October 2001
Tue 30
- Thirty-four year old Balzan Youths coach Stephen Azzopardi is currently following the "master" course for professional coaches leading to the UEFA A-License at the FIGC centre in Coverciano, Italy. Also attending the course with Azzopardi are former Italian starts Franco Baresi, Giuseppe Bergomi, Pierluigi Casiraghi and Alberigo Evani. Interviewed by sportal.it, Azzopardi said that after attending a course for a B-License, he applied for the "master" course considering that this is one of the few courses approved by UEFA and which gives a coach the possibility of coaching anywhere around Europe. He concluded by saying that his aim is to coach a professional club in Italy.
- Second Division side Luqa St. Andrew's have already changed their coach five times so far this season when the team has played just three league matches, losing the first two and winning the third one.
The team started its campaign under the guide of Joe Abdilla, who had earlier been confirmed for the third successive season. However following the resignation of Abdilla, he was replaced by the Head Coach of the Luqa SA nursery and Under 14 coach Massimo Cremona. Meanwhile the boys attending the nursery started losing interest and therefore, for the good of the nursery and thanks to the good will of the Luqa St. Andrew's committee, Cremona left the senior side to return back with the children in the nursery.
Then it was the turn of Ray Camilleri to take over as the new coach. Johan Scicluna, who joined the club from Qormi this season was later appointed as a player-coach. Louis Facciol was then due to become the new Luqa coach but he soon changed his mind and therefore Johan Scicluna was once again appointed temporarily as player-coach.
- Marsa defender, Justin Tellus, who has recently joined the club on loan from Birkirkara, have filed a complaint in front of the MFA Players' and Coaches' Complaints Board as he is claiming that his former club had failed to honour his contract. Tellus is claiming that he was dropped from the Birkirkara squad for the game against Lija Athletic following a suspension he was not aware of.
Meanwhile Marsa will be holding a meeting for the players where disciplinary action against some players could be announced following the disappointing 2-0 defeat to Pietà Hotspurs.
- Super Eagles coach Shaibu Amodu included Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Murphy Akanji in the 22-man Nigeria squad for the November 7th friendly against Jamaica to be held at Queen's Park, London. Amodu included several new players including Julius Berger striker Shola Shuaibu. Shuaibu is on top of Birkirkara's wish list but was yet unable to join the club on a trial. Nigeria will also play a friendly match against Senegal which will be held in Dakar, Senegal, on the 27th December and another one against rivals Cameroon on a date and at a venue which will are yet to be fixed.
Mon 29
- Second Division Msida SJ vs Attard 3-0, Tarxien R. vs Dingli S. 2-0
- Sliema striker Danilo Doncic was voted Rothmans Footballer of the Month for September. During September, Doncic scored eight goals in three matches. He scored two hat-tricks against Pietà (3-1) and Naxxar (6-0), managing to win the Rothmans Player of the Match award in the two matches. Doncic scored the other two goals in Sliema's 5-1 over Hamrun.
The Yugoslav striker has had an excellent season so far with the Blues. In all, he scored 15 goals in the first eight league matches. If he maintains this momentum, he is most likely to break his own record of ending as top scorer with 32 goals in 27 league matches that he had established in season 1996/97 when he played for Valletta.
This is Doncic's first season with Sliema Wanderers after playing for Lokomotiv Sofia in Bulgaria and Imortal Deportivo de Albufeira in Portugal between 1997 and 2001.
Sun 28
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud made another appearance in the Bundesliga when he was included as a substitute in Kaiserslautern's 0-0 draw with FC Schalke 04 on Saturday. Mifsud replaced former French international Youri Djorkaeff twelve minutes from time. Kaiserslautern are third with 25 points after playing eleven matches. Bayern München lead the table with 28 points followed by Bayer Leverkusen with 27 points.
- First Division Rabat A. vs Xghajra T. 2-4, Marsaxlokk vs Gozo 3-2
- Third Division St. George's vs Vittoriosa S. 1-0, Sta. Lucia vs Gudja U. 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Qala SJ vs SK Victoria W. 2-3, Kercem A. vs St. Lawrence S. 2-3
- Women's League Melia vs Raiders 2-1, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 0-0
Sat 27
- Second Division Zurrieq vs Mellieha 2-0, Gzira U. vs Melita 0-0
- The television rights' contract which had stirred so much controversy in the last two Annual General Meetings of the Malta Football Association was the main topic for discussion in the MFA Council Meeting which was held last Thursday. However unlike the usual council meetings, the meeting was held behind closed doors as the matter was considered as being too delicate. The council members were given details about the latest developments on the case.
MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud had signed an agreement with CWL boss Gunther Netzer in August 2000. The then MFA Treasurer Norman Darmanin Demajo had accused Mifsud of breaching the MFA's statute as he had signed an agreement on his own although there had to be a signature of another MFA official. Mifsud then faced harsh criticism by the Premier League clubs and he challenged them to find a better deal. In the last AGM in July, the clubs presented a better deal, based on negotiations with VH Sport Media. Mifsud had replied that he had to discuss first with CWL as they had he right of first refusal.
According to reliable sources, it seems that after that Mifsud failed to get a similar contract by CWL, with the backing of the executive committee, the MFA president appointed a Swiss lawyer in order to try and dissolve the contract in front of the Swiss courts. CWL is now accusing the MFA of a breach of contract and if found guilty, the association will have to pay hundreds of thousands of liri in damages to CWL. Council members agreed that the MFA should now try to find an amicable solution with CWL in order to avoid the legal proceedings.
Meanwhile KirchMedia has recently acquired majority shareholdings in CWL Telesport & Marketing together with another two leading international sports marketing companies, Prisma Sports & Media and ISPR, KirchMedia is in the final stages of implementing a merger which has brought three companies under the same name - KirchSport AG.
- Dr Hugh Peralta was elected as the new Floriana FC president. His was the only nomination for the post as outgoing president Dennis Burke didl not be contest the election. Peralta was nominated by Chev Maurice Mizzi and Neville Fenech. Peralta promised that he will be working hard to lift the club out of the financial difficulties.
- The Malta Football Association banned Valletta and Hamrun Spartans from involving themselves in any transfers after failing to honour decisions of Players & Coaches' Complaints Board and the Control & Disciplinary Board. Valletta failed to pay Lm1,000 to Nenad Veselji who is now playing for Sliema after leaving Valletta in December 2000. On the other hand, Hamrun failed to pay Lm2,960 to Kevin Sammut and Lm3,850 to Sinisa Radak.
- Friendly Match Birkirkara vs Pietà H. 0-0. Both teams lacked the national team players.
Fri 26
- Third Division Sirens vs Gharghur 2-1, Zejtun C. vs Mgarr U. 3-0
- Lija Athletic coach Patrick Curmi has quit the club. He will be replaced temporarily by Albanian striker Ilir Pelinku who will be acting as a player-coach. This decision was taken following a meeting between the club's committee and Curmi. In a statement the club thanked Mr Curmi for his work as coach of Lija. Lija currently lie at the bottom of the table with three points from eight matches.
- Malta international striker Gilbert Agius has resumed training after recovering from an injury. After playing for the national team against Northern Ireland on October 6, he sustained an injury and has missed the last two league matches for Pisa. Gilbert Agius is expected to miss next Sunday's match against Varese and will hopefully be back on November 4 in the away game against Lumezzane. Meanwhile after a series of negative results, Pisa have sacked coach Guido Carboni and engaged Corrado Benedetti, former coach of Castel di Sangro and Cesena. Pisa are in the bottom place out of 18 teams with just four points after 8 matches.
Thu 25
- In-form Hibernians striker Adrian Mifsud and Birkirkara defender William Camenzuli are set to be included by national coach Sigi Held in the national team for the friendly against Canada, scheduled for November 14 at the Hibernians Ground. William Camenzuli, one of the key players in Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia's Under 21 side, has already started training with the senior squad. Hibernians striker Adrian Mifsud will also form part of the national squad after an excellent start with the Paolites this season. Mifsud has already played for the national team, when he was still a Rabat Ajax player. Under the guide of former national coach Josif Ilic, he made a couple of short appearances.
Meanwhile the Malta Football Association will probably fulfil Nicky Saliba's wish to play his last match for the national team in this friendly match. The 35-year-old Valletta midfielder was recently dropped from the national team together with Sliema striker Nenad Veselji. Saliba played 67 matches for the national team scoring four goals.
- As anticipated by maltafootball.com, Albanian defender Edmond Lufi takes over at Naxxar Lions as the new player-coach. Gianfranco Selvaggi, who has been coaching Naxxar since October 2000 when he had replaced Dragan Zivkovic, quit the club following a series of negative results. Last Saturday, Naxxar suffered their fourth consecutive defeat when they lost 4-1 to Valletta. In the previous three games, they lost 4-2 to Hamrun, 5-1 to Birkirkara and 6-0 to Sliema. Earlier they had registered two wins in direct clashes with Lija and Pietà, but still they have failed to impress. The club tried to strengthen the team by signing new players and changing the foreigners. In fact they started the Premier League campaign with Nigerians Chima Dozie, Chimezie Nwoke and Daddy Okeke but now have two players from Yugoslavia, Nichola Pejvic and Attila Horniak, and a Nigerian, Amin Utulu.
Edmond Lufi, who is a qualified A-licence coach, joined Naxxar Lions in August from Pietà Hotspurs after being given the free-release. Over the past couple of weeks, he was already been acting unofficially as coach as he has been directing training sessions.
- Pietà Hotspurs defender Jesmond Delia joined First Division side Marsaxlokk on a one-year loan. Marsaxlokk managed to secure his services in a bid to stregthen the team as they are aiming at winning promotion to the Premier League for the first time in the history of the club. Earlier in summer they had signed other experienced players like Dennis Cauchi, Mark Marlow, Malcolm Tirchett, Clive Mizzi, Robert Agius and Angel Terzyski, among others. Delia was one of the players to be dropped from the squad before the last game against Marsa. In fact after the surprise 1-2 defeat to Lija, the club announced that it will be taking disciplinary action against some of the players who were considered that they were not giving their hundred per cent. Thirty-four year old Jesmond Delia started his career with St. George's and then moved to Floriana in season 1988. After almost eight years with the Greens, he joined Hibernians in season 1995/96. Three years later he moved to Pietà Hotspurs.
- Floriana FC said in a statement that Malta international striker George Mallia is not for sale. On Wednesday, Birkirkara chairman Victor Zammit had announced that the Stripes had make a formal request for the player and that they were expecting a reply after Saturday's extraordinary general meeting. However, Floriana FC said that George Mallia forms an integral part of the club's plan to improve its standing in the Premier League. Mallia is also part of the present and future plans of the club, so any thoughts of parting with George Mallia are out of question, the statement added. Meanwhile former Pieta` Hotspurs midfielder Kevin Farrugia has started training with the club after being given the free release by the Hotspurs.
Wed 24
- During the presentation of the club's official sponsors for this season, Birkirkara FC chairman Victor Zammit announced that the club has made a formal request for Floriana striker George Mallia and that the club was expecting a reply from the Greens after Saturday's EGM. Meanwhile, the Nigerian who is expected arrive for a trial with the Stripes is Minabo Asechemie. He will be joining Cameroon midfielder Isaac Mopi who is also on trial and who played for a few minutes in last Monday's 1-0 win over Hibernians.
Victor Zammit criticised the MFA for failing to provide clubs with a number of complimentary VIP tickets for their sponsors to attend the National Stadium. He said that it was only thanks to such persons and their companies that local clubs could have a healthy administration. A club like Birkirkara, said Mr Zammit, needs around Lm250,000 for a whole season. This season, they have already spent around Lm40,000 for our participation in the UEFA Cup. The club has made a request for a compensation of Lm18,000 from UEFA after the original date for the match against Dinamo Moscow was called off.
The official sponsors for this season are McDonald's, Cisk Export, Teamsport, Men Only and Maltacom. Thanks to their sponsorship, the Stripes will receive around Lm25,000.
- The MFA Disciplinary Commissioner suspended two Premier League players for one game. Liam Mangion of Lija Athletic and Justin Tellus of Marsa were banned after being sent off this weekend. Mangion collected two yellow cards in Lija's 0-2 defeat to Hamrun while Tellus was sent off for a professional foul in the defeat to Marsa. Liam Mangion will miss Lija's next league game against Sliema on November 17 while Tellus will miss the derby Marsa-Hamrun on the same day.
In Division 1, Mark Pullicino and Michael Zerafa of St. Patrick were suspended for one match.
- Marsa goalkeeper Jason Cordina has resumed training ten days after he had abandoned the dressing rooms just before the game against Hibs as he discovered that once again Ivan Casha, who had joined the club from Hamrun earlier this summer, has been preferred by coach Lolly Aquilina.
Tue 23
- Maltese assistant referee Philip Agius was named as one of the assistant referees for the UEFA Champions League First Phase Group G match between Manchester United and Olympiakos at Old Trafford. Agius will be assisting Portugese referee Vitor Manuel Melo Pereira and assistant referee Carlos Manuel Ferreira Matos. The match ended in a 3-0 win for Man Utd.
- Birkirkara have more foreigners to choose from as they have to decide on which player will be their third foreigner. Cameroon midfielder Isaac Mopi registered for the club as an amateur player and played for them in the 1-0 win over Hibernians. A Nigerian player is expected to arrive this week while Ishola Shuaibu is also expected to arrive in Malta soon. His club, Julius Berger of Nigeria, was eliminated from the African Champions League after losing to Sundowns of South Africa and therefore he is now free to come to Malta. Since the next league game for Birkirkara is in five weeks' time, the Stripes have enough chance to assess the qualities of the two players. Birkirkara chairman Victor Zammit was reported as saying that the club has been interested in Shuaibu since April and this could mean that eventually the club will end up signing the Nigerian. Meanwhile Victor Zammit announced that the club is close to signing a Maltese player whose name has not been divulged yet.
- Valletta defender Karl Bonnici is one of the players who are on their way out of the club after that the club has considered that a number of players are not giving their best for the club. In fact, Bonnici was not even included in squad for the last game against Naxxar and has now been transfer listed.
Another Valletta player who is not happy with the current situation at the club is Under 21 international Rennie Forace. Since the arrival of coach Georgi Deanov, Forace has no longer been a regular starter in the Valletta line-up as it was the case with Krassimir Manolov. This could lead the player to ask the club to be released or loaned.
Meanwhile the new destination for Czech striker Pavel Mraz should be Hamrun Spartans. Mraz is expected to be released once Valletta sign a new Nigerian player. Currently they have two on trial - Maczerob Okoro and Ferdinand Onovo. The latter played for Naxxar early last season before moving to Sannat Lions in Gozo.
Mon 22
- Premier League Hibernians vs Birkirkara 0-1
- Former Hibernians midfielder Roger Walker is expecting a decision from FIFA following an appeal in which claimed that Hibernians owe him a considerable sum of money despite having earlier given him a free transfer.
Walker had earlier presented the case in front of the MFA Players' Complaints Board but the board ruled in favour of the club.
The 35-year old Englishman, who holds a Maltese passport, is currently training with Sliema and is expected to join the Blues once the international body takes a final decision.
Walker played for Sliema for four years, between 1987 and 1991, before moving to Switzerland where he played for FC Zurich. He returned to Malta in 1997 to join Hibernians. After four years with the Paolites, he was informed that he was no longer in the club's plans for this season.
Sun 21
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Lija A. 2-0, Sliema W. vs Floriana 0-1
- First Division St. Andrews vs Mosta 1-3, Balzan Y. vs St. Patrick 4-5, Gozo vs Mqabba 1-2
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Senglea A. 2-3, Zebbug R. vs Luqa SA 1-2
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs San Gwann 1-4, Pembroke A. vs Kirkop U. 1-0
- Gozo - Second Division KO SK Victoria W. vs Xaghra U. 2-1
- Women's League Rabat A. vs Hibernians 0-7, Birkirkara vs Mosta 2-4
- Michael Mifsud played the whole 90 minutes in Kaiserslautern Amateure's 0-3 defeat to Spfr Siegen in the Regionalliga Sud. Kaiserslautern are 16th out of 18 teams.
Sat 20
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Marsa 2-0, Naxxar L. vs Valletta 1-4
- First Division Marsaxlokk vs Rabat A. 2-1, Xghajra T. vs Qormi 1-0
- Second Division Mellieha vs Tarxien R. 0-0, Sta. Venera L. vs Msida SJ 0-3
- Gozo - Second Division KO Kercem A. vs Gharb R. 3-2
- Twenty-year old midfielder Isaac Mopi from Cameroon arrived in Malta for a trial with Premier side Birkirkara. Mopi played for the Under 17 national team of Cameroon and was currently in the Olympic squad. He played for Cammark Social Club, Kumbo Strikers and Racing Bafoussam. Meanwhile Nigerian striker Ishola Shuaibu could still join the Stripes but he will be available only late in November or December. Shuaibu is currently playing for Julius Berger in Nigeria - a club which is currently involved in the African Champions League.
Fri 19
- Third Division Gudja U. vs Siggiewi 4-1, Fgura U. vs Ghaxaq 4-2
- A 19 year old Nigerian footballer, who played in the Premier League was arraigned in court and was accused of defiling three young girls aged 14, 12 and 11 denied the charges in court yesterday.
The man who lives in Birzebbuga pleaded not guilty to exposing himself in public and committing obscene acts in Cospicua on October 12, offending public morals, dressing indecently and disobeying police.
Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani-Grima, accepted the defence's request not to have his name published. However he was not granted bail.
Dr Cuschieri appeared for the Nigerian man. Inspector Alfred Mallia and Cadet Inspector Morgan Azzopardi presented the charges.
- Malta Under 21 goalkeeper Justin Haber has resumed training after settling the differences with the club. In a statement, Floriana FC said that the matter has now been resolves and that the player has regretted his actions and comments made to one section of the press. The club has taken note of this and he was therefore granted permission to commence training.
Thu 18
- Pietà Hotspurs have released Yugoslav stiker Mladen Dodic who played just one game for the Hotspurs. He could be replaced by Swedish midfielder Patrick Pupparo. Pupparo, a former player of Djurgården has recently been on trial with Italian Serie A side Perugia.
- Malta retained the 132nd place in the FIFA World Rankings as published on Wednesday. Over the past month, Malta suffered a 0-1 defeat to the Northern Ireland at Ta' Qali.
Malta lies just behind countries like St Vincent/Grenadines, Lesotho, Tahiti, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia and Swaziland but is ahead of Grenada, Solomon Islands, Burundi and Hong Kong. Among the other European countries, Malta is still in the 47th place. Azerbaijan is 112th, the Faroe Islands 118th, Andorra 141st, Luxemburg 144th, Liechtenstein 151st and San Marino 157th.
Sigi Held's national team's next match is scheduled for next month when Malta hosts Canada in a friendly match at the Hibernians Ground in Corradino.
Wed 17
- Two Premier League players - Birkirkara midfielder Hubert Suda and Marsa striker Ridha Dardouri - were suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Wednesday. Suda was sent off in the game against Naxxar while Dardouri collected his fourth yellow card in the game against Hibs. Suda has already missed the match against Sliema Wanderers on Wednesday. Dardouri on the other hand will be missing the important league game against Pietà Hotspurs on Saturday.
Six players were suspended in Division 1. Chris Brimmer of Balzan was suspended for two matches while Stefan Farrugia (Balzan), Martin Cremona (Gozo), Dale Spiteri (St. Andrews), Arnold Buttigieg and James Camilleri (St. Patrick) were handed a one-match ban.
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Sliema W. 0-1
- Gozo - GFA Cup Xewkija T. vs SK Victoria W. 5-1
- Pietà Hotspurs president Edward Schembri denied rumours that he was going to quit the club following the team's poor performance in this early part of the season.
After four successive defeats in the opening matches, Pietà won their first point in a goalless draw with Valletta. Then they went on to beat Floriana 3-1 but soon returned to misery as they were beaten by wooden-spoonists Lija Athletic last Sunday. After the first three defeats Italian coach Marco Savia was sacked and was replaced by Todor Raykov who was earlier engaged by the club as the head-coach of the club's youth nursery.
Edward Schembri said the club is determined to make use of only players that play for the Pietà shirt and that there is no room for players who do not have the team's good at heart. He said he is disappointed with the fact that a number of players are not giving their hundred per cent and unjustly criticise the club for paying them low salaries.
Tue 16
- In an attempt to strengthen their forward line, Valletta will be giving a trial to young Nigerian striker Maczerob Okoro. If he satisfies the club's expectations he will fill the void left by Gilbert Agius who left the club to join Pisa in July. Since then, the Citizens have been looking for a valid striker to fill the gap.
Valletta have already three foreigners on their books and to sign a new player, they have to release one. The most likely to be released is Czech midfielder Pavel Mraz. Valletta's other two foreigners are Czech midfielder Kamil Dvorak and Nigerian striker Chris Oretan.
Mon 15
- Twenty-year old Nigerian striker Ishola Shuaibu, who was due to join Birkirkara, will arrive in Malta only in November or even in December. Shuaibu is currently playing for Julius Berger in Nigeria - a club which is currently involved in the African Champions League. Shaibu was also due to play for the Nigeria in the West African Football Union's Nations Cup which was due to kick-off at the end of the week in the Ivory Coast. However this tournament has been postponed indefinitely as the main sponsor, TV Africa, pulled out.
- In an interview with www.birkirkarafc.com, Birkirkara FC coach Alfred Cardona announced that he will be quitting his coaching career at the end of the season. However he is ready to take an administative job at the club.
Cardona said "My intention is to finish coaching at the end of this season. If Birkirkara indicate that they need my services as part of the administration team, then I will be readily available. However this is definitely my last year of coaching."
As a player he played for Balzan Youths, Sliema Wanderers, Birkirkara and Msida St. Joseph. With Msida he started his coaching career. He had the opportunity to coach top teams like Sliema, Hamrun Spartans Birkirkara and Floriana. He also coached Gozo FC.
Cardona rejoined the Stripes late last season when he took over from Atanas Marinov.
Sun 14
- Michael Mifsud scored for Kaiserslautern Amateure in their 1-2 away win over Kickers Offenbach in a match from the Regionalliga Sud.
In front of 6,000 spectators, Mifsud put Kaiserslatern ahead on the 52nd minute with Danko Boskovic making it 2-0 on 76 minutes. Four minutes later, Kickers reduced the gap thanks to former German international Manfred Binz.
This was the fourth win in 13 matches for Kaiserslautern Amateure. They now lie in the 15th place with 14 points. SV Wacker Burghausen lead the table with 28 points.
- Premier League Lija A. vs Pietà H. 2-1, Floriana vs Hamrun S. 0-0
- First Division St.Patrick vs St. Andrews 2-1, Balzan Y. vs Gozo 0-2
- Second Division Melita vs Zurrieq 0-3, Attard vs Gzira U. 0-3
- Third Division Mgarr U. vs Sta. Lucia 2-4, Birzebbuga SP vs St. George's 2-2
Sat 13
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Naxxar L. 5-1, Marsa vs Hibernians 2-2
- First Division Mqabba vs Marsaxlokk 1-1, Mosta vs Xghajra T. 2-1
- Second Division Msida SJ vs Zebbug R. 0-0, Luqa SA vs Dingli S. 0-4
Fri 12
- Premier League Valletta vs Sliema W. 0-3
- Third Division Gharghur vs Zejtun C. 0-5, Vittoriosa S. vs Sirens 1-1
- Maltacom have extended their sponsorship to the Gozo Football Association and Gozo FC for another three years. This was announced during a news conference on Thursday at the Maltacom head offices in Marsa. Maltacom have been sponsoring football in Gozo for the past six years. According to GFA president Joseph Cordina this sponsorship will help the association in the completion of a number of projects including the installation of floodlights at the Gozo stadium. Stephen Muscat, Maltacom CEO, announced that the sponsorship would increase if Gozo FC win promotion to the Premier League. Gozo FC president Charles Calleja said that the overall improvement of football in Gozo depends on Gozo FC`s participation in the MFA competitions although the club`s participation in the MFA leagues is a huge financial burden on the association. In fact it is only thanks to such sponsorships that they can take part and help in the improvement of the level of the game.
Thu 11
- Marsa FC have secured the services of another player in their bid to strengthen their side and reach their target - that of making it to the Championship Pool at the end of the first phase. Marsa signed Birkirkara flank defender Justin Tellus on loan.
This season, Tellus has failed to conquer a regular place in the Stripes' starting line-up. Although he started his career with Sliema, he played just one game in season 1993-94 before joining St. George's on loan the next season. He was then transferred to Birkirkara where he played for four years before being transferred to Valletta as part of the deal involving Drasko Braunovic. Thirteen months later, he had to move in the opposite direction once again, this time as part of the exchange deal involving Nenad Veselji.
Tellus is expected to make his debut for his new club on Saturday as Marsa meet leaders Hibernians.
- Gozo - GFA Cup Victoria H. vs SK Victoria W. 1-2 (golden goal)
Wed 10
- The Floriana Supporters Club is holding a rally for Floriana Football Club supporters on Friday 12th October at 7:45 p.m at the Vilhena Band Club, Floriana. The executive committee, the coach and the players are invited to attend this rally. All Floriana FC supporters are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.
- Lija Athletic midfielder Andy Eminyan is the only Premier League player who was suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner this week. Eminyan collected his fourth yellow card on Tuesday in the game against Floriana. He will now miss next Sunday's important match against Pietà Hotspurs. In Division 1, two players were suspended for one game - Chris Camilleri of Gozo FC and Michael Farrugia of Rabat Ajax. Farrugia misses Rabat-Marsaxlokk on the 20th October while Camilleri is therefore ruled out of Balzan-Gozo next Sunday.
- This year's edition of the HSBC Women's League will kick off on the 21st October. Taking part are the same six teams which took part last season, that is, champions Hibernians, Birkirkara, Melita, Mosta, Raiders and Rabat Ajax. The league will be played on a three-round basis. The venue for the women's league matches is once again the Pace-Grasso Ground in Paola. The final matches will be played on the 7th April.
On day 1, Hibernians face Rabat Ajax who failed to win any points last season. In the other match on the 21st October, Birkirkara meet Mosta. The first match for the other two teams in the competition, Melita and Raiders will be played on the 28th October when they face each other.
- Gozo - GFA Cup Ghajnsielem vs Xewkija T. 0-3
Tue 9
- Premier League Floriana vs Lija A. 3-1, Birkirkara vs Hamrun S. 5-0
- Gozo - GFA Cup Zebbug R. vs Xaghra U. 3-0
Mon 8
- Second Division Gzira U. vs Sta. Venera L. 0-1, Senglea A. vs Mellieha 0-0
- As the first phase of works on the Millennium Stand is nearing completion, the Malta Football Association is searching for a top club or country which could play a friendly match against the national team for the inauguration of the stand. This should be held probably in January.
It seems that among the teams who could play in Malta are top Italian sides, Inter and Roma. Roma were due to come to Malta last January but fixture congestion made it difficult for the Italian champions to travel to Malta. On the other hand, the Inter Supporters Club (Malta) has been working hard to bring Hector Cuper's team to Malta and this could facilitate the MFA's attempts to bring them to Malta.
- The long-awaited new striker for Birkirkara FC could be the promising Ishola Shuaibu. Shuaibu has just been promoted to the senior Nigerian squad, the Super Eagles, which will be playing in the West African Union Nations Cup in Ivory Coast next month. The squad for this tournament is based on players based in the domestic league following a decision of the Confederation of African Football to bar foreign-based players.
Ishola Shuaibu is another player who comes from the team of Julius Berger, the same club with which Chucks Nwoko, Essien Mbong and Murphy Akanji used to play. In August, he was attracting the interest of top South African side Kaizer Chiefs. However the deal fell through as the two clubs failed to reach an agreement over the transfer fee.
Shuaibu usually plays as a right wing but can play both as a midfielder and a striker. Last season Ishola Shuaibu was in the middle of a controversy as Sudan had lodged a complaint to the Confederation of African Football after he played against them in a Youth Championship qualifier when they claimed he was overage.
Shuaibu, who also played for Enyimba in the Nigerian Pepsi League and was one of the key figures in the Flying Eagles (Nigeria Under 23 national team), is well known for being able to provide perfect passes.
- Former international goalkeeper Ernest Barry signed a one-year contract with Valletta after he was given the free release by Pietà Hotspurs.
During a meeting between Barry and Pietà officials, the two parties reached an agreement over the termination of the contract.
Barry joined Pietà Hotspurs from Sliema Wanderers in August after he had claimed he was going to quit football. He had signed a two-year contract with the Hotspurs. However after a couple of matches, Barry lost his place in the Pietà line-up and was replaced by Saviour Darmanin.
Since then Valletta had expressed their interest in obtaining his services, especially after that Reggie Cini moved to Sliema.
Sun 7
- First Division Gozo vs St. Andrews 6-2, Xghajra T. vs St. Patrick 1-0, Qormi vs Rabat A. 4-0
- Second Division Tarxien R. vs Zurrieq 0-0, Attard vs Melita 2-1
- Third Division Ghaxaq vs Pembroke A. 0-1, Kirkop U. vs Ta' Xbiex 0-0
Sat 6
- World Cup Qualifying Round Group 3 Malta vs Northern Ireland 0-1
- First Division Balzan Y. vs Mqabba 1-3
- Gozo - GFA Cup SK Victoria W. vs Qala SJ 1-0, Nadur Y. vs Gharb R. 9-0
- After a most disappointing start with four defeats in five matches, Floriana FC have sacked Moroccan coach Karim Bencherifa and appointed former Rabat Ajax player coach Ziya Yildiz as the new coach. Bencherifa arrived in Malta in November 2000 and under his guide the Greens had established an impressive series of positive results. However Floriana still failed to secure a place in UEFA competitions placing fifth. This season, they only managed to win one point in a 1-1 draw with Marsa, losing to Valletta, Birkirkara, Hibernians and Pietà Hotspurs.
Ziya Yildiz, a former player of Sarajevo in his home-country Bosnia and Galatasaray and Karsikaya in Turkey, joined Rabat Ajax in October 1994 as player-coach when the Magpies were playing in Division 1. During that season Rabat won promotion but two years later, the Ajax returned to the First Division. Rabat Ajax won the First Division championship, therefore returning to the Premier League. Last season, Rabat were relegated after losing a decisive match against Naxxar Lions. Yildiz was sacked and he moved to Bosnia to complete a coaching course.
However he returned back to Malta last month as his son attends a school in Malta.
Floriana and Bencherifa are expected to meet soon in order to discuss the compensation due following the termination of the contract.
Fri 5
- UEFA Under 21 Championship Malta vs Northern Ireland 2-2
- National coach Sigi Held left Joe Brincat and Noel Turner out of the 18-man squad for tomorrow's final World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland. Both players failed in their struggle to regain full fitness. David Carabott who suffered a slight injury in a training session on Thursday however was included in squad.
The only other casualty is that of CSKA Sofia midfielder Stefan Giglio who has been ruled out on a long-term injury. On the other hand, the players who were dropped from the squad were Lino Galea, Jonathan Holland, Nicky Saliba and Nenad Veselji.
The 18 players are therefore goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin and Mario Muscat; defenders David Carabott, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Ian Ciantar, Darren Debono, Luke Dimech, Brian Said, Michael Spiteri, Daniel Theuma; midfielders Gilbert Agius, David Camilleri, Hubert Suda, Antoine Zahra and strikers Malcolm Licari, George Mallia, Michael Mifsud, Chucks Nwoko.
- Sliema Wanderers secured another attractive sponsorship deal when they concluded an agreement on a five-year deal with WGCom marketing and communications, represented by World Group Limited.
During a press-conference, the head of WGCom, Pier Francesco Pileri, former manager of top motorcyclists Loris Capirossi, Alex Barros and Valentino Rossi, announced that this agreement should provide an opportunity for foreign players to come to Malta. In fact an Italian player, Daniele Cellamare, formerly of Ternana, has already been training with Sliema for the past weeks and could be loaned to another local club.
Among the brands marketed by World Group Limited are salumi Cassetta, Pasta Federici and Benelli motor scooters. Cassetta will be the brand whose logo will be carried on one of the sleeves of the Sliema Wanderers shirt.
Thu 4
- Second Division St. George's vs Fgura U. 2-1, San Gwann vs Gudja U.4-1
- According to www.birkirkarafc.com, the twinning agreement between Birkirkara FC and Italian Serie A side Brescia has been sealed following a meeting held over two days between the presidents of the two clubs. Birkirkara chairman Victor Zammit and Brescia president Luigi Corioni have signed an agreement which will lead to close cooperation between the two clubs. As part of the agreement, Brescia, which now have world class players such as Roberto Baggio and former Barcelona captain Josep Guardiola among their ranks, will be playing a friendly match in Malta at the end of the season.
- Joe Brincat is the only player who is still not hundred per cent fit and could be dropped from the team as national coach Sigi Held names the 18-man squad for Saturday's final World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland. The only other casualty is that of CSKA Sofia midfielder Stefan Giglio who has been ruled out on a long-term injury. The preliminary 23-man squad is made up of goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin and Mario Muscat; defenders David Carabott, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Ian Ciantar, Darren Debono, Luke Dimech, Lino Galea, Brian Said, Michael Spiteri; midfielders: Gilbert Agius, Joe Brincat, David Camilleri, Jonathan Holland, Nicky Saliba, Noel Turner and strikers Malcolm Licari, George Mallia, Michael Mifsud, Chucks Nwoko, Hubert Suda, Nenad Veselji, Antoine Zahra.
- Thirty nine year old midfielder Michael Degiorgio is the second former Hamrun Spartans player to return with the club. After that two weeks ago, Stefan Sultana signed for Hamrun from Hibernians, this time it was the turn of Michael Degiorgio to join the Spartans.
Last Saturday, Degiorgio was forced to resign from his post as coach of First Division side Marsaxlokk, where he has also acted as player-coach in the previous season. Besides playing for Hamrun, he will be acting as assistant coach to Atanas Marinov as well.
Degiorgio played for Hamrun between 1981 and 1994. He then moved to Naxxar Lions where he stayed for two years before returning to Hamrun. However after one year with Hamrun, he returned with Naxxar where he played for another two years. In 1999, he joined Lija Athletic in Division 1.
Wed 3
- Marsa coach Lolly Aquilina was fined Lm 25 after being sent off in the game against Birkirkara.
Tue 2
- The First Division match between Balzan Youths and Mqabba which was postponed last Sunday will be played on Saturday 6th at 14:30.
- It will be a depleted Northern Ireland that will face Malta on Saturday as Neil Lennon of Celtic and Blackburn's Keith Gillespie, joined Newcastle's Aaron Hughes and Norwich pair Phil Mulryne and Paul McVeigh on the casualty list.
Northern Ireland coach Sammy McIlroy lost Lennon as he is complaining of a groin injury. "It's something I've had for a while and I've just been getting through games," said the former Leicester midfielder. "I felt it again after Sunday's game and there's no way I could play. I'm just hoping now that with some rest and ice it will be okay." The absence of Gillespie is not a surprise as he had been suffering from a knee injury for a number of weeks.
McIlroy opted to include three players from the Under 21 squad - Grant McCann (West Ham), Ciaran Toner (Tottenham) and Owen Morrison (Sheffield W.). These players will be playing on Friday with the Under 21 team and then will join the senior side on Saturday. McIlroy had earlier added defender Pat McGibbon to his squad. McGibbon, who last played for his country against Luxembourg 18 months ago, is unlikely to get a place in the starting line-up, as McIlroy has already pencilled in Preston defender Colin Murdock to partner Sunderland's George McCartney in the centre of defence.
The players in the squad are goalkeepers Roy Carroll (Man Utd) and Maik Taylor (Fulham); defenders Pat McGibbon (Wigan), Peter Kennedy (Wigan), George McCartney (Sunderland), Colin Murdock (Preston), Danny Griffin (Dundee Utd), Kevin Horlock (Man City) and Grant McCann (West Ham); midfielders Damien Johnson (Blackburn), Keith Gillespie (Blackburn), Michael Hughes (Wimbledon), Jim Magilton (Ipswich) and Ciaran Toner (Tottenham) and strikers David Healy (Preston), Stuart Elliott (Motherwell), Andrew Kirk (Hearts), James Quinn (WBA) and Owen Morrison (Sheffield W.).
Mon 1
- CSKA Sofia midfielder Stefan Giglio could be ruled out for up to four months after sustaining a knee injury in a league match on Sunday - the derby against Levski Sofia on Sunday. Giglio was substituted after just six minutes. This morning Giglio had to undergo some tests in a clinic in Sofia and was then operated. According to the first news from Bulgaria, the time for recovery is between two and four months. Levski won 2-0 to go on top of the table, two points ahead of CSKA, despite having a game in hand. CSKA supporters caused a lot of damage at the Georgi Asparuhov Stadium amounting to about $14,000 according to a Bulgarian TV station. Thirty five supporters were arrested.
- In a press conference, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said positive results are a must in Friday's Under 21 international and Saturday's full 'A' international against Northern Ireland.
National coach Sigi Held said that he has the full squad at his disposal except for Stefan Giglio who sustained a serious injury on Sunday while playing for CSKA. Players like Joe Brincat, Mario Muscat and others who were not fully fit are expected to recover in time. "The players should play as if it was the match for their life."
Meanwhile, Dr Mifsud confirmed that Malta will be playing a friendly match against Canada. However the novelty is the fact that the match will be played at the Hibernians Ground in Corradino. This will be the first time, a national team game is not played at the National Stadium since February 1983 when Malta had lost 1-2 to Tunisia at the Marsa Stadium.
- During a press conference ahead on the international matches against Northern Ireland, Under 21 coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia thanked all the players in his squad as 17 of them will be playing the last game since they will be over-age in the next UEFA Under 21 Championship campaign.
Missing for Malta will be the suspended William Camenzuli, Kenneth Scicluna and Victor Bellia together with the injured Mark Anthony Bonnici. Kevin Cassar of Hibernians returns after a long-term injury. Massimo Grima returns with the team after missing the last two competitive matches. However the captain's arm-band will be awarded to Sliema defender Carlo Mamo.
Justin Haber will be part of the squad although he has been suspended by the club for 28 days. On this matter, Dr Mifsud said that Floriana cannot suspend the player as he is an amateur and all they could do is leave him out of the squad. Only non-amateur players may be subject to such rules.
The players in the squad are goalkeepers Reuben Gauci (Floriana) and Justin Haber (Floriana), defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Kevin Cassar (Hibs), Rennie Forace (Valletta), Massimo Grima (Sliema), Carlo Mamo (Sliema), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs); midfielders Etienne Barbara (Floriana), William Borg (Rabat), Joseph Farrugia (Hamrun), Matthew Galea (Hamrun), Claude Mattocks (Floriana), Lee Lombardi (St. Andrews), Kevin Sammut (Sliema) and strikers Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Anatole Debono (Pietà), Michael Galea (Birkirkara), Miguel Mifsud (Hibs) and Antoine Zahra (Hibs).
- Second Division Mellieha vs Luqa SA 1-0, Dingli S. vs Msida SJ 0-2