November 2009
Mon 30
- Third Division Section B Kirkop U. vs Gudja U. 3-2, Zejtun C. vs Naxxar L. 2-0
- The Malta Under-23 side will be hosting Italy in the first match from the International Challenge Trophy at the National Stadium on Wednesday, kick-off at 19:00. Italy will be represented by players from the Lega Pro the former Serie C1 and C2.
The International Challenge Trophy is reserved for players under the age of 23 and taking part in the competition are eleven countries which were divided into three groups. Malta was drawn in Group A together with Italy, Belgium and Romania. England, Republic of Ireland and Estonia will play in Group B while Portugal, Poland, Wales and Northern Ireland were drawn in Group C. Group matches are played either home or away.
The Malta Football Association will be using this team to give players who are no longer eligible to play for the Under-21 side but who are yet to make it to the senior squad an opportunity to play international football. The squad in fact includes several former Under-21 internationals although there are also some players like Andrei Agius, Clayton Failla, Edward Herrera, Paul Fenech and Ryan Fenech who have already played for the senior side.
Coach Carmel Busuttil named eighteen players:
goalkeepers Glenn Zammit (Marsaxlokk), Matthew Felice (East Mills - CAN);
defenders Andrei Agius (Cassino - ITA), Steve Bezzina (Valletta), Steve Borg (Valletta), Clayton Failla (Sliema), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Justin Grioli (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Hibs);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Valletta), Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Gianluca Calabretta (Tarxien), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Sliema);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Birkirkara), Quilin Refalo (Pietà), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Italian coach Giorgio Veneri named the following squad:
goalkeeper Gianmarco D'Orio (Prato), Fabio Gadignani (Mezzocorona);
defenders Maikol Benassi (Esperia Viareggio), Lorenzo Laverone (Arezzo), Simone Malacarne (Cremonese), Enrico Pezzi (Bellaria Igea Marina), Fabrizio Poli (Arezzo), Giovanni Rossi (Foligno);
midfielders Davide Bariti (Carrarese), Oscar Branzani (Giacomense), Paolo Campinoti (Monza), Alessio Cristiani (Esperia Viareggio), Francesco Giraldi (Nocerina), Mattia Lerda (Bellaria Igea Marina);
forwards Stefano Giacomelli (Foligno), Nicola Russo (Taranto), Luca Scapuzzi (Portogruaro), Marco Verratti (Pescara).
The match will be controlled by referee Marco Borg who will be assisted by assistant referees Philip Agius and Ingmar Spiteri and fourth official Clayton Pisani.
After this game, Malta will play Belgium on March 31 away from home before hosting Romania on April 21.
Sun 29
- Premier League Floriana vs Sliema W. 1-1, Birkirkara vs Msida SJ 4-1
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs St. George's 5-0, Balzan Y. vs Melita 2-1
- Second Division Sta. Venera L. vs Zurrieq 3-1, Gharghur vs Senglea A. 1-2, Gozo vs Rabat A. 1-2
- Third Division Section A Mgarr U. vs Pembroke A. 1-0, Ghaxaq vs Mdina K. 2-2
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Victoria H. 0-5
Sat 28
- Premier League Tarxien R. vs Hibernians 1-2, Hamrun S. vs Valletta 2-3
- First Division San Gwann vs Mqabba 1-1, St. Patrick vs Mosta 0-1
- Second Division Gzira U. vs Lija A. 0-2, Birzebbuga SP vs Mellieha 2-2
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-1, Xaghra U. vs Zebbug R. 3-0
Fri 27
- Third Division Section B Santa Lucia vs Xghajra T. 0-1, Swieqi U. vs Sirens 0-4
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs S.K. Victoria W. 2-2
- The Malta Football Referees Association revealed a programme of activities which mark the association's 60th anniversary during a press conference which was held at Teamsport Iklin on Friday.
MFRA president Lorry Sammut spoke about the association's history saying that prior to 1949, there was another association - the Football Referees Association. However following a clash between the FRA and the MFA in May 1949 over which body had to make referees' appointments, the referees' association called a strike and the MFA brought foreign referees to control matches.
In November 1949, the Malta Football Referees Association was founded with Billy Mock being its first president.
Sammut mentioned some of the association's highlights including the first appointment abroad for Turu Lentini in 1962 and hence the first appointment in a European clubs competition abroad for Joe Cassar Naudi. Cassar Naudi was eventually awarded with the Midalja ghall-Qadi tar-Repubblika in 1993.
In 1998, a member of the MFRA, Emmanuel Zammit, was the first Maltese referee to officiate in World Cup matches. He was assistant referee in three matches including the final for third and fourth place.
The MFRA president also mentioned dark times and in particular, the bombing of the house of referee Twanny Agius in the night between February 20 and 21, 1985 - an episode which shocked the association's members, resulting in tension and fear. The MFRA reacted by ordering a strike for the matches scheduled for February 23 and 24. The Malta Football Association fined the referees for this strike.
Sammut thanked his predecessors, namely Billy Mock, Major Alfred Briffa, Joe Cassar Naudi, Paul Bonnett, Tonio Briguglio, Lino Debono, Patrick Fenech and Mark Spiteri. He said that in recent years the association worked hard to change the mentality of referees in view of a more professional attitude. He said the association fought for security in football grounds until an agreement was reached. The association worked hard to establish the uniformity of kits and collective training for referees. The fact that the MFA president, was also chairman of the Referees Board, helped considerably.
The MFRA is now a member association within the Malta Football Association and is represented by two council members.
Sammut appealed for more youths to take up the career of a referee. He said that this could be the right career for players who feel that they cannot make the grade with the first team. They will receive all necessary support by their colleagues as referees.
The MFRA president concluded that the association was there for the service of the game.
Vice President Alex Arena then proceeded to outline the activities marking the association's 60th anniversary which will be held over the coming days.
The first activity will be a mass for all past and present members in Pembroke on Sunday December 6. Mass will celebrated by Archbishop Paul Cremona. On Monday 7, the MFRA will be taking part in a triangular tournament - "Goal ghall-Istrina" while on Tuesday 8, members are invited to attend a cultural visit. Referees will be visiting schools on Wednesday 9 in order to attract more children to this career while on Thursday 10, officials will be paying a visit to Mater Dei Hospital.
MFRA officials will be visiting the President of the Republic Dr George Abela on Friday 11. Activities come to an end on Saturday 12 with voluntary work at St. Joseph's Home in the morning and a reception at Montekristo Estates in the evening.
The association invites any of its ex-members who want to join in these celebrations by contacting any of its officials.
More information is available at www.maltareferees.org
- Floriana defender Julian Briffa was handed a one-match ban after being sent off in the BOV Premier League match against Hibernians.
Adrian Mifsud of Rabat Ajax and Omar Smeir of Mtarfa were also banned for one match in Divisions 2 and 3 respectively.
Thu 26
- Gozo - GFA Cup Munxar F. vs Xewkija T. 0-5
- The Malta Football Association announced that the BOV First Division League match Marsaxlokk vs Pietà Hotspurs which was due to be played on November 30 has been postponed.
Wed 25
- The Malta Football Association announced that the National League 100 Anniversary Cup third clash between Valletta and Gozo has been postponed.
The match was originally scheduled for November 9 but was then shifted to November 25 due the Malta Under-21 national team commitments against Slovenia. However with the BOV Premier League match between Valletta and Tarxien Rainbows being shifted to November 24, the game was postponed to December 2.
However on that day, the Malta Under-23 national team hosts Italy in the first match from the International Challenge Trophy. A number of Valletta players are part of the squad and therefore the Valletta-Gozo game had to be postponed once again.
A new date is yet to be announced.
However with fourth round matches due to be played on December 5 and 6, this means that the fourth round clash between Vittoriosa Stars and the winner of the clash between Valletta and Gozo cannot be played during that weekend.
- Two Premier League players were handed a one-match ban after collecting a fourth yellow card during the weekend.
The two players are Dingli Swallows midfielder Roderick Spiteri and Floriana's Orosco Anonam. Spiteri is ruled out of the game against Qormi on Friday while Anonam, together with Julian Briffa who was sent off in the game against Hibs, will be missing the clash with Sliema Wanderers.
In Division 1, Neil Curmi (San Gwann) was banned for one game while Daniel Borg (Gharghur) and Anthony Lagana (Zebbug) were suspended for one game in Division 2. St. Andrews team manager Chris Montford was handed a two-match ban.
Mgarr's Mark Abela was suspended for one game in Division 3.
Edson Fenech and Tyrone Pace (Dingli), Darren Vella (Lija), Justin Pace (Marsaxlokk), Christian Calleja and Neil Farrugia (Rabat) were all banned for one match in the Youth League.
- As part of the preparations ahead of the derby against Hibernians in programme on Saturday, Tarxien Rainbows will be holding a rally for supporters on Friday at the club premises at 20:30.
President Tony Cassar and coach Noel Coleiro will be addressing the rally.
Supporters are urged to attend.
Tue 24
- Premier League Valletta vs Tarxien R. 2-2
- Ghaxaq FC will be organising an activity for all the family on Sunday 13th December 2009, named Christmas Football Fest. The main attractions will include competitions in ball juggling, penalty shoot-out and target shooting. The winners will be awarded with a variety of prizes.
Since this event will be organised in a Christmas atmosphere there will be the possibility for parents to book Santa Claus to deliver Christmas gifts to their children.
The activity will also include bingo and a breakdance show.
For further information about the programme of activities, please visit the link http://ghaxaqfc.webs.com/activitiesnew.htm
- KingMasters in collaboration with Lourdes Band Club Paola will be organizing a Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 tournament on PlayStation 3.
The tournament will take place at the Lourdes Band Club in Paola and starts at 10am. Draws will take place at 9am. The fee is €7.
The winner will win €50 in cash, a €25 Voucher from Compleet IS and a trophy while the second and and third placed players will get a trophy and a €25 Voucher from Compleet IS each.
Also, another two vouchers from Compleet IS of €25 each will be handed out in a raffle.
For application form, please contact us on: 79695081, socjetafilarmonikalourdes@hotmail.com or kingmasters@melita.com
Participants must hand in the application form by NOT later than 8th December.
Mon 23
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 0-3
- Third Division Section B Fgura U. vs Luqa SA 0-1, Siggiewi vs Marsa 0-4
- The MFA Powerade School Challenge - an online quiz open to students between 11 and 14 years of age - was launched on Monday during a press conference at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali.
Teams of four students will compete by answering questions related to football and active lifestyle. Topics include: History of Maltese Football and the National Team, the history of famous Maltese Footballers, as well as information about nutrition and active lifestyles.
The top teams will advance to the final rounds of the Challenge, which will be broadcast on national television. The winning team will have the opportunity to travel to Germany with the National Team to witness the friendly game against Germany in May 2010.
Registrations are to be submitted on the website www.Powerade.com.mt, and must be filled in by a parent or legal guardian. Once registered, a team is to download the study material provided on the site. Teams can start registering today and registrations will be accepted until the 20th January 2010.
The competition will start in January to coincide with the visit of UEFA president Michel Platini.
This local initiative organised by the General Soft Drinks Company Ltd, in collaboration with the Malta Football Association, aims to cultivate an awareness of the importance living an active lifestyle and having a balanced nutrition among our youths, by illustrating the benefits brought by sports and physical education.
GSD Sales & Marketing Manager Martin Agius said "We feel it is important to encourage today's youths to learn more about healthy lifestyles and through initiatives such as this we feel we can give a valid contribution to our society.”
Sun 22
- Premier League Qormi vs Hamrun S. 2-0
- First Division Mqabba vs Vittoriosa S. 0-1, St. George's vs Balzan Y. 0-2
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Gharghur 3-2, St. Andrews vs Gozo 2-1
- Third Division Section B Naxxar L. vs Kirkop U. 5-1, Qrendi vs Attard 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Xewkija T. 2-4
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Qala SJ 2-0
Sat 21
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Dingli S. 2-1, Hibernians vs Floriana 2-3
- First Division Pietà H. vs St. Patrick, Mosta vs San Gwann 2-1
- Second Division Zurrieq vs Rabat A. 0-0, Senglea A. vs Sta. Venera L. 1-0
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Xaghra U. 1-0, Zebbug R. vs Munxar F. 0-1
- Birkirkara FC teamed up with McDonald's to celebrate McHappy Day with players visiting the McDonald’s outlet in Birkirkara on Saturday.
This occasion has been an annual fund raising event in Malta for the last seven years. Birkirkara FC players served clients and posed for photos with children. The players will also be distributing merchandise to all clients.
During this event, Birkirkara Supporters and McDonald's customers joined hands and made this day a special one by helping the children of Dar il-Kaptan. So far more than Euro 115,000 has been collected at McDonald’s restaurants in Malta and Gozo throughout the last seven years. Funds have been directly targeted to improve the health and well being of children.
On Saturday, McDonald's are donating €2.35 from every McMenu, McMenu Classic and Salads Plus meal to Dar il-Kaptan – a Non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to providing professional respite service catering to children and persons with disabilities.
- The Mtarfa Under-19 side defeated Swedish side Arvidsjaurs 8-1 in a friendly match at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday as part of the celebrations marking the twinning agreement between the towns of Mtarfa and Arvidsjaurs.
Present for this match were Arvidsjaurs Mayor Mr. Jerry Johansson and Mtarfa Mayor Mr. Anton Mifsud accompanied by Mtarfa local councillors.
Fri 20
- First Division Melita vs Marsaxlokk 1-4
- Third Division Section A Mdina K. vs Mgarr U. 2-0, Mtarfa vs Kalkara 2-1
- Malta went down three places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking following last Wednesday's 1-4 defeat to Bulgaria in a friendly match at the Hibernians Ground. Malta is now 149th.
Among European countries, Malta is now 50th. Lying just ahead of Malta is Azerbaijan (116, up 9), Kazakhstan (119, up 2), Faroe Islands (120, up 2), Georgia (125, down 8) and Luxembourg (128, up 5). Liechtenstein (152, down 9), Andorra (202, down 1) and San Marino (203) lie behind Malta.
Thu 19
- Third Division Section B Gudja U. vs Santa Lucia 0-0, Sirens vs Zejtun C. 1-4
- Gozo - GFA Cup Kercem A. vs Nadur Y.
- Champions Hibernians were drawn with Marsaxlokk in the fourth round of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup. The draw was held on Thursday during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash Television.
Both teams qualified after the penalty shoot-out. Marsaxlokk beat Birkirkara following a goalless draw while Hibs defeated Qormi on penalties after the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
All Premier League clubs managed to avoid each other in the draw.
Hamrun Spartans were paired with Second Division side Mellieha, Sliema Wanderers were drawn with St. Patrick from Division 1 while Floriana and Tarxien Rainbows were drawn with First Division sides Melita and Balzan Youths respectively. Valletta will take on Vittoriosa Stars if they beat Gozo FC in a third round match which is yet to be played.
First Division side Mosta face Gharghur from Division 2 while Third Division side Naxxar Lions face Second Division side Lija Athletic in another match.
Fourth round matches will be played on December 5 and 6.
The quarter-finals are due to be played on February 10 while the semi-finals and final are scheduled for March 24 and April 14 respectively.
- The Independent Arbitration Tribunal reduced the fine which the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices had imposed on Vittoriosa Stars from €4,000 to €2,000.
The Tribunal, after considering Vittoriosa Stars' appeal and the Malta Football Association's reply, as well as the Appeal Board's decisions, concluded that the decision "in its merit is a just one and deserves confirmation" but believed that "the four thousand euro (€4,000) fine imposed should be changed to a fine of two thousand euro (€2,000), due to the fact that relegation is a sentence which already impinges financially on the club."
- Birkirkara FC have teamed up with McDonald's to celebrate McHappy Day and players will be visiting the McDonald’s outlet in Birkirkara on Saturday 21st November during lunch time.
This occasion has been an annual fund raising event in Malta for the last seven years. Birkirkara FC players will be serving clients and will also be available for photographs. The players will also be distributing merchandise to all clients.
During this event, all Birkirkara Supporters and McDonald's customers are urged to help make this day a special one by helping the children of Dar il-Kaptan. So far more than Euro 115,000 has been collected at McDonald’s restaurants in Malta and Gozo throughout the last seven years. Funds have been directly targeted to improve the health and well being of children.
On Saturday, McDonald's will donate €2.35 from every McMenu, McMenu Classic and Salads Plus meal to Dar il-Kaptan – a Non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to providing professional respite service catering to children and persons with disabilities.
Saturday 21st November is a day where customers can visit their local McDonald`s knowing that they are helping contribute to this great cause.
Wed 18
- International Friendly MALTA vs BULGARIA 1-4
- FIFA Women's World Cup MALTA vs AUSTRIA 0-2
The women's national team lost 0-2 to Austria in another match from Group 5 of the qualifying round of the FIFA Women's World Cup at the Centenary Stadium on Wednesday.
After suffering heavy defeats to Spain and England, the locals did much better against the Austrians to lose by just two goals.
Nina Aigner put the visitors ahead on 11 minutes. The locals hit back with attempts by Emma Xuereb and Rebecca D'Agostino.
Three minutes in the second half, Aigner doubled the score. They continued to hold the initiative but the Maltese defended well to stop Austria from increasing the lead.
The next game for Malta will be against Turkey on March 27.
Malta Michelle Zahra, Kim Parnis, Rebecca D'Agostino, Dorianne Theuma, Ylenia Carabott, Rachael Cuschieri (87' Corissa Vella White), Rebecca Chircop, Catherine Camilleri, Mandy Debono, Charlene Zammit, Emma Xuereb (57' Kathleen Saliba).
Austria Jasmin Pfeiler, Susanna Koch, Susanna Höller, Carina Wenninger (87' Kneisz), Sonja Spieler, Marlies Hanschitz, Sarah Puntigam (46' Isabella Grössinger), Nadine Prohaska, Isabella Berger, Kathrin Entner, Nina Aigner (79' Mariella Rappold).
Referee: Paula Thoern (SWE)
Assistant referees: Susanne Borg and Asa Olsson
Fourth official: Esther Azzopardi
- Local telecoms company Melita plc has officially launched its Futsal Team namely Melita Sports. The team has been accepted to participate in the MFA National Futsal 4th Division League 2009/10 and has been drawn in Section C.
The team which is mainly composed of employees made it’s debut in the National League 4th Div Sec C league with a 7-3 win over Mgarr FC. Melita Sports Futsal then managed a second consecutive win after beating Handaq Athletics 6-2.
Team Manager Sandro Micallef and Sports Content Executive of Melita plc commented “It has been a very positive start for us and the first two wins of the season have filled all our players with optimism for the season ahead. Most of the players have never played Futsal before so I guess even if we have managed to win our first games it will still be a big challenge for them to get acquainted to the rules of the game” added Micallef. “We have good players and the team spirit is high. I sincerely think that with the organised set up we have in place we can challenge for a top three finish in our group” concluded Micallef.
The participation of Melita Sports Futsal team is being partly sponsored by Melita plc. Joe Balzan Chairman of the Melita Social Committee remarked “We are very grateful to the Management of Melita plc who has supported our initiative and determination to participate in the National Futsal League which is run and administered professionally by the MFA”.
Earlier this week all the players forming part of the 2009/10 Melita Sports Futsal squad were presented with the season’s kits and apparel which are sponsored by Team Sport of Iklin.
The Melita Sports Futsal 2009/10 is composed of the following players :
Marcel Borg, Darren Desira, Kenneth Farrugia, Ramon Bromidge, Darton Bugeja, Alessandro Scicluna, Lawrence Pisani, Brandon Dedomenici, Ian Caruana, Marco Mizzi, Anthony Mamo and Mark Muscat.
The team’s coach is Sandro Micallef whilst Joe Balzan and Alan Cauchi also Melita employees share administration duties.
In the next few days, Melita Sports Futsal is to register a new player namely Jonathan Bezzina also a Melita employee formerly Rabat Ajax Captain who last season decided to hand his boots in the 11 a side game. Due to the current new Futsal 2009/10 rules Bezzina will be loaned to play with Melita Sports Futsal after changing his player status but will be still featured in his former Club Rabat Ajax FC books.
- During the UEFA Under-19 mini tournament, held at the Centenary Stadium, four students from the St. Patrick's Boys Craft Centre, Pembroke were admitted to take photos of two games, namely Malta vs Holland and Malta vs Cyprus.
These students Marvick Fenech, Martin Galea, Dwayne Anderson and Josef Riahi are participating in a photographic project where educational, cultural and sports photos are taken and eventually uploaded to www.skola.edu.mt so that all Maltese students can download and use for work and projects.
The students gathered important experience which will help them in future. All schools wishing to participate in this project are to email the headmaster Mr. Joe DeGiorgio on stpatricks.bts@gov.mt for further information.
The school would like to thank MFA vice president Mr. Ludovico Micallef for allowing the students to take photos during the games.
- Hamrun Spartans president Daniel Sullivan will be addressing a rally which will be held on Friday 20th November at the Hamrun Liberty club at 20:00.
The rally will be held as part of the club's preparation ahead of the BOV Premier League clash with Qormi on Sunday.
Members and supporters are urged to attend.
Tue 17
- A goal two minutes from time denied Malta the three points in the last game against Cyprus in the UEFA Under-19 Championship Group 10 mini-tournament at the Centenary Stadium on Tuesday. The clash ended in a 1-1 draw.
Following a goalless first half, Clifford Gauci put Malta ahead on 64 minutes. However substitute Markos Michail notched the equaliser for Cyprus on the 88th.
Cyprus Zannettos Mitidis, Christoforos Christofi (73' Marios Charalambous), Dimitris Moulazimis, Andreas Andreou, Gerasimos Fylaktou, Andreas Alkiviadou, Onisiforos Roushias, Vasilis Manoli (60' Nikos Englezou), Christos Sotiriou, Michalis Perikleous, Achilleas Vasiliou (46' Markos Michail).
Malta Daniel Balzan, Ishmael Grech, Keith Fedele, Elkien Cauchi, Yessous Camilleri, Stephen Pisani, Lyden Micallef (82' William Camilleri), Triston Caruana, Clifford Gauci (93' Clyde Borg), Quincy Bregman, Matthew Gauci.
Referee: Milorad Mažic (SRB)
Malta placed third in the group thanks to a better goal-difference than Cyprus.
The Netherlands won the tournament after beating the Czech Republic 1-0 in a match at the Hibs Ground. Lorenzo Ebecilio scored the all-important goal on 41 minutes.
- Three players could make their debut for Malta as the boys in red take on Bulgaria in a friendly match on Wednesday at the Hibernians Ground, kick-off at 19:00.
This will be the first game for the national team after ending its commitments at the bottom of Group 1 in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round. Malta now awaits the draws for the EURO 2012 qualifying campaign which will be held in February and this game together with other friendly matches which are scheduled for next year should play an important role in the team's preparation for these qualifiers.
Since John Buttigieg took over as national coach, Malta played five matches. Following a 2-0 win over Georgia, Malta lost 0-2 to Cape Verde in a friendly match before suffering a narrow 0-1 defeat to Sweden. In October, Malta lost 2-1 to Angola in another friendly match before the final qualifier against Portugal which Malta lost 4-0.
The Malta coach is now expected to test new players ahead of next year's competitive matches. The squad for the game against Bulgaria includes three uncapped players, namely flank defenders Steve Bezzina and Edward Herrera of Valletta and Hibernians respectively together with Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech. Barnsley striker Daniel Bogdanovic will be making his first appearance for the national team since the appointment of John Buttigieg as coach while Cassino central defender Andrei Agius returns after being left out of the squad for the trip to Portugal.
The eighteen players selected by Buttigieg and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Andrei Agius (SS Cassino Calcio), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Steve Bezzina (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Hibernians), Brian Said (Floriana), Aaron Xuereb (Hibernians);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Clayton Failla (Sliema), Ryan Fenech (Sliema), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Valletta);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley), Michael Mifsud (unattached), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
The Bulgarian includes some of the top Bulgarian players including Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov and Parma striker Valeri Bojinov. Manchester City winger Martin Petrov was ruled out as he suffered an injury in training.
The players selected by head coach Stanimir Stoilov are:
goalkeepers Dimitar Ivankov (Bursaspor), Nikolay Mihaylov (Twente)
defenders Plamen Nikolov (Litex Lovech), Stanislav Manolev (PSV), Veselin Minev (Levski Sofia), Ivan Bandalovski (Lokomotiv Sofia), Zhivko Milanov (Levski Sofia), Ivo Ivanov (Beroe Stara Zagora)
midfielders Stanislav Angelov (Energie Cottbus), Blagoy Georgiev (Terek Grozny), Stiliyan Petrov (Aston Villa), Georgi Sarmov (Levski Sofia), Chavdar Yankov (Duisburg)
forwards Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd), Valeri Bozhinov (Parma), Valeri Domovchiyski (Hertha Berlin), Dimitar Rangelov (Borussia Dortmund), Ivan Stoyanov (CSKA Sofia).
Bulgaria finished third in Group 8 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, behind Italy and Ireland. They won three matches, drew five and lost two.
This will be the eighth clash between Malta and Bulgaria with the latter winning six of the games. The other two games ended in draws. In December 1982, Malta and Bulgaria shared the spoils in a goalless draw - the first international match played at Ta' Qali. In 2005, Malta held Bulgaria in a 1-1 draw at Ta' Qali in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.
Malta vs Bulgaria will be controlled by Dutch referee Sab Nijhuis who will be assisted by Maltese officials - assistant referees Konrad Borg and Alan Camilleri and fourth official Clayton Pisani.
Tickets will be available at the door for €8 for males and €4 for women, children and senior citizens.
- From the beginning of the current season, the Youth Development Unit within the Referees' Board of the Malta Football Association organized three courses for prospective trainee referees.
A first course was held in August/September in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Malta, at the Luqa Barracks.
Sixteen candidates attended the seven sessions held, where lectures about the Laws of the Game were delivered by Messrs P. Fenech, V. Mintoff, T.A. Restall and R. Stagno Navarra. At the end of the course, all candidates successfully sat for a written exam and were orally interviewed.
Ten of the candidates showed their intention of taking up refereeing. It is expected that they will do so soon after their affiliation with the Malta FA is processed.
In a short time, certificates will be distributed to the successful candidates in a fitting ceremony which will be held jointly by the Malta Football Association and the Armed Forces of Malta at the Luqa Barracks.
Meanwhile during the same period, a course was held at the Malta FA's Headquarters at Ta' Qali for two new recruits (one male and one female); both successfully passed their exams. Their affiliation has already been approved and they are on the point of commencing their refereeing career.
Another trainee course was held during October/November at the Malta FA's Headquarters at Ta' Qali. Five candidates (four male and one female) attended regularly the lectures delivered by members of the Referees' Board. The written and oral tests were held last week. Once they pass their tests, these referees too will also be able to take up refereeing soon.
- Maltese Futsal International Refereee, Franco Cachia, attended the 4th UEFA Course for FIFA Futsal Referees which was held between 02nd and 04th November 2009 at the FIGC Settore Tecnico, Coverciano-Florence (Italy).
After the Opening Ceremony by Angel Maria Villar Llona, Chairman UEFA Referee Committee, the programme started with a lecture on Dealing with Red and Yellow Cards by Pedro Galán Nieto and Andrea Lastrucci; in the afternoon, Fitness Test Instructions were given by the physical fitness expert Werner Helsen.
The FIFA Fitness test was held the following morning. Lectures on Reading of the Game and Positioning and Movement were given that same afternoon by Pedro Galán Nieto and Andrea Lastrucci, followed by Groupwork and Fitness Test Results.
The last day of the course started with a talk on The Development of Futsal Refereeing in Asian Football Confederation by Zak Matzusaki, FIFA Futsal Instructor. This was followed by Feedback From Groups, and UEFA Referee Match Reports and Football Administration and Management Environment (FAME) by Luzia Porret, UEFA Refereeing Services.
The Closure of Course and Conclusions were carried out by Sergey Zue from the UEFA Referee Committee, and Pedro Galán Nieto and Andrea Lastrucci.
The referees present for the course agreed that the course had been highly instructive. In particular, they appreciated the DVD analysis, which involved TV images of certain situations.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another instructional meeting for holders of UEFA ‘A’, UEFA ‘B’ and ‘A’ and ‘B’ Licence coaches on Monday 23rd November 2009.
The meeting, which is planned to be a theoretical session, will be held at the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali, and will commence at 17.30 hrs.
All coaches are kindly requested to be punctual.
Mon 16
- The Bulgarian squad will be arriving in Malta on Tuesday afternoon for the friendly match against Malta on Wednesday at the Hibs Ground, kick-off at 19:00.
The squad includes Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov, Aston Villa midfielder Stiliyan Petrov and Parma striker Valeri Bojinov but not Manchester City winger Martin Petrov as he suffered an injury in training.
The players selected by head coach Stanimir Stoilov are:
goalkeepers Dimitar Ivankov (Bursaspor), Nikolay Mihaylov (Twente)
defenders Plamen Nikolov (Litex Lovech), Stanislav Manolev (PSV), Veselin Minev (Levski Sofia), Ivan Bandalovski (Lokomotiv Sofia), Zhivko Milanov (Levski Sofia), Ivo Ivanov (Beroe Stara Zagora)
midfielders Stanislav Angelov (Energie Cottbus), Blagoy Georgiev (Terek Grozny), Stiliyan Petrov (Aston Villa), Georgi Sarmov (Levski Sofia), Chavdar Yankov (Duisburg)
forwards Dimitar Berbatov (Man Utd), Valeri Bozhinov (Parma), Valeri Domovchiyski (Hertha Berlin), Dimitar Rangelov (Borussia Dortmund), Ivan Stoyanov (CSKA Sofia).
This will be the fifth visit to Malta by the Bulgarian national team. In December 1975, Bulgaria registered a 2-0 win in a European championship qualifier. In December 1982, Malta and Bulgaria shared the spoils in a goalless draw - the first international match played at Ta' Qali. In the 2002 World Cup qualifiers, Bulgaria defeated Malta 2-0 at Ta' Qali in August 2001. Four years later, Malta held Bulgaria in a 1-1 draw in the 2006 World Cup qualifiers.
Bulgaria finished third in Group 8 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, behind Italy and Ireland. They won three matches, drew five and lost two.
- The Malta Football Association announced changes in fixtures for two BOV Premier League matches which were scheduled for this Sunday and the National League 100 Anniversary Cup third round clash between Valletta and Gozo FC.
The BOV Premier League match Qormi vs Hamrun Spartans is still scheduled for Sunday November 22nd but will kick-off at 15:00 and not at 14:00.
On the other hand, the BOV Premier League match Valletta vs Tarxien Rainbows has been postponed to Tuesday 24th November at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, kick-off at 18:30.
This means that the National League 100 Anniversary Cup third round match between Valletta and Gozo will not be played on Wednesday November 25th but will be held on Wednesday December 2nd at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 18:30.
The game was originally scheduled for November 9.
The winner will join Premier League clubs Sliema Wanderers, Floriana, Hibernians, Hamrun Spartans and Tarxien Rainbows, First Division sides Marsaxlokk, St. Patrick, Melita, Vittoriosa Stars, Mosta and Balzan Youths, Second Division sides Mellieha, Gharghur and Lija Athletic together with Third Division side Naxxar Lions in the fourth round of the competition. The draws will be held on Thursday 19.
- Balzan Youths Football Club recently held a press conference at the Liquid club during which the sponsors and new players for season 2009/10 were presented. Addressing the press conference was President Mr. George Borg.
Amongst the distinguished guests were the representative of the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport - Mr. Joe Caruana Curran and the Sponsors. Also present were the Balzan Youths FC Committee Members and all the Balzan Youths FC senior team players.
At the beginning of his address President Mr. George Borg presented the Main Sponsor Mr. Anton Tagliaferro of Investors Mutual Limited (Australia), who came to Malta for this occasion, together with the other sponsors - Heinz, Vitalite, Plaza Centre, Design Elements, Stephen Gatt - Sports Photographer, M 150 Energy drink and Kemimport Ltd (Lotto perfumes).
Mr Borg revealed that Lotto, represented in Malta by Teamsport, will be the new kit sponsor for the Balzan Youths Football Club teams. They will be providing the Lotto kits to all Balzan teams including the senior team, the youths, the Under-17 and the Under-15 teams.
The new players registered for season 2009/2010, wearing the new "Lotto" home and away kit, were introduced by the President. These include the player/coach David Carabott, foreign player Peter Chizoba Anizoba, Rennie Forace, Simon Aquilina, Simon Shead, David Fenech, Fredrick Tabone, Glenn Tanti and a prospective player Morgan Izuchukwu Onuorah.
The President went on to launch the Training Grounds and new Club House Building Project. He explained how this project came about and how it is being financed by Mr. Anton Tagliaferro and went on by thanking all those involved in helping the club to obtain the necessary documents and permits so that this project may be realised. He mentioned that these included the Chairman of the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport - Mr. Bernard Vassallo, Dr. Trevor Degorgio - our Legal Advisor, Mr. Joseph Falzon our Architect, together with others. Mr Borg went on to thank MFA President Dr. Joe Mifsud and MFA Vice President Dr. Peter Fenech for their assistance in obtaining the necessary funds from UEFA and MFA for the covering of the pitch with artificial turf.
At the end of his address, the Balzan president thanked all the sponsors and supporters, saying he was looking forward to a good season 2009/2010, to the best ability of the committee and players.
Sun 15
- Second Division Gharghur vs Birzebbuga SP 1-4, Mellieha vs Gzira U. 1-2, Pembroke A. vs Fgura U. 1-1, Marsa vs Ghaxaq 1-0
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs S.K. Victoria W. 1-0, Nadur Y. vs Sannat L. 6-2
- National coach John Buttigieg and his assistant Carmel Busuttil named the eighteen-man squad for next Wednesday's international friendly match against Bulgaria.
The three new players in the squad are flank defenders Steve Bezzina and Edward Herrera of Valletta and Hibernians respectively together with Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech.
Barnsley striker Daniel Bogdanovic will be making his first appearance for the national team since the appointment of John Buttigieg as coach.
The players selected by Buttigieg and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Andrei Agius (SS Cassino Calcio), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Steve Bezzina (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Hibernians), Brian Said (Floriana), Aaron Xuereb (Hibernians);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Clayton Failla (Sliema), Ryan Fenech (Sliema), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Valletta);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley), Michael Mifsud (unattached), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
The match will be played on Wednesday 18th November at the Hibernians Ground, kick-off at 19:00. Tickets will be available at the door.
Malta vs Bulgaria will be controlled by Dutch referee Sab Nijhuis who will be assisted by Maltese officials - assistant referees Konrad Borg and Alan Camilleri and fourth official Clayton Pisani.
- Women's National Team Coach Pierre Brincat and his assistant Mark Gatt named the final squad for next Wednesday's FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier between Malta vs Austria. The match will be played at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali at 14:30.
This will the third game for Malta in Group 5 after suffering a 0-13 defeat to Spain at Ta' Qali and losing 8-0 to European championship finalists England last month.
The squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara), Michelle Zahra (Mgarr);
defenders Maria Azzopardi (Hibs), Rebecca Chircop (Mosta), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Kimberly Parnis (Birkirkara), Corissa Vella White (Hibs), Charlene Zammit (Hibs);
midfielders Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara), Rachael Cuschieri (Birkirkara), Rebecca D' Agostino (Mosta), Yanika Debono (Hibs), Mandy Debono (Hibs), Kathleen Saliba (Hibs), Emma Xuereb (Gozo);
forwards Ylenia Carabott (Hibs), Dorianne Theuma (Mosta).
- The National League 100 Anniversary Cup third round match between Valletta and Gozo will be played on Wednesday 25th November.
The game was originally scheduled for November 9.
The winner will join Premier League clubs Sliema Wanderers, Floriana, Hibernians, Hamrun Spartans and Tarxien Rainbows, First Division sides Marsaxlokk, St. Patrick, Melita, Vittoriosa Stars, Mosta and Balzan Youths, Second Division sides Mellieha, Gharghur and Lija Athletic together with Third Division side Naxxar Lions in the fourth round of the competition.
- The Grand Futsal Tournament will be held on Sunday 13th December at St. Martin's Swatar, starting at 08:30.
Great prizes include cash, free flights to Corfu courtesy of Fantasy Tours, free gym membership and discounts from Active Zone and Tutto Sport together with hotel vouchers from Grand Hotel Excelsior and Radisson SAS respectively.
The fee is €100 per team.
For more info please call Jeffrey on 79300584 or Andrea on 79618448.
Sat 14
- UEFA Under-19 Championship NETHERLANDS vs CYPRUS 5-1, MALTA vs CZECH REPUBLIC 0-4
The Czech Republic scored four goals in the first thirty-five minutes to beat Malta 4-0 in another match from the UEFA Under-19 Championship Group 10 mini-tournament at the Centenary Stadium on Saturday.
The Maltese were a disappointing lot during the first half. Ladislav Krejci put the Czech Republic ahead on 8 minutes, Petr Putz doubled the score five minutes later and on 29 minutes, Zdenek Folprecht converted a penalty to make it 3-0. Petr Putz scored the fourth goal ten minutes from the end of the first half.
Malta Daniel Balzan, Yan Cauchi (46' Quincy Bregman), Ishmael Grech, Keith Fedele, Elkien Cauchi, Yessous Camilleri, Stephen Pisani, Rowen Muscat (65' Clifford Gauci), Lyden Micallef, Triston Caruana, Matthew Tabone (36' Matthew Gauci).
Czech Republic Jakub Andrejko, Vaclav Koutny, Milan Machalický, Petr Putz, Zdenek Folprecht, Roman Polom (72' Vaclav Vasicek), Jiri Skalak (57' Petr Kucera), Milan Jirasek, Ladislav Krejci, Tomas Prikryl, Jakub Hora (65' Jakub Brabec).
Referee: Adrian Mccourt (NIR)
In another match, the Netherlands defeated Cyprus 5-1.
Rajiv van La Parra put the Dutch ahead on 26 minutes and Leandro Bacuna doubled the score nine minutes later. Six minutes from the end of the first half, Geoffrey Castillion scored the third goal for the Netherlands.
Lorenzo Burnet made it 4-0. Cyprus pulled one back thanks to an own goal by Imad Najah on 86 minutes but two minutes later, Charlton Vicento restored a four-goal lead for the Netherlands.
- Gozo - First Division Xewkija T. vs Kercem A. 0-4
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Gharb R. 3-0
Fri 13
- UEFA Under-21 Championship SLOVENIA vs MALTA 1-0
The Malta Under-21 side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Slovenia in a match from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship at the Sportni Park in Nova Gorica on Friday.
The hosts scored the all-important goal three minutes after the restart when substitute Leon Crncic collected an excellent pass by Rene Mihelic and finished off in style.
The best chances for Malta occurred in the second half with Tyrone Farrugia going close with a header and then with a Richard Chetcuti effort just missing the target.
Joseph Zerafa was sent off one minute from time.
This was the fifth defeat for Edwin Camilleri's side. Following a 0-2 defeat to Slovenia at the Hibs Ground in March, Malta lost narrowly in Ukraine in June. In September, they lost 0-1 to Belgium while last month, they lost 0-2 to France. The team is therefore still in search of the first goal and first point.
SLOVENIA Nejc Vidmar, Aljaz Struna, Matija Škarabot, Nikola Tolimir, Jovan Vidovic, Kevin Kampl, Tim Matavz (91' Alen Vuckic), Rene Mihelic (71' Rajko Rep), Vito Plut (46' Leon Crncic), Boris Mijatovic, Danijel Marceta.
MALTA Henry Bonello, Beppe Muscat, Joseph Zerafa, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Tyron Farrugia, Terence Vella (78' Kane Micallef), Mark Scerri, Julian Galea, Miguel Ciantar (52' Clifford Gatt Baldacchino), Richard Chetcuti.
Referee: Anastassios Kakos (GRE)
- The Cospicua Local Council will be holding a one-day football tournament in aid of l-Istrina - "Nghinu l-Istrina bi-Football." This will be held on Sunday 13th December at the Peppi Delceppo Grounds in Cospicua.
Thanks to sponsors who will be covering all expenses, all money raised from this tournament will be going towards the Community Chest Fund. Participation fee is € 75.
There will be a trophy for the winners and medals for both the winners and runners-up.
For more details contact Pablo Cachia Belli on 99281438 or pablocachiabelli@gmail.com
Thu 12
- Third Division Section B Attard vs Swieqi U. 3-0
- Malta lost 0-1 to the Netherlands in the opening match from the UEFA Under-19 Championship Group 10 mini-tournament at the Centenary Stadium on Thursday.
Marten de Roon scored the all-important goal for the Netherlands on 62 minutes.
The locals had shots at goal by Lyden Micallef and Steve Pisani in the first half and Triston Caruana after the break.
MALTA: Daniel Balzan, Yan Cauchi (76' Quincy Bregman), Ishmael Grech, Keith Fedele, Elkien Cauchi (67' Matthew Gauci), Yessous Camilleri, Steve Pisani, Rowen Muscat, Lyden Micallef (85' Clyde Borg), Triston Caruana, Matthew Tabone.
NETHERLANDS: Jeroen Zoet, Ricardo van Thijn, Bart Schenkenveld, Imad Najah, Lorenzo Burnet, Rolieny Bonevacia (60' Leandro Bacuna), Rajiv van La Parra, Steven Berghuis, Geoffrey Castillion (85' Charlton Vicento), Jerson Cabral (76' Lorenzo Ebecilio), Marten de Roon.
Referee: Adrian Mccourt (NIR)
In another match, the Czech Republic beat Cyprus 3-1.
Zbynek Musiol put the Czech Republic ahead on 56 minutes. Achilleas Vasiliou levelled matters on 75 minutes but three minutes later, Jiri Skalak restored the lead for the Czech Republic. Zbynek Musiol sealed the issue with another goal three minutes from time.
- Andrew Spiteri joined First Division side Marsaxlokk, signing a four and a half year contract with the club.
The player is still in rehabilitation after a long term injury but is expected to be fit in two weeks' time.
Spiteri, who is a Pietà Hotspurs product, also played for Castel di Sangro in Italy before returning to Malta to play for Pietà. He then played for Birkirkara and Msida St. Joseph.
Wed 11
- The Under 21 side leaves Malta, destination Slovenia for its fifth encounter in Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship Qualifying Group. The game will be played on Friday at the Sportni Park in Nova Gorica, kick-off at 16:00.
This will be the fifth game for Edwin Camilleri's side. Following a 0-2 defeat to Slovenia at the Hibs Ground in March, Malta lost narrowly in Ukraine in June. In September, they lost 0-1 to Belgium while last month, they lost 0-2 to France. The team is therefore still in search of the first goal and first point.
Coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Emanuel Farrugia had to deal with a number of injured players besides the suspended Warren Chircop. However Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and Mark Scerri are back after missing the last game against France.
The players selected by Camilleri and Farrugia are:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Vittoriosa), Nicholas Vella (Valletta);
defenders Adrian Borg (Mosta), Steve Borg (Valletta), Ryan Camilleri (Hibernians), Tyron Farrugia (Msida), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), George Gribbon (Melita);
midfielders Richard Chetcuti (Warrington), Beppe Muscat (Vittoriosa), Mark Scerri (Sliema), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara), Dylan Grima (Valletta), Nigel Rizzo (Melita);
forwards Terence Vella (Mosta), Miguel Ciantar (Sliema), Julian Galea (Melita), Kane Micallef (Melita).
- Malta international striker Daniel Bogdanovic scored the sixth goal for Barnsley this season in a 2-2 draw with Sheffield United on Monday.
Bogdanovic put the Tykes ahead on 74 minutes but a penalty seven minutes from time rescued a point for Kevin Blackwell's side. This was his third goal in three League Championship matches for Barnsley.
Barnsley are currently fifteenth on 18 points from sixteen matches.
Maltese-Australians John Hutchinson and Manny Muscat are playing regularly for Central Coast Mariners and Wellington Phoenix respectively.
Central Coast Mariners are currently fourth with 20 points from fourteen matches and Wellington Phoenix are sixth on 15 points.
Andre Schembri missed the last three games for SK Austria Karnten after suffering an injury in the game against Kapfenberger SV.
Austria Karnten lie at the bottom of the table with six points from fifteen matches.
Andrei Agius was not included in the last couple of matches for SS Cassino in the Italian Lega Pro Seconda Divisione. Cassino are currently fifth with 21 points from twelve matches.
Justin Haber played so far two matches for Hungarian side Ferencvárosi TC. The team is currently ninth with 16 points from fourteen matches. On the other hand, Udo Nwoko played one game for Greek Super League wooden-spoonists Panthrakikos
- Six players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following the matches from the third round of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup.
The players are Shaun Tellus (Dingli), Rumen Galabov (Hibs), Emerson Amaira (St. George's), Mark Pullicino (St. Patrick), George Saliba (Zebbug) and Jason Cachia (Zejtun).
Tellus, Amaira, Saliba and Cachia will have to serve this ban in league matches after their team was eliminated.
St. George's coach Joe Falzon and Gharghur team-manager Robert Cassar were banned for two matches and three matches respectively.
In Division 3, Anton Muscat (Xghajra) was suspended for one match while in the Youth League, Jurgen Farrugia (Gudja) and Gilmour Vassallo (Xghajra) were handed a one-match ban. Kalkara official Paul Bongalias was suspended for two matches.
Tue 10
- Tarxien Rainbows forward Denni Rocha Dos Santos’ solid performances on the football pitch led him to clinch the BOV Player of the Month Award for October.
This honour was a deserved reward for a player who has made an impact with his solid performances for Tarxien Rainbows, helping them obtain eight points in the league so far. The two goals scored in October, one against Sliema Wanderers and one against Msida St Joseph, turned out to be important in the Rainbows’ bid to achieve their pre-set targets in the top sphere of Maltese football.
Besides a sharp eye for goal the player also has excellent ball distribution skills and a high work-rate. Such qualities will come in useful as the team from Tarxien seek to maintain and also improve their standing in the table.
Charles Grech Soler, Manager of Bank of Valletta’s Paola Branch congratulated the player for his achievement and presented him with the BOV Player of the Month Trophy. Mr Rocha dos Santos chose Ursuline Sisters of Tarxien to benefit from the cash donation made by BOV in relation to this award.
- Hamrun Spartans Supporters Club will be holding a rally for youths on Friday at the Victor Tedesco Stadium VIP Area at 20:00.
Mon 9
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Balzan Y. vs Qrendi 3-0
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud warned that following the recent changes in the national team training schedule, the association is not ready to make further changes as it was committed to provide the team with the best possible preparation.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, the MFA president said that twenty-five years ago, the association felt that something had to be done so that the national team could participate with honour in its international commitments. The professional scheme was therefore set-up.
Dr Mifsud said that in recent weeks, a number of clubs demanded changes to this professional scheme in order to have the players at their disposal more times a week.
He said that unlike other countries, the Malta Football Association is not only in charge of the national team and runs just one competition but runs all domestic competitions. It is therefore of utmost importance to find the right balance.
For the national team to take part in international competitions, the team has to be well prepared. The professional scheme which was set-up in the eighties was suspended for a few weeks in 1996 and according to Dr Mifsud, the team continued to suffer the consequences of this for a number of years.
He said that nowadays, the national team has a Maltese coach who will soon start the UEFA Pro License course together with dedicated qualified medical and technical staff. The main target is therefore to have all national teams starting from the senior side to the youth teams competing with honour in all international commitments.
The scheme has now been modified but the association has to ensure that the national team is well-prepared.
The MFA president said the national team is part of the football system in Malta and players are obliged to play for the national team. He emphasised that those who stop players from answering national team call-ups may face disciplinary action.
"For every player, the objective should be that of representing his club both at domestic and international level but also that of representing the national team. I hope that there will be no need to take disciplinary action against those who stop players from joining the national team," stressed Dr Mifsud.
Dr Mifsud said that the national coaches understand the needs of local clubs' coaches having themselves coached at club level.
A meeting was held between the presidents and clubs of four Premier League clubs, the national coach, the MFA president and national team manager Ivan Vella. Following a proposal by one of the clubs, the association accepted to change the training schedule so that now national team players train with the national team on Monday mornings, Tuesday mornings and afternoons, and Wednesday mornings. This means that players could attend an extra two sessions each week with their clubs since before they used to have two daily sessions with the national team on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Special arrangements will take place in the last two weeks before a national team game.
The MFA president said it was the duty of the association to provide national coaches with the best means and facilities possible. He said that this was of utmost importance for the level of the game to improve. Without international participation, the level of the game would be even lower, he said.
Dr Mifsud said that at club level in European competitions, Malta hit a record low 52nd place out of 53 countries, lying just one place ahead of Andorra, meaning that next season Malta will only be represented by three teams in UEFA club competitions.
The MFA president said that three of the clubs who met the association over this issue accepted the new proposal and only Valletta refused. He revealed that Valletta players were told not to attend last Wednesday's morning training session with the national team although they had no other training commitments with the club. Dr Mifsud stressed that the association will not tolerate such behaviour and that as long as any club wishes to take part in its competitions, it has to abide by its regulations.
- The Malta Under-19 side will be hosting the UEFA Under-19 Championship Group 10 mini-tournament between Thursday 12 and Tuesday 17 November. Taking part in the mini-tournament, besides Malta are Cyprus, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
Malta plays the first game against the Netherlands on Thursday at 11:15, then meets the Czech Republic on Saturday at 14:00 before the final game against Cyprus on Tuesday at 11:15. All matches from the tournament will be played at the Centenary Stadium, except for the game between the Czech Republic and Netherlands on Tuesday 17 which will be played at the Hibs Ground.
These will be difficult games for the Maltese side considering that the strength of the visiting teams.
Most of the players in the Dutch squad are coming from the Ajax and Feyenoord academies. The team did very well in a recent tournament against Ireland and Turkey. The Czech Republic won four of the last five friendlies and their players are all born 1991. Cyprus, on the other hand, have a number of players based in English academies such as Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers.
The provisional squad at the disposal of coach Silvio Vella and his assistant Raymond Schembri are:
goalkeepers Noel Attard (Mosta), Daniel Balzan (Hibs), Andrea Cassar (Hamrun), Jean Matthias Vella (San Gwann);
defenders Ansil Briffa (Pietà), Yessous Camilleri (Valletta), William Camilleri (St. Andrews), Elkien Cauchi (Hibs), Yan Cauchi (Hibs), Keith Fedele (Pietà), Clifford Gauci (Pietà), Ismael Grech (Pietà);
midfielders Joseph Aquilina (Lewes), Clyde Borg (Floriana), Quincy Bregman (San Gwann), Triston Caruana (Hibs), Gary Caruana (Marsaxlokk), Rowen Muscat (Birkirkara), Matthew Robert Gauci (Lowestoft), Matthew Tabone (Hibs), Ryan Sammut (Naxxar);
forwards Lyden Micallef (Mosta), Amadeo Mercieca (Sliema), Steve Pisani (San Gwann), Kadri Sami Cassar (Darthford).
- These will be busy weeks for Malta Football Association as the senior side, Under-21, Under-19, Under-23 and women's teams will all be in action.
The Malta 'A' team hosts Bulgaria in a friendly match on Wednesday 18th November at the Hibernians Ground, kick-off at 19:00.
National coach John Buttigieg said this game is part of the team's preparation ahead of the EURO 2012 qualifiers which will kick-off next autumn. The draws for these qualifiers will be held in February.
The Malta coach said that over the next months, he will get the opportunity to test new players.
Barnsley striker Daniel Bogdanovic, who is yet to feature in the national team following the appointment of Buttigieg as national squad, is back in the squad together with three new faces, namely defenders Edward Herrera of Hibernians and Steve Bezzina of Valletta and Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech.
The provisional squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Andrei Agius (Cassino), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Steve Bezzina (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Hibs), Brian Said (Floriana), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Clayton Failla (Sliema), Ryan Fenech (Sliema), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Valletta);
forwards Etienne Barbara (Hibs), Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley), Michael Mifsud (unattached), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Sliema), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
The match will be controlled by Dutch referee Sab Nijhuis who will be assisted by Maltese officials - assistant referees Konrad Borg and Alan Camilleri and fourth official Clayton Pisani.
MFA president said that the association is still discussing with the German FA (DFB) regarding a possible friendly match between Malta and Germany.
Meanwhile the Under-21 side will be playing another game from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship against Slovenia on Friday 13 at the Sportni Park in Nova Gorica, kick-off at 16:00.
Malta has so far played four matches in the group, losing to Slovenia, Belgium and France at home and to Ukraine away from home.
Under-21 coach Edwin Camilleri said that three players are ruled out injured - namely Steve Bonnici, John Mintoff and Glanville Goodlip while Warren Chircop is suspended. He said that another five players suffered slight injuries during the weekend but he hopes they will be able to recover in time before the squad leaves Malta on Wednesday.
The provisional squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Vittoriosa), Jurgen Micallef (Floriana), Nicky Vella (Valletta);
defenders Steve Borg (Valletta), Adrian Borg (Mosta), Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Ryan Camilleri (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), George Gribbon (Melita), Duncan Pisani (Floriana);
midfielders Richard Chetcuti (Warrington), Dylan Grima (Valletta), Dominic Mifsud (Pietà), Beppe Muscat (Vittoriosa), Chris Pace (Mosta), Karl Pulo (Birkirkara), Nigel Rizzo (Melita), Mark Scerri (Sliema), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara);
forwards Miguel Ciantar (Sliema), Julian Galea (Melita), Kane Micallef (Melita), Terence Vella (Mosta).
The game will be controlled by Greek officials, namely referee Anastassios Kakos who will be assisted by Christos Gennaios and Spyridion Tryfonas and fourth official Stavros Tritsonis.
The Malta women's national team plays the third game from Group 5 of the FIFA Women's World Cup against Austria on Wednesday 18th November at the Centenary Stadium, kick-off at 14:30.
Assistant coach Mark Gatt said that after the highly disappointing defeat to Spain where the local girls' fear of their opponents was too evident, last month the team did much better despite losing 8-0 to European championship finalists England. The girls played their hearts out and it was only after the dismissal of Natasha Pace that England scored four in the last half hour.
Gatt said that Austria was considered another strong team, considering that they just lost 2-0 to Spain away from home and 0-1 at home. However he believes that if the team shows the same determination, the performance against Austria could be a good one.
The provisional squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Sharon Costantino (Birkirkara), Michelle Zahra (Birkirkara);
defenders Maria Azzopardi (Hibs), Rebecca Chircop (Mosta), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Michelle Pace (Gozo), Kim Parnis (Birkirkara), Corissa Vella (Raiders), Charlene Zammit (Hibs);
midfielders Oriana Bedingfield (Melita), Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara), Rachael Cuschieri (Birkirkara), Rebecca D'Agostino (Mosta), Yanika Debono (Sta. Venera), Mandy Debono (Hibs), Claire Sciberras (Hibs), Emma Xuereb (Gozo);
forwards Melania Bajada (Gozo), Ylenia Carabott (Raiders), Kathleen Saliba (Hibs), Dorianne Theuma (Mosta), Gabriella Zahra (Melita).
The Malta Under-19 side will be hosting the UEFA Under-19 Championship Group 10 mini-tournament between Thursday 12 and Tuesday 17 November. Taking part in the mini-tournament, besides Malta are Cyprus, the Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
Malta plays the first game against the Netherlands on Thursday at 11:15, then meets the Czech Republic on Saturday at 14:00 before the final game against Cyprus on Tuesday at 11:15. All matches from the tournament will be played at the Centenary Stadium, except for the game between the Czech Republic and Netherlands which will be played at the Hibs Ground.
Assistant coach Raymond Schembri said these will be difficult games for the Maltese side considering that the strength of the visiting teams. Most of the players in the Dutch squad are coming from the Ajax and Feyenoord academies. The team did very well in a recent tournament against Ireland and Turkey. The Czech Republic won four of the last five friendlies and their players are all born 1991. Cyprus, on the other hand, have a number of players based in English academies such as Nottingham Forest, Middlesbrough and Bolton Wanderers.
On the other hand, the Under-23 national team will be making its debut on December 2nd in the game against Italy in the International Challenge Trophy.
Dr Mifsud said the association had accepted the invitation to take in this second edition of the tournament in order to offer players who are no longer eligible to play for the Under-21 side but have not yet made it to the senior team the chance to represent Malta.
After this game, Malta will play Belgium on March 31 away from home before hosting Romania on April 21.
- The Floriana FC Youth Nursery will be organizing the sixth edition of the Christmas Football Tournament between the 26th and 30th of December 2009. The tournament is being organised with the collaboration of Floriana Local Council.
The Categories in this year’s tournament will be as follows:
Boys born after January 2002
Boys born after January 2001
Boys born after January 2000
Boys born after January 1999
Boys born after January 1998
Boys born after January 1997
Boys born after January 1994
Matches for boys born after 2002 will be played on 5 vs 5 basis, for boys born after 2001, 2000 and 1999 will be played on 7 vs 7 basis, boys born after 1998 and 1997 will be played on 9 vs 9 basis, while matches for boys born after 1994 will be played on 11 vs 11 basis.
Each player will be presented with a participation memento.
Interested Nurseries are to contact Mr. Laurence Borg on 99859099/21228391 or fill in the application form, which can be downloaded from the nursery website, www.florianafcnursery.com or send an e-mail on florianafcnursery@gmail.com by not later than Monday 23rd November.
- Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery organized its first Football Festival for girls under the age of sixteen. Everyone present must have felt that female football in Malta has a bright future ahead, upon watching seven Under-16 girls’ teams producing good quality football for three whole hours.
Around eighty girls participated in this festival.
Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery would like to thank all participating clubs namely: Birkirkara, Hibernians, Lija/Iklin, Mgarr United, Pembroke Athleta together with two teams representing Pietà Hotspurs.
An interesting rule in this tournament was the three-goal rule where a team losing by a three-goal difference was allowed to add another player in the pitch, in order to prevent teams from suffering unnecessary humiliation in big defeats which might discourage girls from continuing to try very hard.
This produced the desired effect as only 3 out of 21 matches ended with results of more than a four-goal margin.
No standings and winners were issued in this tournament. A very positive aspect too was that in the twenty-one matches played not even a single yellow card was given.
- Mellieha Sports Club recently presented Hard Rock Cafe as the official sponsor for this season during an event at the newly-built complex.
Mr. Arthur Gauci, Managing Director of Seaport Franchising Ltd presented the sponsorship cheque to Alfred Vella Borg, President of the Club, in the presence of Mr. Silvio Debono, director of the same company and Mayor Robert Cutajar who contributed towards securing this deal.
Sun 8
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup St. Andrews vs Gharghur 2-3, Siggiewi vs Mosta 1-3, Melita vs Pieta' H. 2-0, Hibernians vs Qormi 1-1 (3-5 pen), Lija A. vs Birzebbuga SP 1-0, Dingli S. vs Vittoriosa S. 1-4, Hamrun S. vs St. George's 3-0, Msida SJ vs Tarxien R. 5-0
- Gozo - First Division SK Victoria W. vs Nadur Y. 2-1, Sannat L. vs Ghajnsielem 1-1
Sat 7
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Zurrieq vs Mellieha 1-2, Sliema W. vs San Gwann 2-0, St. Patrick vs Zebbug R. 0-0 (4-3 pen), Floriana vs Mqabba 2-0
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Xewkija T. 0-1
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs St. Lawrence S. 1-0
- First Division side Mosta FC outline their strategies, goals and targets during a press conference which was held at the Montekristo Estates on Saturday.
Mosta president George Galea said that in the past months, the club has changed president, coach, secretary, assistant secretary and other committee members. Whilst thanking the past individuals for their dedication and achievements, he said that the new members of the management intend to completely assess and re-organize the club setup from scratch, consolidate any ideas and organizations already functioning properly as well as introduce a new 'modus operandi', also in terms of financing.
As regards the new players and technical staff, these were carefully chosen in view of building a team for the future. Frmer Malta Under-17 coach Oliver Spiteri has been entrusted with the job of Mosta coach. Anton Cremona was appointed as his assistant and also as coach of the youths' team.
Mosta secured the services of defenders Kane Farrugia and David Cauchi while Lee Grima, Luke Stivala, Julian Vella and Terence Vella joined the club on loan. The club's foreigners are midfielder Mark Briggs and central defender Nathan Koo-Boothe.
The Mosta president said that the committee aims at putting the club on a strong footing both from the technical as well as administrative aspect. This entails changing the mentality or approach from a voluntary, amateurish, passionate and philanthropic direction to a more business like semi-professional setup by choosing the right human resources and guiding past and present valid individuals into the system.
The club will be working towards promoting itself as a business venture with the sole aim of making the latter financially feasible and in a position to challenge for achievements within the Premier League.
Mosta FC aim at modernising and utilising the present assets, to see through the new Mosta Football grounds project and re-organize the club headquarters. The permit for the ground and stand has been granted. The Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport issued the tenders for the works - three separate documents relating to the stand, actual synthetic surface and fencing. The adjudication process is underway. This project, which is being financed by the government, is estimated in the region of €580,000.
Meanwhile the club will also aim at harmonising the youth development sector with the top team in order to have a constant supply of new players who make the first grade. The youth nursery will be consolidated as a hub for children to develop their physical and mental skills in order to develop into healthy adults in terms of physique, character and habits.
The club has just re-launched its web site www.mostafootballclub.com
Other speakers were coach Oliver Spiteri and women's team coach Ray Sant.
Fri 6
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Naxxar L. vs Zejtun C. 3-2, Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 0-0 (5-3 pen)
- The BOV Third Division Section B match between Attard and Swieqi United which was being played on Thursday at the Centenary Stadium was abandoned after 72 minutes due to fog. Swieqi were leading 1-0.
The Malta Football Association announced that the game will now be played on Thursday 12th November at 19:00.
- The Qormi Youth Nursery held a number of training sessions under the guidance of coach Marcus Brameld and goalkeepers' coach Rob Poulter from Sheffield Wednesday between October 30 and November 4. Besides sessions for the Qormi Youth Nursery players, another one was held for other children who are not members of the nursery.
During the final presentation, in which certificates and mementoes were presented to all those attending these sessions, nursery president Victor Camilleri thanked Brameld and Poulter for accepting the nursery's invitation and said that these sessions were definitely of great benefit for the children and also for the nursery coaches who had the opportunity to share their ideas with the English coaches. He thanked all those who made this visit possible and especially the committees of Qormi Football Club and Qormi Youth Nursery.
Marcus Brameld and Rob Poulter thanked the Qormi Youth Nursery for their hospitality and announced that they are looking forward towards more collaboration between Qormi Football Club and Sheffield Wednesday Football Club. They also spoke about how the level of the game could improve. Qormi Youth Nursery head coach Edward Micallef said it was f great honour for him and the other coaches in the nursery to work hand in hand with two professional coaches and said that the committee had worked hard to make this visit a reality.
Also present were Labour MPs Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Roderick Galdes and mayor Jesmond Aquilina. Aquilina presented a financial contribution as part of an agreement with sports nurseries in Qormi.
Finally Easysell KIA Malta Limited general manager John Zammit said the company will continue supporting such initiatives by sports clubs in Qormi.
Thu 5
- Third Division Section B Xghajra T. vs Qrendi 3-2, Attard vs Swieqi U. 0-1 abandoned after 72 minutes
- Malta will be playing a friendly match against the German national team in Aachen. The news was confimed by Deutscher Fußball-Bund (DFB) general secretary Wolfgang Niersbach while speaking to Sport Bild Online. The game will most probably be played in May or early June.
Germany coach Joachim Loew is planning a training camp in Austria or Switzerland just before the team leaves for the 2010 FIFA World Cup which will be held in South Africa.
Niersback said that a decision has not been taken yet whether the game will be held before or after the training camp. However he confirmed that two more friendlies are being lined up - one at home and the other away.
Germany secured a place in South Africa after winning Group 4 with 26 points, dropping their only points in two draws with Finland. The group included runners-up Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein.
Prior to the EURO 2004, Malta had also played a friendly match against Germany away from home. On that occasion, Germany registered a 7-0 win.
- As part of the celebrations marking its 60th anniversary, the Malta Football Referees Association has just re-launched its official website - www.maltareferees.org
Besides tha latest news regarding referees and links to various local and international websites, the websites will feature a number of articles on The Laws of the Game together with other relevant articles.
The photo gallery will feature photos of referees in action and will eventually include profiles of active referees.
The committee of the Malta Football Referees Association invites members and other football fans to visit the website on a regular basis in order to keep up-to-date with refereeing in Malta.
Wed 4
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Hibernians 0-1, Hamrun S. vs Dingli S. 3-0
- Five players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off in last weekend's U*BET FA Trophy first round matches.
The five players are St. George's duo Anthony Bonello and Emanuel Sevasta, Marsaxlokk's Maksims Danilovs, Simon Zerafa of St. Patrick and Andrew Decesare of Tarxien.
In Division 2, Chris Sciortino (Gozo) was banned for one match while Lija Athletic coach Marco Gerada was suspended for three matches.
In the Youth League, James Scerri and Julian Iwueke (Attard), Christian Tonna (Mellieha) and Stephen Azzopardi (Zurrieq) were handed a one-match ban while Attard kit-manager Edward Catania was banned for two matches.
Tue 3
- Gozo Football Association Vice-President, Anton Camilleri, passed away last week at the age of 54.
Camilleri was appointed vice-president last year. He had earlier served as treasurer.
Mass ‘praesente cadavere’ will be said on Thursday, 5th November, at the Qala Parish Church at 4.00pm.
Lord grant him eternal rest.
Mon 2
- Second Division Senglea A. vs Zurrieq 0-3, Sta. Venera L. vs Zebbug R. 0-1
- The specialist role of officiating at major futsal events comes under the spotlight at the 4th UEFA Course for International Futsal Referees at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) technical centre in Coverciano, Florence, when leading futsal match officials will come together for the course from Monday to Wednesday this week, which will also feature the FIFA fitness test - comprising a 1km run, as well as speed and agility trials.
It will also address topics such as reading the game, positioning and movement, and dealing with red and yellow cards. Europe's prominent futsal referees are preparing for duty at the 2010 UEFA European Futsal Championship, which will
be played from 19 to 30 January next year in Hungary at Budapest's Papp László Sportaréna and Debrecen's Fonix Arena.
Two guest referees and one instructor from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) will also attend the course in Italy. Maltese FIFA Futsal Referee Franco Cachia will be representing Malta.
Sun 1
- U*Bet FA Trophy Vittoriosa S. vs Dingli S. 2-2 aet (4-5 pen), Floriana vs San Gwann 4-0, Sannat L. vs St. Patrick 1-2, Marsaxlokk vs Pieta' H. 2-0 aet
- Second Division St. Andrews vs Rabat A. 2-0, Lija A. vs Gozo 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division Qala SJ vs Munxar F. 0-1, Xaghra U. vs Oratory Y. 3-2
- Malta will be playing a friendly match against Bulgaria on Wednesday 18th November at the Hibs Ground, kick-off at 19:00.
This will be the first match for the national team following the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in which Malta placed last in Group 1 with just one point from ten matches.
Bulgaria placed third in Group 8, therefore failing to make it to the play-offs.
The last time, Malta met Bulgaria was in October 2005 as part of the 2006 World Cup qualifiers when Malta held Bulgaria in a 1-1 draw at Ta' Qali.
- During the last ten years, Gzira United FC officals have held numerous meetings with Mr Ben Muscat C.E.O. Midi p.l.c., Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries from the Government regarding the problems they were, and are facing but absolutely no progress has been made regarding premises for the club and nursery at Manoel Island.
Due to the impending MIDI project, Gzira United are unable to maintain the premises to a reasonable standard, as they are not sure when the works at Manoel Island will commence. It is difficult enough to collect funds to run the club, let alone if they had to ‘throw’ hard-earned money away in maintaining the property when this could be demolished soon after.
Gzira United had asked government Ministers and MIDI representatives if it was possible to use some other ‘rooms’ that are presently not being used, and that are situated close by to our Football Pitch but were left without a reply. They had asked if there was a property in Gzira which could be allocated to the club in order to use as a Football Club but this request was also ignored. The club is now asking: If the Royal Malta Yacht Club were accommodated at Ta’ Xbiex, and one problem solved, can Gzira Utd FC & Nursery be accommodated at the old Empire Stadium?
Gzira United feel that there is a total case of apathy towards the Gzira United Football Club and the Football Nursery, and to some extent towards the ‘Gzirjani’. They did not come to this conclusion without reason. Volunteers run our club, but these have been on the decrease every year and a visit to our premises will surely explain why! There are parents who are refusing to help out at the club, and even worse they are enrolling their children in the many other nurseries that surround Gzira. The club and nursery are doing their utmost to keep children under their control and away from all the problems they can meet out on the streets, but as years go by, they are finding this more difficult. In fact, the number of children in the Gzira nursery has dwindled from 220 to 65.
The club have even had Parliamentary Questions asked on their behalf regarding the granting of a ‘Title’ to Gzira United Football Club and Nursery once the Community Ground is ready. Even in this simple matter the replies given were always vague, and not once did they mention that the title was in fact being given to our club.
The club asks: "Why is it so difficult to put our member’s minds at rest that once the Community Ground is ready, this will rightly be transferred to us?"
"We do have a suggestion that could help us solve this situation."
"The agreement between MIDI and the Government on Manoel Island includes the Community Ground that we will be running once ready. The site were this Community Ground is to be built is already allocated. Therefore, in view of everything that we have written in this letter, what is holding the building of this Community Ground and the transfer of the ‘Title’ of this same ground to the Gzira United Football Club? This would help solve our current situation and certainly enhance the bad image that unfortunately our hometown holds."