September 2008

Tue 30

• A team of Under-13 players from the San Gwann Nursery won the first Federation of Youth Nurseries Santa Sofia International Tournament held during the first week of September in Licata.
  The San Gwann Contingent was led by the Nursery President Ivan Calamatta, who was assisted by coaches Danny Musu and Jonathan Sant, and was made up of 12 players, and a number of parents and friends.
  San Gwann were unlucky to have lost their opening encounter against favourites Gela 4-2, where after having equalized a two goal deficit, the San Gwann boys saw their efforts turn to dust by conceding two goals in stoppage time. They went on to win the remaining three encounters handsomely to set up a thrilling final against the same team from Gela. The final was indeed a thrilling affair which ended 2-2, and San Gwann eventually beat their worthy opponents after the taking of penalties.
• Rabat Depiro Football Nursery is receiving applications from children - boys an girls - wishing to join the nursery for season 2008/09.
  Those interested should contact the nursery on phone number 21453568 between 18.30 and 20.30.

Mon 29

• Third Division Section A Qrendi vs Gudja U. 1-1
• Third Division Section B Attard vs Kirkop U. 0-0
• More details about the attempted case of corruption before the UEFA Cup first qualifying round first leg match between Marsaxlokk and Slaven Belupo of Croatia were revealed by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud during a press conference on Monday.
  Thirty-nine year old Albanian coach Ilir Pelinku and forty-three year old FIFA Referee Joe Attard were confirmed as the persons being investigated by police.
  Ilir Pelinku has been living in Malta for over thirteen years, first playing for a number of clubs including Mellieha, Marsa, Qormi, Nadur Youngsters and Lija Athletic and then coaching Mellieha and Lija Athletic. Pelinku started this season with Lija. Joe Attard, on the other hand, has been a top referee since 1995 and a FIFA referee since 2000.
  During the annual general meeting which was held on July 26, Dr Mifsud had announced that people from abroad, through accomplices in Malta tried to influence the score of a UEFA Cup game in order for these persons to claim a considerable sum of money from betting.
  Speaking on Monday, the MFA president said he was shocked when he first heard the story, especially considering who were those making this attempt of match-fixing. Dr Mifsud said that when he was approached by a person who told him that a Marsaxlokk player had been approached in an attempt of corruption before this game.
  The MFA president immediately referred the case to the Police and also met Minister for Justice and Home Affairs Dr Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici and the Police Commissioner with regards to this case.
  Last week, the Police concluded their investigations on this case and submitted a report to the Malta Football Association.
  Such attempts of corruption are covered by the Laws of Malta - Prevention of Corruption (Players) Act. Penalties for those found guilty include fines and/or imprisonment.
  Dr Mifsud denied a report appearing in another section of the media that besides these two persons, there were other people related to the club being investigated. He said that Marsaxlokk were the victims in this case and their player was of such a strong character that he refused.
  The Malta Football Association has its own Rules for the Investigation of Allegations of Bribery In Football. The Board To Investigate Corrupt Practices investigates cases which are brought forward by the MFA president, Executive Committee or the Council. Dr Mifsud has already sent the police report to this board and therefore the two persons will be suspended temporarily from their functions relating to football.
  Dr Mifsud was clear: "The MFA will show no mercy towards anyone found guilty of corruption. Anyone who is aware of any possible case of corruption, should waste no time and approach us."
  He said that MFA regulations protect those who come forward to report such cases of corruption. On the other hand, clubs could pay for wrongdoings committed by their officials of players if they are aware of such acts. Clubs found guilty of corruption are not allowed will not be allowed to take part in UEFA competitions even if they have the sporting right.
  Last week, UEFA announced it was launching a gambling investigation unit after it emerged 25 UEFA Cup matches were being studied due to irregular betting patterns. The unit should be fully operational from next season and will feature experts who will review suspected irregularities in matches from European competitions.
  UEFA had started reviewing 10 matches from the current season and 15 from last season, all from preliminary rounds of the UEFA Cup. Those games, UEFA believe, could have been affected by irregular betting, a growing problem in sport. The governing body said the special unit would need to work in close co-operation with governments and police.
  FIFA and UEFA have already created their own "early warning system" for their own competitions - a system providing for early detection and prevention of the possible influencing of matches for betting purposes. Dr Mifsud said the European body is considering extending this system to national associations as well.
  He concluded by thanking the Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, the Police Commissioner and members of the Police Force and especially Inspector Gafa.
• Last season's finalists Hamrun Spartans were drawn with BOV First Division side Rabat Ajax in the first round of the U*BET FA Trophy 2008/2009. The draws for the first two rounds were held at the Centenary Hall on Monday.
  Hamrun won the FA Trophy six times while Rabat, who are back in Division 1 after four years in lower divisions, won the competition once - in 1986.
  Floriana - winners of the FA Trophy eighteen times - will meet First Division Knock-Out holders Dingli Swallows while Hibernians, who won the FA Trophy eight times, were drawn with St. George's.
  The other three BOV Premier League teams in the draw - Tarxien Rainbows, Qormi and Msida St. Joseph - were drawn with Mqabba, Pietà Hotspurs and San Gwann respectively.
  The other two first round matches are clashes between teams from Division 1 - Mosta vs Vittoriosa Stars and St. Patrick vs Senglea Athletic.
  First round matches will be played on two consecutive weekends: October 25 and 26, November 1 and 2.
  The U*BET FA Trophy second round draw is as follows:
  Tarxien/Mqabba vs Msida/San Gwann
  Hibs/St. George's vs Mosta/Vittoriosa
  St. Patrick/Senglea vs Dingli/Floriana
  Pietà/Qormi vs Rabat/Hamrun
  Second round matches will be played on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November.
  All matches from the first and second rounds will be played at the synthetic turf pitches of the Centenary Stadium and Victor Tedesco Stadium.
  U*BET FA Trophy holders Birkirkara, BOV Premier League champions Valletta, runners-up Marsaxlokk and Sliema Wanderers enter the competition in the quarter-finals stage.
  Meanwhile before the draw, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that the winner of the competition will take part in the UEFA Europa League which will replace the UEFA Cup as from next season. The losing finalist would take part, in case the winner of the U*BET FA Trophy has already qualified for European football.
  Dr Mifsud revealed that the Council of the Malta Football Association will be discussing a proposal thanks to which the champions of the Gozo Football Association First Division League would take part in the U*BET FA Trophy as from next season. This would only be possible if Gozo FC are not taking part in the competition as a Premier or First Division club.
  On behalf of the sponsors, Mr Mario Cassar said Maltco Lotteries was glad to support football through these knock-out competitions and said that this sponsorship was the company's contribution towards improving the level of the game in Malta.

Sun 28

• Premier League Floriana vs Marsaxlokk 3-1, Hibernians vs Sliema W. 2-3
• First Division Knock-Out Pietà H. vs Rabat A. 0-0, St. George's vs San Gwann 1-1
• Second Division Marsa vs Zebbug R. 0-3, Mgarr U. vs Lija A. 0-1, Gozo vs St. Andrews 0-0
• Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Xghajra T. 0-0
• Third Division Section B Zurrieq vs Siggiewi 1-1
• Gozo - First Division SK Victoria W. vs Victoria H. 0-1

Sat 27

• Premier League Msida SJ vs Qormi 1-1, Tarxien R. vs Hamrun S. 1-1
• First Division Knock-Out Vittoriosa S. vs Dingli S. 0-1, Mosta vs St. Patrick 1-0
• Second Division Melita vs Sta. Venera L. 3-0, Naxxar L. vs Mellieha 0-2
• Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-0, Munxar F. vs Xaghra U. 1-1
• The Malta Under-17 side lost 2-0 to Turkey in another match from Group 12 of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round at the Giant Stadium in Krymsk on Saturday.
  The Maltese played a good game, creating some good scoring chances especially during the first half.

Fri 26

• Premier League Birkirkara vs Valletta 2-2
• Third Division Section A Sirens vs Kalkara 2-1
• Third Division Section B Mtarfa vs Gzira U. 1-1
• The UEFA Cup will be renamed the UEFA Europa League as from next season in an effort to boost the competition that has lost much of its appeal, UEFA announced on Friday.
  The change was approved by the UEFA Executive Committee during a meeting in Bordeaux, France on Friday. In another meeting on Thursday, UEFA confirmed the expansion of the European Championship from 16 to 24 teams as from 2016.
  The new name heralds major changes to the competition, which will have a new 48-team group stage with centralised marketing of broadcast rights, a presenting sponsor and an official matchball in addition to centralised sponsorship from the knockout stage and a new logo and visual identity.
  UEFA President Michel Platini said: "These changes will improve this historic competition, which is very important for UEFA and for European football as it gives more fans, players and clubs the thrill of European club football. I am convinced the new format will give the UEFA Europa League a successful new impetus."
  In December, UEFA had decided to alter the format of the UEFA Cup and create a true group stage, with both home and away matches. The change of name better represents the format of the competition and with the enhancements to the logo and brand, the changes are such that from the 2009/10 season the UEFA Cup will effectively become a new competition.
  UEFA's objective is that of repeating the success of the UEFA Champions League so that the UEFA Europa League can establish itself as a major competition.
  UEFA General Secretary David Taylor said "We've got a new competition and a new format for 2009-12, with centralisation of the group stage and with the group stage being much more similar to the UEFA Champions League format – whereby teams will play home and away."
  According to the new format of the UEFA Europa League, Malta will be represented by three clubs. The teams placing second and third in the Premier League would take part in the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Europa League while the FA Trophy winners will enter the Second Qualifying Round.
  The UEFA Europa League First Qualifying Round is expected to be played during the third and fourth week of June while the Second Qualifying Round will be played in the first and second week of July.
  The UEFA Europa League will feature 48 sides, split into 12 groups of four; the top two teams in each group will qualify for the knockout phase and be joined by the eight clubs that finish the group stage of the UEFA Champions League in third place. The knockout stage, with 32 sides and four rounds, will lead to the final, played in a single match at a neutral venue. The first round – currently knockout – will become part of the qualifying phase.
  Only the title-holders will qualify directly for the UEFA Europa League group stage, with all other clubs having to qualify. The qualifying process will consist of four rounds, with 37 additional slots compared to the present situation, to accommodate sides that currently qualify for the UEFA Intertoto Cup (from the associations ranked 9 to 15 and 22 to 51, except Liechtenstein). Losing teams in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round and third qualifying round will move into the UEFA Europa Cup fourth qualifying round and group phase respectively.

Thu 25

• Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Sannat L. 2-2
• Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Zebbug R. 0-3
• The Malta Under-17 side lost 2-0 to hosts Russia in a match from Group 12 of the UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round at the Giant Stadium in Krymsk on Thursday.
  By the end of the first half, the score was still 0-0. Seven minutes from time, the referee annulled a Maltese goal which looked quite legitimate.
  The next game is against Turkey on Saturday at the Giant Stadium, kick-off at 17:00. The third and final match is against Slovenia at the Akhtyrka Stadium on Tuesday.
• The Malta Under-19 national team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Slovakia in the second friendly match at the National Training Centre in Senec on Tuesday.
  In a first match on Tuesday, Slovakia won 5-1.
  These matches were part of the team's preparaion for the UEFA Under-19 mini-tournament which will be played in Malta in November. Malta will be hosting France, Republic of Ireland and Liechtenstein.
• Malta will be playing a friendly match against Iceland on November 19. This was revealed in a statement by the Icelandic FA on its website.
  Malta met Iceland in a match from the Malta International Tournament earlier this year with Dusan Fitzel's side claiming the three points thanks to a goal by Cleavon Frendo.
  This will be the fourteenth game between the two countries. Malta won three matches, Iceland nine with the other clash ending in a draw.
  Following the defeats to Poland and Albania earlier this month, Malta will be playing two World Cup qualifiers next month against Denmark in Copenhagen on October 11 and four days later against Hungary at Ta' Qali.
• The players of Pentagon Properties BFC were presented with the kits and gear for the 2008/9 season during the Team Launch held at Hard Rock Cafe, who are also now a secondary sponsor of the team. Another new secondary sponsor is the Blue Hawaii Bar, where an after-party was held on the evening.
  Pentagon Properties BFC start their new adventure in the top flight futsal league this year with high ambitions, following promotion from the second division. The team committee would like to thank all the sponsors (Pentagon Properties Ltd, The Plaza, Samantha Stationery & Gift Shop, MZ Investments Ltd, Eyre Travel Ltd, Hard Rock Cafe and Blue Hawaii Bar) for their very important support.

Wed 24

• Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Qala SJ 2-2
• Gozo - Second Division Xaghra U. vs Xewkija T. 0-2
• The fixtures for two of the BOV Premier League matches in programme this weekend have been changed following a request by Hibernians. Tarxien Rainbows against Hamrun Spartans is being played on Saturday at 18:00 while the match between Hibernians and and Sliema Wanderers is being played on Sunday 28th at 18:00.
  This change in fixture has been agreed by the clubs and the association as Hibernians FC have a number of first team players abroad with the Under-17 and Under-19 national teams.
  The Paolites have no less than ten players with the Under-19 and Under-17 teams, namely Daniel Balzan, Tristan Caruana, Elkien Cauchi, Timothy Fleri Soler, Leighton Grech and Jonathan Xerri in the Under-19 squad and Brandon Gatt, Jean Paul Farrugia, Dylan Sammut and Matthew Tabone in the Under-17 squad.
  Out of these players, Balzan, Caruana, Cauchi, Fleri Soler, Grech, Xerri and Farrugia feature regularly in the Paolites' senior squad.
  The Under-19 side returns to Malta on Friday while the Under-17 squad returns next week.
• Floriana captain Mauro Brincat was handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Wednesday and is therefore ruled out of the clash against Marsaxlokk on Sunday.
  Also suspended for one match were Shantlo Felice (Fgura) and Kristian Galea (Sirens) in the Second & Third Division Knock-Out while Brian Grech (Xghajra) was suspended for two matches in the Youth League.

Tue 23

• The Malta Under-19 national team lost 5-1 to Slovakia in a friendly match at the National Training Centre in Senec on Tuesday.
  At the end of the first half, Slovakia were leading 4-0.
  This match and another one which will be played on Thursday at the same venue are part of the team's preparaion for the UEFA Under-19 mini-tournament which will be played in Malta in November. Malta will be hosting France, Republic of Ireland and Liechtenstein.
  The players selected by Under-19 coach Edwin Camilleri for these friendly matches are:
  Joseph Aquilina – Three Bridges (England), Daniel Balzan – Hibernians, Owen Bugeja - Floriana, Tristan Caruana – Hibernians, Cleaven Cassar – Pietà Hotspurs, Elkien Cauchi - Hibernians, Miguel Ciantar – Sliema Wanderers, Matthew Falzon – Hearts FC (Scotland), Timothy Fleri Soler – Hibernians, Leighton Grech - Hibernians, Sheldon Grech – Pietà Hotspurs, Dylan Grima – Valletta, Chris McKay – Pietà Hotspurs, Rowen Muscat – Birkirkara, Rendall Refalo – Pietà Hotspurs, Jonathan Xerri – Hibernians, Ryan Zammit – San Gwann, Terence Vella – Pietà Hotspurs.
  The squad returns to Malta on Friday.
• White Eagles won the first edition of the Sportika Futsal Gozo Futsal Tournament which was held at the Victoria Sports Complex during the last week of August.
  In the final White Eagles - a team made up of foreigners which play in Gozo, defeated Barabe 3-1. Barabe were made up of foreigners who play in the Futsal League in Malta.
  The match was very intense and the players showed lot of skills and agility. Within a futsal lifestyle atmosphere, those present assisted to entertaining style of play, with players forced to improvise with moments of spectacular individual flair.
  Earlier on the day, Dingli Swallows defeated Melita 3-0 in the ladies' category and were therefore crowned champions. Dingli ended their commitments unbeaten.
  The programme also featured the Masters' Match. Involved in this game were various former national team players and current technical staff from the Ta' Qali Technical Centre namely Malta Futsal National Coach Michael Striz, Assistant Coach Mark Marlow and Jonathan Pisani.
  The event was brought to an end with the presentation of the awards and speeches by Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono, Mario Camilleri, Jonathan Pisani and Alex Falzon from Malta Futsal Events.
  The winners of the various awards were:
  Fair Play Award - Naxxar Motors
  Best Goalkeeper - Dragan Sejic (Barabe)
  Best Player - Alex Ribic (White Eagles)
  Top Scorer - Milos Stojanovic - 12 goals (White Eagles)
  Women's Champions - Dingli Swallows
  Men's Champions - White Eagles
  The organizers thank main sponsor Sportika, media partner Melita Sports and all other secondary sponsors namely, Enervit, Kristal Water, Gutenberg Press, Down Town Hotel, Calypso Hotel, Kelloggs and Gozo Sports Complex, Ministry for Gozo.
  Malta Futsal Events is looking forward towards offering another great Futsal tournament next year.

Mon 22

• The Malta Under-17 National Team left Malta on Monday, destination Russia, in order to take part in Group 12 of the qualifying round of the UEFA European Under-17 Championships.
  Also taking part in the tournament which will be held in Krasnodar, besides Malta and hosts Russia are Slovenia and Turkey.
  The players selected by National Coach Oliver Spiteri and his assistant Ramon Zammit are:
  Matthew Agius (Pietà Hotspurs), Karl Azzopardi (Valletta), Samuel Bartolo (Pietà Hotspurs), Clyde Borg (Floriana), Quincy Leslie Bregman (San Gwann), Ansil Briffa (Pietà Hotspurs), Carlos Dimech (Pietà Hotspurs), Brandon Gatt (Hibernians), Clifford Gauci (Pietà Hotspurs), Christian Grech (Pietà Hotspurs), Jean Paul Farrugia (Hibernians), Mark Spiteri (Floriana), James Paris (Manchester City), Jurgen Pisani (Pietà Hotspurs), Stephen Pisani (San Gwann), Dylan Sammut (Hibernians), Ryan Sammut (Naxxar Lions), Matthew Tabone (Hibernians).
  The first match will be played on Thursday 25 at the Krymsk Giant Stadium at 17:00 against Russia. On Saturday 27, Malta will face Turkey at 17:00 once again at the Giant Stadium while the final encounter will be played on Tuesday 30 at 17:00 at the Akhtyrka Stadium against Slovenia.
  The Head of Delegation is Mr. Joe Micallef, while the other MFA staff members accompanying the team are Lawrence Ellul - Team Secretary, Dr. Clive Bezzina - Team Doctor and Aaron Saliba - Physiotherapist. The team returns to Malta on Wednesday 1st October.
• Due to unforeseen circumstances, the MFA Technical Centre will be postponing the instructional meeting for holders of UEFA ‘A’, UEFA ‘B’, ‘A’ and ‘B’ Licence coaches, programmed for Monday 29th September 2008.
  The instructional meeting, which will be a theoretical session, will now be held on Monday 6th October 2008 at the Centenary Hall and is due to start at 17.30 hrs

Sun 21

• Premier League Msida SJ vs Floriana 4-1, Valletta vs Tarxien R. 2-2
• First Division Knock-Out San Gwann vs Senglea A. 1-2, Mqabba vs Rabat A. 3-1
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Pembroke A. vs Luqa SA 3-0, Gudja U. vs Lija A. 2-1, Fgura U. vs Melita 0-2, Mgarr U. vs St. Andrews 3-2
• Gozo - Independence Cup Victoria H. vs Qala SJ 2-0
• Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Xaghra U. vs Oratory Y. 3-0
• The Malta Under-19 National Team travels to Slovakia where they will play two international friendly matches against our counterparts from Slovakia.
  Under the guidance of Under-19 National Coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistants Raymond Schembri and Charles Sciberras their Goalkeepers' Coach, the team departs from Malta on Sunday afternoon via Vienna.
  Both matches will be played at the National Training Centre in Senec. The first encounter will be held next Tuesday 23rd September at 1600hrs with the second match being played on Thursday 25th at 1100hrs.
  These matches will serve as a preparation for the UEFA Under-19 Group 4 qualifiers, which will be held in Malta in late November. Our young players will then face tough encounters against France, Republic of Ireland and Liechtenstein.
  The players forming part of the team travelling to Slovakia are: -
  Joseph Aquilina – Three Bridges (England), Daniel Balzan – Hibernians, Owen Bugeja - Floriana, Tristan Caruana – Hibernians, Cleaven Cassar – Pietà Hotspurs, Elkien Cauchi - Hibernians, Miguel Ciantar – Sliema Wanderers, Matthew Falzon – Hearts FC (Scotland), Timothy Fleri Soler – Hibernians, Leighton Grech - Hibernians, Sheldon Grech – Pietà Hotspurs, Dylan Grima – Valletta, Chris McKay – Pietà Hotspurs, Rowen Muscat – Birkirkara, Rendall Refalo – Pietà Hotspurs, Jonathan Xerri – Hibernians, Ryan Zammit – San Gwann, Terence Vella – Pietà Hotspurs.
  The team returns to Malta on Friday 26th September. The Head of Delegation will be Mr. Joe Pace, while the other MFA staff members accompanying the team are Physiotherapist – Gordon Scicluna and Kit Manager – Mark Piscopo.
• Daniel Bogdanovic scored his first goal for Lokomotiv Sofia as they defeated Levski Sofia 1-0 in a match from the Bulgarian First Division.
  This win which puts Lokomotiv in second place, two points behind leaders CSKA Sofia.
  In England, Malta Under-21 goalkeeper Luke Woods made his debut for Wealdstone in a 4-1 win away from home against Hendon in the Ryman Premier League.
  Wealdstone are currently sixteenth with nine points from eight matches.
  Michael Mifsud was included as a substitute ten minutes from time in Coventry's 1-0 win over Queen's Park Rangers. Coventry are joint-sixth on 11 points, eight behind leaders Wolves.
  On Tuesday, Sheffield United and Coventry shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw. Mifsud was included as a substitute in the beginning of the second half. A reckless tackle on Mifsud by Sun Jihai on the 50th minute cost the Chinese defender a red card.
  In Germany, Andre Schembri played the whole ninety minutes in Carl Zeiss Jena's 2-1 defeat to Kickers Offenbach. Jena are third from bottom on five points from seven matches.
  On the other hand, Etienne Barbara's SC Verl defeated FSV Ludwigshafen-Oggersheim 1-0 in the Regionalliga West. Verl are now joint-fifth on eight points, two behind leaders Rot Weiss Essen.

Sat 20

• Premier League Qormi vs Birkirkara 0-1, Hamrun S. vs Hibernians 1-4
• First Division Knock-Out St. Patrick vs St. George's 4-0, Dingli S. vs Pietà H. 0-0
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Sirens vs Gzira U. 0-3, Zebbug R. vs Birzebbuga SP 3-1

Fri 19

• Premier League Sliema W. vs Marsaxlokk 0-0
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Qrendi vs Mtarfa 1-2, Gozo vs Sta. Venera L. 1-1

Thu 18

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Gharghur vs Zejtun C. 1-1, Balzan Y. vs Marsa 6-0
• Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Nadur Y. 1-0
• Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Munxar F. 3-1
• Matteo Moranda, Physical Trainer at the Youth Sector of Serie A football club, Atalanta B.C., will be the special guest at the official opening of Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery Season 2008/9 which will be held on Friday 19th September 2008 at “Gnien l-Istazzjon” (near St Mary's Old Parish Church) at 1900.
  During this event, all coaches at the club for the upcoming season will be presented to the media whilst the calendar of events will be officially launched.
  During his three day visit, Mr Moranda will be present at mostly all sports activities organized during this weekend. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, he will be working on the field at the Infetti Grounds with two different groups of children from the Nursery; during the afternoons, he will be attentively watching the Under 15 and 17 boys playing their respective official league matches.
  This year, the training will focus mainly on the physical preparation in the youth sector in which Mr Moranda is a qualified professional coach at Atalanta's Youth Sector. These sessions will be held at Infetti Training Grounds and will commence at 09:15. All those interested in attending these meetings together with members of the Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery coaching staff, are to contact Mr Franco Agius on 79438515 and register their names.

Wed 17

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Attard vs Xghajra T. 1-1, Naxxar L. vs Mdina K. 2-1
• Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs SK Victoria W. 0-3
• Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs Oratory Y. 1-0
• Three BOV Premier League players were handed a one-match ban after being sent off during the weekend's matches.
  Ivan Carapic and Andrew Decesare of Tarxien Rainbows, who were sent off in the defeat to Qormi, are now ruled out of the game against Valletta on Monday.
  Hibernians midfielder Alexis Tekumu Mbongo, who was dismissed in the game against Valletta, will now miss the game against Hamrun Spartans on Saturday.
  Other players to be suspended for one match after being sent off during the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out or the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out are Bryan Agius (Mosta), Matthew Schembri (Senglea), Daniel Axisa (Xghajra), Adam Wingfield (Mtarfa) and Owen Psaila (Luqa).
• In a message issued by the Malta FA President, Dr Joe Mifsud, clubs, players, officials and the public were reminded that the Malta Football Association together with FIFA is again commemorating Peace One Day.
  This year the day marking this celebration will be Sunday, 21st September.
  "On this day football worldwide stops for a while so that the message of peace can be passed on through this widely followed sport to people of every race and religion, who are all united in football," Dr Mifsud said.
  "Football has a duty to remind us that in order to facilitate everyone"s participation in the game at every level there has to be peace everywhere. Not only, but the environment must be peaceful so that children and youths can practise this sport freely without any fear or danger," he continued.
  "On this day," Dr Mifsud said, "the Malta Football Association is also playing its role, both in terms of a message which will be read or distributed in all stadia where matches are due to be played on the day and also through the ball boys symbolic walk behind a banner chosen for the occasion."
  "The Malta Football Association would like to convey this message of peace to everyone playing a role in the game, that is, the players, the match officials, spectators and all those who in some way or other follow this sport.
  "Those who wish football well must foster peace because it is only through this environment that we can see people of all ages participating in this sport."
  While auguring that on this day there will be more emphasis on peace, the MFA President said, "it is hoped that this message and the aim behind this commemorative day will be remembered throughout the football season."

Tue 16

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Kalkara vs Zurrieq 1-0, Ghaxaq vs Mellieha 0-2

Mon 15

• Premier League Hibernians vs Valletta 1-1
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Santa Lucia vs Kirkop U. 0-1, Lija A. vs Siggiewi 7-1
• The prestigious BOV Player of the Month Award kicked off once again following the start of the new BOV Premier League season, with Hibernians’ Clayton Failla selected as the player of the month for August.
  The award was presented to Clayton Failla by Emily Grech, Manager at Bank of Valletta’s Paola Branch. Ms Grech congratulated Clayton Failla for his achievement and highlighted the role that BOV is playing as the major sponsor of local sports.
  “Through the BOV Player of the Month, Bank of Valletta seeks to promote local sports talent by rewarding those players who show outstanding performance during the month. We also hope that, apart from recognising the skills and talents of the winners, this award also encourages other players to give their best in a bid to win future editions of this award,” said Ms Grech.
  During Hibernians’ opening matches against Msida St. Joseph and Qormi, Failla distinguished himself by proving to be an excellent defender. He also proved to be a formidable attacker which made him stand out during these two matches. If this form is maintained throughout the BOV Premier League, Failla will undoubtedly be an important addition to his team.
  Speaking about the award Clayton Failla said “This award encourages me to work harder and persevere in this coming season, not only for my personal achievement but also for the rest of the team."
  Linked to the BOV Player of the Month Award is a contribution made by Bank of Valletta to a charity of the player’s choice. The Ursuline Creche is the charity chosen by Clayton Failla.
• The Malta Football Coaches Association is going to organise the first instructional meeting for coaches holding 'A' and 'B' licence for season 2008/2009 on Monday 22nd September 2008 at 19:30 at the Melita ground.
  The theme for this meeting is going to be 'Physiological preparation' and is going to be conducted by Mr. Jimmy Briffa.
  All the coaches that have still to pay the annual membership fee can do so before the session commences.

Sun 14

• Premier League Tarxien R. vs Qormi 0-3, Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun S. 4-2
• First Division Knock-Out San Gwann vs Mosta 1-2, St. George's vs Senglea A. 2-3
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Qrendi vs Birzebbuga SP 0-8, Mgarr U. vs Luqa SA 5-2, Gzira U. vs Fgura U. 0-0, St. Andrews vs Pembroke A. 4-3
• Gozo - Independence Cup Qala SJ vs Nadur Y. 2-1, Victoria H. vs SK Victoria W. 2-1
• The Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery has now opened its doors for girls aged 5 to 12.
  For more details contact the nursery on 21238145 between 16:30 and 19:30 from Monday to Friday.
• Second division side Sta. Venera Lightnings presented their new players during a press conference on Saturday at the club's premises in Sta. Venera.
  After securing their status in the second division last season, the Lightnings worked hard to strengthen their squad for this season's Second Division campaign, signing no less than eight new players.
  New signings include goalkeepers John Agius and James Mercieca from Floriana, defenders Andre' Cachia from Pembroke, Daniel Zuccaro and Antoine Galea from Qormi, midfielders Clayton Cachia from Sliema and Alan Ellul from Lija and striker Fabian Debono also from Sliema.
  The club believes that now the squad is strong enough to challenge for the promotion. This year the club’s main objective is not only promotion but also trying to reach an agreement with the MFA, the government and the Curia for the surfacing of the training grounds with artificial turf.
  Sta. Venera Lightnings thanked the sponsors which are Sports Experience as kit sponsors and Peresso Tudor Press Ltd who is helping the club financially.

Sat 13

• Premier League Floriana vs Sliema W. 0-0, Birkirkara vs Msida SJ 2-0
• First Division Knock-Out Pietà H. vs Mqabba 1-0, Rabat A. vs Vittoriosa S. 1-1
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mtarfa vs Zebbug R. 1-4, Sirens vs Melita 1-1
• Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Xaghra U. vs Zebbug R. 4-1, St. Lawrence S. vs Oratory Y. 0-1
• On the eve of a new football season, the Committee of St. George’s FC presented the squad and their new signings to the general public during a press conference which was held at the Club’s premises.
  President Chris Agius addressed the media and highlighted the fact that this will be a preparatory season in view to next year’s club 120 years anniversary.
  After a rather disappointing season, the committee engaged new coach Joe Falzon who has a vast experience in maltese football. Soon both coach and committee agreed on some players which should be included in the squad bearing in mind the club’s financial limitations.
  It was only Clive Brincat who joined Marsaxlokk on a permanent basis that will not be included in this year’s squad. Chris Agius on behalf of the committee and supporters thanked Clive for his long service with the club. All players which had been on loan with other clubs returned back. Manuel Sevasta who was on loan with Floriana reached an agreement to join the club again. Manuel will also be the new captain. Lawrence Mizzi (on loan with Msida) and Edgar Degabriele (on loan with Zebbug) also returned to form part of the squad. Together with these 3 players, they will be joined by: Andrea Gatt, Christian Grech, Anthony Bonello, Heathcliff Schembri, Clint Schiavone, Silvio Sciberras, Emerson Amaira, Vince Camilleri and David Aquilina together with some players form the youth squad.
  As regards to new signings St. George’s acquired the services of goalkeeper Matthew Xerxen, Lee Grima, Benoir Fenech and Trevor Thomas. Keith Xuereb was once again confirmed to form part of the squad. The club obtained the services of Glenn Bonello (product of the club), young Iro Curmi and young foreigner John Nwoba.
  The committee embraces the comments of MFA president Joe Mifsud against corruption in football. The president urged players to report any foul play to the respective authorities.
  As regards to training facilities, the committee is forking out hundreds of euros to let the squad train and practice on decent grounds. However in a few week’s time the club will make use of the new football pitch at the new Verdala secondary school.
  The press conference ended with the club’s president thanking Emmanuel Peresso who has been sponsoring the club’s kit wear for the past years. He also thanked Danone Hyatt which provides refreshments to the players during training sessions and games. Together with these two sponsors the club is searching for more sponsors which could help the club during the coming season.
• Thanks to the twinning of the towns of Pembroke, Malta and that of Roccalumera, Sicily a trip was organised for the Under 16 squad of Pembroke Athleta by the Pembroke Local Council and that of the Sicilian counterpart. The local team participated in a quadrangular tournament which was won by the Maltese side, winning three games and losing one in the process. In the final the Maltese lads beat the team Nizza di Sicilia by 2 goals to 1.
  The Pembroke councillors augured that next year’s tournament will be held at Pembroke Athleta Football Nursery in Malta.
  Although the visit was a short one - long weekend of 8th September, apart from the tournament, the programme included time for other social and cultural activities. These were a visit to the Commercial Centre of Messina, invitation to the village feast in Roccalumera (Madonna Della Catena), a visit to the beautiful town of Taormina, and a cultural visit to a very old and remote small village close to Roccalumera by the name of “Mandanici”. The group were met by the town's mayor and other council members together with members of this community.
  The trip was also a thank you gesture by the Pembroke Athleta Football Nursery and by the Mayor and Councillors of Pembroke Local Council to the Under 16 squad who won promotion to Section B and winning the Section last year.

Fri 12

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Zejtun C. vs Gozo 0-2, Marsa vs Attard 2-1
• The Malta Football Association announced changes in the kick-off times for this weekend's matches from the BOV Premier League. Matches will be played at 17:00 and 19:00 and not as originally scheduled.
  The two matches in programme on Saturday - Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara vs Msida St. Joseph - will now kick-off at 17:00 and 19:00 respectively while the matches Tarxien Rainbows vs Qormi and Marsaxlokk vs Hamrun Spartans, in programme on Sunday will kick-off at 17:00 and 19:00 respectively. All matches will be played at the National Stadium.
  Meanwhile the first fixtures from the Youth League have been issued. The first matches will be played on Saturday 20 September at the St. Patrick Ground. On Sunday 21, matches will be played at the Melita Ground and St. Patrick Ground while on Monday 22, matches will be played at the Luxol Ground. Section A kicks-off on October 2 with two matches at the Centenary Stadium.
• The 3-0 defeat to Albania was definitely a most disappointing result for Malta considering the performance of Dusan Fitzel's side at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana in a match from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round.
  A goal in added time at the end of the first half put Albania ahead. The Maltese did not lose composure although such goals at that point in time are always a psychological blow. They pushed for the equaliser late in the game, only to be punished by two late goals. The result could be deemed as being too harsh on Malta.
  Malta coach Dusan Fitzel admitted that he knew it would be a tough game for Malta. He said he knew what their approach would be.
  "We played much better (than the game against Portugal) but we conceded the first goal just before half-time. This affects the players psychologically. However in the second half, the players managed to show their potential and character. They scored the second and third goal when we were trying to equalise," said Fitzel.
  Asked whether changes were necessary, Fitzel said that he has already started with some changes as he wanted to take a more agressive approach against Albania. As regards Aaron Xuereb, who replaced Brian Said, he said that it was important to find a replacement for Said, saying that although Xuereb did commit a couple of mistakes in the beginning, he then showed his true potential.
  The Malta national coach said that a problem for his players is that they are able to play good possession till they reach the penalty area but not further inside the area.
  Fitzel said that a positive note was the fact that the players had realised themselves what were the problems in the game against Portugal. However he said that "for Maltese players, football is fun and not a hard job. Therefore my work could not be enough."
  Malta will now have another difficult task when the team meets Denmark in Copenhagen on October 11. Four days later, Malta hosts Hungary at Ta' Qali.
• Following the continuous support of Air Malta, South End Core managed to put together a team of 80 people for a one day tour in Albania. It was a dream come true, the first ever support group to follow our national team in foreign soil.
  In just four days, South End Core managed to sell out all the seats thanks to the great response from the general public. The phones kept on ringing, with people requesting to join along and if time was in our favour, that turnout would have been much bigger.
  The day of fun started off on our way to the airport, on the plane and around Tirana where all the Albanians welcomed us and made us at home in all the pubs we visited. We sang our hearts out in the streets feeling proud about our country.
  During the match, outnumbered by the Albanians who came in the stadium, we tried our best to make ourselves heard. The drums and the trumpet never stopped accompanying the South End Core chorus which was clearly heard by our players. We never stopped jumping to the traditional Maltese tunes. Unfortunately, besides losing our voice the score was such a disappointment we would gladly forget.
  Nevertheless the South End Core are already planning their probable next trip to Denmark as part of the Qualifying campaign. The immense joy and fulfillment of supporting our national team felt during the day trip to Tirana was indescribable and definitely not the last. The event will take place this coming October 2008 and all those interested are welcome to get in touch with the South End Core team. Further details will be given at a later stage.
  South End Core, one voice, one nation.

Thu 11

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Balzan Y. vs Xghajra T. 2-0, Gharghur vs Sta. Venera L. 1-3
• Malta was drawn in Group C of the 2010 UEFA European Futsal Championship preliminary round to be played between February 14 and 22. Michal Striz's side will be hosting Greece, Georgia and Albania at the Corradino Pavilion.
  The winner of the group will then play in Group 5 of the qualifying round in programme between March 19 and 22. The group includes Serbia, FYR Macedonia and hosts Belgium.
  Besides the winners, the best two runner-ups in the preliminary round will also reach the qualifying round.
  Last year, Malta met both Greece and Albania in the FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers, losing both games 1-2. In 2007, Malta met Georgia in the UEFA European Championship, beating them 5-2.
• Sliema Wanderers FC signed an agreement with Puttinu Cares Children’s Cancer Support Group thanks to which the Blues pledged their full support to the organisation. The agreement was revealed during a press conference which was held on Thursday at The Conference Room – Bay Street Hotel, St. Julians. They also presented their new players and sponsors for this season.
  Thanks to this agreement, Sliema will be offering all possible help to Puttinu Cares which includes raising awareness, offering the organisation facilities to hold activities, having players participate in activities and a fund-raising activity by the Sliema nursery.
  Puttinu Cares activities' organiser Rennie Zerafa revealed that there are twelve new cases each month of children diagnosed with cancer and the organisation was therefore committed to make their life and that of their families a bit better. He spoke about the organisation's projects which include the acquisition of apartments in England where parents assisting their children in UK hospitals could stay. Zerafa said that activities such as the one day a number of these children spent with the Sliema players last year turned out to be a success.
  Chairman Dr Victor Calvagna said Puttinu Cares aims at improving the quality of life of the children and their families and the organisation needed everyone's help in order to reach their objective.
  The agreement was signed by Sliema Wanderers president Steve Abela and coach Stephen Azzopardi on behalf of Sliema and Dr Victor Calvagna and Rennie Zerafa on behalf of Puttinu Cares.
  Meanwhile the Wanderers' three-year plan aims at having a structure where youngsters are introduced gradually until they eventually form the back-bone of the club in future.
  New players for this season are Simon Agius, Daniel Severino, Kosta Bjedov and Victor Coto. Australian midfielder Daniel Severino and Serbian striker Kosta Bjedov have already made their Premier League debut. Their latest signing is seventeen-year old Victor Coto, who hails from Costa Rica, although he holds an Italian passport. Players like Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and John Mintoff who were on loan with other clubs are now back with the club.
  Coach Stephen Azzopardi will be assisted by Alfred Attard with the rest of the technical staff being made up of James Azzopardi, team manager Rupert Perry, kit-manager Joe Micallef and goalkeepers' coach Charles Sciberras.
  Sponsors include Robert Arrigo, who has now been appointed as honorary president, Daikin, Kean juices, Borges, Assikura, Remax and Terranova. The Wanderers will be wearing Diadora kits.
  By May 2009, the new artificial turf training grounds in Tigne should be completed following a nine-year wait during which the club lacked decent facilities although the team still managed to achieve success. The new artificial turf pitch will be part of a state-of-the-art complex which will include a gym, indoor pool and club house.
  The club is now planning to celebrate its hundredth anniversary. A limited-edition magazine with photos from the past hundred years will be published. A programme of activities will be announced in the coming weeks.
  Meanwhile Sliema Wanderers will be organising a meeting for club members at the Diplomat Hotel on Friday at 20:30. Club president Steve Abela, committee members, coach Stephen Azzopardi and players will be present.
  The club invites supporters who are not yet members of the club to join for a fee of €25. Club officials will be present at 19:30 to receive payments of membership fees.
• Luqa St. Andrew's Youth Nursery organised an Under-13 one-day football festival at the Luqa Youth Nursery sports complex to mark the beginning of the new season.
  Taking part in the festival were six nurseries - Sliema Wanderers, Xghajra, Dingli Swallows, Pembroke Athleta, Zejtun Corinthians and Luqa St. Andrew's. More than 90 children took part in this festival. At the end of the festival, each nursery, thanks to the South End Core, was presented with some South End Core flags so that the children would be able to use them when supporting the national team in the game against Portugal last Saturday.
  Luqa St. Andrew's Youth Nursery is inviting all children - boys and girls - aged 6 to 17 who would like to join the nursery to visit the Luqa Sports Complex with their parents. The complex is open every evening after 18:30. Otherwise they could contact the nursery by email on luqayn@gmail.com or on mobile number 99868730.

Wed 10

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mellieha vs Sta Lucia 0-0, Naxxar L. vs Zurrieq 2-1

Tue 9

• Malta will be aiming for a better result and performance as Dusan Fitzel's side faces Albania in the second match from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana on Wednesday, kick-off at 20:45.
  On Saturday, Portugal proved to be too strong for Malta. The visitors enjoyed a 1-0 lead by the end of the first half courtesy of an own goal but after the break, the Portuguese dominated and scored three goals without reply. Therefore the Maltese are now eager to put up a better display in Tirana.
  On the other hand, Albania managed to hold Sweden in a goalless draw in Tirana last Saturday. Zlatan Ibrahimovic hit the post and Henrik Larsson went close twice, but the home side had their share of the chances in Tirana as new coach Arie Haan maintained his record of never losing his competitive debut in charge of any team.
  The Maltese squad arrived in Tirana on Sunday night and held two training sessions. The first was held on Monday at the Dinamo Tirana training complex and the second and final session was held on Tuesday at the Qemal Stafa Stadium.
  Dusan Fitzel is bound to make at least one change from the team as Ivan Woods suffered an injury which ruled him out of this game. Roderick Briffa also suffered an injury but this should not stop him from being in the starting line-up on Wednesday.
  Malta welcomes back Carl Zeiss Jena striker Andre Schembri who missed the game against Portugal as he was serving a one-match ban. In midfield, George Mallia should replace the injured Ivan Woods.
  With Justin Haber confirmed in goal, Aaron Xuereb could replace Brian Said at the back, joining Luke Dimech at the centre of defence. Roderick Briffa and Shaun Bajada will start on the flanks. In midfield, the player to join Kevin Sammut, Gilbert Agius and Jamie Pace could be Etienne Barbara with another option being George Mallia while up front Andre Schembri should join Michael Mifsud in attack.
  Arie Haan is not expected to make much changes from the team which played on Saturday and therefore he should field: Arjan Beqaj, Armend Dallku, Kristi Vangjeli, Debatik Curri, Elvin Beqiri, Lorik Cana, Altin Lala, Klodian Duro, Ervin Skela, Jahmir Hyka, Hamdi Salihi. However there is the possibility of Erjon Bogdani being included in the starting line-up.
  The full squad is made up of:
  Goalkeepers: Arjan Beqaj (Anorthosis Famagusta), Isli Hidi (Alki Larnaka FC), Ilion Lika (Terek Grozny).
  Defenders: Armend Dallku (Vorskla Poltava), Kristi Vangjeli (Aris Thessaloniki), Debatik Curri (Vorskla Poltava), Endri Vrapi (FK Elbasani), Andi Lila (SK Tirana)
  Midfielders: Lorik Cana (Olympique Marseille), Altin Lala (Hannover 96), Klodian Duro (AC Omonia), Ervin Skela (Energie Cottbus), Admir Teli (Hecettepespor), Ansi Agolli (SK Tirana), Elis Bakaj (KF Partizani Tirana), Jahmir Hyka (Mainz 05), Ervin Bulku (FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih)
  Strikers: Edmond Kapllani (Karlsruhe), Hamdi Salihi (SV Ried), Besart Berisha (Rosenborg), Erjon Bogdani (Chievo Verona).
  Malta and Albania met five times but this will be the first time the two countries are facing each other in a competitive match. The first three games were played at Ta' Qali. Following a 2-1 win for Malta in a friendly match in January 1995, Malta hosted Albania twice in the Rothmans Tournament. The two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in Febrauary 1998 but two years later, Albania registered a 1-0 win, going on to win the tournament. The next two games were played in Tirana. In November 2000 and once again in August 2007, Albania registered two identical 3-0 wins.
  Albania vs Malta will be controlled by referee Robert Schörgenhofer from Austria. He will be assisted by Egon Bereuter and Raimund Buch and fourth official Bernhard Brugger.
  Melita Sports will broadcast the FIFA 2010 Qualifier match of Group 1 between Albania v Malta. Game will be scheduled on Melita Sports 702 with live transmission from the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana from 20:40hrs
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Melita vs Gzira U. 3-0, Mdina K. vs Kalkara 0-0
• FIFA Referee Chris Lautier will be controlling two matches in the UEFA Regions Cup Intermediate Round Group 8 in Slovakia this week.
  The Maltese referee, who will be accompanied by Mariano Debono as Assistant Referee, will be in charge of two matches, that between FC Aratat of Estonia and Kurzemos Amateur of Latvia on 11th September, and two days later, the match between Avey Akstafa of Azerbaijan and Kurzemos Amateur.

Mon 8

• Andre Schembri who skipped last Saturday's qualifier against Portugal, replaced Ivan Woods in the squad which left Malta on Sunday night, destination Tirana where Malta will be playing the second game from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
  Ivan Woods, who was included in the starting line-up, had to be replaced due to an injury. Schembri, on the other hand, is now available after serving a one-match ban.
  The squad which travelled to Tirana is therefore made up of:
  goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Justin Haber (Sheffield United);
  defenders Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Brian Said (Marsaxlokk), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs);
  midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleaven Frendo (Valletta), Jamie Pace (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
  forwards Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Etienne Barbara (Verl), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena).
  Andrew Hogg and Udo Nwoko are still ruled out injured.
  The team will be holding a training session on Monday at 17:00 at the training centre of Dinamo Tirana.
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Pembroke A. vs Mgarr U. 1-0, Luqa SA vs St. Andrews 0-0, Ghaxaq vs Kirkop U. 0-2, Siggiewi vs Gudja U. 2-5
• The Tarxien Rainbows Youth Nursery would like to invite new recruits either boys or girls ages 5-12 years wishing to join the nursery. Girls at the age of 13 upwards are also welcome.
  Applicants are to call at the Ground Complex in St. Francis street Tarxien as from next Tuesday 9th of September to Friday 12th September to fill an application form. The new season 2008/2009 will start as from next Monday 15th September.

Sun 7

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Sta. Venera L. vs Zejtun C. 3-0, Zebbug R. vs Qrendi 5-2, Fgura U. vs Sirens 1-3, Birzebbuga SP vs Mtarfa 3-0
• The Malta amateur national team ended its commitments in Group 2 of the UEFA Regions Cup Preliminary Round with maximum points after claiming the third win in three matches. Malta therefore reaches the next round of the competition.
  Malta will play in Group 1 of the Intermediary Round - Central/West section against the teams representing Germany, Belgium and Northern Ireland.
  After beating Welsh side Gwent County 2-0 on Wednesday and hosts Maccabi Zur Salom 1-0 on Friday, the Malta amateur side defeated Czech side Southern Bohemia on Sunday 3-0 on Sunday.
  Edwin Camilleri's side was already 0-1 in their favour. A well taken free kick by Mead Mifsud found Kane Micallef who headed into the back of the net. The Maltese sat back controlling the game with loads of ball possession. This was a prelude to two well prepared counter attacks by Julian Galea and finished in style by Ronnie Celeste.
  Coach Edwin Camilleri had words of praise for his team who played all three matches with a very good team spirit and loads of commitment.
  On behalf of the association, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud congratulated the team for this achievement.
• On behalf of the Malta Football Association, President Dr. Joe Mifsud would like to thank the continuous support during the match and the great attendance at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali against Portugal, with a further mention to the supporters club, the South End Core who did not stop encouraging our players even when we conceded a goal in a crucial time of the game.
  In such occasions when we clash against much bigger teams its is very important to continuously support our players and intimidate our opponents to a certain extent and make better use of the fact that we are playing home.

Sat 6

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Attard vs Balzan Y. 0-2
• The South End Core announced late on Friday that the one-day trip to Tirana to follow the National team in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Wednesday 10th September is officially sold out.
  The South End Core thanked all those who helped them in one way or another and Airmalta for helping in making the South End Core's dream come true.
  Meanwhile few tickets for the South End Core for the match against Portugal are available. Those needing SEC tickets should contact Louis Agius on 79403309.
• Premier School of Football organized a get-together and presentation night for children attending the school and their parents.
  Attractive prizes consisting of football related items were handed out to all the boys participating in the school’s target shout-out organized at the end of last season. Trophies were also awarded to the best fund-raisers and target shoot-out winners. In line with the school’s philosophy to reward those who make the best effort to improve and who are not necessarily its best students, the school also presented trophies and certificates to the most improved players for season 2007/2008.
  The school will be commencing its fourth year of football training during the first week of October and is presently accepting applications from those wishing to join. Parents wishing to register their child are kindly requested to call on mobile numbers 99459607 or 99470423 for further details.

Fri 5

• Malta will be hosting Portugal in the first match from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, kick-off at 20:00.
  It will definitely be a most difficult test for Dusan Fitzel's side considering the strength of the Portuguese side. A team which is currently ranked ninth in the FIFA World Ranking and which reached the quarter-finals of the EURO 2008 after winning the group which included Turkey, the Czech Republic and Switzerland.
  Speaking on Thursday, Dusan Fitzel said that this game will provide him and the players with a big challenge considering that some of the best players in the world are part of Carlos Queiroz's side. However captain Gilbert Agius said such a game fills the players with great motivation and therefore the players will be doing their very best to obtain a good result.
  The local players in fact hope the public together with the South End Core will be the 12th player for Malta. Undoubtedly the support played a very important role in the national team's excellent 2-2 draw with Turkey this time last year.
  Andrew Hogg, Udo Nwoko, Andre Schembri and Ian Azzopardi are unavailable for one reason or another while Omar Borg, Josef Mifsud and Peter Pullicino were not included in the squad.
  Fitzel is therefore expected to make only a couple of changes from the team which lost narrowly to Estonia last month.
  Justin Haber is confirmed in goal although he has not been playing club football on a regular basis over the past weeks.
  The four defenders are expected to be Brian Said and Luke Dimech as central defenders with Roderick Briffa and Shaun Bajada on the flanks. In fact, Briffa and Bajada should be preferred to Kenneth Scicluna and Stephen Wellman.
  In midfield, Kevin Sammut, Gilbert Agius and Jamie Pace will make it to the starting line-up, probably together with Ivan Woods. The other option could be George Mallia.
  Up front, Etienne Barbara should join Michael Mifsud.
  After coaching Portugal between 1991 and 1993, Carlos Queiroz started his second spell as Portuguese national coach last month with a friendly match against the Faroe Islands after replacing Luis Felipe Scolari. Portugal defeated Faroe Islands 5-0 with Carlos Martins, Simao Sabrosa, Duda, Bruno Alves and Nani scoring the five goals.
  Speaking on Friday, Queiroz said his team will treat Malta with respect, saying the Malta coach did a good job over the past two years.
  The former Manchester United assistant manager is aware of the danger Michael Mifsud could pose but said he plans to keep the player well under control.
  Carlos Queiroz admitted there was a big difference between coaching at club level and coaching a national team. He said that 80% of the work involved in coaching a national team is making the right team selection, motivating the players and help players concentrate in a short period of time.
  Benfica's Nuno Gomes said he knows Malta had fast players in attack and the team is able to defend well. When asked whether the hot weather will affect the players, he said this would be no excuse for the team and their only objective is the three points.
  Cristiano Ronaldo is ruled out injured while Inter's new recruit Ricardo Quaresma was left out as lacks match fitness.
  Queiroz is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation: Quim (Benfica) - Bosingwa (Chelsea), Pepe (Real Madrid), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Antunes (Lecce) - Raul Meireles (Porto), Maniche (Atletico Madrid), Deco (Chelsea) - Simão (Atletico Madrid), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen) or Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Nani (Manchester United).
  Also at the disposal of the Portuguese coach are Eduardo (Braga), Bruno Alves (Porto), Miguel (Valencia), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Danny (Zenit St. Petersburg), Carlos Martins (Benfica).
  This will be the ninth clash between Malta and Portugal. The two teams first met in February 1985 with Portugal winning 3-1 in a World Cup qualifier. In Lisbon, eight months later, Malta suffered a narrow 3-2 defeat. In March 1987 at the Estádio dos Barreiros in Funchal, Malta obtained a most prestigious 2-2 draw in a European Championship Qualifier. At Ta' Qali, in December 1987, Portugal registered a 1-0 win.
  The two countries were drawn in the same group in the qualifiers for the 1992 European Championship. Under the guidance of Carlos Queiroz, Portugal won 1-0 at Ta' Qali and 5-0 in Porto in February 1991. In the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, Portugal won 1-0 once again at Ta' Qali and 4-0 in Porto.
  Malta vs Portugal will be controlled by referee Kevin Blom from the Netherlands. He will be assisted by assistant referees Nicholas George Siebert and Sander Van Roekel and fourth official Hendrikus Sebastiaan Nijhius.
  On Wednesday, Malta will be in action once again with a game against Albania at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana.
• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Xghajra T. vs Marsa 0-1, Gozo vs Gharghur 1-3
• The Malta amateur national team registered the second win in Group 2 of the UEFA Regions Cup Preliminary Round after defeating hosts Maccabi Zur Salom 1-0 at Nes-Ziona on Friday. Julian Galea scored the all-important goal one minute from time.
  Malta is therefore the only team with maximum points from two matches and therefore stands a good chance of qualifying for the next round. The final match is against Czech side Southern Bohemia on Sunday.
• Thirteen teams will be taking part in the Women's League 2008/09.
  Five teams will be playing in the First Division and eight teams will play in the Second Division. The objective is to have six teams in the Division 1 for season 2009/10.
  Birkirkara, Hibernians, Melita, Mosta and Sliema Raiders will be playing in the top division which will be played over three rounds.
  On the other hand, taking part in Division 2 are Gozo, Hamrun Spartans, Lija-Iklin, Marsa, Mgarr United, Pembroke Athleta, Sta. Venera Yellow Blues and Tarxien Rainbows. Gozo, Hamrun, Marsa and Tarxien are the new teams in the competition although Gozo and Hamrun did take part in the very first editions of the Women's League in the nineties.
  All matches will be played at the Luxol Ground on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
  The season will kick-off on September 30 with the Super Cup final between champions Hibernians and Knock-Out winners Birkirkara.
  Meanwhile as from this season, a 7-a-side Under-15 League will be organised by the Women's Football Committee. Besides established teams, there will be three new clubs - Mellieha, Kirkop and Birzebbuga. Matches will be played on Sundays.
• The Youth League is set to kick-off during the third weekend of September.
  The reason behind this delay - considering that competitions usually kicked-off in the first or second week of the month is that the Malta Football Association is doing its best to have as many grounds with artificial turf where these games will be hosted. Until last season, only Section A matches were played on artificial turf.
  The association is in fact in talks with the management of the grounds in Zabbar - St. Patrick, Melita, Luxol, Hamrun and Pembroke over the possibility of hosting Youth League matches. Section B, C and D matches will not only be played during the weekend and public holidays as it was the case over the past years and as from this year, matches will be played during the week as well depending on the availability of these grounds. Also for this reason, fixtures will be issued from time to time.
  Forty-five teams will be taking part - 10 teams in each of Sections A, B and C and fifteen in Section D. The only new team will be Kalkara. Sections A, B and C will be played on two rounds and Section D will be played on one round.
• Dingli Swallows F.C.Y.N is accepting applications from those that want to register their children between 5 and 16 years for the season 2008/09. Registrations are being accepted from Monday to Friday between 18:30hrs to 20:00hrs at the Dingli Swallows FC, 6, Parish Street, Dingli.
  Children registering for the first time have to present an "Original government birth certificate" and "four (4) passport photos". The children are to be accompanied by one of their parents in possession of an ID Card.
  Girls aged 5 up to 12 years old can also register with the Football Nursery.
  It is important to ask a member of the committee for a Medical Examination Form.
  For further information kindly contact the nursery Administrator, Joseph Cuschieri on 79593521.
• The Senglea Nursery held its annual 'End of Season Presentation' for the season 2007/2008 on Thursday 28 August. Apart from rewarding Senglea Nursery's players, this year they also rewarded all participants and winners of our five-week Summer Activities.
  These activities were open to all Senglea children and youngsters under 16 years of age and not only to the players.
  Summer Activities included ball juggling, cross-bar challenge, scoring from opposite side, table soccer, playstation football tournament, billiards, chess, mastermind, draughts, sprints, basketball shoot-outs, swimming - freestyle; backstroke; lilo race; board race. Apart from these activities, Senglea Nursery also offered football games and training sessions even throughout the Summer months.
  During the EURO 2008, Senglea Nursery also invited their youngsters to assist to the football matches live on the big screen at their club, also offering free drinks and food to those attending for these matches.
  In his speech, Senglea nursery president Mr. Stephen Spiteri highlighted the projects this nursery is carrying out for Senglea's youngsters to benefit from. Senglea Nursery is organizing numerous activities, in which these children can participate and enjoy themselves in a safe and pleasant ambience. He referred to the newly reopened "31st May 1981" ground and to Senglea Nursery's role as administrators, with the mission to organize various activities organized throughout the year for every youth to benefit from.
  Spiteri mentioned the opening of Senglea Nursery's Centre, a centre opened for all Senglea Nursery youths. The Senglea Nursery is continuously organizing activities, games and lectures for these children to take advantage from. The enthusiasm and participation of these children gives Senglea Nursery's committee the energy to carry on with new and innovative projects.
  Mr. Stephen Spiteri remarked on how the Summer Activities project came to light, stating that Senglea Nursery was invited by SkolaAttiv to organize a five-week programme for all Senglea youngsters. Even Senglea Nursery faced a lot of problems, especially financially, they organized these games just the same, so that all Senglea's youths can enjoy themselves even throughout the Summer months.
  Spiteri concluded by stating that Senglea Nursery's mission is to attract youngsters towards Senglea Nursery, a nursery which is offering not only football, but a variety of activities.
  Following the presentation, the evening continued with the participation of various famous Maltese singers who entertained our guests.
  Among the distinguished guests for the event was Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Dolores Cristina.

Thu 4

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Kalkara vs Naxxar L. 0-1, Kirkop U. vs Mellieha 0-0
• Malta national coach Dusan Fitzel announced the 20-man squad for next Saturday's match from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Portugal.
  Aaron Xuereb, Shaun Bajada, Ryan Fenech, George Mallia, Terence Scerri are back in squad after they missed the training camp and friendly match in Estonia. On the other hand, Omar Borg, Ian Azzopardi, Josef Mifsud and Peter Pullicino are not part of the squad. Azzopardi was left out due to personal reasons.
  Andrew Hogg and Udo Nwoko are ruled out injured while Andre Schembri will be serving a one-match ban.
  The players selected by Fitzel are:
  goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Justin Haber (Sheffield United);
  defenders Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Brian Said (Marsaxlokk), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs);
  midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleaven Frendo (Valletta), Jamie Pace (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
  forwards Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Etienne Barbara (Verl), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
  MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that on paper this game is a very difficult one but just like last year's fixture against Turkey who eventually reached the semi-finals, the Maltese could rise to the occasion.
  He revealed that the game will be broadcast in several countries, besides Portugal, including Latin America through ESPN, Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and the Sub-Sahara.
  Dr Mifsud thanked the South End Core for their continuous and colourful support and said that for a small country like Malta, such support is a big boost for the players to give their hundred per cent. He concluded by reminding supporters that no flares or fireworks are allowed both due to UEFA regulations and local laws.
  Fitzel said that this game will provide him and the players with a big challenge considering that some of the best players in the world are part of Carlos Queiroz's side.
  "I watched a video of the game they played against Faroe Islands and really enjoyed the way they played. They enjoy themselves while playing," said Fitzel.
  The Malta coach said he has been focussing for this game for the past three or four weeks, saying that he is now eager to have the team showing they were doing a good job.
  Captain Gilbert Agius said such a game fills the players with great motivation and therefore the players will be doing their very best to obtain a good result.
  Speaking on behalf of the South End Core, Louis Agius said that since Portugal are on paper a stronger side compared to Turkey, it was the South End Core's duty to prepare something better than they did last year. The choreography which will be used will be similar to that usually used in stadiums in South America.
  He spoke about the one-day trip to Albania, saying this was a "dream come true" for the South End Core.
  There are only a few seats left and those interested should contact Louis Agius on +356 79403309 or email louisagius@onvol.net
• Tickets for next Saturday's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier Malta vs Portugal are selling fast. Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud revelealed that tickets for the Millennium Stand are almost sold out and the probability is that there will be no tickets left for this section on sale on Saturday before the game.
  There is also a big demand for tickets for the South End Core which will probably be sold out once again as it was this time last year against Turkey.
  The South End Core, following an agreement and support received from Air Malta, will be organising a special one day trip to Tirana for the match Albania vs Malta. The price for this one day trip is of only EUR 215.00, inclusive of flights Malta – Tirana – Malta, taxes, fuel surcharge, and transfers from airport to city and Stadium together with a guaranteed match ticket.
  Supporters from the South End Core will join another group which will travel to Albania on a three-day trip organised by Mondial Holidays. Therefore the national team will have good support in Tirana.
  Tickets for Malta vs Portugal are available from Geraldu Kiosk – Valletta; Star Tourism – Bugibba; Eros Stationery – Paceville; Teamsport – Iklin; MFA Health & Fitness Centre - Ta Qali; and all Vodafone outlets.
  Match ticket prices are as follows: West A Upper and West C Upper: €25; West A Lower and West C Lower: €12; Millennium Stand: €8; North Stand: €5.
  South End Core tickets are available from Teamsport, Rookies - Bugibba, Ryan's Pub - St. Julian's, Extra-Time - Mosta, Zmerc Pub - Balzan, 47 Summer Nights - Marsascala, Dual Zone - Zabbar, KSU, Cafe Matteo - Valletta and Malta University Sports Club (mobile no. 79055328). Tickets cost €5.
  There are only a few seats left for the one-day trip to Albania. Those interested in joining the group should contact Louis Agius on +356 79403309 or email louisagius@onvol.net
• The Malta Under-21 side faces France this evening in the final game from Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 Champions qualifying round against France in Boulogne-en-Mer.
  Malta collected three points from the seven matches played so far, the only three points coming from a 2-1 over Bosnia-Herzegovina in November. In a friendly match last month, Malta defeated Liechtenstein 1-0.
  France, who defeated Malta 2-0 at Ta' Qali last year, are currently third in the group with eleven points from six matches, behind Wales and Romania who lie on 15 points (7 matches) and 14 points (6 matches) respectively.
  For coach Mark Miller, this will be his last one as Under-21 coach as he takes over as coach of Hibernians officially next week.
  Out of the squad for this game are midfielders Paul Fenech of Birkirkara and Ryan Fenech of Hamrun Spartans who both serve a one-match ban.
  The players selected by Miller are:
  goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Luke Woods (Wealdstone);
  defenders Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Ryan Camilleri (Pietà), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Duncan Pisani (Floriana);
  midfielders Edmond Agius (Valletta), Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Warren Chircop (Tarxien), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara);
  forwards Angus Buhagiar (Birkirkara), Edward Herrera (Hibs), Stephen Meilak (Hamrun) and Ian Zammit (Valletta).
• The Malta Football Association has just relaunched its website www.mfa.com.mt
  The website was designed by ICON.
  The site includes information already available in the previous website such as general information about the association, facilities, statistics and clubs but will also include a section with latest news from the association and feeds from UEFA and FIFA, new sections dedicated to coaches and referees and a section from where one could download documents and forms.
• Busy weeks lie ahead for the youth national teams.
  The Malta Under-19 side will be playing friendly matches against Slovakia in Senec on September 23 and 25. The team, led by Edwin Camilleri, is currently preparing for the UEFA Under-19 mini-tournament due to be played in Malta between November 20 and 27. Malta will host Ireland, France and Liechtenstein.
  The Malta Under-17 side, under the guidance of Oliver Spiteri, will be playing in the UEFA Under-17 mini-tournament later this month, between September 24 and October 1, in Russia. Malta will face Russia, Turkey and Slovenia.
  Meanwhile the Women's national team will take part in two UEFA mini-tournaments - one in November and another in Spring. The latter tournament will be held in Malta.

Wed 3

• Second & Third Division Knock-Out Zurrieq vs Mdina K. 0-2, Santa Lucia vs Ghaxaq 3-0
• The Malta amateur national team defeated Welsh side Gwent County 2-0 in the first match from Group 2 of the UEFA Regions Cup Preliminary Round at the Municipal Stadium in Rishon Le-Zion in Israel on Wednesday.
  An own goal by Jonathan Newall four minutes in the second half paved the way for victory. Julian Galea doubled the score on 76 minutes.
  MALTA: Julian Azzopardi, Adrian Borg, David Fenech, George Gribbon, Giuseppe Muscat, Joseph Buttigieg, Julian Galea (83' Matthew Borg), Shaun Magro, Mead Mifsud (46' Kane William Micallef), Andre Scicluna (29' Joseph Cefai), Chris Pace.
  GWENT COUNTY: Christopher Jones, David Gibbs, Wathen Lee, Lee Palmer, Jonathan Newall, Benjamin Burrows, Thomas Elwick, Lee Jones (46' Leigh Bull), Michael Williams, Mathew Palmer (72' Luke Lewis), Mark Millinship.
  Referee: Vusal Aliyev (AZE)
  In another match, hosts Maccabi Zur Salom defeated Czech side Southern Bohemia 2-0.
  On Friday, Malta meet Maccabi Zur Salom at Nes-Ziona while on Sunday, Malta plays the final game against Southern Bohemia at the Municipal.
• Two Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off during the weekend.
  Sliema Wanderers striker Kosta Bjedov will be missing the next league game against Floriana on September 13 while Qormi midfielder Joseph Chetcuti is ruled out of the match against Tarxien Rainbows on September 14.
• Sta. Lucia Nursery in collaboration withe the Sta Lucia Local Council will be organising a 50 hours Football Marathon at the Sta. Lucia Synthetic pitch between Friday 5th September starting at 18:00 up to Sunday 7th at 20:00.
  The marathon is being held in aid of Id-Dar tal-Provvidenza.
  This is the first time a football marathon is being organised by a nursery where all participants are players and coaches from the nursery. Therefore this is an important achievement for the Sta. Lucia nursery which was established five years ago. It now has also a section for girls.
  The nursery kicks-off on Friday 5th at 18:00 with the kick-off by former Malta international player Carmel Busuttil. Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli and Malta Labour Party leader Dr Joseph Muscat are expected to attend for the kick-off. The President of the Republic Dr Edward Fenech Adami is expected to attend on Saturday morning.
  A number of activities are being held during the three days of the marathon. These include a display by the Dog Obedience and Agility Association (19:30) and a display by the Falcons Motorcycle Club (18:30) on Friday; a display by the Malta Model Aircraft Flying Association at 09:30 on Saturday and a display by the Malta Police Dog Section at 10:00 on Sunday. On Sunday at 19:00 music will be provided by the Fgura Scout Group Band.
• After the narrow 2-1 defeat to Estonia last month, Malta dropped two places in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking list which was published on Wednesday. Malta is now 133rd.
  Among the other European countries, Malta is 47th. Just ahead of Malta are Armenia (90, down 4), Austria (101, up 2), Albania (102, down 1), Iceland (107, down 10), Kazakhstan (120, up 5), Estonia (128, down 7) and Liechtenstein (130, down 2). Montenegro (136, up 7), Azerbaijan (138), Luxembourg (152), Andorra (186, down 4), Faroe Islands (198, down 2) and San Marino (200) all lie behind Malta.
  This month, Malta meets Portugal and Albania. Portugal are ranked ninth and Albania 102nd.
• The 2008/2009 season for the Gozo Football Association started with a Council meeting which was held last week.
  The council meeting started with a mass celebrated by the newly appointed Chaplin of the association Fr. Carmel Curmi. The GFA, as from this season, also appointed all living former presidents as Honorary Presidents of the association and the Minister for Gozo, Hon. Giovanna Debono as the Patron of the Association.
  The Minister for Gozo Hon. Giovanna Debono and two former presidents - Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Dr. Chris Said and Mr. Joe Cordina were present for the first council meeting. The GFA also invited its sponsors who were represented by Mr. Martin Agius, marketing manager of General Soft Drinks. The guests delivered speeches on this occasion to thank the association and to encourage the GFA for further development of the game on the island.
  The GFA president Mr. Alvin Grech announced the immediate proposed projects for upgrading of the facilities at the Gozo Stadium. The main projects consist of the reconstruction of the VIP area and new dressing rooms, together with other ancillary facilities. These projects will be carried out with the aid from the Malta FA, the Malta Sports Council, the Ministry for Gozo, the Good Causes Fund, General Soft Drinks, amongst other sources of funding. These projects are important to improve the image and open the opportunity to host international matches and to start new programmes to attract training camps in Gozo. This improvement will undoubtedly generate sports tourism on the island. As regards the Sannat Ground, the president stated that the refurbishment works are in hand.
  The new football season will start on the 7th September with the quarter finals of the 28th edition of the Independence Cup.
  Quarter finals Qala SJ vs Kercem A., Ghajnsielem vs Victoria H., SK Victoria W. vs Sannat L.
  Semi-finals Nadur Y. vs Qala SJ/Kercem A., Ghajnsielem/Victoria H. vs SK Victoria W./Sannat L.
  The draw for the GFA Melita Division I Championship shows that the first match of the campaign scheduled for Wednesday September 17 will be between Sannat Lions and newly promoted SK Victoria Wanderers. This match will pull the curtain on the 59th Division I championship of the GFA. In the other matches for day 1, Victoria Hotspurs face champions Nadur Youngsters, Ghajnsielem play against Qala St Joseph and Kercem Ajax will meet Sannat Lions.
  The 50th edition of the GFA Powerade Division II campaign will also start on Wednesday September 17. The first match will be between Zebbug Rovers and Oratory Youths. The other matches from the first day are St. Lawrence against Munxar Falcons and Xaghra United against Xewkija Tigers.
  The 36th edition of the Second Division Knock-Out competition will be contested between six teams since Gharb Rangers were not included in the draw. The draw resulted as follows:
  Quarter-finals St. Lawrence S. vs Xewkija T., Munxar F. vs Oratory Y.
  Semi-finals Xaghra U. vs Zebbug R., St. Lawrence S./Xewkija T. vs Munxar F./Oratory Y.
  The draw for the GFA Cup included seedings so that the holders Qala St Joseph, champions Nadur Youngsters and runners-up Victoria Hotspurs will enter the competition at the quarter final stage. Gharb Rangers were also excluded from the draw in view of the current status with the association.
  The draw was as follows: Preliminary Round Ghajnsielem vs Xewkija T., Oratory Y. vs Zebbug R., Munxar F. vs Xaghra U., Kercem A. vs St Lawrence S., SK Victoria W. vs Sannat L.
  Quarter Finals Victoria H. vs Oratory Y./Zebbug R., Qala SJ vs Ghajnsielem/Xewkija T., Nadur Y. vs Munxar F./Xaghra U., SK Victoria W./Sannat L. vs Kercem A./St Lawrence S.
  The final of the 17th Edition of the Freedom Day Cup will take place on Tuesday 31 March 2009. It will be contested between the first two teams in the table at the end of the first round of the Melita Division I championship.
  The Council Meeting was faced with a request by Gharb Rangers to withdraw its participation in the competitions for the new season. The Rangers stated in their letter addressed to the president that they are facing serious difficulties to have a squad that can compete in the second division.
  The GFA president proposed a motion that authorises the administration to find a solution through mediation and to extend the opportunity to the Rangers for a longer period to submit their application for participation. Various clubs offered their help and are also willing to transfer some players on loan so that Gharb may be in a position to compete.
  In these circumstances, the Rangers were not included in the draw of fixtures for the KO competitions but only for the second division championship.
  A meeting between a delegation from the GFA, made up of President Mr. Alvin Grech, one of the Vice-Presidents Mr. Anton Camilleri and the General Secretary Mr. Joe Bajada and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Dialogue and Information Hon. Dr. Chris Said, assisted by his private secretary Mr. Manwel Tabone, was held at the GFA headquarters on Thursday August 28.
  The GFA President presented the association's programme as regards the proposed projects for the upgrading of the Gozo Stadium. Alvin Grech explained to Dr Said that the GFA has various projects planned in order to improve the sporting facilities in the Gozo Stadium. In this way, Gozo can be sought out as a destination for Sports Tourism, with the possibility that teams from Nordic countries and central Europe could visit the island for training camps, even during the winter months due to our mild weather. The GFA is seeking to request co-financing for these projects by applying for funds from the European Union.
  Dr. Said in his reply thanked the GFA for meeting with him and said that as a former President of the GFA himself for a number of years, it was a pleasure to meet the newly elected officials of the Association. He reiterated his appreciation for the nomination as Honorary President and this will make him more responsible to support the GFA. He added that the GFA is close to his heart and is interested to see it improving its status. He appealed to the administration to continue with its plans for the future and to take the opportunities that come up from time to time. Dr. Said promised that he will help the GFA in all possible ways.
  The Parliamentary Secretary said that with the re-establishment of MEUSAC skilled persons will be assisting organisations like the GFA for co-financing requests. Assistance will be given from the very beginning of the process, by helping in the preparation of the applications and gathering all the necessary information.
  During this meeting the Parliamentary Secretary congratulated the newly elected committee members of the Gozo Football Association present for the meeting, President of the Association Alvin Grech, the Vice-President Anton Camilleri and the General Secretary Joe Bajada and wished them success.
  At the end of the meeting, which was very cordial, the GFA President Mr. Alvin Grech thanked Dr. Said for meeting the delegation of the GFA and wished that the meeting will be fruitful in the future.
• Football Frenzy Soccer School is starting its winter schedule in October after a busy summer where the Academy was full up.
  This summer Football Frenze sent Macram Borg to Manchester City for a trial and another two - Beppe Jaccarini and Reuben Ferranti - for a trial at Ipswich Town. Football Frenzy was also instrumental in getting Yala Bolasie signed at Plymouth Argyle.
  Details of the new season can be obtained by calling 79442433, 21634397 or emailing footballfrenzy@waldonet.net.mt.
• Todos F.C. officially launched their website www.todosfc.com during a Maltese night organized by the club at Briker Bar in Floriana on Saturday.
  Around 60 people turned out for this event during which the players were introduced to those present and being the first event organized by this newly formed club, it was considered as a success by both the players and the public.
  The site, www.todosfc.com, will be updated daily with team news including fixtures, photos and events organized by the club.

Tue 2

• Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller named an 18-man squad ahead of the final game from Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 Champions qualifying round against France on Friday in Boulogne-en-Mer.
  This game will also be the last one for Miller as Under-21 coach as he takes over as coach of Hibernians officially next week.
  Out of the squad are midfielders Paul Fenech of Birkirkara and Ryan Fenech of Hamrun Spartans who both serve a one-match ban.
  The players selected by Miller are:
  goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Luke Woods (Wealdstone);
  defenders Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Ryan Camilleri (Pietà), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Duncan Pisani (Floriana);
  midfielders Edmond Agius (Valletta), Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Warren Chircop (Tarxien), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara);
  forwards Angus Buhagiar (Birkirkara), Edward Herrera (Hibs), Stephen Meilak (Hamrun) and Ian Zammit (Valletta).
  Malta collected three points from the seven matches played so far, the only three points coming from a 2-1 over Bosnia-Herzegovina in November. In a friendly match last month, Malta defeated Liechtenstein 1-0.
  France, who defeated Malta 2-0 at Ta' Qali last year, are currently third in the group with eleven points from six matches, behind Wales and Romania who lie on 15 points (7 matches) and 14 points (6 matches) respectively.
• The Malta amateur national team will be taking part in Group 2 of the UEFA Regions Cup Preliminary Round between September 3 and 7.
  The players selected by coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Charles Scerri are:
  goalkeepers Julian Azzopardi (Zurrieq), Luke Bonnici (Lija);
  defenders Adrian Borg (Mosta), Joseph Cefai (Gozo), David Fenech (Pietà), George Gribbon (Melita), Beppe Muscat (St. Patrick);
  midfielders Matthew Borg (Melita), Jospeh Buttigieg (Nadur), Julian Galea (Melita), MAtthew Genuis (Zurrieq), Shaun Magro (Fgura), Mead Mifsud (Mqabba), Andre Scicluna (Lija);
  forwards Ronnie Celeste (Birzebbuga), Kane Micallef (Melita), Chris Pace (Lija), Josef Vassallo (Siggiewi).

Mon 1

• The South End Core is proud to announce that following an agreement and support received from Air Malta, the Maltese National team fans will finally have the opportunity to watch and support the team in the first away FIFA 2010 World Cup qualifier in Albania.
  Both organisations have reached an agreement to organise a special one day trip to Tirana for Wednesday 10th September 2008. The price for this one day trip is of only EUR 215.00, inclusive of flights Malta – Tirana – Malta, taxes, fuel surcharge, and transfers from airport to city and Stadium together with a guaranteed match ticket.
  Commenting about this initiative South End Core mentor Louis Agius said "We have been trying very hard to organize this trip and finally we managed to secure an agreement with Air Malta which will be supporting and financing parts of the costs involved in this Charter day trip. We are confident that we will have a good response from the South End Core members and fans. We have already been overwhelmed with emails, and calls asking for details about this first time initiative" commented Agius.
  Air Malta's General Manager Marketing & Product, Brian Bartolo remarked "We are very happy to have reached an agreement with the South End Core to Charter a flight to Tirana. The agreement will give Maltese football supporters the opportunity to be part of the support of the National Football Team and enjoy the live atmosphere of a FIFA 2010 World Cup Qualifier abroad.
  Over its 35 year history Air Malta has supported various initiatives that aim to support and encourage local organisations and activities in various sectors be they cultural, social, philanthropic, humanitarian, environmental, heritage and sport, that help the Maltese Community in some way or another. This assistance, which forms part of our 'Committed to the Community' Initiative, is a clear reflection of the airline's commitment towards the Maltese Community.
  Bookings for this one day trip to Tirana for the Albania v Malta game are being accepted on a first come first served basis as tickets are limited. Bookings may be made by contacting directly Louis Agius on +356 79403309 or email louisagius@onvol.net . More info from www.southendcore.com .
• Mosta Tournament Mosta vs Sannat L. 5-0
  Hosts Mosta were in an unstoppable mood as they crushed Sannat Lions 5-0 to retain the 'Gammari' Muscat' Mosta Tournament. Sannat went into the match knowing whatever they do would not be enough to win them the tournament. On the other hand, Mosta knew that a win would guarantee them success, and they went about their business with attack after attack in the first fifteen minutes that could have brought them three goals.
  Ironically, they took the lead midway through the first half with a lucky goal when Gianluca Calabretta pounced on an error between the Lions keeper and a defender to cleverly flick the ball into the net. The Blues were always the better team and in the second half added further goals through ex-Sannat player Elton Vella, Anthony Ewurum and substitutes Jonathan Bajada and Lyden Micallef for a thumping 5-0 win.
  After the match a presentation ceremony was held with The Blues celebrating their triumph. Gianluca Calabretta (Mosta), Anthony Ewurum (Mosta) and Daniel Mizzi (Lija) were the joint tournament top scorers with two goals each, while veteran Michael Mangion of Lija was voted the Best Player.
• Esther Farrugia has been appointed referee in the UEFA Women's Cup Qualifying Round Mini-Tournament in Belgrade from 4th to 9th September 2008.
  AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands), ZFK Masinac (Serbia), FC Narta Chisinau (Moldova) and Glasgow City LFC (Scotland) are the participating teams.
  Ms Azzopardi, who will be accompanied by Malcolm Mercieca as Assistant Referee, will control the opening match between AZ Alkmaar and Glasgow City, and later the match between the home team, ZFK Masinac, and Glasgow City.
  Marco Borg has been appointed referee for the UEFA Under-21 match between Bugaria and the Republic of Ireland to be played in Sofia on 5th September. Philip Agius and Alan Camilleri will act as Assistant Referees and Alan Mario Sant will be the Fourth Official.
• Malta Under-21 international Andrei Agius will be playing once again for Igea Virtus.
  Agius was one of 31 players on the books of FC Messina Peloro to be released from their contract by the Lega Nazionale Professionisti after the Lega Calcio confirmed that the Sicilian side was not admitted to the Serie B earlier this summer.
  He went for a trial with Serie B side Rimini but has now agreed to join Igea Virtus - the club for which he had played last season while being on loan from Messina.
  Andrei Agius played for FK Zemun in the former Yugoslavia and Sporting Mascalucia in Sicily before joining Messina in August 2005. He played for the Messina primavera side in 2005/06 and then spent one season on loan with AC Martina in the Serie C1. Last summer, he was loaned to Igea Virtus in the Serie C2.
  Igea Virtus, who hail from the town of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto in the province of Messina, will be playing in the Lega Pro Seconda Divisione Girone C - the equivalent of the Serie C2. In their first match on Sunday, Igea Virtus held Val di Sangro in a 1-1 draw away from home.
• In England, Michael Mifsud played the whole ninety minutes in Coventry's 1-0 defeat to Doncaster away from home on Saturday. Mifsud had also played the whole game against Newcastle United in the Carling Cup. The Magpies registered a narrow 3-2 win.
  Coventry are currently joint-eleventh in the Coca-Cola League Championship with six points from four matches.
  Justin Haber's Sheffield United are currently fifth but the Malta international goalkeeper is not being included in the first team.
  In Germany, Andre Schembri played the whole ninety minutes in Carl Zeiss Jena's 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich II in the Bundesliga Third Division. Jena are currently fifteenth with five points from five matches.
  Etienne Barbara played the whole ninety minutes in the 4-0 Cup win for SC Verl over FC Eintracht Augustdorf. In the Regionalliga West match against Elversberg, Barbara was substituted after 77 minutes. Verl lost 0-1 and are now fourteenth with two points.
  In Bulgaria, Daniel Bogdanovic was included in the starting line-up for Lokomotiv Sofia in the UEFA Cup clash against Serbian side Borac. Lokomotiv were held in a 1-1 draw and were therefore eliminated on a 1-2 aggregate score. Bogdanovic was substituted on 63 minutes.
  On Sunday, Lokomotiv defeated Botev Plovdiv 2-0 and they are now second in the Bulgarian Premier League.
  In Portugal, Udo Nwoko has so far missed the first two league games for Leixoes as he is recovering from an injury.
• After the successful first year of the Sockids Soccer School, the school will again open for kids between 5 and 15 years as from October.
  Training will be held on Thursdays and Fridays at the Infetti Ground in Birkirkara and now also on Mondays and Wednesdays at the new Marsaxlokk FC Ground.
  All training sessions are conducted by David Carabott between 16:30 and 18:00.
  For further information you can contact David Carabott on 99061630 or by visiting the website www.sockidsmalta.com
• The Fgura United Nursery would like to invite new recruits, either boys (aged 7 to 17) and girls (aged 7 to 12), wishing to join its nursery.
  Applicants are to produce three passport sized photos and an original birth certificate. These will be received from the 9th of September onwards.
  They are to call at the ground in Triq AM Valperga, accompanied by one of their parents/legal guardians between Monday and Friday after 5.30pm.