May 2007
Thu 31
- Over fifty promising footballers battled it out for the title of winner of the fourth edition of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2007.
This event, organised by the Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC) with the aim of discovering new young Maltese football talent, was held at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali.
For the first time, the Challenge attracted eight girls who came from Birkirkara, Marsa, Hamrun Spartans, Dingli Swallows, Pembroke Athleta and Mosta football nurseries. They rose to the challenge and showed outstanding efforts in all the set exercises.
Sponsored by Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, the Challenge featured talented young male and female soccer players, born in 1994 and 1995, from 22 local Youth Nursery Clubs.
These hailed from Birkirkara, Birzebbuga Windmills, Dingli Swallows, Fgura United, Hamrun Spartans, Marsa, Melita, Mosta, Naxxar Lions, Paola Hibs, Pembroke Athleta, Pietà Hotspurs, Qormi, San Gwann, Senglea Athletic, Siggiewi, Sliema Wanderers, St. Patrick, Tarxien Rainbows, Xghajra Tornadoes, Valletta and Zebbug Rangers.
The Adjudicating Panel consisted of three established Maltese coaches Silvio Vella, J.J. Aquilina and Stephen Azzopardi. Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge was organised with the approval of the Malta Football Association and is supported by Arsenal FC.
Following Emirates' sponsorship of Arsenal FC, AMSC made the necessary arrangements with the Premier Club to support the already established Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge.
Arsenal FC agreed to send two senior officials from its Community Department to Malta to oversee the event and assist the adjudicating panel. Paul Shipwright, responsible for all partnered soccer schools in the UK and overseas and Martin Davis, Sports Development Officer were invited to Malta by AMSC and conducted two special coaching sessions for all the young participants of the competition.
The Challenge ended with the Presentation of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge Shield and Prizes. Each participant was presented with a Certificate and other Arsenal and Emirates branded gifts.
Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, Paul Fleri Soler presented the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge Shield to Johann Bezzina from Paola Hibs Football Nursery. Mr Fleri Soler, said: "Emirates sponsors various high profile sports but it also seeks to encourage sports at grass roots level. Through this year's Challenge, Emirates further strengthened its association with Arsenal FC and began a new association with Arsenal Malta Supporters Club."
"Emirates are pleased to continue to play a significant role in nurturing and encouraging new talent among young Maltese footballers. This is the fourth year that Emirates has sponsored this event and we are pleased that it has grown from strength to strength."
In 2004, the Dubai-based international airline signed a £100 million sponsorship deal with Arsenal FC, the largest in the history of British football. The agreement also included Emirates' naming rights to Arsenal's new £357 million, the Emirates Stadium, for 15 years.
Malta is continuing to build on the success of the previous three editions of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge.
Arsenal Malta Supporters Club Chairman, Richard Felice Pace, said: "On behalf of the Arsenal Supporters Club and the Organising Committee, I would like to thank Emirates Airline for sponsoring this great event in Malta. Words of thanks also go to the participating Youth Nurseries, the coaches and the young participants who have shown enthusiasm and dedication, as well as remarkable talent."
"A special mention goes to Peter Paul Gauci, the Event co-ordinator for his support and dedication, our helpers, who are members of AMSC, our guests Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis and the Maltese coaches who acted as judges. A special credit also goes to Corinthia San Gorg Hotel for their support," concluded Mr. Felice Pace.
Arsenal Supporters Club also organised a separate coaching session for boys and girls whose parents are members of the Supporters Club. Twenty-five young participants, including three girls took part. All the participants received a number of Arsenal gifts for their efforts. Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis where pleasantly surprised by the knowledge these children have with regards Arsenal and their favorite players.
- FIFA Referee Mr Anthony Zammit has been appointed to control the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2007-2009 Qualifying Group 1 match between Croatia and the Faroe Islands.
The match is being played at Zapresic, Croatia, on Saturday.
Messrs Joe Camilleri and Mariano Debono have been appointed as Assistant Referees and Mr Chris Lautier as Fourth Official.
- The Fgura United Youth Nursery is receiving applications from coaches willing to join the nursery for season 2007/08.
Interested coaches should send a CV by email to fgurautd@maltanet.net or by mail to The Secretary, Fgura United YN, c/o 156, Triq il-Kampanella, Fgura FGR 1694.
Wed 30
- Malta national coach Dusan Fitzel named a twenty-man squad for the two EURO 2008 qualifiers against Norway on June 2 and Bosnia-Herzegovina four days later.
Out of the 22 players who were named in the provisional squad last week, Pietà Hotpsurs goalkeeper Andrew Hogg and Hibernians striker Andrew Cohen were dropped as twenty players will be making the trip. The reason behind the presence of twenty players is that Luke Dimech and Roderick Briffa are ruled out through suspension for the first game against Norway.
There are no new faces in the squad with the only uncapped player being Msida defender Josef Mifsud. Marsaxlokk defender Stephen Wellman is back after missing the last two games against Moldova and Greece as he was recovering from an operation.
The squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Marsaxlokk), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Luke Dimech (Marsaxlokk), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk), Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
The Maltese contingent leaves Malta on Thursday, destination Oslo. The squad then leaves Oslo on Saturday 3rd June, destination Sarajevo, via Munich. They return to Malta from Sarajevo, via Munich, on Thursday 7th June.
Norway vs Malta will be played at the Ulleval Stadium in Oslo on June 2nd, kick-off at 20:05, and will be controlled by referee Mr Jacek Granat from Poland. The game between Bosnia-Herzegovina will be played on June 6th at the Asim Ferhatovic Hase Stadium in Sarajevo, kick-off at 20:15, and will be controlled by Welsh referee Mr Ceri Richards.
- The MFA Technical Centre at Ta' Qali will be organising a number of coaching courses and instructional meetings during season 2007/08.
The Coaching Courses to be held next season are:
Coaching Young Footballers (CYF) on the 1st and 2nd September 2007;
UEFA 'C' Diploma Course (divided in three phases) 1st phase - 18th to 23rd September, 2nd phase - 19th to 21st October, 3rd phase - 1st to 3rd November 2007;
Coaching Young Footballers (CYF) on the 8th and 9th March 2008;
UEFA 'B' Diploma Course (divided in two phases) 1st phase - 29th March to 6th April, 2nd phase - 28th April to 4th May;
Goalkeepers' Course on the 17th and 18th May 2008.
The Instructional Meetings which will be held next season are:
for UEFA 'A' & 'B' and MFA 'A' & 'B' Coaches - 29th October, 10th December 2007 and 18th February 2008. A seminar will be held during the UEFA 'B' Course on the 5th April 2008.
for YDD and ‘C’ Diploma coaches - 9th July, 10th September, 12th November 2007, 14th January, 10th March and 12th May 2008.
All meetings will commence at 17.30 hrs.
No reminders will be sent personally but Press Releases will appear in the local media some time before the meeting takes place.
Each coach is expected to attend for at least two Instructional Meetings every season and a seminar on alternate seasons to have his/her licence renewed the following season.
For further information one may contact the undersigned on 21436969 or Nunzio Frendo on 21411505 during office hours.
- After disappointing in the last two games against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Turkey, experienced goalkeeper Thomas Myhre was dropped by head coach Age Hareide from the Norway squad for the EURO 2008 qualifiers against Malta and Hungary.
The two goalkeepers in the squad are Odd Grenland's Rune Almenning Jarstein and SK Brann's Hakon Opdal. Opdal made two appearances for the national team while Jarnstein is one of two uncapped players in the squad together with defender Espen Ruud of Odd Grendland.
Manchester United Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is back in the squad. Solskjaer is one of just six players based abroad.
However the Man Utd striker is set to miss Saturday's game after he limped out of training complaining of pain in his knee.
The squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Rune Almenning Jarstein (Odd Grenland), Hakon Opdal (SK Brann);
defenders Espen Ruud (Odd Grenland), Brede Hangeland (FC Kobenhavn), Erik Hagen (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Kjetil Waehler (Valerenga IF), Frode Kippe (Lillestrom SK), John Arne Riise (Liverpool FC), Jarl Andre Storbaek (Valerenga IF);
midfielders Martin Andresen (SK Brann), Christian Grindheim (Valerenga IF), Kristofer Haestad (IK Start), Jan Gunnar Solli (SK Brann), Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom SK), Simen Brenne (Lillestrom SK), Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn Rovers FC);
forwards John Carew (Aston Villa FC), Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (Manchester United FC), Thorstein Helstad (SK Brann), Daniel Braaten (Rosenborg BK), Steffen Iversen (Rosenborg BK).
Mon 28
- With the remaining European leagues coming to an end during the weekend, the list of possible opponents for Marsaxlokk in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round and for Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round are now known. The draw will be held on June 29.
The three Maltese teams are unseeded as they all hold a coefficient of 0.550.
With the inclusion of the champions of Montenegro, UEFA's newest member association, and the champions of Andorra and San Marino in the first qualifying round of the Champions League - a decision which was taken during the UEFA Congress which was held in January, there was an increase in the number of teams in this round.
The seeded teams in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round and hence possible opponents for Marsaxlokk are:
NK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus), NK Domzale (Slovenia), IF Elfsborg (Sweden), FK Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), FK Ventspils (Latvia), MSK Zilina (Slovakia), Derry City (Ireland), FH Hafnarfjardar (Iceland), FBK Kaunas (Lithuania), Tampere United (Finland), FC Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova), FC Olimpi Rustavi (Georgia), Pobeda Prilep (Macedonia).
The unseeded teams in this round are FC BATE Borisov (Belarus), KF Tirana (Albania), FC Levadia Tallinn (Estonia), FC Pyunik Yerevan (Armenia), FK Khazar Lenkoran (Azerbaijan), FK Astana (Kazakhstan), Linfield Belfast (Northern Ireland), The New Saints FC (Wales), HB Torshavn (Faroe Islands), F91 Dudelange (Luxembourg), Marsaxlokk, Ràngers FC (Andorra), SS Murata (San Marino) and FK Zeta Golubovci (Montenegro).
UEFA Champions League first qualifying round matches will be played on July 17/18 and 24/25.
Meanwhile in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, the 74 teams are divided first according to geographical criteria and are then divided into seeded and unseeded teams. The Maltese teams are placed in the Southern-Mediterranean region which is usually made up of the following countries: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, Malta, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, and Turkey. However there could be last-minute changes to the composition of the each region when UEFA confirms the actual geographical regions.
The seeded teams, and hence possible opponents for Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians are:
FK Partizan Belgrade (Serbia), PFC Litex Lovech (Bulgaria), HNK Hajduk Split (Croatia), Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel), FK Vojvodina Novi Sad (Serbia), FK Bezanija (Serbia), Anorthosis Famagusta FC (Cyprus), NK Nova Gorica (Slovenia), Slaven Belupo (Croatia), AC Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus), FC Koper (Slovenia), NK Siroki Brijeg (Bosnia-Herzegovina).
The unseeded teams are Nk Zrinjski Mostar (Bosnia), FK Vardar Skopje and FK Rabotnicki Skopje (Macedonia), KS Besa Kavaje and KS Teuta Durres (Albania), Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers, UN Kaerjeng (Luxembourg), Santa Coloma (Andorra), SP Libertas (San Marino), FK Rudar Pljevlja and FK Buducnost Podgorica (Montenegro).
UEFA Cup first qualifying round matches will be played on July 19 and August 2.
- Smash Television has obtained the exclusive rights to broadcast the Norway vs Malta match live on Saturday 2nd June at 20:00 hrs.
This follows Smash Television's commitment to offer viewers more quality programming across a wide spectrum of viewing preferences.
Smash Television was certified by the Malta Communications Authority and the Broadcasting Authority as a station that reaches all Maltese households Free to Air via antenna last year just before the World Cup.
Smash Television has also obtained rights to broadcast the Brazil vs Turkey match LIVE on the 5th June at 20:00hrs. This is part of the Brazil World Tour, which is taking the team across the world for a tour of friendly matches.
A spokesperson for Smash Television said "The station is now committed to grow in excellence and in programming choice. Our quality has grown in both programming and technical ways. We are also committed in giving a Free To Air service for which the viewers are not paying any money. This is done on Channel 44 on the UHF Band and other channels across Malta and Gozo through various repeaters."
Smash TV is HD Ready and has commenced negotiations with both Government and the Malta Communications Authority to start a Free To Air digital service with high quality graphics, picture and sound.
"We are ready to start digital terrestrial transmission on a free-to-air basis in both standard and High Definition transmission as soon as we are given the go ahead from the Authorities. Our commitment to bringing Free To Air digital services pushes us to continue striving for better picture and sound quality and also sports and other programming both local and foreign for free to all our viewers."
- Mellieha Sports Club renewed its sponsorship with Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa for season 2007/08.
An agreement was reached between Mellieha SC president Alfred Vella Borg and treasurer Peter Calleya and Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa Maniging Director Adrian Buttigieg and General Manager Peter Pieks.
As part of the celebrations marking the team's promotion to Division 1, Alfred Vella Borg presented a commemorative framed photo of the successful Mellieha team to Adrian Buttigieg.
The presentation took place in the presence of team captain Kevin Gauci, vice-captain David Vella, committee member Charles Fenech and former player Attila Szonye, who was brought over from Hungary as part of the promotion celebrations.
Sat 26
- The finalists for fourteen of the twenty awards in the sixth edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards have just been announced.
Valletta captain Gilbert Agius is a finalist in three categories while Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Murphy Akanji, St. George's defender Renato Garcia Conceicao and Marsaxlokk trio - Daniel Bogdanovic, Jamie Pace and Kevin Sammut, are all finalists in two categories.
Voting for these fourteen awards were journalists, club presidents, coaches and team captains.
Voting for two of the other awards - the Powerade Outstanding Player and the Best Support is the general public. Voting is by SMS - Powerade Outstanding Player Award on 506 14 097 and the Award for Best Support on 506 14 914.
The other awards will be special awards for the Malta Football Association, Youth Football Association and the Gozo Football Association and a Career Award.
The list of finalists is as follows:
Best Goalkeeper
Murphy Akanji (Sliema W.), Omar Borg (Msida SJ), Andrew Hogg (Pietà H.)
Best Defender
Renato Garcia Conceicao (St. George's), Luke Dimech (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema W.)
Best Midfielder
Roderick Bajada (Sliema W.), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)
Best Forward
Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema W.)
Best Coach
Ray Farrugia (Sliema W.), Brian Talbot (Marsaxlokk), Paul Zammit (Valletta)
Most Promising Youngster
Matthew Bartolo (Hibernians), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Ian Zammit (Valletta)
Best Foreign Player
Murphy Akanji (Sliema W.), Ibrahim Babatunde (Msida SJ), Renato Garcia Conceicao (St. George's)
Best Maltese Player
Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)
Best Goal of the Season
Gilbert Agius (Malta vs Austria), George Mallia (Moldova vs Malta), Jamie Pace (Malta vs Bosnia)
Best Female Player
Maria Azzopardi (Hibernians), Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara), Natasha Pace (Melita)
Best Futsal Player (First Division)
Zeljko Anicic (Jeepers Handyman Centre), Noel Bray (Southenders), Benny Gialanze (El Mundos)
Best OnVol GFA First Division Player
Chris Camilleri (Xaghra U.), Charles Mercieca (Ghajnsielem), Joseph Portelli (Nadur Y.)
Best Veteran Player (aged 35 and over)
Joe Brincat (Sliema W.), David Carabott (Sliema W.), Daniel Theuma (Pietà H./Mosta)
Best First Division Player
Kenneth Abela (St. Patrick), Steve Meilaq (Hamrun S.), John Paul Muscat (Mqabba).
- Birkirkara FC will be facing NK Maribor in the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup.
The Stripes should host Maribor on June 23 or 24. The return leg will be played in Maribor on June 30 or July 1.
Maribor placed third in the Slovenian Prva Liga with 57 points thanks to a 3-0 win over NK Interblock to leap over NK Drava Ptuj who lost 2-0 to champions NK Domzale. The latter won the championship with 75 points. ND Gorica placed second with 58 points.
NK Maribor are one of the leading clubs in Slovenia winning the seven successive championships between 1996/97 and 2002/03. They won the Slovenian Cup five times - 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999 and 2004.
Maribor participated regularly in European competitions since 1992. Ironically in their first participation, they met Hamrun Spartans in the qualifying round of the Cup Winners Cup. Maribor qualified after a 4-0 in Slovenia and a narrow 1-2 defeat at Ta' Qali.
In season 1999/2000, Maribor went through the Champions League qualifiers, beating KRC Genk (aggregate 5-4) and Olympique Lyon (aggregate 3-0) and secured a place in group phase of the competition. NK Maribor beat Dynamo Kyiv 1-0 away from home and held Bayer Leverkusen in a goalless draw although they were eliminated.
Last year, they took part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. They were one of the teams to go through all the stages and qualify for the UEFA Cup. They eliminated Sant Julià of Andorra (aggregate 8-0), Zeta of Montenegro (aggregate 5-0) and Spanish side Villareal (aggregate 3-2). In the UEFA Cup, they lost with a 2-3 aggregate score to Partizan Belgrade.
For Birkirkara, this is the first time they will be playing in the Intertoto Cup. They have been participating regularly in the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League since 1996. On one occasion, they managed to reach a second round. In fact, in 2001, they eliminated Lokomotiv Tbilisi of Georgia.
So far only one Maltese club managed to reach a second round in the Intertoto Cup. In 1999, Floriana had eliminated Welsh side Aberystwyth Town with a 4-3 aggregate score.
The team which qualifies will meet Hajduk Kula of Serbia in the second round. The second round matches take place on 7/8 and 14/15 July.
Fri 25
- FA Trophy Hibernians vs Sliema W. 1-1 aet (3-0 pen)
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Balzan Y. vs Birzebbuga SP 2-0
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud confirmed he is standing for re-election during the Annual General Meeting of the Malta Football Association which will be held on July 28.
Dr Mifsud was speaking during a press conference which was held on Friday at the Centenary Hall.
After speaking in detail about the projects, the association has been working on, namely the UEFA Jubilee Mini-Pitches, the installation of a new artificial turf pitch at the Centenary Stadium, the new MFA Headquarters at the Millennium Stand, the conversion of the old gymnasium to a headquarters for the national teams together with the installation of glass panels instead of the iron fencing at the West Stand and the installation of a new scoreboard at the National Stadium, the MFA president went on to confirm his intention of standing once again for the post.
Dr Mifsud said the fact that he has been silent on the matter may have led some people to think that he was no longer intentioned to stand for the post. However he said that his main objective was to keep on working hard until the end of the season rather than starting his electoral campaign. This, despite the fact that another person - former MFA treasurer Norman Darmanin Demajo - had already launched his electoral campaign several months ago.
He went on to explain what prompted him to stand for re-election.
"At the age of 57, I still feel I have a lot to offer to the association. The re-election to the UEFA Executive Committee reinforced my idea," said Dr Mifsud. "We want to tell clubs which is the way forward, without false promises and lies. We need to avoid creating divisions within the association."
"Others already did this six years ago. They made use of official MFA documents in the English media in order to harm the association. What happened six years ago had serious repercussions on the MFA and it took us two years to recover from that situation."
"I believe the person who is eyeing the same post is not the right person for the job. The association does not need a person who had quit his position as treasurer and caused a lot of harm to the MFA."
"The Malta Football Association needs unity. This is not the same as in politics where there is the government and the opposition. Unity is the most important," concluded Dr Mifsud.
- Works at the Centenary Stadium which will have a new FIFA 2-star artificial turf pitch have just started. The project has been entrusted to Polytan, represented in Malta by John G. Cassar Ltd.
Polytan have installed several pitches of this kind worldwide. These include the stadium of Red Bulls Salzburg in Austria and the National Stadium in Berne, Switzerland. The latter is the first national stadium to have an artificial turf pitch of this kind. The FIFA Recommended 2-Star Certification for football turf is now the prerequisite for the official approval of artificial turf playing surfaces for national and international competitions, ranging from the UEFA Under-17 matches to the UEFA Champions League.
Speaking on behalf of Polytan, Mr Gary Walker gave technical details about the project. The type of turf which will be installed in Malta is the Ligaturf 240. The same kind of football turf as that used in Salzburg, Berne and a number of training grounds including those of Celtic, Everton and Aston Villa.
Mr Walker said that unlike other companies, Polytan design, produce and install the product. There is no sub-contracting.
The artificial turf is laid on the so-called elastic support layer which gives the players comfort as it shock-absorbing. The silica sand in-fill system stabilises the turf. The main characteristics of the PPE yarn are the long-term elasticity, spring-back capability and extremely hard-wearing.
The new pitch will be undergoing regular maintenance. Materials are guaranteed for eight years but if properly maintained, the pitch could be used for more years.
Dr Mifsud thanked UEFA for the financial support, which was slightly over the 50% of the total expenditure, which made it possible for the MFA to acquire the best possible product available in the market.
The installation of the new pitch should be ready by mid-July. The old pitch of the Centenary Stadium will be used to cover the athletics track surrounding the pitch of the National Stadium.
Meanwhile another important project is the new MFA Headquarters at the Millennium Stand, Ta' Qali. Works are well underway and the official opening is scheduled for June 27th. The MFA would finally have modern headquarters from where it would function properly.
As regards, the UEFA Jubilee Mini-Pitches, the association has so far ordered 30 pitches out of a total of 35.
The National Stadium will soon have a new modern scoreboard which will be a video scoreboard while the railing at the West Stand (Enclosure) will be replaced by modern glass panels. These should be ready this summer.
Another project is the rehabilitation of the old gymnasium which is being converted into a headquarters for the national teams. This will include dressing rooms, a clinic and an indoor training centre.
- Despite playing both matches away from home, Malta will still aim at obtaining at least one positive result as Dusan Fitzel's side takes on Norway on June 2 and Bosnia-Herzegovina four days later in two EURO 2008 qualifying matches.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that this was also the objective for the last two games against Moldova and Greece in March. Malta drew 1-1 in Moldova, losing narrowly to Greece at Ta' Qali.
Dr Mifsud and Malta coach Dusan Fitzel agreed these were both difficult games for Malta. Fitzel said that although they are ranked third and fourth in the group, both nurtured hopes of qualifying for the final phase of the competition.
About Norway, Fitzel said that since the large majority of the players are based in Norway, they will be in their peak as the Norwegian league kicked-off in the beginning of April. "On the other hand, our players are mentally tired as these matches arrive at the end of the season. Some of the players have not played a game for three weeks and many others have stopped training with their clubs two weeks ago."
The Malta national coach said Bosnia-Herzegovina are a very difficult opponent as well. New coach Fuad Muzurovic included six eleven new players in the squad - including six uncapped players after a group of experienced players decided to boycott international matches until the Bosnian FA management has changed. No less than seventeen players out of the provisional squad are based abroad.
"So many new players in the Bosnia squad makes it more difficult for us to prepare well for this game. However the fact that they were able to beat Norway away from home shows the strength of the team," said Fitzel.
For the game against Norway, Malta will be without the suspended Luke Dimech and Roderick Briffa. No players are injured but Fitzel will have to assess the fitness of the Hibs and Sliema players who took part in the final of the U*BET FA Trophy.
Only now will the full squad be at Fitzel's disposal as the fact that these players were preparing for the FA Trophy final, for the past days, only fourteen or fifteen players were attending the national team training sessions.
Should Gilbert Agius play the first game against Norway, it would be his hundredth appearance for the national team.
The Malta captain said that although this was a big achievement, the most important thing at this point was that Malta did well and obtained positive results.
There are no new faces in the squad with the only uncapped player being Msida defender Josef Mifsud.
The provisional squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Luke Dimech (Marsaxlokk), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
The Maltese contingent leaves Malta on Thursday May 31st, destination Oslo. The squad then leaves Oslo on Saturday 3rd June, destination Sarajevo, via Munich. They return to Malta from Sarajevo, via Munich, on Thursday 7th June.
Norway vs Malta will be played at the Ulleval Stadium in Oslo on June 2nd, kick-off at 20:05, and will be controlled by referee Mr Jacek Granat from Poland. The game between Bosnia-Herzegovina will be played on June 6th at the Asim Ferhatovic Hase Stadium in Sarajevo, kick-off at 20:15, and will be controlled by Welsh referee Mr Ceri Richards.
- The Malta Under-21 side will be hosting Romania in the first match from Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 European Championship on Tuesday June 5th at the Hibs Ground, Corradino.
Also playing in the same group are France, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Wales.
Under-21 coach Mark Miller said that considering the friendly matches against Finland, Moldova and Sweden, there was a good learning curve. In fact, following two defeats in the first two matches, Malta beat Sweden 2-1.
"After such results, it as very important not to get carried away by the enthusiasm. The competition starts now and it has been early two years since we played in such a competition," said Miller.
"For me, this is the first time, I am facing Romania. They should be more or less on the same level as Sweden although they play a different style of football."
A new face in the squad is goalkeeper Luke Woods who plays for English non-league side Ware FC. Woods is the son of Hibs assistant coach Michael Woods. Woods joined the squad for a ten-day training camp and could make it to the final squad for the game against Romania. Ware FC play in the Division One North of the Ryman League.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud appealed for support by the local public for this game and future home matches.
The provisional squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Michael Falzon (Hamrun), Miguel Montfort (Valletta), Luke Woods (Ware FC - England);
defenders Andrei Agius (Martina Franca - Italy), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Roderick Fenech (Hamrun), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), Justin Grioli (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Pietà);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Matthew Bartolo (Hibs), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Thomas Paris (Qormi), Karl Pulo (Pietà), Julian Vella (Hibs);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Stephen Meilak (Hamrun), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Malta vs Romania will be played at the Hibs Ground on Tuesday 5th June, kick-off at 17:45. The match will be controlled by referee Mr Anthony Buttimer from Northern Ireland.
Thu 24
- First Division Knock-Out Mosta vs Tarxien R. 1-2
- Mtarfa FC will be taking part in the BOV Third Division for the first time next season after their application was approved by the Council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday.
Ta' Xbiex, on the other hand, had their application rejected. The lack of organisation at the club which finished at the bottom of Division 3 on a regular basis for the past years, was mentioned as one of the reasons for which there was a recommendation to have the application rejected.
The application by another new club, Swieqi FC, was also rejected. There was a proposal to have the application of this club, which is based in a pub in St. Julian's, to be turned down.
Sta. Lucia, who ended their commitments second from bottom, had their application approved and will therefore take part in Division 3 next season.
The BOV Third Division League 2007/08 will therefore be made up once again of nineteen teams. However unlike last season, teams will be divided into two sections - one with ten teams and another with nine teams. Each section will be played on a two-round league basis.
The winner of each section will be promoted automatically to Division 2. Another three teams will take part in the Promotion Play-Offs - the runner-up in each section and the winner of a decider between the teams placing third in each section. As usual, joining them in the Play-Offs is the team placing tenth in Division 2.
However the play-offs will be played in a different format with a knock-out basis being used rather than on a league basis.
Meanwhile Gozo FC, who will be playing in Division 3 after being relegated from Division 2 this season, were granted permission to play their home-matches at the Gozo Stadium.
The teams travelling to Gozo will be paid Lm 25 to cover transport expenses.
- Mr. Victor Sciriha, will once again be meeting Valletta FC Supporters in another rally to be held on Monday 28th May. This will be Mr. Sciriha’s second rally in a week with the Valletta Supporters. A good sizeable crowd gave Mr. Sciriha a warm welcome in his first meeting with the Supporters. During the rally, Mr. Sciriha explained his objectives, once elected in the Valletta FC Committee.
The next rally, to be held on Monday 28th May 2006, will be at St. Domenic Parish Hall in Valletta at 20:00.
All Valletta FC Supporters are once again urged to attend this important rally, giving them once again an opportunity to meet and discuss various issues with Mr. Sciriha.
- The BOV First Division 2007/08 will be kicking-off, a month later than usual, in a bid to avoid having long breaks during the season.
The league kicks-off on October 6 and comes to an end on May 18.
The First Division league will be played at the Hibs Ground and the Victor Tedesco Stadium. However matches in programme between October 26 and November 24 and some of the matches which will be played in January and February will be played at the Centenary Stadium.
The Preliminary Round of the First Division Knock-Out will be played on November 18 at the Centenary Stadium. The quarter-finals are scheduled for April 12 and 13; the semi-finals on May 25 and the final on May 29.
First Division clubs will also take part in the U*BET FA Trophy. The first round of the competition will be played at the Centenary Stadium on November 3, 4, 10 and 11.
Meanwhile the BOV Second Division 2007/08 will be kicking-off on September 22 and will come to an end on May 11.
All matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium.
The group phase of the Second & Third Division Knock-Out will be played between September 1 and 21.
The quarter-finals will be played on December 29 and 30; the semi-finals on March 23 and the final on May 30.
- Sliema Wanderers repeated last year’s success in the Youths 'A' Knock-Out competition by beating Hibernians, in what was a repeat of last year’s success over the same opposition. Having beaten Mosta, Floriana and Pieta Hotspurs, on their way to the final Sliema showed their character in these cup ties.
In a game that was played at the Hibernians Ground, the numerous supporters - mostly parents - were entertained to a very pleasant game, where one was able to admire flashes of some very promising and talented young players. Although being a Cup Final, both teams must be congratulated for the sporting spirit showed by all throughout the whole game.
After a balanced and entertaining first half finished scoreless, the game really took an interesting twist on the restart. With Sliema taking the lead after six minutes of the second half through J. Nwoba. However this lead was short-lived, as two minutes later Hibs equalized when after the Sliema defence failed to clear, Luka Desira Butigieg beat Henry Bonello. Chances kept on being created by both sets of players, and when everything was pointing to extra time Sliema scored what proved to be the winner. Gove won possession in the Hibs half and from a cross to the far side the unmarked John Mintoff scored with a flying header.
Wed 23
- Coaches interested in forming part of Qormi Youth Nursery's growing Coaching Setup during the forthcoming season 2007/2008 are to send in their Curriculum-Vitae to: The Secretary, Qormi Youth Nursery, Valletta Road, Qormi or email shania@waldonet.net.mt
- Rabat Depiro Youth Football Nursery is inviting applications from qualifying coaches who are interested to join the nursery for season 2007/08.
Those interested should phone 21453568 between 18:30 and 20:30 or send an email to rdepiro@maltanet.net for more details.
- The St. George's Youth Nursery is receiving applications from children, aged 5 to 16, who are interested to join the nursery. Application forms are available from St. George's Football Club (after 19:00 hrs) or from Wefi Ironmongery.
- For Friday's U*BET FA Trophy final, Sliema Wanderers supporters will be entering from the gates at the North Stand (in front of the Centenary Stadium). Access for the gates is from next to the Millennium Stand. Cars should be parked at the MFCC Car Park and next to the Basketball Pavilion.
The parking area in front of the enclosure will be reserved for Hibs supporters. They should approach the stadium from the Mosta road (next to the Model Aircraft Association).
Police barricades will stop anyone trying to go to the Hibs side from near the Centenary Stadium or vice-versa.
Searches will be carried out on supporters. No coloured smoke canisters or any other form of fireworks are allowed. Object which could be used as missiles are also prohibited.
Tue 22
- Jeepers Handyman Centre are the Futsal First Division Champions 2006/07. After placing second in Section B, Jeepers won the play-offs after beating outgoing champions Hibernians and the previous year's champions European Pilot Academy and a draw with Scandals Bar.
The club which was founded in 2002, had won promotion to Division 2 at the end of season 2003/04 and after two years, they won promotion to the Division 1.
In their first year in the top division, Jeepers ended as runners-up in Section B with 21 points, seven points behind section winners European Pilot Academy.
In the play-offs, Jeepers defeated Hibernians 8-3 in a match which was abandoned late in the game. They went on to beat European Pilot Academy 6-3.
Hibernians and European Pilot Academy won their other match against Scandals Bar and therefore Jeepers needed a draw from the last game against Scandals Bar. Jeepers drew 1-1 to earn the point they needed to be declared champions.
MFA Vice-President John Farrugia and Futsal Coordinator Mario Gauci conducted the presentation of medals to all the players and presented Jeepers captain Christopher Borg with the cup. The team was made up of the following players: Marvin Spiteri, Zeljko Anicic, Pavel Adamov, Christopher Borg, Basil Emeka, Richard Busuttil, Owen Galea, Rob De Vries, Michael Molzahn, Andrew Debono and Alvin Cacciattolo. Team manager: Noel Attard Flores.
Mon 21
- Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC) is holding a seminar on Youth Football Development on Friday 25th May 2007 at 7.00pm at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, St George's Bay. This event is being held in conjunction with next Saturday's Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge, which is sponsored by Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline and approved by the Malta Football Association.
The 90-minute seminar will be conducted by two senior officials from Arsenal Football Club's Community Department, Paul Shipwright, who is responsible for partnered Soccer Schools and Sports Development Officer Martin Davis.
They will be focusing on the game and professional football coaching for children based on the highly successful Arsenal Soccer Schools. Both coaches are in Malta on the initiative of Arsenal Malta Supporters Club and with the support of Arsenal FC.
"The seminar provides an ideal opportunity for all youth coaches to meet and be able to put forward any questions they may have. Thanks to Emirates Airline, Arsenal FC, and the Youth FA, we intend to hold similar seminars for the Maltese coaches who train young footballers," said Richard Felice Pace, Chairman of AMSC. "We are delighted to help in the development of football and its overall standard."
Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, said: "After a two-year break, Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge has made a comeback, thanks to the new support of the Arsenal Supporters Club. This is the second seminar for Maltese coaches to be held in conjunction with the Challenge and this further strengthens Emirates' association with Arsenal FC."
Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis together with their wives are the guests of the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel.
All Football Club Youth Nurseries are invited to send their coaches and admission is free. Further details and bookings can be made on tel: 7924 8635 or via email on arsenal@onvol.net
Sun 20
- FA Trophy Msida SJ vs Sliema W. 0-3 aet
- Third Division Play-Offs Fgura U. vs Qrendi 3-0, Zebbug R. vs Zurrieq 0-2
- Mr. Victor Sciriha, will be meeting all Valletta FC Supporters on Monday 21st May, 2007 at Il-Gifen Bar, in St. Paul's Street, Valletta.
It is now a known fact that Mr. Sciriha will be contesting the elections for Valletta FC's Executive Committee during the club's forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
All Valletta FC Supporters are urged to attend this important rally, who will have a great opportunity to discuss and get to know Mr. Sciriha's targets and objectives.
- The Youth Football Nursery of San Gwann is accepting applications for coaches for the forthcoming season 2007/08, to meet the demands of their increasing membership.
Interested coaches willing to be a part of this growth are requested to send their curriculum vitae on the club e-mail address info@sangwannfcyfn.com or write to The Secretary, San Gwann Youth Nursery, 20, St. Angelo Street, Sliema.
- As part of their centenary year celebrations, Kirkby United FC - a team from a small village in Northern England called Kirkby-in-Furness, which is in the Lake District, visited Malta where they played a number of friendly matches.
Club coach Barry Postlethwaite said: "We came and played 9 a-side against teams made up of several ex-internationals and ex-professional players. We also played against a team containing the current Floriana coach and some of his staff. We had an over 40's team and an u-23 team. Our over 40's squad had 14 players 7 of who were over 50. We had a superb time at the Floriana ground. A world-class 9-a-side pitch and a great facility for the Island, I wish we had it here! We played 2 games each which we really enjoyed, had it been the World Cup we would have been on 'the early plane home'.
"The friendly spirit in which the games were played, the hospitality shown by everyone we met was wonderful. My squad thought that they were Kings, we were treat like old friends in the Floriana - Ajax Bar ... some of the lads would have stayed."
"With the aid of Alpine travel, all our travel, accommodation and hotel needs were more than met."
"On behalf of the Committee, Staff and Players of Kirkby United Football Club, I would like again to publicly thank all who made our, all too short, visit to your wonderful Island, so very special."
Sat 19
- First Division Knock-Out Mosta vs Senglea A. 4-1, St. Patrick vs Tarxien R. 1-1 aet (4-5 pen)
- The Valletta FC Nursery is inviting applications for a head coach, coaching staff and helpers for season 2007/2008.
Anyone interested may collect application form from the Nursery's office at the Salinos grounds between 5:30pm and 8:30pm or from the Nursery's website - vallettafcnursery.com
- The St. George's Youth Nursery is receiving applications from children who are interested to join the nursery in one of the following categories: Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14 and Under-16. Application forms are available from Wefi Ironmongery.
- St. Patrick FC Youth Nursery invites applications from interested Coaches who would like to be considered for selection as Coaches in the youth sector from age Under-6 to Under-11 for season 2007/2008.
Applicants must be in possession of an MFA/UEFA’B’ to a minimum YDD Diploma.
Coaches must submit their application together with a detailed CV to the Secretary - Dominic Azzopardi on dominic.azzopardi@gov.mt, Joe Baldacchino on 21692299/79068126, Mario Darmanin on mardar@euroweb.net.mt or visit the nursery premises at the Zabbar Ground between 17:00 and 20:00 by not later than Friday 15th June.
Fri 18
- FA Trophy Hibernians vs Valletta 2-1
- St. Patrick FC Youth Nursery invites applications from interested Coaches who would like to be considered for selection as Coaches in the youth sector from age Under-6 to Under-11 for season 2007/2008.
Applicants must be in possession of an MFA/UEFA’B’ to a minimum YDD Diploma.
Coaches must submit their application together with a detailed CV to the Secretary - Dominic Azzopardi on dominic.azzopardi@gov.mt, Joe Baldacchino on 21692299/79068126, Mario Darmanin on mardar@euroweb.net.mt or visit the nursery premises at the Zabbar Ground between 17:00 and 20:00 by not later than Friday 15th June.
Thu 17
- Third Division Play-Offs Qrendi vs Zurrieq 0-1, Fgura U. vs Zebbug R. 1-0
- Third Division side Fgura United FC issued a statement after they were denied promotion due to facts which took place in a BOV Third Division match.
The statement says: "The Malta Football Association decided to carry out a doping test at the end of a decisive match from the BOV Third Division League match between Fgura United and Sirens played on April 22 at the Centenary Stadium. The game ended in a goalless draw. A result which satisfied Sirens most as they managed to reach their objective. On the other hand, Fgura United dropped to fourth place and eventually had to go through the Promotion Play-Offs. In case of a win for Fgura, the position of the two teams would have been inverted."
"The players who were tested received a letter, dated 11th May, in which they were informed that they had tested negative. The club secretary received a copy of these letters. On that date, the play-offs were yet to kick-off. "
"Meanwhile our players heard persistent rumours that the two Sirens players had both tested positive. Fgura officials investigated the matter, even with the MFA General Secretary, who although quite surprised how such information had already become of public domain, eventually confirmed the rumours."
"We consulted the Doping Charter of the Malta Football Association to identify the disciplinary measures implied when a team has two players who test positive. Paragraph 3.1 of the section Penalties states that in such case, if the team of such players had won the match or had drawn the match at which a test was made, the match shall be declared to have been won by the other team and a result of 2-0 for the other team shall be registered. Clause 3.2 states that this would only apply if, when the decision has become final and binding, in the case of a match played on a league basis, the relative league has not yet come to an end."
"Fgura United immediately wrote the association a letter to be read during the MFA Executive Committee which was due to be held on Monday May 14th. The letter aimed at pointing out the seriousness of the matter and also to avoid Fgura United from suffering from an injustice. The club appealed to the association to treat the matter with urgency in order to avoid having the club suffer as "a victim of the circumstances". However the club's appeal seemed to have fallen on deaf ears as Fgura United were informed that such cases would take time to be processed and that the MFA was not in a position to take a final decision before the end of the competition as the medical committee had to meet first and after the players were formally accused they had the right for a second test although they were temporarily suspended. Why was Sirens' promotion not put on hold until the players are proved not guilty?"
"How could the club defend its right, had it not heard rumours, even if this is a case on which the club's future could depend? Why is the association not revealing all the matters in question? How could a club know whether the process is taking more time than necessary with the result that promotion could be won or lost - as most probably has now happened in this case?"
"What is the purpose of carrying out doping tests at this point of the season when, due to the process involved, regulations cannot be applied? Regulations seem to incentive those who abuse of the system as even in case of two players testing positive, the worst the club could get was being fined but would still make sure of promotion. What is holding the association from being pro-active and applying harsher measures on those who abuse, if the MFA is witnessing an increasing problem of substance abuse in lower divisions?"
"In this situation, we feel that there is only one loser, as while the Sirens promotion which was secured in an illicit manner, they will still be promoted; the association will benefit from a fine (up to Lm 1,000) which will be inflicted on Sirens while Fgura United will be condemned to another season in Division 3. Above all, Fgura United feel that the biggest losers resulting from this situation are the game, the sense of justice and fair-play," concludes the statement.
- Qormi Youth Nursery accepted the invitation and visited their counterparts Mossend in Scotland during the Easter holidays.
Mossend Football Nursery proved to be excellent hosts and welcomed the entourage warmly. A total of 68 persons, made up of parents and kids left Malta on the 5th April and ran a busy and happy agenda to the satisfaction of all those present and their kind hosts.
Apart from playing a set of friendly matches and participating in Mossend Easter Football Festival, wherein Qormi Football Nursery placed 3rd and Iven Zammit won the Best Player award, the youngsters and their relatives had the opportunity to visit Hampden Park Stadium and Museum, as well as various other interesting museums and sites and also a bus tour around Glasgow.
Entertainment was excellently organised between the two nurseries and the kids benefited from fun times at Scotland's Theme Park, Runamock soft play area and various other play areas scattered around the town of Motherwell. The Hosts also organised a superb dinner dance to the delight of adults and kids alike.
A highlight the kids won't certainly forget where the two hours passed with Kevin Keegan at the Soccer Circus in Braehead, Renfew. The kids had the opportunity to train with Mr Keegan and to challenge each other using the latest technologically interactive equipment.
We also celebrated Easter Mass at Motherwell's Cathedral. The celebrant was extremely outgoing and pleasant and enjoyed communicating with the children and adults alike during the mass. He even mentioned his enjoyable visit to Malta.
Qormi Youth Nursery would like to thank first and foremost their superb hosts Mossend Football Nursery and all those involved behind the scenes whose hard work and dedication resulted in such a superb event and a memorable visit to Scotland.
- Gudja Youth Nursery is currently accepting applications for qualified coaches or non-qulaified coaches who wish to undergo the necessary coarses for season 2007/08.
Interested coaches must submit their application, together with a detailed C.V., either to Mr. W. Muscat, Ann, Gilormu Cassar Street, Gudja or by e-mail at gudjayouthnursery@yahoo.co.uk by not later than the first week of June.
The Gudja Youth Nursery is currently looking for a part-time secretary for season 2007/08 to help the nursery cater for the fast growing ammount of paper work involved in this area.
Those interested kindly contact the nursery at the above contact details or contact Mr. W. Muscat on 99821120 by the end of May.
Wed 16
- The sixth edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards is fast approaching and as it was announced last month when this year’s edition was launched there will be two new awards for which the general public will be voting.
From the votes registered so far for the Best Support Award, Valletta supporters are heading the list with the Paolites and Birkirkara fans following closely. The general public can continue to vote for this Award by sending an sms to 506 14 914 till the actual date of the Malta Football Awards which is scheduled for Saturday 9th June. The sms’s will be registered till 15 minutes from the end of the show which will once again be screened live on local TV.
In fact for the second consecutive year the Malta Football Awards will be broadcast on Melita Sports and also on the Weather and Information Channel which will be open to all Melita Cable clients.
Sandro Micallef, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Malta Football Awards, remarked that his colleagues in this year’s committee are all working very hard for another successful event.
“There is a big expectation for this year’s edition. The vibe is higher than the previous editions. This may be reflected due to the fact that there are two specific Awards who are totally reserved for the public voting namely the Powerade Outstanding Award and the Best Support Award” he said.
All the Awards being contested this year are the following:
Best Goalkeeper, Best Defender, Best Midfielder, Best Striker, Most Promising Youngster, Best Coach, Best Maltese Player, Best Goal, Best Female Player, Best Futsal Player (First Div), Best Onvol GFA First Division player, Best Veteran Player over 35 years, Best First Division Player, Special Award for Career, Special MFA Award, Special GFA Award and a Special YFA Award together with the Powerade Outstanding Award and the Best Support Award.
In the meantime the voting procedure for the majority of the categories came to an end last weekend and so in the coming days the Organising committee should announce the three finalists in each category.
The general public can get more information about this year’s edition and refresh their memory about past winners from the link www.maltafootball.com/awards.
- Malta lost two places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday and is now 112th.
Among the other European countries, Malta is 45th. Just ahead of Malta are Moldova (90th, up 2), Georgia (92, down 7), Lithuania (92, down 3), Iceland (96, up 1), Azerbaijan (103), Latvia (104) and Estonia (110). On the other hand, Kazakhstan (115, up 1), Armenia (128, down 1), Liechtenstein (134, down 3), Andorra (161), Luxembourg (178, down 1), Faroe Islands (185, down 6), San Marino (195, up 1).
Malta's next two games are against Norway and Bosnia Herzegovina away from home on June 2 and 6.
- Despite losing 2-3 in the first leg of the Gozo-Malta Cup at the Gozo Stadium, BOV Premier League champions Marsaxlokk found no difficulty in disposing off GFA First Division champions Nadur Youngsters on Wednesday at the Hibs Ground.
Malcolm Licari put them ahead on 13 minutes. Daniel Bogdanovic doubled the score on 21 minutes and Cleavon Frendo made it 3-0 ten minutes later. On 33 minutes Jamie Pace scored the fourth goal.
The Southseasiders added another six goals in the second half thanks to Daniel Bogdanovic (50'), Peter Pullicino (60'), Daniel Bogdanovic (66' penalty), Cleavon Frendo (81'), Haruna Doda (83') and Daniel Bogdanovic (87').
Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot had his fifteen minutes of glory as he wore the number 11 shirt and played for the final quarter of an hour, replacing Malcolm Licari.
Tue 15
- Sliema Wanderers FC midfielder Roderick Bajada won the BOV Player of the Month award for April 2007.
He was presented with the trophy by Michael Galea, Head of Marketing & Communication at Bank of Valletta in the presence of Louis Micallef, Deputy General Secretary of the Malta Football Association.
Roderick Bajada chose St Rita’s Home in Tarxien as the charitable institution to benefit from the donation associated with this award.
Small in stature, Bajada possesses unbounded reserves of energy which enable him to flit all over the pitch, covering and winning possession one moment, and serving a team-mate with a defence-splitting pass the next.
His versatility also extends to an eye at goal, which is mirrored in some goals he scored for his team throughout the season.
The player, currently part of the Malta squad has shown consistency throughout the year not the least in recent matches, where he has helped his injury ridden team regain some confidence, which was lacking in the early stages of this year’s edition of the BOV Premier League.
Mon 14
- The President of the Republic Dr. Edward Fenech Adami will be visiting youth nurseries as the Youth Football Association celebrates its 25th anniversary.
As part of the events marking this anniversary, Dr Fenech Adami will be visiting the forty-five footbal nurseries affiliated with the Youth Football Association on Saturday 19th May at the Centenary Stadium. This activity, which starts at 09:30, consists of Fun Football Events for children from the various nurseries.
The association invites former Council members, former youth nursery committee members, parents and the general public to attend.
Thanks to the Youth Football Association's hard work over the past 25 years, a number of remarkable achievements were registered. This includes the fact that as from this season, all YFA football festivals and leagues are played on artificial turf.
A number of events are programmed to mark this anniversary. These include Street Football in Valletta, the issue of a commemorative stamp, among other activites which will be launched later on.
Sun 13
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Marsaxlokk 1-4
- First Division Naxxar L. vs Senglea A. 2-3, Mosta vs Tarxien R. 3-2
- Third Division Play-Offs Zebbug R. vs Qrendi 1-0, Zurrieq vs Fgura U. 2-0
Sat 12
- Premier League Pietà H. vs St. George's 4-5, Msida SJ vs Valletta 2-2
- First Division Hamrun S. vs Vittoriosa S. 1-1, Mqabba vs St. Patrick 2-1
- The Broadcasting Authority issued a statement to announce that an agreement has been reached between the Malta Football Association and the three free-to-air television stations - TVM, One TV and Net TV.
The BA said the agreement was reached after mediation by the Authority through the goodwill of all the parties involved.
Thanks to the agreement, the broadcasters will be able to transmit free of charge short clips of no longer than 90 seconds during the news bulletins.
On the other hand, match highlights of up to 180 seconds from local and national team matches may be screened as long as these will not be used to make comments which would insult players and match officials, club officials and the association. The three stations have agreed to pay an undisclosed fee for this right.
The MFA has also granted the stations the right to transmit home national team matches as a film with the television stations agreeing to include promotional spots for these matches.
The agreement binds the parties involved till the end of the 2007/08 season.
The three television stations had stopped reporting football news and results in August after the Malta Football Association rejected a Lm 4,500 joint-bid by the three stations for television rights. Until the previous season, the three stations used to pay a total of Lm 24,000 - Lm 12,000 by Public Broadcasting Services and Lm 6,000 each by One Productions Ltd and Media.Link Communications. The three parties then had increased their joint-offer to Lm 6,000.
- Sirens FC announced the programme of celebrations after they won promotion to the BOV Second Division.
The first activity is a mass for all Sirens players, committee members and supporters which will be held on Monday 14 at 18:30. On Tuesday 15, there will be an exhibition match at the Sirens Football Ground between former Sirens players and the Sirens XI. Kick-Off at 18:30. Supporters are welcome to join in the game.
On Friday 18, there will be a Band March starting at 19:00 from Mosta Road (near Azzopardi Fisheries), passing through St. Paul's Street, Parades Street, St. Paul's Street, ending near the Sirens Football Club. This will be followed by a Street Barbeque which includes Maltese food and wine. Commemorative shirts and CDs will be available for sale.
On Saturday 19, there will be a celebration party at Freeze starting at 21:00.
The presentation of the trophy will be held on Sunday 20th at the club during a Get-Together. The last activity will be the Club Presentation Dinner Dance at the Qawra Palace Hotel on Friday 25th May at 20:30.
Fri 11
- Premier League Marsa vs Floriana 1-0, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 0-2
- Gozitan champions Nadur Youngsters won the first leg of the Gozo-Malta Cup, a competition which is putting against each other BOV Premier League champions Marsaxlokk and the Onvol GFA First Division champions Nadur. The game was played at the Gozo Stadium on Thursday.
Marsaxlokk scored twice in the first 22 minutes thanks to Haruna Doda to go two goals ahead. Eric Chidi Nwankwo pulled one back for Nadur just before the break.
In the second half, Nwankwo was once again on target for Nadur with a fine header to level the score while a powerful drive by Joseph M. Portelli from outside the area made it 3-2 for Nadur.
The second leg will be played at the Hibs Ground on Wednesday 16.
- Bank of Valletta has printed a commemorative poster of the new BOV Premier League Champions 2006/07 - Marsaxlokk Football Club.
The first copy of the poster was presented to the Marsaxlokk FC Vice President, Victor Sciriha, by Charles Borg, Executive Head, CEO’s Office at Bank of Valletta.
Speaking during the presentation, Charles Borg congratulated the players and the Committee of the Marsaxlokk Football Club for winning the BOV Premier League this season.
”Marsaxlokk have shown that they were the best team this season and, as such, deserve the title of BOV Premier League Champions,” said Mr. Borg. “This is the second year Bank of Valletta is sponsoring the National Leagues and the Super Cup organised by the Malta Football Association, - a sponsorship that is granted under the Bank’s community programme in support of the development of the most popular sport in Malta. Throughout the season, we have also sponsored the BOV Player of the Month award whereby the winning player selects a philanthropic organisation to benefit from a monthly social donation made available by the Bank,” added Mr. Borg.
Mr Sciriha thanked Bank of Valletta for donating posters to the Club in recognition of this successful season. He said, “We are proud to have achieved this year’s hard fought championship, the first in M’Xlokk’s history. The championship is our reward to all our supporters that have been loyal to the team through our highs and lows. This initiative by Bank of Valletta gives our supporters the opportunity to have a special memento of our triumphant season,” concluded Mr. Sciriha.
Bank of Valletta will once again organise a presentation ceremony on Sunday at Ta’ Qali immediately after the last BOV Premier League match of the season between Marsaxlokk and Sliema. “Last year this initiative was well received by the players and supporters alike, as it added to the fantastic atmosphere at the National Stadium. BOV will also be distributing balloon sticks to supporters to help make the celebrations an occasion that will be remembered,” concluded Charles Borg.
Thu 10
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud won the Goal of the Season Award in the Coventry City End of Season Awards Ceremony which was held on Wednesday.
The winning goal was Mifsud's solo effort against Sheffield Wednesday - a game played on April 21.
The former Sliema Wanderers and Kaiserslautern striker joined the Sky Blues in January on a free transfer after his contract with Norwegian side Lillestrom SK had expired. He played 12 matches, scoring four goals.
- Women's League champions Birkirkara reached the final of the Women's Knock-Out after beating Hibernians 2-1 on Wednesday.
Hibernians opened strong with Birkirkara playing a more cautious match and basing their attacks on quick breaks. The Paola side could not penetrate the Birkirkara rearguard and tried their luck with shots from outside the penalty area. However, it was Birkirkara who opened the score on the 44th minute through Rachel Cuschieri following a quick counter attack.
In the second half, Birkirkara pushed forward to release the pressure from their defence and both teams had their opportunities. However, it was Hibernians who leveled the score when a corner taken by Dorianne Theuma was headed towards goal by Ylenia Carabott and Kathleen Saliba flicked the ball behind the Stripes keeper. On the 70th minute following another quick break, Kimberly Parnis released Rachel Cuschieri on the right flank and the latter's cross shot ended in the back of the net.
Hibernians pressed forward in an attempt to level the score, however, the determined Birkirkara ladies displayed some good team defence to hold on to the lead and a place in the Final.
Meanwhile on Tuesday, Sta. Venera Lightnings reached the final after beating Mgarr United 4-0.
The Lightnings managed to break the deadlock on the half hour. Mgarr showed some improvement early in the second half but three late goals gave Sta. Venera a place in the final.
The final will be played on Friday 18th May at the National Stadium, kick-off at 16:45.
Birkirkara will be aiming at winning the Women's Knock-Out for the sixth time, having won the competition already in seasons 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2001/02, 2002/03 and 2004/05. For the Lightnings, this will be their first appearance in the final.
Wed 9
- Six players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following last weekend's matches from the BOV Premier League. Hibernians and Msida were hit worse as they had two players suspended.
For the game against Birkirkara on Friday, Hibernians will be without Mario Muscat and Clayton Failla while Msida will be without Stefano Grima and Josef Mifsud for the game against Valletta on Saturday.
Marsaxlokk's Kevin Sammut is ruled out of the game against Sliema Wanderers on Sunday while Larry Lagana of St. George's will be missing for the match against Pietà Hotspurs on Saturday.
In Division 1, Matthew Cocks (Mqabba), Thomas Paris and Daniel Zuccaro (Qormi) were handed a one-match ban. Daniel Scerri (Lija), Chris Mifsud Bonnici and Kane Micallef (Melita), Paolo Ciantar and Alan Zahra (Rabat) and Glenn Micallef (Sta. Venera) were suspended for one match.
Christian Glass and George Edwards (Gharghur), Randolph Penza, Norbert Zammit and Chris Penza (Luqa), Calum Muscat (Sirens) were banned for one match in Division 3 while Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema) was suspended for one game in the Youth Knock-Out.
- The Malta FA will be organising a course for Futsal Referees.
Applications from candidates aged between 18 and 34 years will be received by not later than 18th May 2007. These are to be addressed to: The Head, Refereeing Department, Malta FA, 280, St Paul’s Street, Valletta.
The Malta FA is also inviting ex-referees, ex-coaches or coaches who are not contracted with clubs, and ex-footballers to act as Match Inspectors in MFA competitive matches.
Those interested are invited to apply to The Head, Refereeing Department, Malta FA, 280, St Paul’s Street, Valletta by not later than 31st May 2007.
Mon 7
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 0-1
- Third Division Siggiewi vs Pembroke A. 1-1
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting on Monday 14th May 2007. This will be for holders of Foundation, YDD and CCC Licence Coaches.
This meeting, which will commence at 17:30, will consist of a practical session.
All coaches are requested to be punctual for this instructional meeting.
- In a bid to improve the level of Futsal in Malta, changes to the regulations on the eligibility of amateur players of Member Clubs are being considered. This emerged from the last meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association which was held last week.
According to current regulations, players taking part in Futsal competitions should have an amateur status and if registered with a Member Club, he has to be inactive for a year, before being able to play in Futsal competitions.
Among the proposals being discussed is the possibility of giving players who are registered with Member Clubs, but who are not playing regularly, the chance to take part in Futsal competitions. It was argued that such players who fail to make it to the senior squad in one of the MFA clubs are unable to play elsewhere due to the absence of an Under-21 or Reserves League. Such players usually still play end up playing five-a-side football elsewhere.
The objective is to give Member Clubs the possibility of providing their 'fringe' players the possibility of taking part in the Futsal League. Since the Futsal League is organised by the MFA, clubs would still have some sort of control over these players as they would require the club's permission to play in the Futsal League, just as it is the case of players who now play for clubs in member associations.
Member Clubs are also being encouraged to set-up their own Futsal team so that they would have full control over their players.
This season, sixty-four teams took part in the Futsal League. The national team also took part for the first time in the qualifying round of the UEFA Futsal Championship.
Sun 6
- Premier League Floriana vs Pietà H. 1-0, Hibernians vs Sliema W. 1-1
- First Division Senglea A. vs Mosta 1-1, Qormi vs San Gwann 4-4
- Second Division Rabat A. vs Zebbug R. 2-0, Mellieha vs Gozo 4-1
- Third Division Ghaxaq vs Kalkara 6-1
Sat 5
- Premier League Marsa vs St. George's 3-1, Birkirkara vs Msida SJ 2-1
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs Naxxar L. 2-2, Tarxien R. vs Mqabba 0-0
- Second Division Melita vs Lija A. 3-1, Dingli S. vs Sta. Venera L. 2-0
Fri 4
- Third Division Attard vs Zejtun C. 5-1, Gharghur vs Mdina K. 2-1
- Malta will be without Roderick Briffa and Luke Dimech in the next EURO 2008 qualifier against Norway at the Ulleval Stadium in Oslo on June 2nd.
This was announced by the Malta Football Association on Thursday after UEFA confirmed the cautions and suspensions following last qualifiers which were played in March.
Luke Dimech was handed a two-match ban after being sent off in the game against Moldova in Chisinau. He has already missed the game against Greece at Ta' Qali but his suspension will be over only after the game against Norway.
On the other hand, Roderick Briffa was suspended for one game after receiving two yellow cards, first in the game against Moldova in Chisinau on March 24 and then in the game against Greece at Ta' Qali on March 28.
- Another three Premier League players were suspended on Friday following last weekend's matches.
Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Pablo Cesar Doffo (Hibernians) and Justin Grioli (Valletta) were all banned for one match.
In Division 1, Mosta's Charles Sciberras was banned for one match while Anthony Chimezie Ewurum was suspended for two matches. Luke Vella Critien (San Gwann), Timothy Thomas (Senglea) and Steven Dimech (St. Patrick) were banned for one match.
Robert Micallef (Gudja) was suspended for two matches in Division 2 while Jerryton Agius (Balzan), Nicholas Gatt (Lija), Dylan Falzon (Rabat) and Joseph Mallia (Zebbug) were suspended for one match.
Mark Brincat (Gzira), Matthew Francalanza (Mdina), Jonathan Ebejer and Neil Busuttil (Mgarr), Jonathan Cachia and Michael Magro (Xghajra) were banned for one match in Division 3 while Qrendi FC official Joe Hedley was suspended for three matches.
In the Youth League, Brian Caruana (Marsaxlokk) was suspended for two matches, Isaac Schiavone (Marsaxlokk) and Michael Ellul (St. Andrews) for one.
- After last year's success once again The White Warriors – Valletta Ultras in collaboration with Urban Jungle are organizing The Urban Jungle White Warriors Tournament II Edition a 2 day 5-a-side football tournament at the Valletta Salinos Grounds on Sunday 3rd June and Thursday 7th June.
Twenty-four teams will take part in the second edition of the tournament and these will be divided in six groups of four teams each. The Group Stage is scheduled for the first day whilst the knockout stage is scheduled for the final day. Apart from awarding the first three placed teams, three special prizes for the Best Player, Best Goalkeeper and Topscorer will be awarded.
Those who are interested in taking part in the tournament can phone the organizers on 7982 9011 or 9906 4453. One can also log on to the official website www.whitewarriors.net for more information.
- Hamrun Spartans Supporters Club is organising a one-day 5-a-side football tournament at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Saturday May 19th.
Trophies will be presented to the teams placing first, second and third while cash prizes could be awarded depending on the number of teams taking part in the tournament.
Each team, which should be made up of a maximum of ten players, could only have one player from either the Premier League or the First Division. Games will be 30 minutes long, two halves of 15 minutes each.
Those interested in taking part should contact Carlos on 7992 4970, Clayton on 7930 1006 or Mark on 7904 5471. Application forms are available from the bar of the Hamrun Spartans Football Club or the bar of the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Closing date is May 16th.
The participation fee is Lm 4 per player.
The draws will be held on Thursday 17th. A team member must be present for the draw.
Thu 3
- Third Division Sirens vs Luqa SA 2-1, Zurrieq vs Santa Lucia 1-0
- Gozo - Super Cup Nadur Y. vs Ghajnsielem 2-1
- Gozo - Second Division Challenge Cup Victoria H. vs SK Victoria W. 2-3
- Marsaxlokk forward Daniel Bogdanovic has been hitting the headlines for the right reasons this season. His splendid form complemented by an innate goalscoring ability has been very much to the fore since the start of the BOV Premier League campaign.
After landing the BOV Player of the Month honour for November/ December 2006, the Southseasiders’ striker has again won this award for March.
A staggering eight goals in four matches during March, four of which netted against Birkirkara when Marsaxlokk handed them a 6-1 drubbing early in the month, have brought his total so far to a handsome 26 and close to establishing a new record given that there are still five BOV Premier League matches to go.
And to cap it all these performances have earned Bogdanovic a recall to the national squad.
The player was presented with the winners trophy by Jack Thewma, Manager of Bank of Valletta’s Gozo Branch.
Mr Bogdanovic chose the Lourdes Home for Children in Gozo as the beneficiary of the donation related to the award.
- Mgarr United F.C. will continue their celebrations for the BOV Third Division championship on Friday the 4th of May 2007 from 20:00 onwards with a big street party at the Mgarr Square featuring DJ Miss Roberta and Stephen Mizzi. The event will include the presentation of the senior squad and the Under-19 squad that won promotion to Section B.
On Saturday, a BBQ night with entertainment will follow at the Mgarr Ground featuring Joe Demicoli and other artists.
Celebrations come to an end on Sunday with a thanksgiving Mass at the Mgarr Parish church at 10:00.
Supporters and fans are urged to attend at these activities to keep the atmosphere high and to update themselves by visiting the club's website mgarrunited.com
- The BOV Premier League 2007/08 will kick-off on August 25 and come to an end on May 18. The calendar for Premier League football, proposed by the Executive Committee, was approved by the Council of the MFA on Thursday.
As usual the season will kick-off with the Euro Challenge Cup which will be played on July 9, 11 and 13.
The BOV Super Cup will then be played on August 10.
All Premier League clubs will be in action each week between the weekend starting August 25th and the weekend starting October 4th with a one-week break due to national team commitments on September 8.
National team commitments will once again disrupt Premier League football in October and November with only two programmes of matches being played on October 20/21 and November 24/25. From then onwards, there will be a programme of four matches each week, bringing the first phase to an end on February 24.
The second phase gets underway on March 8 and comes to an end on May 18.
The U*BET FA Trophy first round will be played on November 3/4 and 8/9. Second round matches will be played on March 1/2 while the quarter finals are scheduled on April 12/13. The semi-finals will be played on May 23/24 and the final on May 30.
In February, Malta will be hosting the biennial Malta International Football Tournament on the 2nd, 4th and 6th. Besides the EURO 2008 qualifiers, Malta is expected to play friendly matches on August 22 and March 26.
Meanwhile the list of competitions to be organised by the association during season 2007/08 were approved. The twenty competitions which were held last season will all be held once again.
The competitions are: BOV Premier League; BOV First Division; BOV Second Division; BOV Third Division; U*BET FA Trophy; BOV Super Cup; Euro Challenge Cup Competition; First Division Knock-Out; quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out; Youth League Sections A, B, C and D;
Youth A Knock-Out Competition (Section A); Youth B Knock-Out Competition (Sections B-C-D); Women's First Division League; Women's Knock-Out; Women's Super Cup; Futsal (Indoor Football) League and Futsal (Indoor Football) Knock-Out.
Wed 2
- Two Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after both collected their fourth yellow card during last weekend's matches.
Marsa's Jean Paul Zammit and Msida's Roderick Baldacchino are ruled out of the games against St. George's and Birkirkara respectively.
In Division 1, Joseph Farrugia (Qormi) was suspended for one match while Chris Farrugia (Kirkop) and Stephen Abela (Ta' Xbiex) was handed a one-match ban in Division 3.
Ishmael Cutajar and Adrian Borg, both of Mosta, were suspended for one match in the Youth League.
Tue 1
- Second Division Gudja U. vs St. Andrews 0-4, Balzan Y. vs Birzebbuga SP 1-2
- Malta’s first Futsal overseas adventure in the Torneo del Mediterraneo came to a bitter end as the team’s deserved progress to the semi-final stage was halted following a minor breach of tournament regulations.
Malta’s line-up for their second group match consisted of 15 players instead of the allowed 12, following verbal permission from tournament organizers to do so in their previous match. Soon after kick-off, this was brought to the team’s attention and coach Striz immediately relegated 3 players to the stands. The final 3-3 score-line was overturned by the Giudice Sportivo, awarding a win to Emilia Romagna, who took Malta’s place in the last four.
Emilia Romagna were eventually beaten 7-2 by Rappresentativa Regione Sicilia in the final. Despite the obvious disappointment, Malta’s positive performances where acknowledged. The team received the Fair Play Award, while Malta’s hero in goal Bjorn Vassallo was voted Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.
- The second phase of the Regions Under 13 tournament organized by the Malta Football Association, took place last Saturday at the Ta` Qali training grounds.
A hundred and sixty boys, from around Malta and Gozo took part in this friendly festival, with the sole aim to promote youth football as fun for all. The participants came from the regional selections done by MFA Regional Coaches, and gave MFA technical staff yet another opportunity to monitor these youngster’s progress and talent.
At the beginning of this season, Malta Football Association introduced the Regions Project, which divides Malta's football nurseries in 7 Regions – each of which comprising 6/7 nurseries. Gozo's 14 nurseries together form Region 8.
The 8 regions were divided in two groups – four teams playing on a round robin system in the morning, with the second group doing the same later in the afternoon. Whilst this was going on, all parents were given two very interesting lectures on nutrition and child psychology at the MFA Technical Centre. Powerade and Teamsport were main sponsors of the event.
The next meeting for the MFA Regions is in a month's time. It will be the Under-11's turn to complete phase II of their tournament.
- Nigerian striker Daniel Nwoke joined Finnish top division side Tampere United. Nwoke had moved to Malta in summer 2001 to join Birkirkara. However after playing for the Stripes in the Lowenbrau Cup, he was released and joined Naxxar Lions. The following season, Nwoke moved to Msida St. Joseph in Division 1. With Msida, he spent five years.