap and going close to notching the equaliser.
The visitors took the lead on the 15th minute when off a cross from the right by Gogi Pipia, Otar Martsvaladze dribbled two defenders before beating Andrew Hogg from close range.
Three minutes from the end of the first half, Georgia doubled the score when off a swift counter-attack, Nicholas Gelashvili served Otar Martsvaladze on the right and the latter managed to beat Hogg with a fine curved shot.
Eight minutes from time, Malta pulled one back when goalkeeper Nukri Revashvili failed to control a cross from the right and Dyson Falzon pounced on the ball, placing it at the back of the net.
In stoppage time, Falzon could have even equalised but his well-taken freekick ended just over the bar.
The second leg will be playing in Tbilisi in two weeks' time. The winner will join Serbia & Montenegro and Lithuania in Group C of the first round.
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Zebbug R. vs St. Lawrence S 1-2
- Hamrun Spartans defender Jonathan Francica was handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after last weekend's U*BET FA Trophy quarter-final against Hibernians and since the Spartans were eliminated from the competition, he will serve this ban in the next BOV Premier League game against Pietà Hotspurs.
In Division 1, Zeljko Anicic and Michael Gatt (Lija), Joseph Sant Fournier and Michael Borg Olivier (St Andrews), Anthony Bonello (St. George's), Michael Zerafa (St. Patrick) and Antonio Saliba (San Gwann) were suspended for one match while San Gwann's Vince Camilleri was suspended for two matches.
Wayne Muscat (Balzan), Jason Portelli (Gozo), Philip Attard (Zebbug) were suspended for one match in Division 2 while Jeffrey Camilleri (Zurrieq) and Angelo Borg (Rabat) were banned for one match in Division 3. Zurrieq's Joseph Lia was suspended for three matches.
In the Youth League, Daniel Cremona (Lija) and Carl Pulo (Pietà) were suspended for one match while Ruden Spiteri (St. Patrick) was banned for four matches. Mosta Under-19 coach Alex Delia was suspended for two matches.
Tue 11
- The Malta Under-21 side will be aiming for a positive result as it takes on Georgia in the first leg of the qualifying round of the UEFA Under-21 European Championship 2007 on Wednesday.
Following a change in the format of the competition, the 16 lowest-ranked nations were paired into eight matches for the preliminary round. The winners of these eight ties, contested on a home-and-away basis, will advance to the group stage, where they will join 34 other teams. Group winners will then move on to a play-off series from which seven countries will join the Netherlands in the final tournament.
Should Malta eliminate Georgia, Mark Miller's boys face Serbia & Montenegro and Lithuania in Group C.
After leading the Maltese to a run of fine performances in the previous Under-21 Championships which yielded the team five points, Mark Miller will be hoping that his largely new outfit will hold their own against Georgia and possibly lay the foundations for further progress in the competition before the 'away' leg in Georgia in a fortnight's time.
For this game, Malta coach Mark Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella named a 20-man squad. The squad includes a number of players who have been playing regularly with the Under-21 side in previous editions of the U-21 Championship like Josef Mifsud, Alex Muscat, Andrei Agius, Paul Fenech, Cleaven Frendo and Andre Schembri.
However the squad also includes a number of uncapped players namely Dean Gera and Andrew Spiteri of Pietà, Julian Vella of Hibernians, Ryan Fenech of Hamrun and Gilbert Martin of First Division side Marsa.
The twenty players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
defenders Edmond Agius (Hibernians), David Camenzuli (Pietà), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Dean Gera (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà), Julian Vella (Hibs);
midfielder Andrei Agius (Messina), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Gilbert Martin (Marsa), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Miguel Montfort (Valletta), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Jonathan Pearson (Hibs) and Andrew Scerri (Qormi) were therefore dropped from the provisional squad.
In the last UEFA Under-21 European Championship campaign, Georgia placed fifth in Group 2 with 11 points from 12 matches, beating Albania at home and away from and Kazakhstan away from home. Georgia held Turkey in a goalless draw away from home and Greece 1-1 at home.
In such matches, support from the Maltese is essential. If the positive showings in the last edition of the European Under-21 competition are anything to go by, the Under-21 team deserves all the more to be solidly backed by a good crowd at Ta' Qali.
The match kicks-off at 18:00. Tickets at Lm 1.50 are available at the gates. Women and children enter for free.
- For the fifth year, the Hamrun Spartans F.C. Youth Nursery will be organising the Tony Bajada Memorial, dedicated to the memory of its founder Tony Bajada.
The tournament is being held at the Victor Tedesco Stadium starting Wednesday 12th April 2006 and ending Wednesday 19th April 2006. This year there are 30 participating teams in the categories of Under 6, 8, 10 and 13, from Nurseries around Malta namely Birkirkara, Floriana, Hamrun Spartans, Lija-Iklin, Marsaxlokk, Mosta, Mqabba, Pietà Hotspurs, Qormi, Rabat Depiro, Sirens, St. Andrews, St. Patrick, Sta. Venera Lightnings and Zebbug Rangers.
This year the Nursery Committee achieved its aim of making the Tony Bajada Memorial an International Tournament, by bringing to Malta a Bulgarian team, PFC Botev Plovdiv, through the good work of former Hamrun Spartans F.C. coach Atanas Marinov.
The tournament will start on Wednesday 12th April 2006 with a mass at St Gaetan Parish Church in Hamrun at 9.00am. Afterwards all team will march with the Nurseries’ flags to the Victor Tedesco Stadium, where after a short opening celebration, the first matches begin at 10.30am. The tournament will continue on Thursday 13th April 2006 with the under 13 matches. The competition will then continue on Monday and Tuesday with the semi-finals. On Wednesday the finals of all four categories will take place starting at 9.00am till around 12.00pm when the presentation to all participants will take place. Mrs. Violet Bajada will present the Tony Bajada Challenge Cup, which the winner will keep for one year.
The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery wish to publicly express their gratitude to the tournament’s sponsors – Globalair Travel Ltd, Farsons plc, von Brockdorff Imports Ltd and the Hamrun Local Council, who made it possible for these young footballers and their parents to enjoy this memorable week, during the Easter holidays. The organising committee would also like to show their appreciation to the Bajada family, Hamrun Spartans FC Executive Committee, the Ground Management Board, The Youth FA, the Amateur, Youth and Grassroots Committee and all the participating Nurseries for their support.
Mon 10
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Gozo 0-1, Dingli S. vs Mellieha 0-0
- The team representing Malta in the UEFA Intertoto Cup will be facing a team from Bosnia-Herzegovina in the first round of the competition. The draw for the 2006 UEFA Intertoto Cup took place at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Monday.
The identity of the club involved will not be confirmed until the end of the 2005/06 season. The first leg will be played in Bosnia-Herzegovina on 17/18 June with the return match being played at the Hibs Ground on 24/25 June.
The team which qualifies will be meeting the team which will be representing Israel in the second round. The second round takes place on 1/2 and 8/9 July.
Last September, the UEFA Executive Committee had approved a change in format for the summer competition. From this year, three rounds will be played, instead of five. The eleven victorious teams from the UEFA Intertoto Cup third round will go through to the second qualifying round of the 2006/07 UEFA Cup.
Unlike previous editions, just one team from each association is allowed. 49 teams took part in the draw, with Portugal choosing not to take part and no side involved from either Liechtenstein or San Marino.
Malta has been taking part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup since 1995. Floriana were the only team to qualify to a second round of the competition in 1999 when they eliminated Aberystwyth Town of Wales.
Sun 9
- FA Trophy Floriana vs Msida SJ 2-0, Valletta vs Birkirkara 0-2 aet
- First Division Tarxien R. vs St. Andrews 1-1, Mqabba vs Senglea A. 1-2
- Second Division Gudja U. vs Vittoriosa S. 0-2, Balzan Y. vs Qormi 0-2
- Third Division Mgarr U. vs Pembroke A. 2-1, Rabat A. vs Sta. Venera L. 0-1
- Women's First Division Mosta vs Melita 1-1, Qormi vs Sta. Venera L. 1-4
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Nadur Y. 0-4, Xewkija T. vs SK Victoria W. 4-4
Sat 8
- FA Trophy Hibernians vs Hamrun S. 1-0, Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 0-2
- First Division Marsa vs San Gwann 2-2, St. Patrick vs St. George's 0-1
- Third Division Birzebbuga SP vs Luqa SA 4-0, Ghaxaq vs Zurrieq 1-1
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Gharb R. 0-1, Zebbug R. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-3
Fri 7
- Turkey will have to play their next six home matches at a neutral ground and behind closed doors as the FIFA Appeal Committee has decided to maintain all appealed decisions taken by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee in February 2006 with respect to the incidents that occurred in connection with the 2006 FIFA World Cup preliminary competition match between Turkey and Switzerland in Istanbul on 16 November 2005.
The Turkish Football Federation had been ordered to play its next six official home matches behind closed doors in a neutral venue in another country affiliated to UEFA with a minimum distance of 500km to the Turkish border.
Turkey will therefore have to play all home matches in Group C of the the EURO 2008 qualifying round at a neutral venue. Turkey was drawn in the same group with Malta, Greece, Norway, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary and Moldova.
Malta meets Turkey on September 6, four days after the first game against Bosnia-Herzegovina which is scheduled at Ta' Qali.
Two players - Alpay Ozalan and Emre Belozoglu - were banned for six games for their part in the incident while Serkan Balci gets a two-match suspension.
Thu 6
- GFA Cup Sannat L. vs Kercem A. 0-1
Wed 5
- GFA Cup Oratory Y. vs Nadur Y. 4-8
- Twenty-four players were short-listed for next week's first leg from the qualifying round of the 2006/07 UEFA European Under-21 Championship against Georgia. The game will be played on Wednesday 12 at the National Stadium. The second leg will be played in Tbilisi, Georgia on Wednesday 26.
The players selected by Under-21 coach Mark Miller and his assitant Silvio Vella are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Miguel Montfort (Valletta), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
defenders Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), David Camenzuli (Pietà), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà);
midfielder Andrei Agius (Messina), Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Jonathan Pearson (Hibs);
forwards Gilbert Martin (Marsa), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Scerri (Qormi), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
- Three Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following last weekend's matches.
William Camenzuli of Birkirkara collected his fourth yellow card and is ruled out of the next game against Msida St. Joseph on Saturday 15.
Hibernians defender Adrian Pulis, who received his fourth yellow card as well, will be missing the game against Valletta on Saturday 15 while Charlo Magro of Marsaxlokk, who was sent off, is now ruled out of the game against Sliema on Sunday 16.
In Division 1, Marlon Briffa (Mqabba), Edon Bobolayefa and Glenn Bonello (Senglea) and Anthony Curmi (Tarxien) were suspended for one match. Mqabba kit-manager Frans Farrugia, Mqabba official Mario Borg and St. Andrews kit manager Chris Montfort were also banned for one match.
Frank Ellul (Attard) and Mario Debono (Mellieha) were suspended for one game in Division 2 while Adriano Fenech (Pembroke), Mark Aquilina (Siggiewi) and Keith Seychell (Sta. Lucia) were handed a one-match ban in Division 3. Stephen Said of Sta. Venera was suspended for four matches.
Anthony Muscat and Gary Camilleri (Mosta), Dylan Bugeja and David Farrugia (Mqabba), Luke Vella Critien, Nicholas Vella and Anthony Paul Portelli (San Gwann), Anton Mifsud (Sta. Venera) and Shawn D'Amato (Sta. Lucia) were handed a one-match ban in the Youth League.
San Gwann kit-manager Joseph Caruana was suspended for two matches.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another instructional meeting on Monday 10th April 2006 for holders of UEFA ‘A’, UEFA ‘B’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ Licence coaches. This meeting will commence at 17:30.
This is planned to be a practical session and will be conducted by Mr Mark Miller, the Malta U/21 coach.
- The MFA Technical Centre invites applications for Staff Coaches within the Youth Sector of the Malta FA for season 2006/07.
Interested coaches who would like to be considered for selection must be in possession of an MFA/UEFA ‘A’ or MFA/UEFA ‘B’ Diploma, or an MFA ‘A’ or ‘B’ Diploma.
Applications must be submitted together with a detailed CV, to the MFA Technical Director, Mr Dusan Fitzel, at the MFA Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali, by not later than Thursday 27th April 2006.
Coaches who are currently serving as Staff Coaches in the MFA Youth Sector, if interested, also need to apply.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another UEFA 'B' Diploma Course at Ta' Qali Technical Centre from Saturday 22nd April to Sunday 7th May 2006, both days included.
Applications forms are available from the Technical Centre, Ta' Qali, during office hours.
Closing date for applications will be on Monday 17th April 2006.
The following items/testimonials are required: 1. Passport-size photo; 2. Photocopy of the last coaching certificate; 3. CV of coaching experience; 4. Signed certificate by the current employing club or nursery and 5. Medical certificate.
Former and present National Team Players with 25 caps in the last ten years are also eligible to apply.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
Mon 3
- The Malta Football Association announced a number of changes in fixtures for the BOV Premier League and the BOV First Division matches.
The BOV Premier League matches scheduled for Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April were anctipated by one day due to the Malta Under-21 national team commitments in Georgia.
Hamrun S. vs Floriana and Valletta vs Birkirkara will therefore be played on Friday 21 while Msida SJ vs Marsaxlokk and Hibernians vs Sliema W. will be played on Saturday 22.
Meanwhile in the BOV First Division, two matches were switched.
St. George's vs Mqabba, originally scheduled for Sunday 16, will be played on Saturday 15 while Naxxar Lions vs St. Patrick will now be played on Sunday 16.
Sun 2
- Premier League Floriana vs Mosta 0-1, Birkirkara vs Sliema W. 1-1
- First Division St. Andrews vs Mqabba 0-1, Lija A. vs Naxxar L. 0-4
- Second Division Mellieha vs Melita 3-1, Gzira U. vs Attard 3-0
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Kalkara 0-6, Xghajra T. vs Zejtun C. 2-1
- Women's First Division Qormi vs Raiders 1-9, Rabat A. vs Birkirkara 0-10
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Sannat L. 0-5, SK Victoria W. vs Kercem A. 0-5
Sat 1
- Premier League Valletta vs Msida SJ 2-2, Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk 3-1
- First Division San Gwann vs Tarxien R. 2-1, Senglea A. vs St. Patrick 1-0
- Third Division Fgura U. vs Kirkop U. 5-2, Siggiewi vs Sirens 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 4-1, Victoria H. vs Qala SJ 2-2
- Michael Galea (Birkirkara) has won the BOV Player of the Month award for March 2006.
The Stripes’ prolific striker, currently heading the scorers’ list with 19 goals, has more than played his part in reviving his team’s hopes of wresting the league title from Sliema Wanderers this season.
His effective running into position to drive the ball home or head it past the opposing goalkeeper, as well as his ability to provide his colleagues with scoring opportunities have been the characteristics of this player.
None more so than during March when these qualities helped his team to maintain their lead at the top of the standings after Birkirkara had taken pole position in the title race some weeks before the end of the first phase of the BOV Premier League.
More of the same lethal finishing and unselfish play by this Birkirkara forward will undoubtedly boost his team’s chances to land the top prize in local football in May.