March 2008
Mon 31
- First Division St. Patrick vs Vittoriosa S. 1-3, St. George's vs Mellieha 1-2
- Second Division Birzebbuga SP vs Lija A. 4-2, Sta. Venera L. vs St. Andrews 3-1
- Third Division Section A Ghaxaq vs Mtarfa 3-1
- Third Division Section B Gudja U. vs Gharghur 0-3
- Gozo - Freedom Day Cup Nadur Y. vs Victoria H. 0-2
- Tarxien Rainbows F.C. Youth Nursery is receiving applications from coaches holding UEFA A and UEFA B licence for the post of Head-Coach for season 2008/2009 and coaches for all categories from Under-6 to Under-16.
Those interested should send a detailed CV to secretary Mark Aquilina, Tarxien Rainbows Sports Complex, St. Francis Str, Tarxien or email tarxienrainbows@yahoo.com.
Sun 30
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Hibernians 1-2, Floriana vs Birkirkara 0-2
- First Division Qormi vs Marsa 1-1, Mosta vs Senglea A. 3-1
- Second Division Naxxar L. vs San Gwann 1-3, Mgarr U. vs Sirens 3-0
- Third Division Section A Zebbug R. vs Siggiewi 2-0
- Third Division Section B Kalkara vs Luqa SA 1-2, Gozo vs Gzira U. 3-2
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Munxar F. 4-1
- A report on the Sunday Mirror claims Italian Serie A side Empoli are interested in Malta international striker Michael Mifsud.
The Italian club, currently lying at the bottom of the Serie A with 26 points, are reportedly ready to offer €2.9 million.
However Empoli would only make the bid in case they manage to avoid relegation to the Serie B.
Mifsud, who scored five goals in Malta's 7-1 win over Liechtenstein, scored nine in 35 matches in the League Championship for Coventry this season.
Sat 29
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun S. 3-1, Sliema W. vs Valletta 0-1
Valletta coach Paul Zammit believes tactical disciple was the key to victory as the Citizens defeated Sliema Wanderers 2-0 to extend their positive run on top the BOV Premier League table.
Zammit said that before the Championship Pool kicked-off, he was considering the ten matches as ten finals.
"Each match in the Championship Pool has its importance and its weight in the road to the championship," said Zammit.
The Valletta coach said that it was thanks to the players' sacrifice and the full backing of the president and the rest of the committee that the team is among the main challengers for the title.
Zammit said that he expected that at one point there will be a slight decline in the team's overall form.
"The team is built around young players with almost all players being aged 17 to 23 and only Gilbert Agius and David Camilleri raise the team's average age. Therefore it is up to such senior players to work harder to encourage the younger players."
Sliema Wanderers coach Stephen Azzopardi said this defeat proved that the team was not strong enough to challenge for the title.
He said that when he took over as Sliema coach, together with the club's administration, he tried to strengthen the squad but that was not enough. Azzopardi pointed out that the players were not to blame.
"It's like having an orchestra but the lack of particular instruments cannot make it complete as it should be," said the Sliema coach. "Valletta, on the other hand, are a complete side."
Meanwhile when asked regarding the fifteen-day ban handed by the club to Etienne Barbara, Sliema Wanderers official Steve Abela said the committee and the technical staff had agreed to sanction the player as the club had done with other players.
Barbara appealed from the decision earlier this week. However the club stood by its decision although this actually meant that Sliema had far less options in attack considering that Ivan Woods had been handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
- Second Division Zurrieq vs Melita 2-2, Balzan Y. vs Rabat A. 0-0
Fri 28
- Third Division Section A Zejtun C. vs Xghajra T. 1-1
- Third Division Section B Pembroke A. vs Kirkop U. 4-0
- The Minister for Education and Culture, the Hon. Dolores Cristina and the Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Youth and Sports, the Hon. Clyde Puli congratulate the national football team on their impressive victory against Liechtenstein.
"This best-ever win in Malta’s football annals is a merited reward for the hard work put in by national coach Dusan Fitzel and all his players."
"Congratulations go to Michael Mifsud for becoming the first player in Maltese history to score five goals for the national team in an international match."
"No doubt his efforts were the result of excellent work by all his team-mates."
The Minister and Parliamentary Secretary assure the national coach and players of their continued support, convinced that the hard work being put in by all, will continue to give positive results.
Meanwhile in another statement, the Malta Labour Party congratulated the Maltese national football team for its display in the 7-1 friendly win over Liechtenstein.
The Labour Party congratulated each and every player, coach Dusan Fitzel, the technical staff and officials of the Malta Football Association (MFA) led by President Dr Joe Mifsud.
"These moments are important because they illustrate the dedication and professionalism adopted by the national footballers and the MFA. The significance of such a win gain even more importance when one takes into consideration the limitations of human and financial resources in this sector."
"This performance and result should also serve to attract more youths to actively participate in sports."
The MLP encouraged the national football team to continue its sterling work, and hopes for future performances that will once again make us proud to be Maltese.
Thu 27
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Xaghra U. 5-2
- Gozo - Second Division Xewkija T. vs Gharb R. 6-0
- The MFA Technical Centre invites applications from interested Coaches who would like to be considered for selection as Staff Coaches in the Youth Sector and Refereeing Sector of the Malta Football Association for Seasons 2008/09 & 2009/10.
Applicants must be in possession of an MFA/UEFA ‘A’ or MFA/UEFA ‘B’ Diploma or an MFA ‘A’ or ‘B’ Diploma.
Interested Coaches must submit their application, together with a detailed CV, to the MFA Technical Director, Mr. Dusan Fitzel, at the MFA Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali, by not later than Friday, 4th April, 2008.
Coaches who are currently serving as Staff Coaches in the MFA Youth Sector or Refereeing Sector, if interested, also need to apply.
- The way forward for women football even here in Malta is playing its part in this FIFA and UEFA projects.
The MFA women's football sub committee, led by Alfred Zammit and Pierre Brincat with assistant coach Mark Gatt and aided by an increasing number of helpers, organised an Easter Football Girls Festival for girls under 13 and under 15 years of age. No less then 15 teams and 150 players took part.
The girls were divided in three sections of five teams each: two sections for girls under-13 years and a section for the under-15 girls. The festival was played on a two-rounds round robin basis with each team playing no less then eight games.
Hibs A won the Under-13 Section A with 16 points followed by an ever-improving Hamrun Spartans side with 11 points with Birkirkara and Gozitan side SK Victoria Wanderers with 10 points and Hibs B with 3 points.
In the Under-13 Section B, Mgarr confirmed their potential winning this section with 18 points closely followed by the steady Birkirkara side with 16 points. Pembroke registered a very positive placing as they finished third with 13 points, followed by Birzebbuga and Marsa with 5 points and 2 points respectively. These last two sides are starting to collect points and are showing improvement thanks to their dedicated and experienced coaches, Tarcisio Azzopardi and former referee Alfred Micallef.
The strong Hibs side which included players loaned to other senior clubs, won the Under-15 category. These young players were wisely loaned to other senior clubs to gain experience and have a bright football future ahead of them. Hibs totalled no less than 22 points out of a possible 24 points. Mgarr, who also fielded many players that play in their senior side, finished second with 19 points. These two teams left a big gap from the other teams with Marsa gaining a prestigious third placing with six points closely followed by another Gozitan side, Nadur Youngsters, with five points. Tarxien ended in fifth place with three points.
Apart from the organizers one has to give a big thank you to the women national team players who offered their services, as usual, to control the matches as referees. Also we thank the two Gozitan sides who braved the bad weather, crossing from our sister island.
Following a short speech, MFA vice-president and chairperson of the Women's Football Committee, Mr Ludovico Micallef presented medals to all participants.
Our next festival now is being held in September 2008 and it will also include a new category which will be the Under-11. This will be held on a 4-a-side basis at the UEFA Mini Pitch next to Centenary Stadium.
Meanwhile for the first time, Hamrun Spartans included a section for girls in their football festival being organized which was held in the Easter period. The McDonalds Skill Competition and Emirates Young Footballer Challenge have included girls in their competition.
Wed 26
- Friendly Match Malta vs Liechtenstein 7-1
National coach Dusan Fitzel said the second penalty and the sending-off of defender Fabio D'Elia were the turning point in the record 7-1 win over Liechtenstein on Wednesday.
The Malta coach said that although the locals had already created several chances the incident which led to the penalty and the dismissal of D'Elia gave the Maltese players the necessary confidence which paved the way for such a win.
One of the most positive aspects noticed by Fitzel was the great co-operation between Michael Mifsud and Etienne Barbara.
"I worked individually with Barbara over the last couple of days as he was not playing with his club. I cannot understand why he has been suspended."
As regards Mifsud, the Malta coach said that although recently he has been struggling to find the net with Coventry, this did not effect his performance.
"Michael played a good game but he was lucky to score two from penalties. He now goes back to his club with greater confidence. That is how a national team could help a club and vice-versa."
Fitzel admitted that despite such a comfortable win, the team still committed a number of mistakes.
"At times the players seem to be unable to stay fully concentrated. However one has to admit that our players were not used to dealing with such a situation," said Fitzel.
He said that unlike other games where the team defends for 70% of the game, this was not the case against Liechtenstein. In defence, Josef Mifsud and Luke Dimech settled down well after a few minutes but in the second half, the Valletta defender committed a penalty and other fouls. Fitzel said that such players need more experience in order to enable them to stay more focussed throughout the whole ninety minutes.
Fitzel also said that Andrew Hogg is now more or less in the same level as Justin Haber.
Asked whether this fine result and performance will act as a morale-booster ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign, Dusan Fitzel feels that this result will have no effect on the first qualifier against Portugal in September.
"Anything can happen between now and September," said Fitzel.
Meanwhile Liechtenstein coach Hans Peter Zuagg congratulated Malta for the great victory.
"All I can say is congratulations Malta for playing an excellent game. They were more agressive and played much better than us. The team was well-prepared for the game and definitely deserved their victory," said Zuagg.
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Kercem A. 4-2
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs Oratory Y. 0-1
- Hamrun Spartans coach Marco Gerada was suspended for two matches while four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following last weekend's matches.
Floriana's Julian Briffa and Zoran Levnaic, who both collected their fourth yellow card, are ruled out of the Greens' next game against Birkirkara on Sunday.
Marsaxlokk's Aleksandar Madzar will be missing the game against Hamrun Spartans on Saturday while Sliema Wanderers striker Ivan Woods, who was sent off in the game against Hamrun, is ruled out of the match against Valletta.
Marco Gerada will be unable to guide the team from the bench for the games against Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara.
In Division 1, William Borg (Mellieha) and Ivan Zammit (Vittoriosa) were both suspended for one match while Elton Azzopardi and Daniel Scerri (both Lija), Chris Abela and James Borg (both Mgarr) were suspended for one game in Division 2. In Division 3, Joseph Mizzi (Kalkara) and Jesmond Azzopardi (Xghajra) were banned for one match.
Mark Saliba and Kurt Zahra (Attard), Michael James Nolan (Marsa) and Steve Buhagiar (Tarxien ) were all suspended for one game in the Youth League.
- Another instructional meeting, designed for the introduction of the new MFA Syllabus for youth nurseries, was held on Wednesday 19th March. The venue was the recently inaugurated synthetic pitch, at the Hamrun Junior Lyceum. The event started at 10:00. and lasted approximately two hours.
Regional coaches Anthony Rocco and Frank Schembri conducted the session for the three nurseries present, namely Msida, Attard and Mosta Youth Nurseries. A total of 32 U/12 boys were present. The participants were divided in 8 groups of four players. They went through eight different exercises offering a sample extracted from the syllabus. The main theme was learning through enjoyment.
Both coaches explained the requirements to the boys during a short briefing before the start.
The session ended with three simultaneous small-sided games.
Other similar meetings are being held by MFA Regional coaches Emmanuel and Leonard Farrugia, Ramon Zammit, Joseph Bajada, Ray Schembri and Patrick Vassallo. All those nurseries who are interested in organising demonstration sessions should contact their relevant Regional coaches.
- As previously notified in the schedule of Instructional Meetings, the MFA Technical Centre will be holding a half-day seminar for UEFA ‘A’, MFA ‘A’, UEFA ‘B’ and MFA ‘B’ licensed coaches.
This seminar will be held on Saturday 5 April 2008 between 09.00 hrs and 12.00 hrs at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali.
Every ‘A and ‘B’ qualified coach is expected to attend at least one seminar every two years as a prerequisite for a coaching licence.
Coaches are kindly requested to wear the proper attire for the practical part of the seminar.
- After the success achieved during the 2nd Atalanta Xmas Football Stage organised in Malta during last December, Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery in collaboration with Atalanta B.C., will once again be giving the opportunity to all soccer enthusiasts to participate in a professional football training camp abroad.
This event is organised annually by Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio, the Italian Serie A football club renowned mostly for promoting youth soccer players, for a seven week period during the summer months where hundreds of youngsters from all over Italy will be participating.
Our invitation is open to all children living in Malta and Gozo aged between 8 and 16 (born between 1992 and 2000) and consists mainly of a seven day training camp in Val di Fiemme, Cavalese (Trento) and another two days of fun at Gardaland Theme Park.
The children will have the opportunity to train under the guidance of professional Italian coaches and be assessed individually during competitive games. Every participant will be given training kits to use during the sessions and other sportswear for keeps together with a technical report, photos and other official Atalanta material.
Apart from learning football skills, the kids will enjoy themselves in other social activities organized namely outings and picnics in the mountains, table tennis, table soccer, giochi senza frontieri and swimming. During the week, all participants will have the chance to watch closely an Italian Serie A football team during a session of their pre-season training too.
The dates for this exclusive event will take place between 12th and 22nd July 2008.
The number of children participating is on a first come first served basis and parents could also join in the group on tour. Therefore, all those interested in attending may contact Mr Henry Bray (99468248) or Mr Franco Agius (79438515) for further details.
Mon 24
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Ghaxaq 1-0, Attard vs Qrendi 0-0
- National coach Dusan Fitzel is expecting a good test for the national team as Malta hosts Liechtenstein in a friendly match on Wednesday, kick-off at 19:30.
After the Malta International Tournament which saw Malta facing Armenia, Iceland and Belarus, the national team continues its preparation ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which get underway in September, with three friendlies. The first one is next Wednesday's clash against Liechtenstein. Malta then plays two matches away from home: against Austria on May 30 and against Estonia on August 20.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that such friendlies are of utmost importance for the national team in its preparation for competitive matches.
Liechtenstein are coming from a positive EURO 2008 qualifying campaign in which they collected seven points thanks to wins over Latvia and Iceland and a draw with Iceland.
They have several players based abroad in countries like Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy while another four players are on the books of the principality team's Vaduz who take part in the Swiss League.
National coach Dusan Fitzel said that although Liechtenstein may be a small country geographically, football-wise it not so small considering the results obtained in recent years.
"Their players have some of the characteristics of players from Austria and Germany - they are tough, strong, tall and have good fighting spirit," said Fitzel.
The Malta coach is however more concerned over preparing the team for the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. He said that he will take this opportunity to experiment further with the players at his disposal.
Besides goalkeeper Justin Haber and Andre Schembri, both ruled out due to club commitments, a number of players have been dropped from the squad for one reason or another.
Gareth Sciberras was not even part of the provisional squad as he is injured. Cleavon Frendo suffered an injury in the last game for Marsaxlokk. Peter Pullicino and Terence Scerri have just recovered from injuries while Ian Azzopardi and Stephen Wellman are not playing regularly with their clubs. Mario Muscat, Roderick Bajada and Brian Said were also left out of the squad.
Foreign-based Luke Dimech, Udo Nwoko and Michael Mifsud, on the other hand, will travel to Malta for the game.
The Maltese squad will therefore be made up of:
goalkeepers Omar Borg (Birkirkara), Andrew Hogg (Valletta);
defenders Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Udo Nwoko (Leixoes), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Malta captain Gilbert Agius said the players are taking this game seriously in their preparation for the forthcoming matches. He also expects a good test for the national team as although Liechtenstein may be considered as a small team, "we are also a small team, after all."
Since Liechtenstein and Malta are usually in the same pot in draws for World Cup or European Championship qualifiers, the two countries have never met in international competitions. However the two teams faced each other in a match from the President's Cup in South Korea in 1981 in what was the first game for the national team of Liechtenstein. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Liechtenstein squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Fabian Baumgartner (FC Balzers), Peter Jehle (Boavista);
defenders Martin Rechsteiner (FC Balzers), Franz-Josef Vogt (FC Balzers), Michael Stocklasa (USV Eschen-Mauren), Daniel Hasler (FC Vaduz), Martin Stocklasa (FC Dynamo Dresden), Fabio D'Elia (USV Eschen-Mauren);
midfielders Roger Beck (FC BW Feldkirch), Andreas Gerster (USV Eschen-Mauren), Michele Polverino (FC Vaduz), Franz Burgmeier (FC Thun), Mario Frick (Siena), Ronny Büchel (USV Eschen-Mauren), Raphael Rohrer (FC Vaduz);
forwards David Hasler (FC Basel), Thomas Beck (FC BW Feldkirch), Benjamin Fischer (FC Vaduz).
The match will be controlled by Scottish referee William Collum. He will be assisted by assistant referees Philip Agius and Alan Camilleri and fourth official Anton Zammit.
Mr Louis Agius from the South End Core appealed for support for the national team, even during friendly matches. He said he was very disappointed for the attendance for the Malta International Tournament, even if the national team stood a good chance of winning the tournament in the last game.
Agius said that all those who appreciate the team's effort should attend all national team matches. He concluded by saying that a good performance by the team, backed by supporters, would lift the team's morale ahead of the forthcoming qualifiers.
Tickets for the game will be on sale at the gates on match-day:
West Side A and C: €8 (Male Adults); €4 (Women, Children and Senior Citizens)
Millennium Stand: €5 (Male Adults); €4 (Women, Children and Senior Citizens).
Public transport will be provided from City Gate, starting at 18:00, and from Ta' Qali at around 21:15.
The gates at the National Stadium will open at 18:30.
- The Committee of the Mqabba FC Youth Nursery who will shortly launch its new state of the art training facilities in Mqabba, is accepting applications from qualified coaches who are interested in joining the nursery’s coaching staff for the season 2008-2009.
Interested coaches are to contact the Head Coach Mr Mark Bondin on 79051404 for further information.
- The Malta Under-14 side's commitments in the international tournament in Italy came to an end on Monday with a game against Ascoli which Malta lost 0-3.
The Maltese lost to surely one of the best teams in the tournament according to Mark Marlow, the U-14 coach. During the first five minutes the Italians showed their superior qualities and forged ahead, paving the way to three very well-taken goals, all scored in the first half. In the second half, the momentum died down due to the heavy pitch.
In another match on Sunday afternoon against Irish side Lourdes Celtic, Malta lost 0-1. The weather again, had to play its part during a scrappy match, when torrential rain before the match barely left any chance for both teams to play well. A goal in the first half separated the teams when again a draw would have been more fair. The lads had their resources stretched today as they had to play two matches against strong teams.
In the first two games, Malta lost 0-1 to Cisco Roma but then Malta defeated hosts Montecalvoli Pisa 5-0 thanks to three goals by Luke Baldacchino and a brace by Johann Bezzina.
Sun 23
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 2-1, Valletta vs Floriana 1-0
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Balzan Y. vs Mgarr U. 4-0, Rabat A. vs Melita 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Kercem A. 2-3, Ghajnsielem vs Qala SJ 0-2
- After losing to Cisco Roma in their first outing, the Malta Under-14 side defeated Montecalvoli Pisa 5-0 in the second game.
Playing in adverse conditions, the Maltese youngsters tried all the best they could come up with against a very good Cisco Roma side in the first game. They finally succumbed to only one solitary goal. Their reaction in the second half was just going to be rewarded at the end when a sitter was missed for the Maltese. Rain surely hampered the Maltese side who are not used in these muddy conditions and the pitch was too heavy to play.
In the second game, three goals by Luke Baldacchino and a brace by Johann Bezzina gave Malta a 5-0 win against the hosts of the tournament.
Malta coach Mark Marlow was very dissapointed with the result of the first game, saying he thought his side deserved at least a draw. As regards the second game, he said "After the terrible conditions in which we played yesterday, the lads proved they are no pushovers and I have seen today the best football they could come up with in the first half. I did a lot of changes in second half to give space for everyone and the match quitend down. we were tactically superior then our opponent".
Sat 22
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Mqabba 4-2, Hamrun S. vs Sliema W. 0-2
- First Division St. George's vs Tarxien R. 2-0, Dingli S. vs St. Patrick 2-0
- Third Division Section A Mtarfa vs Mdina K. 1-2
- Third Division Section B Gharghur vs Sta. Lucia 1-0
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Xaghra U. 5-2
- Gozo - Second Division Xewkija T. vs Munxar F. 6-0
Fri 21
- The Futsal League enters its final stage with only the last handful of matches from the regular season in the First Division left to play and with the play-offs already being played in the Third and Fourth Division.
In the First Division, Aluserv and European Pilot Academy were the first two teams to secure a place in the Championship Play-Offs. Aluserv lead the way with 30 points, three ahead of European Pilot Academy.
For Aluserv, this is a remarkable achievement considering that they were promoted from the Second Division last season as champions. So far, they suffered just one defeat in eleven matches and have an impressive goal-difference of +49 which is by far better than that of the other teams.
The top six teams in the First Division will take part in the Championship Play-Offs. The teams placing third to sixth will be facing each other in two quarter-finals based on two legs. The two winners will move on to the semi-finals which will also be played on two legs. The final of the Championship Play-Offs will be played on one match.
The teams placing eighth to eleventh in the First Division together with the teams placing second in the Second Division Section A and Section B will take part in the Relegation-Promotion Play-Offs. Teams will be divided in two groups of three teams, played on a one-round league basis. The group winners will stay in the First Division next season. The other four teams will be relegated to the Second Division for season 2008/09.
Pentagon Properties lead the way in the Second Division Section A ahead of Naxxar Motors. On the other hand, few points separate the top five teams in Section B - Clarion FC, Deportivo Santa Cruz, Swing Kids, Korol Attrans and Fugazi 5.
The teams placing sixth and seventh in each section of the Second Division will be relegated to the Third Division.
In the Third Division, Los Street Boyz, Hacienda Bar and Tal-Werqa SG won Sections A, B and C respectively.
Tal-Werqa SG won their section quite comfortably while Los Street Boyz ended just one point ahead of White Doves. Hacienda Bar ended their commitments on level points with River Plate. Hacienda defeated River Plate 4-3 to win the section.
White Doves, River Plate and St. Helen Band Club will now play in the Third Division Play-Offs.
Mosta FC, Point Break Bobs and Riviera FC won the three sections in the Fourth Division. Capital Boys, Qormi FC and The Revolution placed second in the three sections and will take part in the Promotion play-offs.
Thu 20
- Another two Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Thursday.
The two players are Valletta duo Steve Bezzina and Heiner Backhaus who are therefore ruled out of the game against Floriana on Sunday.
Other players to be suspended on Friday were Lee Cumbo and Ryan Zammit (San Gwann) and Dino Bonnici (Zurrieq) in Division 2; David Calleja and Jonathan Debono (Siggiewi) in Division 3.
In the Youth League, Hamrun's Larson Agius, Christian Cacciattolo and Ricardo Camilleri and Fgura's Thomas Butterworth were banned for one match. Birkirkara assistant coach Charles Micallef and Hamrun coach Marco Grech were also suspended for one match.
- The Malta Under-14 side left Malta on Thursday afternoon, destination Italy, where the team will be taking part in an International Tournament in Pisa.
Malta will face Cisco Roma on Saturday at 10:30, Montecalvoli (Pisa) on Sunday at 09:00, Celtic on Sunday at 16:30 and Ascoli on Monday at 11:00.
The Maltese squad is made up of:
Nicholas Grima (Hibs), Jurgen Borg (Floriana), Yenz Cini (Valletta), Gianni Spiteri (Birkirkara), Terence Agius (Pietà), Johan Bezzina (Hibs), Manuel Briffa (Floriana), Scott Chircop (Pietà), Francesco Guzman (Floriana), Ayrton Micallef (Hamrun), Layton Micallef (Mosta), Brandon Muscat (Hibs), Hubert Vella (Pietà), Daniel Zerafa (Pietà), Luke Busuttil (Pietà), Luke Baldacchino (Hibs), Aiden Galea (Birkirkara), Liam Saliba (Mosta), Steven Schembri (Mosta), Dylan Xuereb (Hibs), Carl Conti (Hibs).
The team is guided by Head Coach Mark Marlow, assisted by staff coaches Leonard Farrugia and Joseph Bajada.
- Turkey won the Easter International Youth Tournament after they defeated the Republic of Ireland 3-0 on Thursday. They claimed maximum points from three matches after defeating Malta and Italy in the first two matches.
Aslan Berkin put them ahead on the 9th minute. Six minutes in the second half, Sari Ahwet doubled the score and Tore Gokhan sealed the issue with a third goal five minutes from time.
In the second match, Malta lost 1-4 to Italy.
Stephan El Shaarawi put the visitors ahead on 7 minutes and Pietro Iemello doubled the score on the 20th. Malta pulled one back thanks to Steve Pisani on 34 minutes but Marcello Trotta and Stephan El Shaarawi gave Italy a comfortable lead.
MALTA: Jean Matthias Vella, Matthew Agius (Clifford Gauci), Quincy Bregnan, Ansel Briffa, Jean Paul Farrugia, James Paris, Dylan Sammut (David Caruana), Ryan Sammut, Mark Spiteri (Yanis Tonna), Matthew Tabone (Chris Vassallo), Steve Pisani.
ITALY: Alberto Gallinetta, Carlo Cremaschi, Stefano Baraldo, Alessio Campoli, Simone Benedetti, Felice Natalino, Luca Pompilio, Pietro Irmello, Stephan El Shaarawi, Marco Gaeta, Daniele Giorico (Marcello Trotta).
Referee: Andre Arciola.
At the end of the Tournament, Ludovico Micallef, MFA Vice-President and Chairman of the Amateur, Youths & Grassroots Committee presented the coveted Trophy to the Turkish captain Aslan Berkin.
Wed 19
- First Division Senglea A. vs Qormi 1-3, Mellieha vs Vittoriosa S. 3-6
- Second Division St. Andrews vs Mgarr U. 0-0, Lija A. vs Sta. Venera L. 0-2
- Third Division Section A Xghajra T. vs Zebbug R. 1-1
- Third Division Section B Kalkara vs Gudja U. 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Ghajnsielem 1-3
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 2-0
- The 5th edition of Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge is being held in the evening on Friday 16th May 2008 at Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.
Organised by Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC) in collaboration with Emirates Airline and with the support of the English Premier Football Club Arsenal FC, the Challenge is becoming a platform for talented young footballers.
This sporting annual event sees some of Malta’s top budding players compete for the title of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2008. Youth Nursery Football Clubs in Malta and Gozo are invited to register two of their best young female and male footballers, born in 1995 and 1996, (Under 11 and Under 12).
During the event’s briefing held for the Youth Nurseries at the AMSC premises in Santa Venera, the Club’s Chairman, Richard Felice Pace, announced that Arsenal FC were delighted with their participation at last year’s event and have already committed their support for this year’s edition.
The Premier Club will be sending two senior official youth coaches to Malta to oversee the event and assist the adjudicating panel, which will be made up of three established Maltese coaches.
Mr Felice Pace said that the Arsenal Supporters Club believes that this event provides an opportunity for young aspiring footballers to test their soccer skills individually rather than as a team.
He said: “The Challenge is designed to develop individual talent of the young 11 and 12 year olds registered with Nursery Clubs in Malta and Gozo. Each child competes among the best players of same age group from every participating Youth Nursery. We augur that as many Nursery Clubs as possible will take up this challenge and participate. The two Nursery clubs representing the two overall winners will each receive handsome prize money.”
Malta is continuing to build on the success of the previous four editions of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge. The concept of this challenge was developed in Malta by Emirates Airline.
Emirates’ Manager for Malta and Cyprus, Paul Fleri Soler, said: “Emirates continues to believe in this initiative for young aspiring footballers in Malta and Gozo. Past winners of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge have eventually gained further opportunities in their training. We hope that many children will participate in the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2008 and that we will see some stars of the future develop their skills in the exhilarating sport.”
AMSC Event Co-ordinator, Peter Paul Gauci, gave details of the competition. He said that this year the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge is being given a different dimension from past editions.
“Apart from holding it at a new venue, Victor Tedesco Stadium with better facilities and access, parents and friends of young participants are invited to attend and watch the competition and the competitors training session with Arsenal FC coaches on Friday evening. The event will commence at 6.00pm.”
“Though it is a competition and it gives an excellent platform for talented young players to perform and showcase their abilities, we are working towards encouraging the spirit of sports and involve all participants to consider this event as fun,” said Peter Paul Gauci.
Each nursery is invited to select two top players: one born in 1995 and another player born in 1996 (as from 1 January to 31 December of each mentioned year). Those Nursery Clubs that train young female footballers may also submit the name of the best girl for each group apart from submitting the names of the two boys. This means that the Club with female players may submit the names of 2 girls and 2 boys for the competition.
On the 16th May 2008, all chosen participants will be tested on their individual skills in dribbling, juggling and shooting, according to the Set Minimum Standards of the Nursery Clubs.
The Challenge will round off with the presentation of Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2008 Shield, presented to the coach of the overall winning Nursery Club. Two young footballer winners (1995 & 1996) will each receive a Trophy and a prize of €230 worth of Arsenal branded goods, including such items as the Arsenal full football kit (shirt, shorts and socks) and an Arsenal Track suit (jacket and trousers). The visiting Arsenal coaches will present a certificate to all participants.
In addition, each of the two winning Nursery Club will receive €350 worth of goods.
Nominations from nursery clubs will be accepted on the respective application form which will be mailed together with the Rules and Regulations to each Youth Nursery Club. The closing date of entries is Saturday, 19th April 2008.
Football coaches from Youth Nursery Clubs are invited to watch a practical session conducted by Arsenal FC coaches. This will be followed by a Question & Answer session. The activity will be held on Saturday, 17th May from 9.00am till 11am at Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.
In conjunction with the 5th edition of Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge, AMSC is holding a separate activity for junior members of the Arsenal Supporters Club. AMSC members are now able to register their children aged 5 to 15 years for the soccer session.
Tue 18
- Easter International Youth Tournament Italy vs Turkey 0-1, Malta vs Ireland 0-5
Malta lost 0-5 to the Republic of Ireland in the second day of the Easter Ingernational Friendly Tournament, reserved for Under-16 sides, which is being held at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta' Qali.
Tim Pilkinson put Ireland ahead after just five minutes. The locals controlled their opponents well for an hour but four goals in thirteen minutes gave the Irish a comfortable win. Shane Murray converted a penalty on 65 minutes with Selcuk Tidim scoring five minutes later. Oliver Kelly made it 4-0 on 74 minutes and Ryan Connolly made it 5-0 on 78 minutes.
In another match, a goal by Aslan Berkin on 63 minutes gave Turkey a 1-0 win over Italy.
- The Malta Amateur Football Association (MAFA), the Malta Football Coaches Association (MFCA) and the Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA) were approved as Member Associations after that a number of amendments to the statute of the Malta Football Association were approved during an Extraordinary General Meeting which was held on Tuesday at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
The purpose of this EGM was the approval of additions and alterations to the Association's Statute. These were the result of several discussions held during different Executive Committee and Council meetings.
MAFA, MFCA and MFRA will now be represented in the Council by two members each.
An important amendment was that regarding Football Nurseries and in particular rules regarding compensation due to licensed nurseries. When a player registers for a new member club or nursery, that nursery shall pay to the nursery with whom he was registered a compensation for each season during which the player was registered with such member club.
Compensation shall only be due in the case that such player has been registered with a member club on or after his tenth birthday, the players has been included in the Players' Retained List for the relevant season and his member club or nursery is participating in competitions organised by the MFA or YFA. In case that the registration with a new member club is made after one year from the date when the player became eligible to register for a new club on or after attaining his fourteenth birthday, no compensation will be due. The amended provisions of this rule will come into force gradually over a period of four years as from 2009/2010.
Another amendment was the approval of a new clause in the rules applicable to General Meetings. Elections at these meetings will now be conducted by an Electoral Commission. Regulations for this electoral commission, which will be made up of a chairman, deputy chairman and five members, were approved last month by the Council.
The Council was also given the power to annul any decision taken by any official, board or committee, except the Independent Arbitration Tribunal, if such decision was taken in blatant breach of the rules or bye-laws of the association. As regards the Appeals Board, in case of decisions where it is alleged that a substantial breach of procedural rules were committed, an appeal may be lodged but only in so far as such an allegation is concerned and not on the merits of the case. The case could then be referred back for a new hearing.
Meanwhile after the meeting, there was a short presentation of the new MFA Website which is due to be launched in the coming weeks.
- Three Premier League players were suspended for one match on Wednesday.
Hamrun Spartans defender Roderick Fenech was sent off while Mark Anthony Bonnici, also of Hamrun, and Sliema Wanderers midfielder Orosco Anonam collected a fourth yellow card.
The three players are ruled out of the clash between Hamrun Spartans and Sliema Wanderers on Saturday.
In Division 1, Matthew Xerri (St. Patrick) was banned for one match while St. Patrick coach Winston Muscat was suspended for two matches.
Mark Mifsud (Sta. Venera), Andy Bartolo (Naxxar) and Daniel Zammit (Zurrieq) were handed a one-match ban in the Youth League.
Meanwhile St. Patrick captain Robert Cassar was suspended for over two years following an incident while he was playing for Actavis in the Industries Sports Association. He was in fact suspended until August 17, 2010.
Since this is a term suspension, he is also ruled out for St. Patrick.
Mon 17
- Premier League Floriana vs Hamrun S. 1-1, Birkirkara vs Valletta 1-1
- Third Division Section A Siggiewi vs Attard 1-6
- Third Division Section B Luqa SA vs Pembroke A. 1-3
- Gozo - Second Division Xewkija T. vs Oratory Y. 5-0
Sun 16
- Easter International Youth Tournament Italy vs Ireland 0-1, Malta vs Turkey 0-2
Malta suffered a 0-2 defeat to Turkey in the first game from the Easter International Friendly Tournament, reserved for Under-16 sides, which is being held at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta' Qali.
Both goals came in the last minute of each half.
Malta lined-up as follows: Jean Matthias Vella, Matthew Agius, Quincy Bregnan, Ansel Briffa, Jean Paul Farrugia, Clifford Gauci, James Paris, Dylan Sammut, Ryan Sammut, Mark Spiteri, Matthew Tabone.
The other players at the disposal of coach Oliver Spiteri were Sam Bartolo, David Caruana, Matthew Caruana, Steve Pisani, Yanis Tonna, Chris Vassallo, Karl Azzopardi.
In another match, the Republic of Ireland defeated Italy 1-0.
- Premier League Hibernians vs Msida SJ 3-0, Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 4-2
- First Division Marsa vs St. George's 1-3, St. Patrick vs Mosta 0-1
- Second Division Sirens vs Balzan Y. 1-5, San Gwann vs Birzebbuga SP 3-4
- Third Division Section A Ghaxaq vs Zejtun C. 2-5
- Third Division Section B Kirkop U. vs Gzira U. 0-3, Gozo vs Gharghur 3-1
- Gozo - First Division Qala SJ vs Victoria H. 2-2
- The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery is going to organise the Tony Bajada Memorial Football Tournament between Thursday 20th and Wednesday 26th March 2008 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Twenty-five teams from fourteen nurseries will be taking part.
This football tournament is organised every season during the Easter holidays. Over a period of four days, 52 matches will be played and over 330 players from five categories, (U/6, U/8, U/10, U/13 and Girls U/13), will participate in this event, and play on natural turf.
Being in its seventh edition, this football tournament has now become one of the most popular in Malta, since when applications were opened they were booked in a matter of few weeks. The participants for this year are; Birkirkara, Floriana, Hamrun Spartans, Lija-Iklin, Melita, Mgarr United, Naxxar Lions, Pietà Hotspurs, Pembroke Athleta, St. Andrews, San Gwann, Sliema Wanderers, Tarxien Rainbows and Valletta.
Whilst acknowledging the competitive spirit by which participants take part, we firmly believe that the scope of such a tournament remains first and foremost, that of delivering to the players a positive experience in an appropriate and conductive environment. In addition, we emphasise the fact that all matches are played in a FAIR PLAY atmosphere and that all players registered for the tournament, will all have their turn to play for their team.
The programme kicks-off on Thursday 20th with the first matches at 8:30am. The tournament will halt on Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday and proceeds on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, there will be the U/13 Girls Category, the last matches from the U/8 and U/10 and the final of the U/13 Boys Category. The Boys’ under 13 winners will be presented with the ‘Tony Bajada Challenge Cup’ by Mrs Violet Bajada, in which they 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.
Sat 15
- Second Division Zurrieq vs Naxxar L. 1-0, Melita vs Rabat A. 0-0
Fri 14
- Marsaxlokk forward Kevin Sammut has been named the BOV Player of the Month for February 2008.
Karl Spiteri, Manager, Corporate Branding and Quality at Bank of Valletta presented the BOV Player of the Month Trophy to Kevin Sammut. Congratulating the player for this achievement, Mr Spiteri referred to BOV's Community Programme as an important tool through which BOV supports the development of Maltese sport and encourages athletes to strive for excellence.
“Sport is one of the main pillars of the Bank’s Community Programme. Through the sports pillar, we not only award those athletes who perform well but we also make a monthly donation to a philanthropic organisation that the BOV Player of the Month chooses to support”, said Mr. Spiteri.
Kevin Sammut has been an automatic choice for his team so far this year. He is also an established player in Malta’s national squad. Gifted with excellent skills and agility, this right-sided forward has been in the limelight with his qualities as a provider rather than an executioner of goals. His pin-pointed passes or crosses to his team-mates are evidence of his sense of altruism.
His goal-scoring ability is not to be overlooked either, as was attested by his remarkable running into position before getting the right service to slot home a splendid equaliser against Valletta late in February. There is no doubt that this Marsaxlokk forward has a lot to offer to the local football scene and this monthly award is testimony to his skills as a player.
- Three Premier League players were handed a one-match ban following the mid-week matches.
Emil Stoilov Yanchev (Birkirkara) who was sent off in the Stripes' win over Sliema is ruled out of the game against Valletta on Monday.
Matthew Cocks (Mqabba) and Domenic Mifsud (Pietà) were suspended after both collected their fourth yellow card. Cocks will be missing the game against Msida on Sunday 23 while Mifsud is ruled out of the game against Hibernians on Sunday 30.
In Division 1, Tarxien's Luke Vella Critien and Vittoriosa's Johann Spiteri were suspended for one match. Mellieha kit-manager Jason Gauci was banned for two matches.
Mark Muscat and Gerald Ancilleri (Sta. Venera) and Keith Fabri (San Gwann) were handed a one-match ban in Division 2.
On Wednesday, Omar Smier (Mtarfa), Matthew Paris and Roderick Schembri (Mdina) were banned for one match in Division 3.
Pietà goalkeeper Mark Vella was also suspended following a friendly match.
Thu 13
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 1-3, Valletta vs Hamrun S. 4-1
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs Dingli S. 1-3, Tarxien R. vs Mellieha 3-0
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Xaghra U. 3-0
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Zebbug R. 6-1
- Malta Under-16 coach Oliver Spiteri named an 18-man squad ahead of the Under-16 Easter International Tournament which will be held at the MFA Training Grounds on the 16, 18 and 20th March.
This tournament will serve as a good test for the players which will make up the backbone for the Under-17 side which will take part in the UEFA Under-17 Championship mini-tournament next year.
The players selected by Spiteri are:
goalkeeper Sam Bartolo (Pietà), Jean Matthias Vella (San Gwann);
defenders Ansel Briffa (Pietà), Quincy Bregnan (San Gwann), David Caruana (Pietà), Jean Paul Farrugia (Hibs), Dylan Sammut (Naxxar);
midfielders Matthew Agius (Pietà), Karl Azzopardi (Valletta), James Paris (Manchester City), Ryan Sammut (Naxxar), Matthew Tabone (Hibs), Yanis Tonna (Sliema), Chris Vassallo (Rabat);
forwards Matthew Caruana (Valletta), Clifford Gauci (Pietà), Steve Pisani (San Gwann), Mark Spiteri (Floriana).
Wed 12
- Premier League Mqabba vs Pietà H. 2-0, Floriana vs Marsaxlokk 1-2
- Second Division Sta. Venera L. vs San Gwann 2-4, Mgarr U. vs Lija A. 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Nadur Y. 0-1
- Pietà Hotspurs striker Quilin Refalo was suspended for six matches by the MFA Control & Disciplinary Board following an incident which took place during the match between Pietà and Hamrun Spartans on January 6.
After the player was sent off following an argument with Evano Briffa of Hamrun, the player was involved in an argument with a Hamrun Spartans official. The Hamrun official was also attacked by another person.
Pietà, who were also fined, are expected to appeal against the decision. However if the decision is confirmed it would mean that the season is over for Refalo since he would miss the six Relegation Pool matches.
- The Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport and the Youth Football Association signed an agreement on Friday 7th March thanks to which the Youth Football Association will be provided with technical assistance in “Developing Fundamentals” within a total of thirteen football nurseries.
Request for such assistance was based on the Educational Scheme, for which the YFA had applied for last year.
Assistance will consist of the KMS making available a facility for workshops to be held and for the KMS to provide technical staff to carry out the said programme both from a theoretical and practical level.
The agreement was signed by Franco Azzopardi Chairman – Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport and Fr. Hilary Tagliaferro, President Youth FA, in the presence of KMS Directors, Youth FA officials, council members, nurseries delegates and regional coaches.
- The San Gwann Youth Football Nursery are once again organizing their annual Mediterranean Cup Tournament for boys and girls from the ages of 7 to 13. As in previous years the event will be sponsored by the General Soft Drinks, the Malta Tourism Authority and the San Gwann Local Council.
This year the committee decided not to invite international teams, due to the possibility, which were later confirmed, dates for the forthcoming General Elections being close to the event.
The Mediterranean Cup is arguably the most important Youth Football Tournament on the annual calendar and in the words of Joe Micallef, General Secretary of the Youth Football Association, local Youth Nurseries make participation into the Med Cup as an annual priority. In fact no fewer than 45 teams from 20 nurseries have confirmed their participation to this years’ event and will play more than a hundred games during this ten day festival of football.
The tournament will be held between the 15th and the 25th of March, and in line with YFA guidelines no medals and winner trophies will be presented to the teams, however every participating team will be given a similar trophy as a momento.
Referees from the Malta Football Referees Association will be officiating all the games to ensure fairness and professionalism.
Wed 12
- Malta retained the 134th place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday.
Among the other European countries, Malta is still 48th. Just ahead of Malta is Kazakhstan (105, up 5), Azerbaijan (119, up 3), Liechtenstein (120, down 2) and Estonia (129, down 4). Lying behind Malta is Luxembourg (152, up 2), Montenegro (175), Andorra (179, up 1), Faroe Islands (193, up 2) and San Marino (198).
The next commitment for the national team is the friendly against Liechtenstein in programme on March 26. Malta then travels to Austria in May where Dusan Fitzel's side entertains EURO 2008 co-hosts Austria in a friendly match on the 30th.
Tue 11
- FIFA Referee Marco Borg has been appointed referee in the UEFA Under 17 European Championship Group 5 Mini-Tournament in Northern Ireland, in which Northern Ireland, Scotland, Slovenia and Wales will be competing.
During the tournament, which is being held between the 17th and 22nd March 2008, Mr Borg will control the Wales v Slovenia and the Scotland v Wales matches. Edward Spiteri, FIFA Assistant Referee, will be assisting him in both matches.
Meanwhile, FIFA Referee Esther Azzopardi has been appointed referee in the UEFA Under 17 Women European Championship Mini-Tournament in Montpellier, France, between the 18th and 23rd March 2008.
The participating teams are France, Scotland, Norway and the Republic of Ireland. Mr Mariano Debono, FIFA Assistant Referee, has been appointed as Assistant Referee.
Mon 10
- The Malta Football Association announced that the BOV Premier League and the BOV Second Division matches in programme on Tuesday have been postponed.
The BOV Premier League matches - Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara and Valletta vs Hamrun Spartans, due to be played on Tuesday will now be played on Thursday 13 at the National Stadium at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
The BOV Second Division matches Sta. Venera Lightnings vs San Gwann and Mgarr United vs Lija Athletic which were due to be played on Tuesday will now be played on Wednesday 12 at the Centenary Stadium at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
Meanwhile the two BOV Premier League matches Mqabba vs Pietà Hotspurs and Floriana vs Marsaxlokk due to be played at the Centenary Stadium on Wednesday have been transferred to the National Stadium.
- The Malta Football Association will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting on Tuesday, 18th March 2008 at 18:30 at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
The purpose of this EGM is the approval of additions and alterations to the Association's Statute.
The proposed additions and alterations to the Statute are the result of several discussions held during different Executive Committee and Council meetings.
The approved Delegate of each Member Club having Premier or First Division status and the approved delegate of each Member Association is entitled to attend this meeting and vote.
The approved Delegate of each Member Club having a Second or Third Division status is entitled to attend this meeting but only ten (10) Delegates from each Division are entitled to vote. The delegates entitled to vote shall be chosen during the transaction of the first item on the agenda in accordance with Rule 31 of the MFA Statute. This rule also stipulates that in case that a ballot is needed to establish the ten (10) voting delegates from each Division, preference will be given to those delegates present at the start of the meeting but whose Member Club does not have a Council Member representing it through the Standing Committee of the Division concerned.
Any reference to the approved Delegate means also his approved substitute when acting in his stead.
All current Council Members are entitled to attend this meeting and to vote.
At the end of the Extraordinary General Meeting a presentation of the new MFA Website to be launched shortly will be made.
Due to the importance of this Extraordinary General Meeting all approved Delegates or their substitutes and all Council Members are kindly urged to attend and be present on time.
- The Malta FA has always attached utmost importance towards catering for its youth sector. This has been one of the association’s top priorities over the years.
Our national teams in the U-16, U-17 and U-19 categories have been engaged in several competitive and friendly tournaments, no doubt something which goes a long way towards providing our young footballers with the necessary international experience.
A competition which has been a fixture on the local calendar in this sector until recent years is the U-16 Friendly International Tournament, traditionally held during the Easter period.
This year such a tournament is scheduled to be held over five days, between the 16th and 20th March, with Italy, Eire and Turkey being hosted to participate in this quadrangular competition at the Ta’ Qali Training Grounds.
These three footballing nations are certainly amongst the foremost in Europe and their continental pedigree in this sector is undoubtedly rich.
These opponents will therefore provide our national U-16 team coach Oliver Spiteri with the opportunity to gauge his players’ qualities prior to the competitive commitment that lies ahead in the UEFA Championship of this category.
The programme at the MFA Training Grounds is as follows, with the first match starting at 11.00 hrs and the second at 13.00 hrs.
Sunday 16th March
Italy v Republic of Ireland
Malta v Turkey
Tuesday 18th March
Italy v Turkey
Malta v Republic of Ireland
Thursday 20th March
Turkey v Republic of Ireland
Malta v Italy
Entrance is free
- The Malta Football Coaches Association would like to inform its members that the instructional meeting for UEFA 'A', MFA 'A', UEFA 'B', MFA 'B' which was scheduled to be held on Monday 17th March 2008 is going to be postponed because on the same date there is an instructional meeting held by the Malta Football Association.
The meeting is now going to be held on the 21st of April 2008 in conjunction with the 'CYF', 'YDD' and 'C' licence coaches.
- During the last few days, Gudja United Football Club was buzzing with activity as committee and supporters looked forward to the completion of the first phase of the restructuring of the club's premises.
The completion of the first phase which was symbolically celebrated at the recently renewed club house with a reception for all supporters and club players included the laying of tarmac on the full sized soccer pitch in view of the installation of the artificial turf.
Club Assistant Secretary Mr. G. Caruana and Club President Mr. G. Grech explained how a small town like Gudja in a few weeks' time will manage to have a first class artificial turf pitch. They explained that the second and third phase of the project not only include the laying of the artificial pitch but include the building of new dressing rooms and committee rooms for both Gudja United and Gudja Youth Nursery as well as the embellishment of the area which includes parking spaces.
Mr. Caruana emphasized on the fact that this facility is to underline the dedication of the club to serve the whole Gudja community especially the young children who are part of the nursery. In fact the nursery will without any doubt have facilities to compete with the top nurseries on the island.
The club president explained how the club has a philosophy of 'ALL HOME-MADE' explaining how the senior team as well as coaching stuff are all brought up by the same club which not only helps the club sustain its financial burdens but creates unity and support within the football lovers community in town.
The committee wishes to thank all those who are working hard to realize this project and wish to excuse themselves with all the nursery children, parents and players who might encounter some problems due to the ongoing works at the ground and the surroundings.
Fri 7
- Sean Mintoff and Ryan Mifsud (Balzan), Michael Valenzia (St. Andrews) and Jason Saliba (Zurrieq) were suspended one match in Division 2. Francois Mizzi, Antoine Muscat and Martin Portelli (Xghajra) were banned for one match in Division 3 while Luke Joe Caruana (Mellieha) and Michael John Calleja (St. Andrews) were handed a one-match ban in the Youth League.
Thu 6
- Third Division Section A Mtarfa vs Fgura U. 1-5, Mdina K. vs Qrendi 0-2
- Holders Balzan Youths will be facing Mgarr United in the semi-finals of the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out. Rabat Ajax face Melita in the other semi-final. The draw was held on Thursday at the MFA Headquarters, Ta' Qali.
The semi-finals will be played on Easter Sunday 23rd March.
In the first round, Balzan Youths beat the challenge offered by Attard, San Gwann and Gudja United to win Group 4. Then they defeated Third Division Ghaxaq 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Mgarr United, winners of Group 2 which included Luqa St. Andrew's, Naxxar Lions and Mdina Knights, beat Sta. Venera Lightnings 1-0 in the quarter-finals.
BOV Second Division leaders Rabat Ajax overcame the challenge offered by Birzebbuga St. Peter's, Fgura United and Gzira United in Group 3. In the quarter-finals, they beat Xghajra Tornados 1-0.
On the other hand, Melita won Group 1 in style with easy wins over Mtarfa and Kirkop United and a narrow win over neighbours St. Andrews. Then they beat Zurrieq 3-0 with three goals in extra-time.
Wed 5
- Second Division Birzebbuga SP vs Zurrieq 4-2, Balzan Y. vs St. Andrews 0-1
- Three players were handed a one-match ban after being sent off during the U*BET FA Trophy second round clash between Floriana and Senglea Athletic.
However while Floriana's Darko Krsteski and Simon Agius will serve this suspension in the quarter-final, Kevin Mifsud of Senglea will be missing the next league game for Senglea.
Floriana assistant coach Milos Basic who was sent off during the same game was suspended for two matches.
Kevin Fenech of Naxxar Lions was suspended for one match in Division 2 while in Division 3, Jason Camilleri (Gzira) was banned for two matches. John Agius and Adrian Psaila (Luqa) and Nazzareno Abela (Zebbug) were suspended for one match and Gzira kit-manager John Muscat was banned for two matches.
In the Youth League, Dylan Grima (Valletta) was suspended for two matches while Valletta coach Twanny Dalli was banned for three matches. Daniel Agius (Attard), Wayne Hamer (Birzebbuga), Timothy Fleri Soler (Hibs), Shawn Vella (San Gwann) and Davide Mula (Zurrieq) were handed a one match ban.
- In view of the General Elections due on the 8th of March 2008, the Instructional Meeting for holders of YDD (Youth Development Diploma), CCC, (Club Coaches Certificate) and UEFA ‘C’ Licence, scheduled for Monday 10th of March, at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre, will now be moved to Monday 17th March 2008.
This meeting, planned to be a practical session, will start at 17.30 hrs.
Tue 4
- Third Division Section A Attard vs Xghajra T. 0-2
- Third Division Section B Sta. Lucia vs Kalkara 2-0
Mon 3
- Third Division Section A Zebbug R. vs Ghaxaq 4-1
- Third Division Section B Gudja U. vs Luqa SA 4-1
- The Malta Football Association announced changes in fixtures for the first two rounds of matches from the second phase of the BOV Premier League.
As announced earlier, the first four matches will be played on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 March. However the Championship Pool clash between Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara which was expected to be played on Wednesday will now be played on Tuesday at the National Stadium. Floriana vs Marsaxlokk, on the other hand, will be played on Wednesday.
No matches will be played on Saturday 15. The two matches in programme will be played on Monday 17 at the National Stadium.
Tuesday 11 March - National Stadium
18:00 Sliema W. vs Birkirkara
20:00 Valletta vs Hamrun S.
Wednesday 12 March - Centenary Stadium
18:00 Mqabba vs Pietà H.
20:00 Floriana vs Marsaxlokk
Sunday 16 March - Hibs Ground
13:30 Hibernians vs Msida SJ
15:30 Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W.
Monday 17 March - National Stadium
18:00 Floriana vs Hamrun S.
20:00 Birkirkara vs Valletta
- Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery organised successfully an Under-10 and Under-11 festival at St. Aloysius Football Ground.
Sliema Wanderers, Birkirkara, Paola Hibs and Mosta took part in this Fun Festival.
With no pressure to win trophies or medals, it was great watching all the young players playing together. Parents also played their part, supporting their children in a positive way.
At the end of this festival, books were distributed to all players.
Sun 2
- FA Trophy Mqabba vs Dingli S. 0-1, Floriana vs Senglea A. 3-2 aet
- Second Division Naxxar L. vs Melita 0-1, Rabat A. vs Sirens 3-0
- Third Division Section A Qrendi vs Siggiewi 1-1
- Third Division Section B Gzira U. vs Pembroke A. 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Qala SJ 0-0, Nadur Y. vs Ghajnsielem 2-1
- Slovenia registered a comfortable win over Malta in their third and final match from the 2008 FIFA World Cup Group 7 first qualifying round mini-tournament at AS Hibernians Pavilion, Corradino. Slovenia therefore win the tournament with maximum points after they had defeated Albania 2-0 and Greece 3-1 in the first two matches.
On Sunday, they proved to be too strong for a Maltese side that had managed to put on very positive performances in the first two outings, losing narrowly to Greece and Albania.
Slovenia secured a five-goal lead by the end of the first half thanks to goals by Slavisa Goranovic (2'), Benjamin Melink (4'), Miha Osojnik (12'), Denis Imovia (15') and Benjamin Melink (20').
After the break, the visitors continued where they had left, adding another eight goals thanks to Slavisa Goranovic (23' and 28'), Milvoje Simeunovic (29'), Igor Osredkar (30'), Damir Petric (34') and Goradz Drodnic (36', 40' and 40').
Malta coach Michal Striz used the following players: Benny Gialanze, Timothy Ellis, Tyron Borg, John Cutajar, James Ciangura, Paul Bugeja, Mark Ellul Sullivan, Noel Bray, Bjorn Vassallo, Jeanbert Gatt, Robert Magro.
Meanwhile Albania placed second in the tournament after defeating Greece 7-6. At the end of the first half, the score was 2-2.
Albania vs Greece 7-6
Albania: Qopeku 12', 13', Lumas 25', Dajko 30', Kalus 33', Volumi 37' (pen), Behari 40'
Greece: Morfesis 4', Mostrios 19', 30', 35', Mourdoukoutas 32', 38'
Sat 1
- FA Trophy Hamrun S. vs Pietà H. 1-0, Valletta vs Tarxien R. 5-0
- Second Division San Gwann vs Mgarr U. 1-0, Lija A. vs Balzan Y. 0-2
- An agreement relating to the development and upgrading of the sports facility at Mosta Football ground was signed on Wednesday 27th February between the Ministry of Education, Youth and Employment, the Kunsill Malti Ghall-Isport and Mosta FC.
The signing of the agreement took place at the Ministry of Education in Floriana and carries the signature of the club`s President Mr Charles Abela, the Secretary Mr Luke Coppini and the Treasurer Mr Joseph Gauci on one side and Mr Francis Borg, Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Ministry of Education Youth and Employment and Mr Franco Azzopardi as Chairman of Malta council for sports on the other side.
Mr Charlo Bonnici who actively involved himself during the discussions leading to the final agreement was also present for the signing of the contract between the two sides.
The agreement provides funds to Mosta FC for the upgrading of the surface of the local football ground to artificial turf, while new fencing and better terraces are expected to be constructed. This contract also provides for local schools and other social entities to make free use of the new facility.
Mosta FC would like to thank all those who contributed to this most memorable day in the club`s history and the committee is fully committed to implement a state of the art project for the benefit of its members, the Mosta FC Youth Nursery and the local community.