March 2009
Tue 31
- UEFA Under-21 Championship MALTA vs SLOVENIA 0-2
- Third Division Section A Xghajra T. vs Kalkara 0-1
- Third Division Section B Pembroke A. vs Zurrieq 1-2
- Gozo - Jum il-Helsien Cup Final Sannat L. vs SK Victoria W. 1-1 (3-4 pen)
- Gozo - Second Division Munxar F. vs Oratory Y. 3-3
- Malta will be aiming for a good performance on Wednesday as the national team faces Hungary in another match from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
This will be the sixth game for Dusan Fitzel's side in Group 1. After a 0-4 defeat to Portugal at Ta' Qali and a 3-0 loss in Tirana to Albania in September, the following month Malta lost 3-0 to Denmark in Copenhagen and 0-1 to Hungary at Ta' Qali. However last month, Malta earned its first point after holding Albania in a goalless draw at Ta' Qali before suffering another 0-3 defeat to Denmark last Saturday. A negative aspect so far was the failure to score a goal after playing six matches.
Perhaps the first goal could arrive in Budapest considering that Malta did manage to obtain good results against Hungary in past. Malta had managed to hold Hungary at Ta' Qali in a 2-2 draw in December 1988 before holding them in another 1-1 draw in April 1989 in Budapest in the 1990 World Cup qualifiers. Two years ago, in a EURO 2008 qualifier, Malta registered a 2-1 win, courtesy of an Andre Schembri brace. The other eight matches ended in wins for Hungary - the last one being last October's narrow defeat.
On Tuesday, the team held the final training session ahead of Wednesday's game. After breakfast, the players had a meeting with coach Dusan Fitzel which was followed by lunch. The squad then travelled to the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Pest where the training session was held at 18:30.
Addressing the media, Fitzel said that the team was going through a transition period - from experienced players to younger and less experienced ones like Ryan Fenech, Alex Muscat, Clayton Failla, Shaun Bajada and Jonathan Caruana.
The Czech coach confessed that all the nineteen players are fit, including Andrei Agius, Andre Schembri and Roderick Briffa. He said that the Hungarian team might find it difficult to win a double header but he also emphasized on the fact that the Hungarians are eager to prove themselves in front of the 38,000 supporters who are expected to attend the match. Hungary in fact lead Group 1 together with Denmark - both with ten points - although the Danish have a game in hand.
Hungarian team coach Erwin Koeman has to deal with the absence of two key players afer both received a second yellow card in Saturday's game against Albania in Tirana. In fact, first-choice goalkeeper Gábor Babos and Hertha Berlin defensive midfielder Pál Dárdai are both ruled out as they serve a one-match ban.
Babos will be replaced by Sunderland's Márton Fülöp while Krisztián Vadócz of Osasuna could replace Dárdai. However it would be no surprise if Koeman were to include Zoltán Gera in the starting line-up after he started the game against Albania on the bench.
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel is not expected to make much changes from the team which lost to Denmark, except for the absence of suspended duo Luke Dimech and Jamie Pace. With goalkeeper Justin Haber guarding the posts, Jonathan Caruana could have his role shifted to that of a central defender with Alex Muscat playing on the right flank. Otherwise Kenneth Scicluna would start as central defender. Andrei Agius and Shaun Bajada should be confirmed in defence.
Gilbert Agius and Roderick Briffa are expected to take the role of withholding midfielders with Andrew Cohen playing on the left flank, Michael Mifsud in the middle while Andre Schembri and Daniel Bogdanovic should alternate between the right flank and the attack.
The complete squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield Utd), Andrew Hogg (Valletta);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Ivan Woods (Sliema);
forwards Etienne Barbara (SC Verl), Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley), Michael Mifsud (Barnsley), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena).
Supporting the national team at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest will be a hundred Maltese supporters from the South End Core who paid the trip to Budapest to give their full support to the national team on Wednesday while admiring this country's beauty.
Hungary vs Malta, which will kick-off at 19:00, will be controlled by Russian officials: referee Stanislav Sukhina, assistant referees Oleg Tselovalnikov and Mikhail Erovenko and fourth official Alexey Nikolaev.
Mon 30
- The Malta Under-21 side takes on Slovenia in the first match from Group 8 of the 2011 UEFA Under-21 European Championship at the Hibs Ground on Tuesday, kick-off at 15:30.
After taking over as the new Under-21 coach in January, Edwin Camilleri had to select an almost completely new squad considering that the large majority of the players in the previous squad were no longer available to play for the Under-21 side. This however gave him the opportunity to include several new players, most of them coming from the Under-19 side which he used to coach before taking over the Under-21 side. The squad also includes a number of players coming from Divisions 1 and 2 and Gozo.
Speaking on Monday, Camilleri said that the team has been preparing for this campaign since the beginning of January, holding three training sessions a week and playing two friendly matches. The team lost 0-1 to Denmark and 0-4 to England C.
The game against Slovenia was due to be another friendly match but the two teams were drawn in the same group and it was eventually decided that this fixture would be transformed from a friendly game to an Under-21 qualifier. Camilleri admitted that he would have preferred having more time to prepare for this campaign but at the same time, starting the competition at such an early stage would eliminate the risk of complacency.
The Malta Under-21 coach said he was happy to avoid double fixtures as this would give him the opportunity to prepare better from one game to another when having to deal with suspensions or injuries. Malta will now play Ukraine on June 9 away from home, September 4 at home to Belgium, October 9 at home to France and November 13 against Slovenia away from home. On March 3, 2010, Malta faces Belgium away from home, Ukraine on May 29 at home and France on September 7 away from home.
For this game, Edwin Camilleri could not field his best formation as no less than eight players are ruled out. Mark Scerri, Ryan Camilleri, Dylan Kokavessis and Luke Agius are all nursing injuries while Chris Pace, Kane Micallef, Owen Bugeja and Terence Vella have all reported sick over the past days.
"Despite the absence of several players, the rest of the players are motivated and ready to give their best to ensure their place in the team."
Edwin Camilleri said that although results were important, his main objective was that of developing players who will eventually play Premier League football regularly and the national team.
As regards Tuesday's game, Camilleri said he asked his players to play their game despite the pressure, saying that if the locals give their hundred per cent, they would make it difficult for the visitors.
The Under-21 coach expects Slovenia to be a stronger team than the Danish side which Malta met last month. In a friendly match last month, they registered a comfortable win over Romania.
The Maltese squad at the disposal of Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Charles Scerri is made up of:
goalkeepers Nicky Vella (Valletta), Henry Bonello (Sliema);
defenders Steve Bonnici (Floriana), Adrian Borg (Mosta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Tarxien), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara);
midfielders Joseph Buttigieg (Nadur), Miguel Ciantar (Sliema), Julian Galea (Melita), Carl Pulo (Pietà), John Mintoff (Sliema), Beppe Muscat (St. Patrick);
forwards Ben Camilleri (Hibs), Richard Chetcuti (Warrington), Warren Chircop (Tarxien).
- On Monday, the national team continued its preparation for next Wednesday's 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010 qualifier against Hungary. At 11:30 national team coach Dusan Fitzel gathered all the players in the Ramada Plaza Hotel where they watched on DVD their performance in the game against Denmark. After some time for rest and relaxation, at 18:00, the squad went to the Ferencvaros Stadium - Albert Florian in Pest where the 19-man squad was greeted by some supporters from South End Core for the first training session for the complete squad as on Sunday, only the players which were not included in first eleven together with the goalkeepers did a recovery session at the same stadium whille the other eight had a gym session at the hotel.
Monday's training session involved warming-up consisting of stretching, one-touch football and ball-possession. The players were then divided into two groups – defenders and strikers - trying overlap movements and crosses. This was followed by a match, concluded with a cooling down session together with physical trainer Luca Pagani.
Coach Dusan Fitzel confessed that the only decision he has to make was which players to include instead of Luke Dimech and Jamie Pace. He also said that all players are hundred per cent fit except for Andre Schembri. The Carl Zeiss Jena striker is 75% fit but is expected to be in full fitness by Wednesday. The Czech coach also remarked that Andrei Agius' slight neck injury and Roderick Briffa's eye irritation should not interfere.
The team will be holding the last training session at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium on Tuesday where 50,000 Hungarian supporters are expected to attend Wednesday's game at 19:00.
- Following a course done at Keele University in England hosted by the English FA, and the subsequent completion of his tasks' portfolio, Premier School of Football head coach Alex Delia has recently been assessed and found competent.
Rob Munro, lead FA Tutor and coach educator for Suffolk FA, has carried out Alex's assessment. Principles of Defending in a Small Sided Game and Central Attacking Play were Alex's two assessment topics. During the past year Alex has also achieved the Fitness & Conditioning for Soccer Certification from The International Coaches Association, Adult/Child/Infant CPR and Basic First Aid Certification, and Child Protection Certification from the FA's teaching arm FA Learning.
Premier School of Football conducts football training sessions for children aged 6 to 14 years. Those interested to attend a free trial session can contact Alex on mobile no 99470423 or by email on info@premierschooloffootball.com
Sun 29
- First Division St. George's vs St. Patrick 3-3, Vittoriosa S. vs San Gwann 1-2
- Second Division Naxxar L. vs Melita 1-6, St. Andrews vs Sta. Venera L. 1-2, Gozo vs Birzebbuga SP 1-1
- Third Division Section B Zejtun C. vs Attard 0-0
- Third Division Section A Luqa SA vs Gudja U. 0-0
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 2-0
- Early on Sunday afternoon, the Malta national team accompanied by officials and over a hundred supporters from the South End Core left Malta, destination Budapest, in view of next Wednesday's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Hungary at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium in Budapest.
After Saturday's match against Denmark, Dusan Fitzel was forced to make some quick adjustments to the squad as both Luke Dimech and Jamie Pace received a second yellow card in this round and are therefore suspended for one game. The Czech coach named defender Kenneth Scicluna and midfielders Ivan Woods and Clayton Failla. Nineteen players are therefore at the disposal of Dusan Fitzel.
The players who were not included in Saturday's game did some light training at the Albert Flórián Stadium - the home ground of Ferencvaros. Dusan Fitzel is planning to hold another two training sessions - one on Monday at 18:00 at the Albert Flórián Stadium and another one on Tuesday, the eve of the match, at 19:00 at the Ferenc Puskas Stadium.
The 19-man squad which travelled to Budapest is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield Utd), Andrew Hogg (Valletta);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Ivan Woods (Sliema);
forwards Etienne Barbara (SC Verl), Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley), Michael Mifsud (Barnsley), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena).
- The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery is organising the Tony Bajada Memorial Football Tournament, between 8th and 15th April 2008 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
This football tournament is organised every season during the Easter holidays. Over a period of six days, 59 matches will be played and over 400 players in five different categories (2002, 2000, 1998, 1995 and Girls 1993) will participate in this event and play on the recently-laid synthetic turf pitch.
Being in its eighth edition, this football tournament has now become one of the most popular in Malta and was fully booked in a matter of a few weeks. 29 teams from 14 different nurseries will be participating. The participating nurseries for this year are: Birkirkara, Floriana, Hamrun Spartans, Kirkop United, Lija-Iklin, Luxol St. Andrew’s, Marsa, Melita, Mosta, Pieta Hotspurs, San Gwann, Sliema Wanderers, Tarxien Rainbows and Valletta.
Whist acknowledging the competitive spirit by which participants take part, the Hamrun nursery firmly believes that the scope of such a tournament remains first and foremost, that of delivering to the players a positive experience in an appropriate and conductive environment. In addition, it emphasises the fact that all matches are played in a RESPECTFUL and relaxed atmosphere, and that all players registered for the Tournament, will all have their turn to play for their team. During this year’s 8th Edition the Organizing Committee will be using the Slogan:
“Don’t Speak To The Child, He Is Busy”.
The programme kicks off on Wednesday 8th April with a Holy Mass at the Immaculate Conception Church Hamrun at 8:15am, followed by a march pass to the Victor Tedesco Stadium and a symbolic opening. The first matches start at 9:45am. Tournament days will be Thursday, Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (ending with the final for the 1995 Category). There will be no matches played on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. The winners of the 1995 category will be presented with the ‘Tony Bajada Challenge Cup’ by Mrs Violet Bajada, widow of the late Tony Bajada, founder of the Hamrun Nursery. The cup will be kept by the winners for one year.
The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery wish to publicly express their gratitude to the tournament’s sponsors – Globalair Travel Ltd, Farsons plc, von Brockdorff Imports Ltd and the Hamrun Local Council, who made it possible for these young footballers and their parents to enjoy this memorable week, during the Easter holidays. The organising committee would also like to show their appreciation to the Bajada family, Hamrun Spartans FC Executive Committee, the Stadium Management, The Youth FA, the Amateur, Youth and Grassroots Committee and all the participating Nurseries for their support.
Sat 28
- FIFA World Cup 2010 MALTA vs DENMARK 0-3
Kenneth Scicluna, Clayton Failla and Ivan Woods will make the trip to Budapest where Malta will be facing Hungary in another 2010 FIFA World Cup Group 1 qualifier. The three players are part of a 19-man squad which left Malta on Sunday.
In Saturday's game against Denmark, Luke Dimech and Jamie Pace picked a second yellow card and are therefore automatically suspended. On the other hand, Schembri suffered a slight injury and in order not to take any risks, in case the Carl Zeiss Jena striker fails to recover in time, Malta coach Dusan Fitzel opted to include an extra player in the squad.
Speaking after Saturday's game, Fitzel said that the game was a very difficult one as he had predicted. He said that the Danish confirmed their strength but complained that his players seemed too afraid at times. Fitzel once again stressed on the fact that the players lack self-confidence and fail to believe in themselves. He said that a major problem for his players in the ability to switch to a higher tempo - that required for such international commitments when compared with the level of domestic league matches.
The Malta coach said that had Andre Schembri scored the excellent chance early in the game, when the score was still 0-0, the game could have gone differently as it would have boosted the players' confidence.
When asked by a Danish journalist, Fitzel failed to complain about the referee's rather controversial decisions - especially two appeals for penalties. "For me, it is no excuse. A penalty is only a penalty when whistled by the referee. It's useless to cry now," he said.
Fitzel praised the performance of Andrew Cohen, saying the player has improved considerably, learning how to help in defence as well. The Malta coach indicated Gilbert Agius as one of the players to start Wednesday's game, saying he was rested in view of the Hungary game.
Meanwhile Denmark coach Morten Olsen acknowledged the fact that his team did not play an excellent game, saying they although he would like to play good football, the main objective was that of collecting the three points.
Olsen singled out Andrew Cohen, Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri as the best players, saying they were constantly dangerous for the Danish rear-guard.
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Qrendi 1-0
- Third Division Section B Mtarfa vs Kirkop U. 0-2
- Gozo - First Division SK Victoria W. vs Victoria H. 0-1, Sannat L. vs Qala SJ 2-0
Fri 27
- Second Division Mellieha vs Zebbug R. 1-1, Lija A. vs Balzan Y. 2-0
- Malta will be hoping to repeat the good performance of the game against Albania as Dusan Fitzel's side takes on group leaders Denmark in another 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 20:00.
Against Albania, Malta collected its first point in the group after suffering four defeats in the first four matches. It was also a positive start for 2009 after Malta suffered seven successive defeats in the last seven matches of 2008.
Addressing the media on Friday, Fitzel said the game against Denmark was a very tough game for Malta and his main objective is that of giving the visitors a hard time. He said that after the draw, he thought Portugal were the strongest side in the group. However as things turned out, Denmark are one of the main favourites. The Czech coach admitted it was difficult to find any weak point in the Danish side although his main job over the past weeks was that of trying to identify any possible weakness which the Maltese could take advantage from.
The Malta coach said that his players should be ready to adapt themselves to changes in tactics.
"Our main tactics should be that of not conceding any goals. They will probably try to attack with high balls. But if we cover the wings, the middle would open, allowing them to attack from there. In the national team, you need versatile players which could be used where necessary. We have to be ready to three or four different plans they could adopt. The creativity of the Danish players in the middle is fantastic," said Fitzel.
He singled out players like Dennis Rommedahl, Nicklas Bendtner, Soren Larsen, Daniel Agger, Christian Poulsen and Daniel Jensen as the players who are able to create the biggest danger.
"We need to be focussed for the whole ninety minutes. If we manage to keep the score 0-0 until half-time, it would boost the players' confidence a lot."
Fitzel complained that whenever we concede a goal due to a mistake, it is in the Maltese mentality to start blaming just one player. He said that such mistakes are usually mistakes of three or four rather than just one.
Once again he pointed out the importance of having more national team players playing abroad, saying that if they stay here, there is hardly any room for improvement. Fitzel said the approach of foreign-based players whose job is football is clearly different from those of the players in the local game. He said that the reason for which they spend the last few days in a hotel is to have them focus only on the game as the atmosphere is completely different.
"The spirit and concentration is there but we will see on the pitch," said the Malta coach.
Despite the fine performance against Albania, Dusan Fitzel is expected to make changes to the starting line-up.
"This is not a club where the team plays week in week out. Since the last game, six weeks had passed and a lot of things happened. I have to see which players are in form and which are not."
Fitzel hinted that Terence Scerri could be left out of the line-up, saying that in recent league matches, he had quiet games despite scoring goals. He said the Hibs striker struggles when facing a foreign defender.
With the return of Etienne Barbara and Daniel Bogdanovic, Fitzel is spoilt for choice as for the first time in several months, he has the full squad at his disposal.
In goal, Justin Haber should be confirmed while three-fourths of the rear-guard should be confirmed. In fact, Luke Dimech, Andrei Agius and Shaun Bajada are expected to make it to the starting line-up with the returning Jonathan Caruana challenging Alex Muscat for the other place on the right flank.
Fitzel could opt for two withholding midfielders rather than just one - Gilbert Agius. In that case, Jamie Pace would join his Valletta team mate.
The other three midfielders should be Andre Schembri and Daniel Bogdanovic on the two sides and Michael Mifsud in the middle. Etienne Barbara would play up front. Another option would be that of including Mifsud in attack and replacing Barbara with Roderick Briffa in midfield.
The complete squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield Utd), Andrew Hogg (Valletta);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibernians), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Alex Muscat (Sliema);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Jamie Pace (Valletta);
forwards Etienne Barbara (SC Verl), Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley), Michael Mifsud (Barnsley), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena).
Denmark dropped just two points in the three matches played so far in Group 1. Following a goalless draw against Hungary in Budapest, a 3-2 win over Portugal in Lisbon and a 3-0 win over Malta in Copenhagen. They now aim to stretch their lead at the top with victories against Malta on Saturday and Albania next Wednesday.
Coach Morten Olsen has a 23-man squad to choose from after he took the opportunity to spend a four-day training camp in Malta ahead of this game.
Olsen could opt to rest Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner as he was suffering from a slight injury.
The starting line-up could therefore be Sorensen, Jakobsen, Kroldrup, Agger, Rasmussen, C. Poulsen, Jensen, Rommedahl, Kahlenberg, Jorgensen, Larsen.
The full squad at the disposal of Morten Olsen are:
goalkeepers Jesper Christiansen (FC Kobenhavn), Stephan Andersen (Brondby), Thomas Sorensen (Stoke);
defenders Anders Moller Christensen (OB), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Lars Jacobsen (Everton), Michael Jakobsen (AaB), Per Kroldrup (Fiorentina), Thomas Rasmussen (Brondby);
midfielders Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Jakob Poulsen (AGF), Jonas Borring (Midtylland), Leon Andreasen (Hannover), Martin Vingaard (FC Kobenhavn), Soren Rieks (Esbjerg), Thomas Kahlenberg (Auxerre);
forwards Dennis Rommedahl (NEC Nijmegen), Martin Jorgensen (Fiorentina), Michael Krohn-Dehli (Brondby), Morten Nordstrand (FC Kobenhavn), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Soren Larsen (Toulouse).
Malta and Denmark met six times with the Danish claiming maximum points out of these matches. In the qualifiers for the 1964 European Championship, Denmark won 6-1 at home and 3-1 at the Gzira Stadium. In February 1989, Denmark won 2-0 in a match from the Rothmans Tournament while the last two matches, forming part of the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualifying round, Denmark won 5-0 at Ta' Qali and 2-1 in Copenhagen. Last October, a brace by Soren Larsen and a penalty by Daniel Agger gave the Danish a 3-0 win at the Parken Stadium.
Malta vs Denmark will be controlled by referees from Poland, namely Tomasz Mikulski, assistant referees Piotr Sadczuk and Marcin Borkowski and fourth official Robert Malek.
- Holders Melita were drawn with BOV Second Division leaders Balzan Youths in the semi-finals of the Quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
The draw was held on Friday at the MFA Headquarters in the presence of Messrs Antoine Gouder and Owen Micallef, representing Maltco Lotteries Ltd, and Mr Joe Gauci.
In the other semi-final, Naxxar Lions take on St. Venera Lightnings.
Both matches will be played on Saturday 11th April at the Centenary Stadium.
- Birkirkara won the second Women's First Division League title after beating Melita 4-0 on Wednesday.
The Stripes maintained their unbeaten record with the eighth win in eleven matches to make sure of claiming the title as they move five points behind second-placed Mosta with just one game to go.
- A delegation from the Birkirkara Youth Nursery earlier this month visited the Atalanta Settore Giovanile. This was one of the various yearly visits that Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery tend to keep in their calendar since they came affiliated with the Serie A based Settore Giovanile. The affiliation already started to blossom, and the club reached very important milestones.
Chairman Henry Bray, took the opportunity to train and assess the new recruited coaches, and help them familiarise with the methods and ethics of Atalanta Settore Giovanile. The coaches were given different tutorials and assisted various training sessions and were given a detailed tour of the headquarters, training grounds and sporting facilities by Atalanta Headcoach Stefano Bonacorso and coach Andrea Pandolfi. The delegation were invited by the Atalanta coaching staff to attend a regional instructional meeting. In the instructional meeting a good number of coaches and officials from the Lombardy and Trentino Alto Adige district attended for this highly expected meeting. Present were also coaches from Portsmouth FC and Leicester City FC. The meeting which was conducted by Atalanta Scuola Calcio fitness coach Matteo Moranda, focused on power and strength. Apart from theory, the Birkirkara coaches participated in the practical session which based mainly on endurance tests, different training sessions and variations to improve the performance.
The coaches and committee members of Birkirkara FC Youth Nursey had the unique opportunity to watch closely and meet the Atalanta FC senior squad including well-known players such as: coach Luigi Del Neri, Cristiano Doni, Christian Vieri, Sergio Floccari and others. The players welcomed the Maltese very warmly and were very happy with the dedication and enthusiasm that Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery is offering. Mr.Del Neri in one of his comments said that he knew very well about our country and the affiliation between the two clubs and wished Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery a very prospective future full of success.
The Maltese delegation from Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery was made up of: Chairman Henry Bray, Treasurer Robert Bray, Ground Manager Charles Camenzuli and coaches Max Zammit, Darren Farrugia and Roderick Micallef.
- As part of the fund raising in aid of "Dar tal-Providenza", Charles Borg - a parent of a student attending the Lyceum in Hamrun and coach of Pembroke Athleta organised a women's 5-a-side football tournament at the synthetic pitch at the Lyceum in Hamrun. Six teams took part namely Birkirkara, Hamrun Spartans, Melita, St. Venera and two teams from Pembroke Athleta.
The Lyceum in Hamrun is currently holding the annual Bicycle Marathon in aid of Dar tal-Providenza between Friday 27 and Sunday 29th March at the Lyceum. The organisers objective is to raise funds in order to complete a project at Dar tal-Providenza in Siggiewi consisting of building and refurbishing.
Donations could be sent by sms 50617362 (€2.33) or telephone 50049173 (€7), 50049175 (€12), 50049170 (€23).
Thu 26
- Local clubs representing Malta in European competitions will receive higher payments after UEFA and the European Club Association (ECA) announced an increase in the solidarity percentage for the next, 2009-2012 UEFA Champions League cycle, starting with the 2009/10 season.
The solidarity percentage for clubs not taking part in the UEFA Champions League will increase from the current 5 per cent to 6.5 per cent. Based on present revenue projections, this means that in season 2009/10 approximately €55m would be made available – an increase of about €23m. Including the additional allocations also made available to clubs from leagues with no participants in the UEFA Champions League, the solidarity pot will amount to approximately €67m.
Additionally, the solidarity amounts paid to clubs eliminated in the qualifying stages of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League will also increase.
The team representing Malta in the UEFA Champions League next season will receive €200,000 plus €130,000 for each round they play in. Therefore if the team reaches a further round, it would receive a total of €460,000.
The three teams representing Malta in the UEFA Europa League, formerly the UEFA Cup, will receive €90,000 for each round they play in.
Until the current season, local champions received €160,000 plus €100,000 per round while participants in the UEFA Cup received €70,000 per round.
UEFA President Michel Platini said "We are in agreement with the ECA and are grateful for their support as we have always insisted that a percentage of the revenues generated by the UEFA Champions League be redistributed, via the principle of solidarity, back to those clubs that are not directly participating in the competition. Together with the ECA, we are committed to supporting top division clubs' youth development activities, in compliance with the national youth development programmes."
ECA chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said "Since its founding, a little more than a year ago, ECA has been working hard on increasing the solidarity among clubs. We represent 137 clubs from all over Europe, so we are extremely pleased that not only the top ones will share the success of this wonderful competition. This decision shows that the European football family is truly united in these delicate financial times."
- As part of the celebrations to mark the hundredth anniversary from the first ever league championship which was played in Malta in 1909/10, the Malta Football Association will be organising a knock-out competition for all member clubs. This will be held on the same format of the Centenary Cup which was played in 2000.
This was revealed during a meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association which was held on Thursday.
The competition, which will be named National League Anniversary Cup, will be open to all member clubs.
Although regulations for the competition are yet to be approved, it is planned to have a first round for the number of Third Division teams to be trimmed to twelve. These twelve teams join the twelve Second Division teams in the second round.
From then onwards, there will be no seeding as the twelve teams which qualify will join the twenty Premier and First Division clubs in an open draw for the last-32 stage.
In 2000, the ten Premier clubs, the ten First Division teams, the twelve Second Division teams and the sixteen Third Division teams plus Victoria Hotspurs from the Gozo FA took part in the Centenary Cup which marked the hundredth anniversary of the Malta Football Association. Valletta and Floriana reached the final with the Citizens winning 3-1.
Besides celebrating the hundredth anniversary from the first ever league championship, the Malta Football Association will also celebrate the fiftieth anniversary since Malta was accepted as a member of UEFA and FIFA.
Activities will include a FIFA seminar on youth football in September, a UEFA meeting focussing on marketing, a UEFA Executive Committee meeting to be held in January 2010 and the annual FIFA Seminar for Elite referees and new referees to be held in February 2010.
Wed 25
- First Division Senglea A. vs Mosta 2-2
- Third Division Section A Zurrieq vs Zejtun C. 3-0, Siggiewi vs Santa Lucia 2-3
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud was unanimously elected as one of the UEFA Vice-Presidents for the next two years. His election took place during a meeting of the newly-formed UEFA Executive Committee at the end of the XXXIII Ordinary UEFA Congress in Copenhagen, Denmark.
This is the first time, a Maltese is serving at such a high post in the European football body. Dr Mifsud has been serving on the UEFA Executive Committee since 1994.
At the XXXI Ordinary UEFA Congress, two years ago in Dusseldorf, Germany, the MFA president was re-elected for another four years - until 2011. At the end of this term, Dr Mifsud would have served in the UEFA Executive Committee for a staggering 17 years, being one of the longest-serving members in this post. He has been serving as MFA president since 1992.
- UEFA President Michel Platini highlighted the progress witnessed in the European game over the past two years. He spoke of the positive dialogue and mutual respect existing with the world body FIFA, and the measures to bring the football family around the same table through the Professional Football Strategy Council. He said that historic accords had been signed with the players' union FIFPro-Division-Europe, the European Club Association (ECA) grouping Europe's leading clubs and with European professional leagues.
The UEFA president pointed out that national associations had been restored to their rightful decision-making place in UEFA's activities through the expansion of the Executive Committee and creation of a new committee structure, and dialogue had been opened with European fan group representatives.
Mr Platini said UEFA had continued its lobbying with European institutions and governments to defend the interests of the national associations, UEFA and football, with progress made in the campaigning for recognition of sport's specific nature and the autonomy of sports federations.
He said that illegal betting was a considerable challenge facing UEFA. "Illegal betting can kill our sport," he said. "If results are fixed in advance, football has no further reason to exist." A fraud detection system being put in place, funded by UEFA and available for first and second-division competitions and national domestic cup matches within the 53 national associations would, the UEFA President said, hopefully be "an effective solution to preserve the integrity of our competitions in Europe".
Earlier it was revealed that UEFA will bring match fixing charges against a European club within days. According to UEFA general secretary David Taylor, there were a number of cases the European body had been looking at and although it was very complex and very difficult to find proof, UEFA will be issuing charges against one club. The name of the club was confirmed on Thursday as FK Pobeda of Macedonia. In September, UEFA said it was reviewing 10 matches from the current UEFA Cup season and 15 from last season for irregular betting patterns, all in the competition's preliminary rounds.
Meanwhile the XXXIII Ordinary UEFA Congress has voted for nine seats on the UEFA Executive Committee for the 2009-2013 period, with eight positions available for four-year terms and one position for a two-year term.
Marios N. Lefkaritis (Cyprus), Theo Zwanziger (Germany), Giancarlo Abete (Italy), Geoffrey Thompson (England), Allan Hansen (Denmark), František Laurinec (Slovakia), Michael van Praag (Netherlands) and Abraham Luzon (Israel) will be serving for four years while the term of office for Liutauras Varanavicius (Lithuania) is for a two-year period.
Four European members of the FIFA Executive Committee were (re-)elected for the 2009-2013 period, namely Michel D'Hooghe (Belgium), Senes Erzik (Turkey), Marios N. Lefkaritis (Cyprus) and Vitaly Mutko (Russia).
The Congress received an update on the UEFA HatTrick Programme 2008-12 ("HatTrick II") for the promotion of football projects, where €2.5m will be made available to each association for investment projects and a maximum of €1.3m per year, per national association, for solidarity payments over the four-year period. €25m is to be made available for education purposes.
- National coach Dusan Fitzel named the 18-man squad ahead of next Saturday's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Denmark. The match will be played at the National Stadium, kick-off at 20:00.
From the team which played against Albania, there were four changes with Hibs defender Jonathan Caruana, Valletta midfielder Jamie Pace and foreign-based strikers Daniel Bogdanovic and Etienne Barbara replacing Clayton Failla, Brian Said, Kevin Sammut and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.
Caruana, Bogdanovic and Barbara were nursing injuries at that time.
The squad is therefore made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield Utd), Andrew Hogg (Valletta);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibernians), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Alex Muscat (Sliema);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Jamie Pace (Valletta);
forwards Etienne Barbara (SC Verl), Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley), Michael Mifsud (Barnsley), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena).
- Malta has signed the UEFA Convention on Referees. This was a red letter day for Maltese referees as it ensures that the advances made in this sector will not only be consolidated but will flourish. The Referees Board of the Malta Football Association has worked hard to meet the criteria for entry into the Convention. Changes have been made and a complete revamping of the Referees sector is in the offing. Joining the Convention will give Maltese referees more technological aides to continue to improve their performance both locally and in the international sphere.
Telecommunications equipment which referees and their assistants use in the Premier League, the engagement of a second coach for the physical training of referees and the provision of equipment for match clips to be provided for perusal and discussion by referees are but three major points introduced by the Malta Football Association. A more intensive recruitment drive to encourage more men and women to join the referees ranks will be launched in the coming weeks. This is aimed at enhancing the sector to provide more resources and choice in appointing referees.
Every level of the Refereeing sector, from the very junior to those at international level, will benefit from the help provided by UEFA to those members who are accepted into the Convention.
- The San Gwann F.C. Youth Football Nursery will be organizing their annual International Youth Football Tournament between the 4th and the 14th of April.
The fourteenth edition of The Mediterranean Cup will have no fewer than 48 teams, over 700 participants, one team each from Italy and Germany and the participation of 22 local Football Nurseries, thus making this Annual Easter Tournament, the largest youth football festival to be organised locally. The teams will compete in six different age categories ranging from the Under 8's up till the under 13's.
The draws for this years event were held at the San Gwann Local Council offices, whereby Nursery Secretary, Christoper Sant highlighted the importance of each club officials contribution to ensure that the games are played in a friendly environment, bearing in mind that the activities are being organised during the Holy Week. Youth Nursery President, Ivan Calamatta, underlined the importance the annual event has on the local youth football arena and augured a successful participation, especially to the teams who will be participating for the first time.
San Gwann Mayor, Rene Savona Ventura, spoke about the Local Council's annual pledge to support the San Gwann nursery on the organization of this important event, which is the largest annual manifestation of youth in the locality. He augured representatives of those present to encourage their respective local councils to follow the San Gwann example for the good of the sport.
This year's Mediterranean Cup will be organised in collaboration with the San Gwann Local Council, and sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism, Thomas Smith Insurance Agency, The General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd., Fexco and Farenheit.
- Four First Division players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner. The players are Mqabba's Claudio Calleja, David Azzopardi and Patrick Borg and John Nwoba of St. George's.
In Division 2, Christian Grech (Lija), Chris Cioffi (Marsa) and Matthew Borg II (Melita) were banned for one match while Marsa team manager David Pace was banned for four matches.
Jonathan Grech of Sirens was suspended for six matches in Division 3 while Rodney Galea (Fgura), Jonathan Bugeja (Sirens) and Martin Portelli (Xghajra) were handed a one-match ban.
In the Youth League, Edson Falzon (Dingli), Hubert Farrugia (Mqabba), Luke Anthony Attard (St. Venera) were suspended for one match while Sergio Schembri (Zejtun) was suspended for two matches. Nikky Vella Petroni (St Andrews) was banned for one game in the Youth Knock-Out.
Tue 24
- First Division Dingli S. vs St. George's 3-1, San Gwann vs Mqabba 1-1
- Second Division Melita vs St. Andrews 1-0, Sta. Venera L. vs Mellieha 1-0
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Nadur Y. 2-1
- Gozo - Second Division Xewkija T. vs Oratory Y. 3-0
- Marsaxlokk player Claude Mattocks and team-manager Peter Hartshorne were both handed a four-month jail term suspended for one year and fined €500 each after pleading guilty to trying to bribe Msida St. Joseph goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri.
The two were arraigned in court on March 6 in front of Magistrate Antonio Mizzi and accused of trying to bribe the Msida goalkeeper before the November 23 clash between Marsaxlokk and Msida St. Joseph which ended in a 1-1 draw.
- League Championship side Sheffield United are currently in Malta on a short training camp at the MFA Training Grounds.
The team, led by SUFC manager Kevin Blackwell, held a training session on Tuesday which was open to the public.
The Blades are currently fourth on 66 points and are one of the main challengers for promotion to the Premier League. Malta national goalkeeper Justin Haber is on the club's books but is yet to make his debut for the senior team although he plays regularly for the Reserves.
On Tuesday, the management and support staff of Sheffield United FC (SUFC) as well as renowned players Ugo Ehiogu and Billy Sharpe, paid a courtesy visit to the children recovering in the wards at Mater Dei. The players spent a substantial amount of time touring the wards and chatting with all the children and handing out gifts. The visit went down well not only with the children, but with their families and the hospital staff, whose sterling work was also recognised by the Sheffield contingent.
br />Sheffield United are in Malta for a three-day training camp, however they specifically requested to visit the hospital in order to give out token gifts and spread smiles amongst the children. As a club, Sheffield United is famous for its strong sense of commitment towards the community both in the UK and abroad. In fact Sheffield United's sister team, Hungarian side Ferencvaros, also paid a similar visit last month when the team was here for a one week training camp. SUFC promote core values and education through their nurseries and see their football world as a family.
This Corporate Social Responsibility is also being promoted in Malta through such visits, as confirmed by senior SUFC official Andy Daykin who said that "Sheffield United has a strong commitment towards Corporate Social Responsibility and that is why we make it a point to include hospitals, homes, nurseries and schools in our programmes both at home and abroad".
Mon 23
- Second Division Balzan Y. vs Gozo 7-1, Zebbug R. vs Lija A. 0-0
- The Danish squad arrived in Malta on Monday afternoon ahead of next Saturday's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium, kick-off at 20:00.
The team will undergo a short training camp on the island before this game and next week's game against Albania at home. They held a first training session on Monday evening at the National Stadium. Two sessions at 10:00 and 17:00 will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Hibs Ground and two sessions will be held at 10:00 on Thursday and Friday at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta' Qali.
Defender Lars Jacobsen, midfielders Anders Moller Christensen and Michael Krohn-Dehli and striker Morten Nordstrand were the latest addition to the squad. Jacobsen replaced the injured Kasper Bogelund.
The players selected by coach Morten Olsen are:
goalkeepers Jesper Christiansen (FC Kobenhavn), Stephan Andersen (Brondby), Thomas Sorensen (Stoke);
defenders Anders Moller Christensen (OB), Daniel Agger (Liverpool), Lars Jacobsen (Everton), Michael Jakobsen (AaB), Per Kroldrup (Fiorentina), Thomas Rasmussen (Brondby);
midfielders Christian Poulsen (Juventus), Daniel Jensen (Werder Bremen), Jakob Poulsen (AGF), Jonas Borring (Midtylland), Leon Andreasen (Hannover), Martin Vingaard (FC Kobenhavn), Soren Rieks (Esbjerg), Thomas Kahlenberg (Auxerre);
Dennis Rommedahl (NEC Nijmegen), Martin Jorgensen (Fiorentina), Michael Krohn-Dehli (Brondby), Morten Nordstrand (FC Kobenhavn), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal), Soren Larsen (Toulouse).
Denmark lead the way in Group 1 with seven points from three matches after a goalless draw against Hungary in Budapest, a 3-2 win over Portugal in Lisbon and a 3-0 win over Malta in Copenhagen.
- Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Monday.
The four players are Hamrun Spartans duo Manolito Micallef and Roderick Fenech, Marsaxlokk midfielder Christian Cassar and Msida St. Joseph's Tyrone Farrugia.
Micallef and Fenech are ruled out of the game against Tarxien Rainbows on April 4. Christian Cassar will miss the game against Birkirkara on April 5 while Tyrone Farrugia is ruled out of the match against Qormi, also on April 5.
In the Youth League, Elton Dimech (Ghaxaq), Justin Callus (Kirkop), Wayne Pantalleresco (Marsaxlokk), Luke Saliba (Msida), Randall Refalo (Pietà), Osbert Ellul and Matthew Schembri (Senglea), Donovan Schembri and Samuel Cali (Vittoriosa) were all banned for one match.
- In a statement signed by media officer Nicky Saliba, Valletta FC denied approaching former Italian player Lorenzo Amoruso.
The statement says: "The President and committee of Valletta FC would like to clarify their position with regards to Italian player Lorenzo Amoruso. Valletta FC president Victor Sciriha has never met or spoke to Lorenzo Amoruso with regards to the job of Valletta FC coach as for next season."
"In this delicate moment, the President and committee would like to confirm the full support to present coach Paul Zammit and would in no way allow the loss of concentration and unity in the Valletta camp with these unfounded reports."
- This year's edition of the Annual Festival, organised by the Pembroke Local Council, through the collaboration of the Pembroke Athleta Football Nursery, was held on March 19.
This was a special edition since this was the first to be organised on the newly laid artificial turf pitch at the Pembroke Athleta Football Ground. The beautiful day, together with the near perfect organisation, made this year’s edition one to remember.
Seventeen teams and a total of 212 players took part in this football festival.
The teams:
Under-13: Pembroke Athleta, Luqa St. Andrews's, Birkirkara, Valletta.
Under-10: Pembroke Athleta, San Gwann, Paola Hibs, Mtarfa, Lija/Iklin.
Under-7: Pembroke Athleta, Paola Hibs, Floriana, Birkirkara.
Good football and fair play were the order of the day and all in all, all participants were the winners as plenty of goals were scored in all groups.
In the Under-7 category, Pembroke Athleta and Floriana were the most prominent teams. San Gwann and Paola Hibs played the better football in the Under-10 category with the very talented Pembroke side performing below their usual standard.
Birkirkara did best in the Under-13 category. They suffered the only defeat to Pembroke who showed remarkable improvement. The Valletta side, coached by former Pembroke coach Charles Farrugia were a close second to Birkirkara.
Football books funded by the Pembroke Local Council were presented by Mayor Joe Zammit, vice mayor Alfred Mazzitelli and councillor Evelyn Vella Brincat. Referees, including Under-15 and Under-17 players, were also presented with a memento.
- The Vittoriosa Stars Youth Football Nursery has been recently re-launched after a stop of a number of years. This nursery was originally set up in 1993 by Vittoriosa’s mayor John Boxall, who is still actively assisting the new Committee to steer the Nursery towards a renewed success. This process is being mentored by the Vittoriosa born and renowned premier league goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin.
The football nursery’s main aim is to provide a healthy environment for Vittoriosa’s children for the development of both their character and their technical abilities. This nursery also aims to intertwine sport activities with cultural activities so as to culturally enrich the children.
One of the first activities of the Vittoriosa Stars Youth Football Nursery was a visit to the island of Gozo where a group of 28 boys played friendly football matches with the under 10 and under 15 selections from the Nadur Youngsters’ nursery. The boys were accompanied by their coaches and their parents and since this visit proved to be a veritable success other activities, such as live-ins and cultural outings, are being planned by the current committee.
The training sessions for the children attending this nursery are currently being carried out at the De La Salle synthetic football grounds since the current football facilities in Vittoriosa are neither suitable nor safe for young children, however the nursery committee together with the senior squad committee are actively working towards the development of these facilities.
Sun 22
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Msida SJ 3-0, Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 0-3
- First Division Rabat A. vs Pietà H. 0-1
- Second Division Mgarr U. vs Marsa 1-0
- Third Division Section A Sirens vs Gharghur 0-1
- Gozo - First Division SK Victoria W. vs Kercem A. 2-3, Qala SJ vs Ghajnsielem 0-3
Sat 21
- Premier League Hibernians vs Floriana 4-1, Birkirkara vs Valletta 3-1
- Third Division Section A Ghaxaq vs Mdina K. 0-2
- Third Division Section B Gzira U. vs Pembroke A. 3-1
- Gozo - Second Division Xaghra U. vs Munxar F. 2-1
- Twenty-nine year old referee Pierre Saliba was arraigned in court on Saturday and charged with attempting to obtain for himself, or for any other person, any gift or consideration, as a reward for trying to influence the course or result of a game, on February 28.
Saliba pleaded guilty to the charges and Magistrate Dr. Giovanni Grixti fined him €500 and handed him a sentence of six months imprisonment suspended for two years.
The prosecution was led by Police Inspector Inspector Angelo Gafa.
On March 6, the Malta Football Association had announced that the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices had suspended Saliba from all football activities as he was being investigated with regards to an alleged attempt of corruption in a game in which he was not involved, neither as a referee nor as an assistant referee.
- Malta Amateur lost 2-5 to hosts FV Niederhein in the third and final match from the UEFA Regions Cup Intermediate Round mini-tournament which was held in Duisburg, Germany.
The Malta amateur national team, led by coach Mark Falzon and his assistant JJ Aquilina, was therefore eliminated from the competition.
Mosta defender Adrian Borg and Melita's George Gribbon scored the two goals for the Maltese side. At the end of the first half, the score was 3-1.
On Tuesday, Malta Amateur lost 1-2 to Northern Ireland Eastern Region but on Thursday, they defeated Belgian side Kempen 1-0.
- The Malta women's national team defeated Estonian side Flora Tallinn in a second friendly match played at the Luxol Stadium on Saturday evening.
Ylenia Carabott put Pierre Brincat's side ahead with a first half good strike on the 14th minute while Gabriella Zahra (60') and Dorianne Theuma (78, 79') sealed victory on the resumption.
Ilis Piello scored a consolation goal for Talinn on the 67th minute.
Fri 20
- Malta Football Association president Dr Joe Mifsud announced that the association is planning to introduce harsher sanctions for those found guilty of corruption. The matter is being discussed by the Executive Committee and a draft document will be presented to the Council for discussion in the coming weeks.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, Dr Mifsud said that despite the strong warning against corruption issued during the Annual General Meeting in July, there were still certain individuals who thought they were wise enough to involve themselves in these acts. He said that the more the number of cases of corruption emerge, more is the need to impose harsher penalties for those involved.
Dr Mifsud said the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices is investigated a number of cases. The board's job is no easy one since unlike with police authorities, an individual cannot be forced to give his evidence in front of the board. He said the board should not hurry in taking a decision in order not to risk committing an injustice.
He said that there is full co-operation between the MFA and police authorities when investigations are carried out. In each case of corruption appearing in court, the Malta Football Association is appearing in parte civile in order to be able to access all police statements and court documents. In this way, even if an individual fails to turn up in front of the board, there would be enough facts on which it could still take decisions.
Dr Mifsud revealed that UEFA has asked the MFA to enter the case of former referee Joe Attard and former coach Ilir Pelinku as parte civile.
The Executive Committee is now discussing harsher penalties for those found guilty of corruption. If these draft regulations, which are currently being prepared, are approved by the Council, officials, referees, players agents and players would now be liable to pay civil damages in court. All officials will have to sign a document in which they state that they would be liable to pay civil damages if they are involved in acts of corruption.
The MFA president said that in this way, those who commit such acts will have to pay out of their own money any damages to the injured parties. They would be obliged to pay €100,000 in pre-liquidated damages even before the case is decided in court.
- The Malta Under-21 national team and women's national team are both preparing for their forthcoming commitments.
Under-21 coach Edwin Camilleri and women's national team assistant coach Mark Gatt addressed the media on Thursday when they spoke about their team's commitments in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Under-21 Championship and the FIFA Women's World Cup respectively.
The Malta Under-21 side will be playing its first game from Group 8 of the 2011 UEFA Under-21 European Championship qualifying round against Slovenia on Tuesday 31st March at the Hibernians Ground, kick-off at 15:30.
Edwin Camilleri said that the fixture was due to be the last in a series of friendlies ahead of this qualifying campaign. However after the two teams were drawn in the same group, it was decided that the game would be valid for the competition.
Ahead of this game, the team played two friendly matches against Denmark and England C which ended in 0-1 and 0-4 defeats for the local side.
The Under-21 coach said that preparation was not ideal since six of the players in his squad are forming part of the Malta Amateur team which is taking part in the UEFA Regions Cup Intermediate Round mini-tournament in Duisburg, Germany. To make matters worse, two of the players who play regular Premier League football are ruled out through injuries, namely Sliema Wanderers midfielder Mark Scerri and Floriana's Luke Agius.
Camilleri announced that he could only name the squad early next week following the arrival of the players from Germany.
One new face in the squad could be England-based striker Richard Chetcuti who plays for UniBond League Division One side Warrington Town.
After this game, Malta will travel to Ukraine for a game away from home on June 9. The other teams in the group are Belgium and France.
Meanwhile the women's national team assistant coach Mark Gatt spoke about the tough draw for Malta in the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying round which was held earlier this week. Malta was drawn in Group 5 together with England, Spain, Austria, Turkey.
England are one of the strongest teams in Europe, being ranked 10th in the FIFA World Ranking. They are also one of the finalists in next summer's UEFA Women's EURO. Spain are also another strong side.
The only team which Malta had faced in past was Turkey when they defeated Malta 3-0 in a UEFA mini-tournament which was held last year in Estonia. However the performance of the Maltese was quite good and by the end of the first half, the result was still draw.
Gatt said that the team will be preparing in the best way possible ahead of these commitments. The team played a friendly match against Estonian side Flora Tallinn on Thursday, which ended in a 1-1 draw, and will be playing another friendly match against the same team on Saturday. Other friendly matches are planned for the coming months against Wales and Northern Ireland.
Malta will then host a UEFA mini-tournament in June with the three visiting teams being Bulgaria, Latvia and Luxembourg.
- About 1,400 Danish supporters will be travelling to Malta for next week's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier in programme at the National Stadium on Saturday, kick-off at 20:00. Details about the game were revealed by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud during a press conference on Friday.
Dr Mifsud said that the fact that Malta managed to obtain a good result in the last outing against Albania and that Denmark are one of the main challengers for qualification, Malta vs Denmark has generated a lot of interest.
The Danish squad will be travelling to Malta next Monday and will be conducting seven training sessions during its stay. A session will be held at the National Stadium on Monday at 18:30, two sessions at 10:00 and 17:00 on Tuesday and Wednesday at the Hibs Ground and two sessions at 10:00 on Thursday and Friday at the MFA Training Grounds.
Dr Mifsud announced that tickets reserved for Danish supporters have already been sold out. Danish supporters will be staying in the West Stand A.
Danish coach Morten Olsen named the following players for the game:
Jesper Christiansen (FC København), Stephan Andersen (Brøndby IF), Thomas Sørensen (Stoke City FC), Daniel Agger (Liverpool FC), Kasper Bøgelund (AaB), Per Krøldrup (ACF Fiorentina), Christian Poulsen (Juventus FC), Daniel Jensen (SV Werder Bremen), Jakob Poulsen (AGF), Jonas Borring (FC Midtjylland), Leon Andreasen (SV Hannover 96), Martin Vingaard 9FC København), Søren Rieks (Esbjerg fB), Thomas Kahlenberg (AJ Auxerre), Dennis Rommedahl (NEC Nijmegen), Martin Jørgensen (ACF Fiorentina), Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal FC), Søren Larsen (Toulouse FC).
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel will only name the squad later next week.
The MFA president revealed that two Australian-based players are being considered for selection for the national team. The two players are Wellington Phoenix defender Manny Muscat and Central Coast Mariners midfielder John Hutchinson. Muscat already holds a Maltese passport but Hutchinson is yet to obtain it. Fitzel is monitoring the progress of the two players in view of a possible call-up.
Speaking on behalf of the South End Core, Louis Agius said the group's preparations are in full swing. He said this game presents a bigger challenge due to the presence of a large number of Danish supporters who are well renowned for their support.
Agius revealed that one lucky person buying a ticket for the South End Core could win a prize of € 10,000 following a deal which was concluded with Monopoly Malta.
On Sunday 29, around 120 Maltese supporters will join the national team for the trip to Budapest where Malta plays Hungary in another World Cup qualifier on Wednesday 1st April.
Tickets for Malta vs Denmark will be on sale as from Saturday from:
Geraldu Kiosk – Valletta, Star Tourism – Bugibba, Eros Stationery – Paceville, Teamsport – Iklin, MFA Gym at the Millennium Stand, Ta Qali and MFA Offices, Ta Qali.
Tickets will only be available on Match Day from the stadium selling points prior to kick-off depending on availability.
Ticket prices are as follows:
West Stand - C Upper: €25
West Stand - C Lower: €12
Millennium Stand: €8
North Stand and South Stand: €5
A public transport service will be provided for the supporters from City Gate Valletta, direct to the National Stadium at Ta' Qali, starting at 18:00. Return service from the National Stadium to Valletta at the end of the match starting at around 21:30.
The gates at the National Stadium will be open to the public two hours prior to match kick-off - that is at 18:30.
Prior to the match, starting at 18:45, the MFA will be providing entertainment for the public present at the stadium. Colin Fitz will be the Master of Ceremonies.
Malta vs Denmark will be controlled by referees from Poland, namely Tomasz Mikulski, assistant referees Piotr Sadczuk and Marcin Borkowski and fourth official Robert Malek.
- Players and coaches of Sheffield United football club will be arriving in Malta this Monday, the 23rd of March, for a short three day training camp. The team, led by SUFC manager Kevin Blackwell, will be holding a training session on Tuesday the 24th March at 10:00 at Ta' Qali, which session will be open to the public and the press.
On Tuesday evening, the SUFC fitness coach, Dean Riddle, will also be conducting a workshop with the theme "Strength and Conditioning".
In February, Sheffield United senior officials and legendary SUFC ex players were in Malta for the opening of a football memorabilia exhibition, "A slice of football history", which was on display at the Auberge d'Italie in Valletta. The exhibition contained various items that are an integral part of football's history, such as the first ever, handwritten rules of football as well as the first ever competitive trophy, the Youdan Cup. The exhibition also ran simultaneously with a visit by SUFC's Hungarian 'sister' team, Ferencvaros, who were in Malta for a week-long training camp.
Sheffield United FC are sponsored by www.visitmalta.com
Thu 19
- Second Division Marsa vs Naxxar L. 2-3
- Third Division Section A Kalkara vs Fgura U. 2-0, Gudja U. vs Xghajra T. 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Qala SJ 4-1
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-1
- Nigerian-born striker Udo Nwoko joined Brazilian side Nautico.
Last month, he had reportedly agreed to join Chinese Super League side Chengdu Blades after rescinding his contract with Leixões SC. Nwoko had joined Leixoes in summer 2007, signing a three-year contract. However after playing quite regularly during his first season with the club, also scoring on his debut in the game against Benfica, this season, he was included as a substitute in a couple of Liga Sagres matches.
- A late goal by Birzebbuga St. Peter's striker Ronnie Celeste gave the Malta Amateur team a 1-0 win over Belgian side Kempen in another match from the UEFA Regions Cup Intermediate Round mini-tournament which is being held in Duisburg, Germany.
The win maintains alive hopes of winning the group if the Maltese side defeats German side FV Niederhein in the third and final match on Saturday.
It was a fine performance for the Malta Amateurs led by coach Mark Falzon and assisted by JJ Aquilina. Following a goalless first half, the Maltese managed to break the deadlock five minutes from time with a goal by Celeste.
- The Malta women's national team shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Estonian side Flora Tallinn in a friendly match at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta' Qali on Thursday.
The locals held the initiative during the first half but there was hardly any shot at goal. Fifteen minutes in the second half, Dorianne Theuma put Malta ahead. Nine minutes from time, the visitors notched the equaliser.
A second friendly match against Flora Tallinn will be played on Saturday at the Luxol Stadium, kick-off at 18:30.
Malta coach Pierre Brincat is using these friendly matches as part of the UEFA Women's Mini-Tournament which will be played in Malta in the first week of June and the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers which will be played between September 2009 and June 2010.
Bulgaria, Latvia and Luxembourg will be taking part in the UEFA Women's Mini-Tournament while Malta will face England, Spain, Austria and Turkey in the World Cup qualifiers.
- Reports appearing in the Italian media on Thursday claim that Lorenzo Amoruso could be the coach of Valletta FC next season. These reports, appearing on LaRepubblica.it, Sportal, Eurosport and calciomercato.com, claim that the news will be made official in the coming days.
Speaking to Sportal.it, Amoruso said that for the time being, there were talks between the two parties and further talks are in programme.
"For the time being, I need to finish the A Licence course. This would be my first experience as coach and although the Maltese league is not one of the top leagues, it would be an ideal experience for me as the job of a coach, with all the pressure it involves, is the same everywhere."
He revealed that initial contacts were established in 2007 when he visited Malta as part of the team of Italian veteran players who played against England.
A former player of Bari, Mantova, Pescara and Fiorentina, Amoruso moved to Scotland where he played for Rangers for six years before joining Blackburn Rovers. A series of injuries during the three-year spell at Blackburn led him to quit the game. In January 2008, Amoruso came out of retirement to sign for S.S. Cosmos on a part-time basis.
Meanwhile the same reports claim that former Inter, Roma and Italian national team striker Marco Delvecchio will join him at Valletta.
Last October, the player had visited Malta and had talks with Valletta FC president Victor Sciriha. However the move failed to materialise.
However speaking to LaRoma24.it, Delvecchio says he is not aware of this possible move, saying that he does not even know that Amoruso could be the new Valletta coach.
Wed 18
- Gozo - GFA Cup Munxar F. vs Xaghra U. 1-3
- Magistrate Antonio Mizzi is expected to hand down the sentences to Marsaxlokk team manager Peter Hartshorne and player Claude Mattocks with regards to the alleged bribery case next Tuesday.
Earlier this month, Hartshorne and Mattocks pleaded guilty in court to attempting to bribe Msida St. Joseph goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri.
Defence lawyers Dr Joseph Giglio and Franco Debono argued that their clients should be punished by the minimum sentence of four months' imprisonment or with a suspended sentence and the maximum two-year sentence should not be considered.
Inspector Angelo Gafà told the court that Mattocks immediately co-operated with police while Hartshorne only co-operated after cross-examination with Mattocks.
Dr Giglio asked the court to hear more evidence before delivering the sentence.
- Three Premier League players - Renato Conceicao (Marsaxlokk), Joseph Chetcuti (Qormi) and Alex Muscat (Sliema) - were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after collecting a fourth yellow card during the weekend.
Conceicao and Muscat are ruled out of the March 22 clash between Marsaxlokk and Sliema Wanderers. Chetcuti, on the other hand, will miss the April 5 clash with Msida St. Joseph.
In Division 1, Dylan Falzon (Rabat), Ryan Deguara (Mosta) and Jovin Abela (Senglea) were banned for one match while David Fenech and William Borg (both Mellieha) were suspended for one game in Division 2. Mellieha kit-manager Jason Gauci was also suspended.
In the Youth League, Hamrun team manager Stefan Sultana was banned for two matches while Duncan Sarcia (Hamrun) was suspended for three matches. Karl Magro (Hamrun), Christian Scerri (Marsa) and Christian Bugeja (Marsaxlokk) was handed a one-match ban.
- Former Hamrun Spartans president Victor Tedesco passed away last night at the age of 93.
Tedesco led the Spartans through the eighties and early nineties - the club's glory days. They won the championship in 1982/83, 1986/87, 1987/88 and 1990/91, the FA Trophy in 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1992, the Super Cup in 1987, 1988, 1989, 1991 and 1992, the Euro Cup in 1985, 1988, 1991 and 1992.
The funeral will be held on Thursday at 14:00 at St Gaetan Parish Church.
Lord grant him eternal rest.
Tue 17
- The Malta national amateur team suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat to Northern Ireland Eastern Region in the first game from the UEFA Regions Cup Intermediate Round mini-tournament which kicked-off in Duisburg, Germany on Tuesday.
At the end of the first half, the Irish side was leading 1-0. Mark Camilleri scored the only goal for Malta.
The Maltese side reached this stage after winning the Preliminary Round mini-tournament which was held in Israel last September. Under the guidance of coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Charles Scerri, Malta defeated Gwent County of Wales 2-0, hosts Maccabi Zur Salom 1-0 and Czech side Southern Bohemia 3-0. Six months later, the team is coached by Mark Falzon, assisted by JJ Aquilina.
Besides Malta and Northern Ireland Eastern Region, the other teams taking part in the tournament are German side FV Niederhein and Belgian side Kempen.
On Thursday, Malta faces the winner of the game between FV Niederhein and Kempen at the Schlossstadion in Grevenbroich. The third and final match will be played on Saturday.
- Malta was drawn with England, Spain, Austria, Turkey and Malta in Group 5 of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying round. The draw was held in Nyon on Tuesday.
The Malta girls managed to avoid the Nordic sides but will still face two of the strongest teams in Europe - England and Spain who are ranked 10th and 20th respectively in the FIFA World Ranking. England, one of the finalists in next summer's UEFA Women's EURO, last week won the Cyprus Women's Cup after defeating South Africa 6-0, Scotland 3-0 and Canada 3-1 and a 2-2 draw with France.
The other two teams - Austria and Turkey - are ranked 37th and 64th. Malta is ranked 99th.
Last year, Malta met Turkey in a UEFA Women's Friendly Mini-Tournament which was played in Estonia, losing 0-3.
The Malta women's national team took part in a similar tournament last November and will now host another UEFA tournament in June. The three visiting teams will be Bulgaria, Latvia and Luxembourg.
The first phase of the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying round in Europe begins on 19/20 September 2009, and ends on 25 August 2010.
The complete fixtures for Malta are: 19 September Malta vs Spain, 25 October England vs Malta, 18 November Malta vs Austria, 27 March 2010 Malta vs Turkey, 11 April 2010 Turkey vs Malta, 20 May 2010 Malta vs England, 9 June 2010 Austria vs Malta, 24 June 2010 Spain vs Malta.
The eight group winners will contest play-offs on 11-12 and 15-16 September 2010 and the winners of each tie will earn a place at the World Cup.
- The Malta Football Association announced new dates for the BOV First Division, Second Division and Third Division League fixtures which were postponed due to the number of players who are playing for the Malta amateur national team which is taking part in the UEFA Regions Cup mini-tournament.
Two matches from the BOV First Division will be played on Tuesday 24th March at the Victor Tedesco Stadium: 18:30 Dingli Swallows vs St. George's and 20:30 San Gwann vs Mqabba. Another First Division match - Senglea Athletic vs Mosta - will be played on Wednesday 25 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kick-off at 19:00.
The two matches programmed for Sunday 29 will be played as scheduled but two matches which were due to be played on March 31 have been postponed to Thursday April 2nd. Pietà Hotspurs vs Dingli Swallows and Mosta vs Rabat Ajax will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
The postponed BOV Second Division matches will be played as follows:
Monday 23 March
18:00 Balzan Youths vs Gozo
20:00 Zebbug Rangers vs Lija Athletic
Tuesday 24 March
18:00 Melita vs St. Andrews
20:00 Sta. Venera Lightnings vs Mellieha
Friday 27 March
18:00 Mellieha vs Zebbug Rangers (postponed from March 24)
20:00 Lija Athletic vs Balzan Youths
Sunday, 29 March 2009 @ Gozo Stadium
13:00 Gozo vs Birzebbuga St. Peter's
In the BOV Third Division, the two postponed matches - Zurrieq vs Zejtun Corinthians and Siggiewi vs Santa Lucia - will be played on Wednesday 25th March at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.
Two matches which were due to be played on Friday 27 have been shifted to Saturday 28 as follows:
13:30 Mtarfa vs Kirkop United
15:30 Fgura United vs Qrendi
Mon 16
- Third Division Section A Gharghur vs Luqa SA 4-0
- The Malta national amateur team starts its adventure in the UEFA Regions Cup Intermediate Round mini-tournament in Duisburg, Germany as it faces Northern Ireland Eastern Region on Tuesday.
The Maltese side reached this stage after winning the Preliminary Round mini-tournament which was held in Israel last September. Under the guidance of coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Charles Scerri, Malta defeated Gwent County of Wales 2-0, hosts Maccabi Zur Salom 1-0 and Czech side Southern Bohemia 3-0.
Six months later, the team is coached by Mark Falzon, assisted by JJ Aquilina.
Besides Malta and Northern Ireland Eastern Region, the other teams taking part in the tournament are German side FV Niederhein and Belgian side Kempen.
The complete programme is as follows:
Tue 17 16:00 Northern Ireland Eastern Region vs Malta Amateur @ Ratingen
Tue 17 19:00 FV Niederhein (GER) vs Kempen (BEL) @ Ratingen
Thu 19 16:00 Loser Match 2 vs Winners Match 1 @ Schlossstadion - Grevenbroich
Thu 19 19:00 Loser Match 1 vs Winners Match 2 @ Schlossstadion - Grevenbroich
Sat 21 15:00 Loser Match 1 vs Loser Match 2 @ Im Holtkamp - Duisburg
Sat 21 15:00 Winners Match 1 vs Winners Match 2 @ Fugmann-Kampfbahn - Duisburg
The players selected by Falzon and Aquilina are:
goalkeepers Julian Azzopardi (Zurrieq), Steven Sultana (Nadur);
defenders Adrian Borg (Mosta), David Cauchi (Mellieha), Joseph Cefai (Gozo), Lee Cumbo (San Gwann), Chris Bernard Farrugia (Birzebbuga), George Gribbon (Melita);
midfielders Josef Buttigieg (Gozo), Mark Camilleri (Siggiewi), Iro Curmi (St. George's), Shaun Magro (Mqabba), Kane William Micallef (Melita), Mead Mifsud (Mqabba);
forwards Ronnie Celeste (Birzebbuga), Christopher Pace (Lija), Andre Scicluna (Lija), Josef Vassallo (Siggiewi).
Sun 15
- Premier League Qormi vs Tarxien R. 1-2, Floriana vs Birkirkara 0-2
- First Division Pietà H. vs Senglea A. 4-2, St. Patrick vs Vittoriosa S. 1-3
- Third Division Section A Qrendi vs Ghaxaq 1-3
- Third Division Section B Attard vs Mtarfa 3-0
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Kercem A. 3-0
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Zebbug R. 4-2
Sat 14
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians 1-4, Valletta vs Sliema W. 5-0
- First Division St. George's vs Rabat A. 1-2, Mosta vs San Gwann 2-1
- Second Division Mellieha vs Melita 2-1, Birzebbuga SP vs Mgarr U. 3-1
- Gozo - First Division SK Victoria W. vs Nadur Y. 0-0
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Oratory Y. 2-0
- Malta national amateur team coach Mark Falzon named an 18-man squad ahead of the UEFA Regions Cup Intermediate Round mini-tournament which will be played in Duisburg, Germany.
Malta will be meeting Eastern Region (Northern Ireland), FV Niederhein (Germany) and Kempen (Belgium). The first game is against Eastern Region on March 17.
The Malta amateurs, then led by coach Edwin Camilleri, were the first national team in any category to win a mini-tournament and therefore qualify for a second stage of a competition.
Last September in Israel, the Malta Amateurs defeated Gwent County of Wales 2-0, hosts Maccabi Zur Salom 1-0 and Czech side Southern Bohemia 3-0.
The players selected by coach Mark Falzon and his assistant JJ Aquilina are:
goalkeepers Julian Azzopardi (Zurrieq), Steven Sultana (Nadur);
defenders Adrian Borg (Mosta), David Cauchi (Mellieha), Joseph Cefai (Gozo), Lee Cumbo (San Gwann), Chris Bernard Farrugia (Birzebbuga), George Gribbon (Melita);
midfielders Josef Buttigieg (Gozo), Mark Camilleri (Siggiewi), Iro Curmi (St. George's), Shaun Magro (Mqabba), Kane William Micallef (Melita), Mead Mifsud (Mqabba);
forwards Ronnie Celeste (Birzebbuga), Christopher Pace (Lija), Andre Scicluna (Lija), Josef Vassallo (Siggiewi).
- Dingli Swallows Youth Nursery will be holding the second Dylan Zahra Under-13 Memorial Festival at the Floriana Hockey Pitch on Sunday 29th March.
Five nurseries will be taking part, namely Dingli Swallows, Lija/Iklin, Mtarfa, Pembroke Athleta and Senglea Athletic.
Fri 13
- Third Division Section A Mdina K. vs Sirens 3-2
- Third Division Section B Santa Lucia vs Kirkop U. 2-0
Thu 12
- Gozo - Second Division Xaghra U. vs Gharb R. 4-1, Xewkija T. vs Munxar F. 2-0
- The MFA Protests Board did not uphold the protest lodged by St. George's on the eligibility of Vittoriosa Stars player Ndubisi Chukunyere who played in the BOV First Division match between St. George's and Vittoriosa Stars. Therefore, the result, 2-1 in favour of Vittoriosa Stars, stands.
Chukunyere was banned for two matches by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on December 17 and he was therefore to serve this ban in the games against St. George's on December 27 and Senglea Athletic on January 10. St. George's claimed that since the December 27 clash was declared null, the player was ineligible to play in the replay of that game.
The game, which was played at the Hibernians Ground on Wednesday 4th March, was a replay of the December 27 clash which Vittoriosa had won 3-2. The replay was a result of another protest by St. George's after two of their players pleaded guilty in court to accepting bribes before the December 27 game.
Two St. George's players - Andrea Gatt and Lawrence Mizzi and Vittoriosa Stars vice-president Manwel Ancilleri were arraigned in court. Gatt and Mizzi both pleaded guilty while Ancilleri's case is still in court. The Malta Football Association then referred the case to the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices which is still being investigating.
On Thursday, the MFA Protests Board argued that since the board had declared null the original game on February 17, Chukunyere had to serve the second of his two-match ban in the February 22 game against Dingli Swallows on the basis of Article 17(i)(a) and that Article 18(iii), on which St. George's based their protest, was not applicable.
Actually the Nigerian-born player was included as a substitute in the game against Dingli and therefore the board recommended further action by the relevant board to take the necessary action according to Article 19 (iii) of the Disciplinary Code.
- Luqa St. Andrew's Youth Nursery will be holding an Under-9 Festival on Saturday 21st March. First kick-off is at 08.30.
This tournament is open only for boys born 2000 onwards and matches will be played on a 5-a-side basis.
Each nursery is asked to have at least 2 teams of 5 players each. Players cannot switch teams.
More information may be obtained by contacting the nursery on luqayn@gmail.com or mobile number 99821120.
Wed 11
- Gozo - GFA Cup Oratory Y. vs Zebbug R. 1-3
- The winner of the BOV Player of the Month award for the month of February 2009 is Sliema Wanderers right flank Alex Muscat. Alex Muscat was voted by journalists as the best performing footballer during the month of February, an honour which had become elusive for Sliema players recently.
Julian Baldacchino, Manager Preluna Towers Branch at Bank of Valletta presented the trophy to Mr Muscat, who expressed his satisfaction for the achievement, stressing that his success was possible only through the support of his other team mates.
The Sliema player displayed his vigour during February on various occasions, when he participated with the national team in the World Cup home qualifier against Albania. Muscat also excelled for his club team in the next two league games against Birkirkara and Msida St. Joseph. Apart from scoring two goals in those matches to bring his total for the season to four goals, the player displayed rapid insertions in attacking positions.
The qualities of the player represent an important contribution not only to the Blues but to local football as a whole. The player chose the Puttinu Cares – Children's Cancer Support Group as the charitable institution to benefit from the cash donation, awarded by the Bank in relation to the award.
- Following a goalless draw against Albania in a match from the qualifying round of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Malta climbed eight places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking and is now ranked 146th.
Among the other European countries, Malta is 49th. Just ahead of Malta are Armenia (120, up 1), Luxembourg (122, down 2), Estonia (126, down 4), Kazakhstan (130, up 10) and Azerbaijan (134, up 2). On the other hand, lying behind Malta are Liechtenstein (151), Faroe Islands (185), Andorra (195) and San Marino (201).
Later this month, on Saturday 28, Malta hosts Denmark in another World Cup qualifier. Four days later, Malta faces Hungary in Budapest.
- The Malta Football Association announced a number of changes in fixtures from the BOV First Division, BOV Second Division and BOV Third Division leagues which were due to be played between March 15 and March 22.
The following matches have all been postponed to dates which are yet to be announced:
Sunday, 15 March 2009
BOV Second Division League
Zebbug Rangers vs Lija Athletic
Balzan Youths vs Gozo
Monday, 16 March 2009
BOV Third Division League Section B
Zurrieq vs Zejtun Corinthians
Thursday, 19 March 2009
BOV Second Division League
Sta. Venera Lightnings vs Mellieha
Saturday, 21 March 2009
BOV First Division League
Dingli Swallows vs St. George's
San Gwann vs Mqabba
Sunday, 22 March 2009
BOV First Division League
Senglea Athletic vs Mosta
BOV Second Division League
Lija Athletic vs Balzan Youths
Gozo vs Birzebbuga St. Peter's
BOV Third Division League Section B
Siggiewi vs Santa Lucia
- No Premier League players were suspended after the two U*BET FA Trophy semi-finals which were played during the weekend.
In Division 1, Edwin Casha, Jason Cachia and Uchenna Anyanwu (Dingli), Kurt Formoa and Mark Pullicino (St. Patrick) and Larry Lagana (Vittoriosa) were banned for one match.
Luke Stivala and Anthony Lagana (Balzan), Neil Busuttil and Stephen Aquilina (Mgarr), Stefan Farrugia (Sta. Venera) and Lawrence Vella (Zebbug) were suspended for one match in Division 2.
In Division 3, Christian Micallef (Attard), Ryan Debattista (Gharghur) and Elton Dimech (Ghaxaq) were handed a one-match ban while Carl Calvagna (Balzan), Neil Scerri (Lija), Owen Calleja (Mosta) and Kurt Grech (Msida) were banned for one match in the Youth League.
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud opened his account for Barnsley as he put the Tykes ahead eight minutes from time in the Championship clash against Birmingham City but they failed to hold on the three points. The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Mifsud moved from Coventry to Barnsley last month - on loan till the end of the season.
Daniel Bogdanovic played six matches so far, scoring two goals. Mifsud, on the other hand, played five matches.
The Tykes are currently fourth from bottom on 35 points.
Tue 10
- Zurrieq FC will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting at the club premises situated in 53, Triq il-Kbira, Zurrieq on Sunday 22nd March at 9.30am. If there is no quorum the general meeting will start 30 minutes later.
Items on the agenda include a speech by the president, amendments to the statute of Zurrieq FC and the nomination of Alan Amato as Treasurer.
Mon 9
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Gudja U. 0-0
- Third Division Section B Pembroke A. vs Siggiewi 1-0
Sun 8
- FA Trophy Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 1-1 aet (3-4 pen)
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs Mqabba 1-3, St. Patrick vs Dingli S. 0-0
- Second Division Lija Athletic vs Sta. Venera L. 2-1, St. Andrews vs Marsa 1-1, Gozo vs Mgarr U. 3-1
- Third Division Section A Xghajra T. vs Gharghur 0-1
- Third Division Section B Zejtun C. vs Gzira U. 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Victoria H. 2-3
- Marsaxlokk FC issued a statement, signed by president Robert Micallef, following the arraignment in court of the club's team-manager and a player.
"Referring to the news regarding a Marsaxlokk player and official, on behalf Marsaxlokk FC, I would like to declare that myself and other committee members were not aware of what allegedly had happened. The club disassociates itself from what allegedly happened."
"While condemning any illicit act or behaviour taking place in football, Marsaxlokk Football Club expects the whole truth to come out and whoever is really guilty of pays for his acts. Hopefully no further motives which were only meant to harm Marsaxlokk FC emerge."
"In the mean time, Marsaxlokk FC retain the rights to take the necessary action in order to keep the clean image the club always had," concludes the statement.
- A young player at the Senglea Athletic Youth Nursery, Dylan Bugeja, passed away at the age of 15.
In a short statement by the Senglea Nursery, they stated that Dylan was a determined player, always with a smile on his face, showing great enthusiasm on the field of play. He was a good player who worked hard and gave his utmost for the team. Dylan showed great love for football and for life.
Sat 7
- FA Trophy Valletta vs Birkirkara 2-0
- Second Division Balzan Y. vs Zebbug R. 1-0, Naxxar L. vs Birzebbuga SP 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Munxar F. 1-0, Zebbug R. vs Xewkija T. 1-6
Fri 6
- Third Division Section A Ghaxaq vs Kalkara 1-4
- Third Division Section B Attard vs Zurrieq 0-2
- Marsaxlokk team manager Peter Hartshorne and player Claude Mattocks pleaded guilty in court to trying to bribe Msida St. Joseph goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri before the BOV Premier League match played on November 23, 2008.
The game ended in a 1-1 draw.
The court heard that Claude Mattocks approached Matthew Camilleri and offered him bribes, upon instructions by Peter Hartshorne.
Defence lawyer Dr Joseph Giglio asked the court to be granted the opportunity to bring further evidence about the true course of facts and possibly, other cases.
Mattocks and Hartshorne were granted bail against a personal guarantee of €2,000 each. The case is being heard by Magistrate Antonio Mizzi. Dr Joseph Giglio and Dr Franco Debono are appearing for Mattocks and Hartshorne respectively.
The Malta Football Association has now referred the case to the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices.
This is the second case of corruption to enter court this season. In December, two St. George's players - Lawrence Mizzi and Andrea Gatt - pleaded guilty to bribery charges in court following the BOV First Division clash between Vittoriosa Stars and St. George's which Vittoriosa won 3-2. Mizzi admitted that a person had approached him, offering him the sum of €1,000 and another € 1,000 for Gatt.
A third case occurred in July before the UEFA Cup first qualifying round first leg match between Marsaxlokk and Slaven Belupo of Croatia. 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.
It was later revealed that the persons being investigated by police were Albanian coach Ilir Pelinku and former FIFA Referee Joe Attard. These are yet to be arraigned in court.
- Following the arraignment in court of Peter Hartshorne and Claude Mattocks, the Malta Football Association issued the following statement.
"After the Police arraigned in the Court of Magistrates Marsaxlokk FC committee member and MFA Council Member Mr Peter Hartshorne and Marsaxlokk player Mr Claude Mattocks (who is currently serving a ban over a doping case in season 2007/08) in connection with an alleged case of corruption before the BOV Premier League match Msida St. Joseph vs Marsaxlokk which was played on November 23, 2008, and both pleaded guilty to the charges, the President of the Malta Football Association wrote to the MFA Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices in order to investigate the case and suspend with immediate effect these two persons from all football activities."
"Meanwhile, earlier this week, the MFA Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices suspended temporarily from all football activities referee Mr Pierre Saliba who is being investigated with regards an alleged attempt of corruption in a game in which he was not involved, neither as a referee nor as an assistant referee. The Police was informed about the case and is now investigating."
- The Vittoriosa Stars vs St. George's saga continues as the latter have filed a protest over the replay which was played on Wednesday over the ineligibility of Vittoriosa Stars midfielder Ndubisi Chukunyere.
Chukunyere was banned for two matches by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on December 17 and he was therefore to serve this ban in the games against St. George's on December 27 and Senglea Athletic on January 10.
St. George's claim that since the December 27 clash was declared null, the player was ineligible to play in the replay of that game which was played on Wednesday.
In the replay, ordered by the MFA Protests Board following another protest by St. George's, Vittoriosa Stars won 2-1.
Vittoriosa held the initiative during the first half. Anthony Eviparker put them ahead after ten minutes and Darren Grech doubled the score on 52 minutes. Iro Curmi pulled one back for St. George's four minutes later.
The December 27 match ended in a 3-2 win for Vittoriosa. However following allegations of bribery, two St. George's players - Andrea Gatt and Lawrence Mizzi and Vittoriosa Stars vice-president Manwel Ancilleri were arraigned in court. Gatt and Mizzi both pleaded guilty while Ancilleri's case is still in court.
In January, the Malta Football Association referred the case to the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices which is still investigating the case and is therefore yet to hand its judgement. In the mean time, Gatt, Mizzi and Ancilleri were suspended temporarily.
Thu 5
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Xaghra U. 1-4
Wed 4
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs St. George's 2-1
- Gozo - GFA Cup Kercem A. vs St. Lawrence S. 3-1
- Eight Premier League players will be missing the first game from the Championship or Relegation Pool after being handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
The eight players are Sunday Eboh (Floriana), Rumen Galabov (Hibs), Julio Alcorse and Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk), Lucas Ramon Dos Santos (Qormi), Henry Bonello (Sliema), Warren Chircop (Tarxien) and Jonathan Bondin (Hamrun).
Bonello is ruled out of the game against Valletta while Eboh will be missing the game against his former team Birkirkara. Galabov, Alcorse and Sciberras are ruled out of the game between Marsaxlokk and Hibernians.
Dos Santos and Chircop will be missing the Relegation Pool clash between Qormi and Tarxien. These matches will be played on March 14 and 15.
Jonathan Bondin is ruled out of the game against Msida which will be played the following weekend.
In Division 1, Kevin Cassar and Sharlon Pace (Pietà), Emanuel Muscat (Rabat), Brady Zerafa (Senglea) and Thomas Caruana (St. Patrick) were banned for one match while Chris Cuschieri (San Gwann) was suspended for five matches.
Clive FOrmosa and Darren Vella (Birzebbuga), Patrick Camilleri (Mellieha) and Glen Micallef (Sta. Venera) were handed a one-match ban in Division 2 while Mark Muscat (Sta. Venera) was suspended for two.
In Division 3, John Jonathan Agius (Ghaxaq), Christian Galea and Jonathan Zahra (Gudja) and Matthew Francalanza (Mdina) were suspended for one match while Elvin Gauci (Gudja) was banned for five matches.
Ryan D'Amato (Birzebbuga), Charlot Ciantar and Keith Gauci (Rabat) were suspended for one match in the Youth League.
Wed 4
- The Malta Under-17 national team lost 0-2 to Wales in a second friendly match at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta' Qali.
The locals played decisively better in the second match against Wales earlier this week, although losing 2-0. After conceding two goals in the first half (15th and 36th both by Elliot Chamberlain) the Maltese youngsters controlled and even shared the exchanges in the second part of the match.
It has to be said that the Welsh squad is a year older and is preparing to compete in the second phase of the Under 17 Championship, later this month. On the other hand, the Maltese squad is made up of boys born during 1993 and also has six boys a year younger, making their first experience with the team and on the international field. Watford based Vjorn Sultana was once again included in the squad and his performance together with that of his team mates was on a different level.
MALTA Yenz Cini, Lee Galea, Malcolm Vella, Dylan D'Agostino, Zach Muscat, Christian Grech, Matthew Hammett, Vjorn Sultana, David Spiteri, Terrence Agius, Siraj Eddin Arab.
Substitutes: Carlos Dimech, Steve Agius, John Debono, Brandon Muscat, Ian Scerri, Bjorn Kristensen, John Micallef
WALES Connor Roberts, Joe Walsh, Daniel Alfrei, Aaron Holloway, Lee Lucas Kalielden Brown, Elliott Chamberlain, Aynsley McDonald, Jordan Smith, John Williams, Liam Newman.
Substitutes: Rhys Wilson, Adam Matthews, Rilly Bodin, John Meads, Shane Williams, Kieron Freeman, Reece Jones
In the first match on Sunday, Wales won 4-1. Siraj Eddin Arab scored the only goal for Malta.
The team is currently preparing for the UEFA Under-17 mini-tournament which will be played in Ocotber in Andorra where Malta will be meeting Andorra, Netherlands and Northern Ireland.
- The instructional meeting which was to be held on the 26th January 2009 and was postponed to a later date, is going to be held on Monday 9th March at 19.30 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hamrun. This meeting is being organized for all grades of coaches members of the MFCA.
This meeting is going to be conducted by the three coaches, Mr. Joe Micallef, Mr. Paul Zammit and Mr. Jimmy Briffa, who recently attended the AEFCA symposium in Germany.
The committee hopes to see all member coaches at this meeting. The coaches will be informed about the half day seminar that will held in April.
Mon 2
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Valletta 1-3
- Third Division Section A Sirens vs Luqa SA 1-2
- Third Division Section B Mtarfa vs Santa Lucia 0-0
- Clayton Pisani will be controlling two matches in the UEFA Under-17 Championship 2009 Elite Round mini-tournament in Graz, Austria between the 19th and 26th March. He will be accompanied by FIFA assistant Edward Spiteri. Pisani has been appointed to control the matches Scotland vs Georgia and Austria vs Georgia while he will act as fourth official in the Scotland vs Austria match.
Esther Azzopardi will control the UEFA Women's Under-19 mini-tournament in Portugal between the 22nd and 24th April. She will be accompanied by assistant referee Glen Tonna.
Sun 1
- Under 17 International Friendly MALTA vs WALES 1-4
The Malta Under-17 national team lost 1-4 to Wales in the first of two friendly matches which will be played over three days.
Siraj Eddin Arab put Malta ahead but the visitors hit back with four goals.
MALTA: Carlos Dimech, Steve Agius, Christian Grech, Zach Muscat, Malcolm Vella, Terence Agius (John Micallef), Brandon Gatt (Matthew Hammett), Bjorn Kristensen, Brandon Muscat (John Debono), Vjorn Sultana, Siraj Eddin Arab (David Spiteri).
The team is currently preparing for the UEFA Under-17 mini-tournament which will be played in Ocotber in Andorra where Malta will be meeting Andorra, Netherlands and Northern Ireland.
The full squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Carlos Dimech (Pieta), Yenz Cini (Valletta);
defenders Lee Galea (San Gwann), Steve Agius (Qormi), Malcolm Vella (Hibs), Christian Grech (Pietà), Zach Muscat (Pietà), John Micallef (Hibs);
midfielders Vjorn Sultana (Watford), Bjorn Kristensen (Hibs), Ian Scerri (Hibs), Sacha Borg (Floriana), John Debono (Naxxar), Terence Agius (Pietà), Dylan D'Agostino (Valletta), Brandon Muscat (Hibs), Brandon Gatt (Hibs), David Spiteri (Birkirkara);
strikers Matthew Hammett (Hibs), Siraj Eddin Arab (Pembroke), Michael Camilleri (Birkirkara), Christian Briffa (Hibs), Ryan Dalli (Sliema).
- Premier League Tarxien R. vs Floriana 3-0, Sliema W. vs Qormi 1-1
- First Division Senglea A. vs St. George's 2-1, San Gwann vs Pietà H. 0-1
- Second Division Melita vs Lija A. 0-1, Marsa vs Mellieha 0-3
- Third Division Section A Mdina K. vs Qrendi 0-1
- Third Division Section B Kirkop U. vs Pembroke A. 1-0
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Nadur Y. 2-0, Qala SJ vs SK Victoria W. 0-3
- The 8th Sliema Wanderers F.C. Carnival Football Tournament 2009 was organised on the 21st, 22nd, 23rd and 24th February, at the St. Aloysius Sport Complex. Categories taking part were Under 11, Under 12, Under 13 and Under 14. A total of thirty teams from thirteen different nurseries took part in a total of sixty nine matches. This tournament brought together a total of four hundred and twenty eight boys.
The tournament kicked off on Saturday. After a brief introduction by officials and a message from Mr Toni Meli, Sliema Wanderers F.C. Nursery Chairman and Mr Steve Abela, Sliema Wanderers F.C. President, three senior team players, Muscat Alex, Bonello Henry and Scerri Mark (all nursery products) symbolically kicked off the tournament.
The whole tournament was played in a very friendly environment with no incidents being reported, and no red cards being shown. A heavy downpour on the last day of the tournament did not deter the boys from giving all those present a fantastic feast of football leaving the supporters biting their nails with very closely fought out finals. One of the tournament rules used was that of unlimited substitutions so as to encourage coaches to make use of all the players in the squad and which was used by most of the teams.
Winners of the four categories were:
Under 11: Melita
Under 12: Sliema Wanderers
Under 13: Luxol St. Andrews
Under 14: Sliema Wanderers