October 2003

Wed 29

• Seven new players were included in the national squad as national team coaches Horst Heese and Carmel Busuttil called up a number of players to train with the National 'A' Team.
  The new faces in the squad are Birkirkara goalkeeper Justin Haber, Floriana defender Ian Azzopardi, midfielders Kevin Sammut of Sliema, Roderick Briffa of Birkirkara and Claude Mattocks of Floriana and strikers Jamie Pace of Sliema and Ivan Woods of Pietà Hotspurs. Marsaxlokk's Etienne Barbara who received his first national team call for the game against Israel and Michael Galea of Birkirkara who returned in the squad for the same game were also included.
  A number of players have been temporarily dropped but the system will be a flexible one, whereby any player can be recalled if he proves his capabilities while playing for his club. The players to be dropped are defenders Brian Said of Sliema and Darren Debono of Valletta, midfielders Jonathan Holland of Floriana, David Camilleri of Marsaxlokk and Miguel Mifsud of Hibernians together with strikers Adrian Mifsud and Malcolm Licari of Marssxlokk.
  Ian Ciantar and Antoine Zahra were also dropped as they are currently recovering from long-term injuries. Hibernians striker Antoine Zahra has been given permission to train whenever he can.
  It is envisaged that other players will be eventually called up for trial ensuring that the set-up remains flexible, with no guaranteed places and no 'closed doors' for players who are available to play for the National Team.
  The squad at this point is therefore made up of: goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Saviour Darmanin (Pietà) and Justin Haber (Birkirkara);
  defenders David Carabott (Marsaxlokk), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Daniel Theuma (Valletta), Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), Carlo Mamo (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Etienne Barbara (Marsaxlokk);
  midfielders Stefan Giglio and Noel Turner (Sliema), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Kevin Sammut (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Claude Mattocks (Floriana) and
  forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Chucks Nwoko (Birkirkara), Michael Mifsud (Kaiserslautern), Michael Galea (Birkirkara), Ivan Woods (Pietà), Jamie Pace and Daniel Bogdanovic (Sliema).
• Five Premier League players were handed a one-match ban after being sent off or receiving a fourth yellow card last weekend.
  Essien Mbong of Hibernians and Etienne Barbara of Marsaxlokk both were dismissed on Sunday while Jonathan Holland of Floriana, Donatas Vencevicius of Marsaxlokk and Joe Brincat of Sliema collected their fourth yellow card.
  Mbong and Holland will now miss the last game from the MIA Premier League between Floriana and Hibernians on November 5.
  Vencevicius, Barbara and Brincat will be unavailable for their sides in the game between Sliema and Marsaxlokk on November 23.
  In Division 1, Chris Schembri of Rabat Ajax and Tyrone Ghirxi of Senglea Athletic were also suspended for one match. Mario Borg, team manager of Mqabba was fined Lm 25.
  Other players to be suspended for one match were Michael Farrugia (Attard), Andre Buttigieg (Gzira) and Randolph Penza (Luqa). Manwel Ancilleri (masseur - Vittoriosa) and Ray Xuereb (coach - Sirens) were both fined Lm 25.
  Meanwhile Malcolm Dimech, who was acting as an official with the Zebbug Rangers Under-14 team was suspended for two years, until October 28 2005.

Mon 27

• Premier League Birkirkara vs Hamrun S. 3-0

Sun 26

• Premier League Valletta vs Balzan Y. 1-2, Hibernians vs Marsaxlokk 3-2
• First Division Marsa vs Senglea A. 1-1, St. Patrick vs Mqabba 3-1
• Second Division Gzira U. vs Attard 3-1, Zebbug R. vs Gozo 2-0
• Third Division Sta. Lucia vs Sirens 2-2, Ghaxaq vs Birzebbuga SP 0-4
• Women's League Mosta vs Birkirkara 0-2, Raiders vs Rabat A. 4-0
• Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs SK Victoria W. 4-1, Qala SJ vs Oratory Y. 1-0

Sat 25

• First Division Rabat A. vs Naxxar L. 3-3, Lija A. vs Tarxien R. 2-2Second Division St. Andrews vs Vittoriosa S. 1-0, Zurrieq vs Xghajra T. 2-1
• Gozo - Noel Vassallo Cup Zebbug R. vs Sannat L. 1-0, Kercem A. vs Nadur Y. 1-1 (3-4 pen)
• The Malta Football Association will be organising a course for "Trainee" Referees which will commence on Monday, 17th November, 2003. Theory sessions will be held at the Malta Youth FA Headquarters, 25 Market Street, Floriana.
  Interested persons (males and females) who wish to become Referees are invited to send an application to the Head Referees' Department, Malta Football Assocation, 280 St. Paul's Street, Valletta or via e-mail to: tom.restall@mfa.com.mt.
  Applications must reach the Malta FA by not later than Monday, 10th November, 2003.

Fri 24

• Premier League Floriana vs Msida SJ 2-1, Sliema W. vs Pietà H. 1-3
• Third Division Luqa SA vs Ta' Xbiex 1-1; Mgarr U. vs Fgura U. 0-5
• The Goalkeepers' Course organised by the MFA Technical Centre and scheduled to be held from the 27th to the 30th December, 2003, had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. It is hoped that a similar course will be held at a later date this season.

Thu 23

• Malta climbed another place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta is joint-128th with Mozambique.
  Among the other European countries, Malta is 47th. Ahead of Malta are Northern Ireland (118th), Azerbaijan (120th) and the Faroe Islands (124th). Kazakhstan are 131st, Andorra 141st, Liechtenstein 146th, Luxembourg 151st and San Marino 158th.

Wed 22

• Ireland proved to be too strong for the women's team coached by Pierre Brincat as Malta hosted the first ever women's international match - a game from the qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Championships. The Irish won by nine goals without reply.
  Following encouraging performances in Romania, Bosnia and Croatia, Malta was not expected to suffer such a heavy defeat although strength of the Irish side was already known.
  The visiting side took just 13 minutes to take the lead when off a cross by Stefanie Curtis, Olivia O' Toole beat Nina Dimech with a great header. Ten minutes later, O' Toole doubled the score in a carbon-copy action with Curtis. O'Toole completed a hat-trick as she scored again on the half-hour. Eight minutes from the end of the first half, Stefanie Curtis scored the fourth goal following a solo effort and just before half-time, she scored another goal to put Ireland five goals ahead.
  In the second half, the Maltese side seemed to control their opponents in a better way. However substitute Laura Hislop made it 6-0 on 63 minutes. In the final eleven minutes, Ireland added another three goals thanks to Ciara Grant on 79 minutes, Yvonne Tracy on 84 minutes and Ciara Grant once again in stoppage time.
  MALTA: Nina Dimech (66' Michelle Zahra), Tessie Agius, Lesley Ann Galea, Tasha Pace (46' Francesca Busuttil Griffin), Rebecca D' Agostino, Dorianne Theuma, Sandra Sammut, Joanne Vella, Sarah Caruana (73' Dionne Tonna), Maria Azzopardi, Catherine Camilleri.
  IRELAND: Jennifer Kett, Ronnie Gibbons, Sharon Boyle, Denise Thomas, Yvonne Tracy, Sonya Hughes, Ciara Grant, Stefanie Curtis (67' Marie Curtin), Caroline Thorpe (46' Katie Taylor), Claire Scanlan, Olivia O' Toole (59' Laura Hislop).
  Referee: Sabrina De Nitto (ITA)

Tue 21

• MFA Technical Director Horst Heese has been appointed as the new national coach who will lead Malta in the coming World Cup 2006 campaign. Heese will be assisted by Carmel Busuttil who will be using the next two years to gain experience in order to take the charges of the national team in two years' time.
  This decision was announced by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud during a press conference on Tuesday. A decision which was taken by the Executive Committee of the Malta Football Association and sanctioned by the Council.
  The MFA president said that the association discussed in depth the policy regarding the national team training. Involved in the discussions were not only the executive committee but also the council, club presidents and coaches. He said that following these discussion, the association felt that Malta needed to take advantage of a professional system which was providing players with a similar set-up as they would find in foreign clubs.
  The current format of the qualifiers always put Malta against much stronger sides with players who train regularly in a professional set-up. Local clubs cannot provide such a set-up, for various reasons, including facilities and the availability of players, although there are now a number of players who have full-time non-amateur status.
  Mifsud said that the system which will be adopted will leave enough space for clubs to prepare for their commitments. In fact, players will be asked to attend training sessions during the morning and on Tuesday afternoons. He said that about 14 or 15 players have been attending training sessions on a voluntarily basis showing that they want such a professional set-up.
  The MFA president stressed on the need to lay a sound basis for sports in general in Malta by introducing sports to children at a much younger age than we are doing now. Only in such a way would progress be achieved. Being an island, Malta makes it difficult for youths who need to get more contact on the playing field with foreigners. Providing more opportunities for youngsters is a must, said Mifsud.
  Dr Mifsud said that when there was a kind of consensus that the new national coach had to be a Maltese, the association set its sight on Carmel Busuttil, who he described as a person who gained considerable experience by playing professional football for a number of years. The only setback was the fact that he needed more experience in coaching. For this reason, the Malta Football Association decided to appoint its technical director, Horst Heese, as national coach and appoint Busuttil as his assistant.
  The association's objective is to appoint Busuttil as national coach when the coming World Cup 2006 campaign comes to an end in 2005.
  Busuttil currently has other commitments with General Sports Enterprise, where he runs the Buzu School of Football. He was willing to honour his contract with the company although its director, Edward Schembri, also president of Pietà Hotspurs, was ready to allow Busuttil to join the national team.
  Mifsud said that most of all, the MFA believes Busuttil enjoys the respect of players and the general public.
  The association is looking forward to having the national team competing with honour in the coming campaign. The MFA president said that there will still be occasions where the locals will find it difficult to keep the pace with some teams. He argued that against teams like France, even Slovenia and Cyprus found it very difficult.
  Dr Mifsud said the association will be doing whatever possible to improve the standard of the local game. Besides retaining the professional scheme, a consensus over the change in format of the Premier League is also becoming a reality. A change which would contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the league. The reduction of the number of teams will therefore be enforced probably in two years' time.
  The MFA president said Busuttil and Heese have a close relationship with each other. It was thanks to the German coach that Busuttil had joined Genk back in 1988. On more than one occasion, Dr Mifsud described Busuttil as a "great soldier who could become a good general".
  Horst Heese said he had no doubts that Malta will have a good coach in Busuttil. He revealed he will be adopting a new scheme on the field of play, that is playing without a libero, which is the latest trend in the modern game. The German coach said the Under-17 and the Under-19 sides, coached by Miller have already adopted this system. He warned that before the local players adjust themselves to this system, one had to be prepared to suffer defeats. But according to Heese, this as necessary in order to be able to compete in the modern game.
  Heese will be retaining his post as technical director at Ta' Qali as he feels the technical centre still needs another two years to develop fully to be able to run courses for coaches among other tasks.
  Carmel Busuttil said that those players who are in form will get a chance to prove themselves with the national team. However he pointed out that not all players who do well in the domestic league are necessarily good enough to play in the national team. He said that the respect he enjoys by other players should be the key to discipline within the national squad.
  For the time being, the only commitments for the national team are the quadrangular Malta International Tournament which will be held in February and a friendly match away to Germany in May. Another friendly match could be inserted in March or April. There will be a change in the format of the World Cup qualifiers, the draws for which will be held in January. As from the next campaign there will be three groups of seven teams and five groups of six, meaning that Malta will be playing between 10 and 12 matches in the next campaign.
  Meanwhile the Malta Football Association took the opportunity to launch the new kits for the national team. The kits are sponsored by Tuttosport, local agents for Errea.
  Eligio Vella, for Tuttosport, said this sponsorship was a sign of reciprocation for the public's loyalty. He expressed his satisfaction for the recent 2-2 draw with Israel and hoped for more similar results in future.
  MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud thanked the sponsors for their support.
• Neighbours Hamrun Spartans and Marsa were drawn to face each other in the First Round of the FA Trophy which will be played in November. This round puts against each other six teams from the Premier League and ten from Division 1.
  Floriana were drawn to meet Tarxien Rainbows while Marsaxlokk will be facing St. Patrick. First Division champions Msida St. Joseph take on San Gwann while Balzan Youths who were also promoted from the First Division will face Rabat Ajax. The other Premier side in the first round, Pietà Hotspurs, will be meeting Senglea Athletic.
  The other two clashes are between teams from Division 1. Another derby is in programme between Mosta and Naxxar Lions while Lija Athletic meet First Division leaders Mqabba.
  These matches will be played on four consecutive Saturdays in November at the Centenary Stadium.
• The women's national team will be playing its very first international match on home soil on Wednesday as Malta hosts Ireland in a match from the qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Championships.
  This will be the fourth game for Malta after meeting Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia away from home.
  Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, women's national coach Pierre Brincat said this was a new experience for his players. However despite facing much stronger sides in the first three games, his players played their hearts out and were unlucky especially in the last two matches against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia. Against Bosnia, the Maltese girls could have even obtained a draw.
  Brincat expects a difficult game as he said Ireland are one of the strongest teams in the group.
  He has trimmed the squad to 18 players by dropping Isabelle Mazzitelli (Birkirkara) and Kathleen Saliba (Hibernians). However one of these players could replace Alexia Scicluna who suffered an injury in training. Raiders striker Nora Agliano is unavailable after suffering an injury in the game against Croatia.
  The players selected by Brincat are therefore: goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara) and Michelle Zahra (Hibernians);
  defenders Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Francesca Busuttil Griffin (Hibernians), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Leslie Ann Galea (Melita), Natasha Pace (Melita), Sandra Sammut (Mosta), Alexia Scicluna (Birkirkara), Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians);
  midfielders Tessie Agius (Hibernians), Jane Coates (Mosta), Rebecca D'Agostino (Birkirkara), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Dionne Tonna (Hibernians), Joanne Vella (Hibernians) and
  strikers Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara), Sarah Caruana (Hibernians).
  Pierre Brincat hopes this adventure for the Maltese team will attract more girls to the game. Currently Brincat has to choose a team from just 60 players who play in the Women's League. Six teams take part in the league.
  Women's Football Committee chairman John Farrugia said national team preparations only started in November and for this reason, the association tried to delay as much as possible the debut. However for the past couple of years, there was a Maltese selection taking part in a tournament in Italy.
• Malta climbed another place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta is joint-128th with Mozambique.
  Among the other European countries, Malta is 47th. Ahead of Malta are Northern Ireland (118th), Azerbaijan (120th) and the Faroe Islands (124th). Kazakhstan are 131st, Andorra 141st, Liechtenstein 146th, Luxembourg 151st and San Marino 158th.
  At the top, the ranking is again dominated by top trio Brazil, France and Spain, who have in the meantime taken a strong lead, with Argentina trailing thirty full points behind third-placed Spain. The crush building up behind the three leading teams has intensified, with fewer than ten points separating fourth-placed Argentina and the Czech Republic occupying the 11th slot.
• Five players from the MIA Premier League were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
  The players are Aaron Xuereb of Hibernians, Richard Buhagiar of Marsaxlokk, Josef Mifsud and Fabio Cauchi of Msida and Kurt Farrugia of Valletta.
  Msida will be without Mifsud and Cauchi for the game against Floriana. Xuereb and Buhagiar will miss the clash between Hibernians and Marsaxlokk. Kurt Farrugia will be unavailable for the game against Balzan.

Mon 20

• Premier League Birkirkara vs Valletta 4-1
• The young Malta side made amends for the last two disappointing defeats against strong Danish and German opposition with a comfortable win over Luxembourg in a match played in Memsdorf in Luxembourg.
  Midfielder Andre Schembri opened the score for Malta after 15 minutes but conceded a goal just before the interval. Pieta Hotspurs' Cleaven Frendo added a second for Malta in the 56th minute. The outstanding Andre Schembri scored his second goal and Malta's third in the 68th minute to clinch a well deserved victory and third place in this UEFA U/19 Qualifying Group Four Mini-Tournament.

Sun 19

• Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 0-0, Hamrun S. vs Sliema W. 0-3
• Second Division Attard vs Zejtun C. 2-1, Gzira U. vs Gozo 1-0
• Third Division Pembroke A. vs Kirkop U. 0-2, Gudja U. vs Gharghur 0-2
• Gozo - FXB Cup St. Lawrence vs Qala SJ 1-3, Xaghra U. vs Oratory Y.

Sat 18

• UEFA Under 19 Championship Germany vs Malta 9-1
  Malta suffered a humiliating 9-1 defeat to group favourites Germany in a match from the UEFA Under-19 Championship Group 4 mini-tournament.
  Playing in front of around 2700 spectators in Dillingen, Germany took the lead with a goal by Mario Gomez after just two minutes. Daniel Cimen took advantage of a blunder by the Maltese goalkeeper to double the score on 25 minutes and Lukas Podolski scored the third goal on the half-hour. Podolski made it 4-0 three minutes from the end of the first half.
  Gomez scored the fifth goal five minutes in the second half and Ersan Tekkan added another goal on 53 minutes. After a seventh goal by Paul Thomik on 70 minutes, Malta pulled one back thanks to Thomas Caruana on 72 minutes but Thomik and Tekkan added another two goals for Germany on 83 and 90 minutes.
  The Maltese side, which is coached by Mark Miller, lost their opening match against Denmark by five goals to one. Malta faces Luxembourg at Mondercagne on Tuesday in the third and final match.
• First Division Senglea A. vs Lija A. 2-3, Mqabba vs San Gwann 2-1
• Second Division Mellieha vs Zebbug R. 0-0, Dingli S. vs St. George's 1-0
• Gozo - Noel Vassallo Cup Kercem A. vs Ghajnsielem 4-1, Victoria H. vs Nadur Y. 0-1 golden goal
• Women's national team coach Pierre Brincat named a 20-strong squad ahead of next Wednesday's UEFA Women's Championship qualifier between Malta and Ireland.
  This will be the fourth game for Malta and the first one on home soil after meeting Romania, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia away from home.
  The players selected by Brincat are: goalkeepers Nina Dimech (Birkirkara) and Michelle Zahra (Hibernians);
  defenders Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Francesca Busuttil Griffin (Hibernians), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Leslie Ann Galea (Melita), Isabelle Mazzitelli (Birkirkara), Natasha Pace (Melita), Sandra Sammut (Mosta), Alexia Scicluna (Birkirkara), Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians);
  midfielders Tessie Agius (Hibernians), Jane Coates (Mosta), Rebecca D'Agostino (Birkirkara), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Dionne Tonna (Hibernians), Joanne Vella (Hibernians) and
  strikers Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara), Sarah Caruana (Hibernians), Kathleen Saliba (Hibernians).

Fri 17

• Premier League Msida SJ vs Balzan Y. 1-1, Pietà H. vs Hibernians 2-1
• Third Division Fgura U. vs Siggiewi 2-0, Melita vs Sta. Venera L. 0-0

Thu 16

• MFA Technical Director Horst Heese is set for another appointment as Malta national coach after having guided the national side between February 1988 and May 1991. Therefore once again Malta will have a foreign coach.
  In fact, Heese, whose term as Technical Director was due to expire in December, is expected to be offered a contract in the coming days. This decision was taken during another meeting of the MFA Executive Committee which was held last Tuesday.
  Under Heese, Malta registered three wins and eight draws in 36 matches. His contract was terminated after the game against Finland in May 2001. Heese sued the association but eventually the two parties reached an out-of-court settlement. Following that agreement, he was appointed as Technical Director in January 2000.
  Heese could be assisted by Carmel Busuttil, who was one of the main candidates for the post as national coach together with Ray Farrugia and Robert Gatt. But since Busuttil is under contract with the General Sports Enterprise, which runs the Buzu School of Football, the former national team captain would have been unable to take a full-time job with the association.
  Busuttil could also act as coach of the Under 21 side. The U-21s are currently managed by Mark Miller but the appointment of another person as Under-21 coach would enable Miller to concentrate fully on the Under-17 and Under-19 sides.
• In a match played this evening in Saarbrucken in Germany, the Malta Under-19 side, coached by Mark Miller, lost their opening Group Four Mini-Tournanment match against Denmark by five goals to one.
  Mosta FC striker Dyson Falzon opened the score for Malta in the 16th minute. The Maltese shared the exchanges with the Danes for long stretches but conceded two quick goals just before the interval (42' and 43' minutes).
  Malta conceded a third goal in the 70th minute and lost defender Steve Borda with an injury when the Danes scored their 4th goal in the 78th minute.
  Forward Thomas Caruana was sent off by the Referee for a second yellow card in the 90th minute and, soon after, the Danes added a fifth well into injury time.
  In the other Group match, the favourites Germany overcame co-hosts Luxembourg by six goals to one to head the table after Day 1.
  Malta meets Germany on Saturday at Dillengen, Germany while Denmark play Luxembourg in Mondercagne in Luxembourg.

Wed 15

• Sliema Wanderers defender Stefan Giglio was handed a one-match ban after being sent off in Monday evening's clash with Birkirkara. He will therefore be unavailable for Sliema in the next game against Hamrun Spartans on Sunday.
  Paul Psaila of Naxxar Lions and Arnold Buttigieg of St. Patrick were the only players in Division 1 to be suspended.
  Other players to be suspended for one match are Dino Pace (Dingli), Alex Tramboo (Gozo), Robert Bajada (Zurrieq), Donald Lia (Gudja U-19) and Clint Sammut (Rabat Ajax U-19).
• Former MFA General Secretary Joseph A. Sacco has just launched a unique book about the first 45 years of activity of the national team. A book complete with the line-ups of international "A" matches together with other information played by the team against other teams and clubs.
  The book covers 243 international "A' matches from the debut against Austria in February 1957 to the game against Moldova in February 2002. Sacco goes into detail providing the line-ups of both the Maltese side and the opposing team, the clubs with which each player was registered together with information about the venue, the match officials and the scorers.
  Another section in the book covers matches played by Malta's representative side against other national B teams, Under-21, Under-23 or Amateurs. A list of matches played by the MFA XI against foreign clubs is also provided.
  Other data includes a list of most capped players, a complete list of scorers, national team captains, national coaches and their assistants.
  "45 Sena ta' Football Internazzjonali ta' Malta - Malta's 45 Years of International Football" is a book every national team fan must have. It is also an excellent book for lovers of statistics in Malta and abroad.
  The book, edited and produced by Joseph A. Sacco, is on sale for Lm 5.50 at
  Shatra Bazaar, St. Monica Street, Gwardamangia
  General Bazaar, 219 Our Lady of Sorrows Street, Pietà
  Morris Stationery, 46 Tower Road, Sliema
  Sultana Stationery, Merchants Street, Valletta
  Leonard Farrugia Lotto Booth, Valletta and
  E. Maistre, 162 Melita Street, Valletta.
  Those wishing to buy the book may contact the author on 21245194, leaving their address and telephone number.
  The book is also available for foreigners. Any correspondence or orders should be addressed to

  Joseph A. Sacco
  50/4 St. Monica Street,
  Guardamangia MSD 07,
  Malta

  The price for foreigners is € 20 or GBP 15 (including posting and package).
  All proceeds from the sales of the book will go to charitable institutions.
• The Malta Women's team are due for their baptism of fire on local soil on Wednesday, October 22, 2003, when they meet the strong Republic of Ireland team at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, at 6.30pm.
  For the Maltese this match will be the fourth in their Group 5 programme, after having played Rumania, Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia 'away' in the past weeks.
  Coach Pierre Brincat will shortly prune down his 31-strong squad made up of the following players:
  Abdilla Jackie, Agius Tessie, Agliano Nora, Attard Vanessa, Azzopardi Maria, Camilleri Catherine, Caruana Sarah, Coates Jane, De Agostino Rebecca, Debono Francesca, Demanuele Chantalle, Dimech Nina, Farrugia Esther, Fenech Chantal, Galea Christine, Galea Leslie Ann, Gatt Roxanne, Marisa Deguara, Mazzitelli Isabelle, Pace Tasha, Saliba Kathleen, Saliba Vickie, Sammut Fallon, Sammut Sandra, Scicluna Alexia, Shead Lyndsay, Tagliaferro Rita, Theuma Dorianne. Tonna Dionne, Vella Joanne, Zahra Michelle.
  The Irish playing squad, under coach Declan McIntyre, will be made up of:
  Boyle Sharon (Shamrock Rovers), Curtain Marie (Lifford), Curtis Stefanie (Bristol Rovers), Gee Sylvia (UCD), Gibbons Ronnie (Fulham), Grant Ciara (Arsenal), Hislop Laura (Franklin Pierce College), Hughes Sonia (Franklin Pierce College), Kett Jennifer (Christian Brothers University), Kierans Grainne (Leeds), Merrigan Emma (Stella Maris), O'Toole Olivia (Shamrock Rovers), Scanlan Claire (Leeds), Taylor Kate (St James' Gate), Thomas Denise (Central Connecticut State), Thorpe Caroline (UCD), Treacy Yvonne (Arsenal), Walsh Michelle (Leeds).
• The role of the referee in football is vital. The person controlling a football match is the 'Guardian of the Laws of the Game' since he has the vested right to interpret these laws in conformity with the instructions which the ruling Bodies issue from time to time.
  Referees operate within certain constraints, and this is understandable. The ever-increasing ploys used systematically by the players with the intention of gaining an unfair advantage, the criticism they are subjected to by the followers of the game and the comments from members of the media, who exercise their right to constructive criticism, are constant reminders of the conditions under which officials in charge carry out their duties, wherever football is played.
  The use of ultra-modern technology exposes the referees to the prying eyes of the camera and their decisions are discussed and scrutinised to the extent of having them face a 'trial by jury'. Nevertheless, the referees are the sole arbiters and their decisions on points of fact are final despite their proneness to human error. That is standard practice world-wide.
  The situation in Malta is very much the same with regard to the referees' exposure and critcism levelled at them. Indeed, considering the local situation and the attendant difficulties, Maltese referees probably operate under more pressure than those elsewhere. Nevertheless, they generally do their job more than adequately and the ratings they get when they officiate abroad are remarkably good.
  The Malta FA, through its Referees' Department, keeps a constant link with the Malta Football Referees Association. Instructional meetings, refresher courses, seminars and clinics, fitness tests and meetings with the media are regular activities on the referees' annual calendar. Without any doubt, refereeing has to keep abreast with modern demands, and the MFRA is dynamic in this respect.
  Recruitment is also an important sector and for this end courses for new referees are run on a regular basis. Males and now even females are encouraged to take up refereeing after successfully undergoing a course. This is a challenge for young people which offers satisfaction and incentives.
  The Referees Department within the Malta FA, will be holding a Referees' Course in November. Applications will be received from prospective candidates, males and females, between the ages of 16 and 35. These are to be addressed to: Mr Tom A Restall, Head, Referees Department, Malta FA Headquarters, 280, St Paul Street Valletta. Further details will be issued shortly.
  It is envisaged that through such courses, the complement of Maltese referees is maintained at healthy levels and the standard of these officials is further boosted.

Mon 13

• Premier League Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 0-1
• Second Division Mellieha vs Gozo 1-1, Xghajra T. vs St. Andrews 2-4

Sun 12

• Premier League Floriana vs Pietà H. 1-1, Valletta vs Msida SJ 3-1
• First Division San Gwann vs Tarxien R. 0-0, Naxxar L. vs Mqabba 2-1
• Second Division Zebbug R. vs Dingli S. 0-0, Vittoriosa S. vs Attard 2-0
• Third Division Sirens vs Mgarr U. 1-0, Qormi vs Ghaxaq 8-1
• Gozo - GFA Cup Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 2-0
• Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out Xaghra U. vs S.K. Victoria W. 1-0

Sat 11

• First Division St. Patrick vs Lija A. 3-0, Mosta vs Senglea A. 5-1
• Second Division St. George's vs Zurrieq 4-0, Zejtun C. vs Gzira U. 0-4
• Gozo - Noel Vassallo Cup Xewkija T. vs Zebbug R. 1-2
• Gozo - Second Division Knock-Out St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 7-2

Fri 10

• Premier League Balzan Y. vs Marsaxlokk 2-4, Hibernians vs Hamrun S. 2-1
• Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Sta. Lucia 3-3, Birzebbuga SP vs Luqa SA 2-1
• Roderick Briffa of Birkirkara was handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
  Matthew Calascione was suspended for one match but following an appeal by Birkirkara, the MFA Appeals' Board recommended that Calascione's suspension was cancelled and that Roderick Briffa should be suspended instead.
  Other players to be suspended for one game were Charles Borg of Rabat Ajax, Gordon Borg of Xghajra Tornadoes and Gordon Buhagiar of Ghaxaq.

Thu 9

• Birkirkara striker Matthew Calascione is eligible to play against Sliema Wanderers on Monday after the MFA Appeals Board cleared him of any blame in the incident which occurred in the game against Hibernians.
  Calascione's one-match ban was therefore cancelled. But the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner is now expected to suspend Roderick Briffa on Friday.
  During the hearing of the Appeals Board, referee Joe Attard and assistant referee Joe Rapa gave their version of facts and Rapa admitted that he had indicated Calascione by mistake.
  The incident occured towards the end of the first half when Hibernians midfielder Andre Schembri was hit by an opponent. Following indications by assistant referee Joe Rapa, referee Joe Attard gave marching orders to Matthew Calascione. Rapa had indicated a number "9" but there was no player with that number. But the assistant referee was not completely wrong as the player who actually hit Schembri was Birkirkara's number 19, Roderick Briffa.
  Although usually one cannot appeal against a one-match ban, Birkirkara had the right to appeal from the decision since this was a case of mistaken identity.
• The first venture in international competitive football for the Malta women’s team when they played in Group Five of the Sixth European Championships, saw the Maltese girls face Rumania, Bosnia Herzegovina and Croatia in three away matches over the past few weeks.
  These ended in three defeats against tough opposition, especially against Rumania and Croatia who both won 3-0. The match against Bosnia Herzegovina ended 1-0. The other team in the Group is Ireland.
  Despite the negative results, there were encouraging signs, considering the limited resources - the team is picked from a pool of 30 chosen from about 60 females playing in the local league - and the fact that the team had never played an international match before.
  Coach Pierre Brincat said the girls showed great combative spirit and their bold efforts in all the three outings deserved something more tangible. Their heart and determination were incredible. It may have been too much to expect positive results against Rumania and Croatia, two very accomplished teams. But against Bosnia Herzegovina the equilibrium suggested that the Maltese would not have been flattered if they had obtained a draw. Even against the strong Croats, Malta did enough to merit a goal.
  John Farrugia, Malta FA Vice-president and Chairman of the Women's Football Committee was equally impressed by the girls' enthusiasm and high level of commitment. Two matches in four days were too much for the team, but such an experience would be useful in preparation for the next group matches.
  Malta are now due to meet the strong Irish team on home soil in a fortnight's time and it is hoped that the girls will play with the same verve they showed in their away encounters.

Wed 8

• First Division Naxxar L. vs St. Patrick 0-0, Senglea A. vs Rabat A. 2-1
• Malta youths coach Mark Miller named a 20-man squad ahead of the UEFA Under-19 Championship Second Qualifying Round Mini Tournament Group 4 which will be held in Germany and Luxembourg.
  Taking part in the tournament are hosts Germany and Luxembourg, Denmark and Malta.
  Malta plays Denmark in Rehligen, Germany in the first match on Thursday. On Saturday, Malta faces Germany in Dillingen, Germany while the last game is against Luxembourg in Mensdorf, Luxembourg on Monday.
  The Maltese squad is made up of the following players:
  goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Bari), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
  defenders Steve Borda, Jonathan Caruana, Kenneth Spiteri (Hibernians), Carl Sammut (Pietà), John Zammit (Sliema);
  midfielders Malcolm Abdilla, Cleavon Frendo, Andrew Spiteri, Roderick Zammit (Pietà), Matthew Bartolo, Andre Schembri (Hibernians), Paul Fenech (Naxxar) and
  strikers Thomas Caruana, Clayton Failla (St. Patrick), Ryan Darmanin (Floriana), Ryan Deguara, Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Ryan Grech (Sliema).
  Players like Cleaven Frendo of Pietà Hotspurs and Andre Schembri of Hibernians, who are now regular choices with their clubs, will therefore miss next Friday's MIA Premier League clash between the two teams.
• Birkirkara striker Matthew Calascione was handed a one-match ban despite being sent off by mistake during last Sunday's MIA Premier League clash with Hibernians. However since this was a case of mistaken identity, Birkirkara have the right to appeal from this decision.
  The Stripes have already announced their intention to appeal. This will be heard on Thursday.
  Other Premier League players to be suspended were Nicholas Gatt of Balzan Youths, Malcolm Tirchett of Msida St. Joseph and Valletta duo Darren Debono and Ivan Zammit. John Galea, kit-manager of Birkirkara was fined Lm 25.
  Gatt will miss the game against Marsaxlokk while Tirchett, Debono and Zammit will be unavailable for the game between Valletta and Msida.
  In the other divisions, Chris Cuschieri of San Gwann from Division 1 and Darren Attard and Stephen Callus, both of Dingli Swallows, from Division 2 were suspended for one match.
• Former national coach Gentcho Dobrev was appointed as the new Hamrun Spartans coach.
  Dobrev replaces Patrick Curmi who quit the club after a most disappointing start when they lost the first five matches.
  Last Friday, the Spartans collected their first point of the season when they held Floriana in a 1-1 draw. They will be meeting Hibernians on Friday.
  Dobrev had a long experience in the national team youth sector in Bulgaria before arriving in Malta. He coached the Under-16 side and the Under-18 side. He was also the Director of Football Schools in Bulgaria and assistant coach of the Bulgarian Olympic Team.
  He arrived in Malta in September 1983 where he was entrusted with the job of Youths coach. In the mean time he also occupied the post of technical advisor to the senior squad, coached by Victor Scerri. After a few months he took over as national coach where he made his debut in a 4-0 defeat to Sweden away from home. During his term as national coach, Malta played 22 matches, obtaining a win and four draws over a three-and-a-half year span.
  Since 1988, Dobrev coached a number of clubs including Mosta and Sliema Wanderers. For the past couple of years, he was a member of the coaching staff of the Buzu School of Football.
• The MFA Technical Centre will be holding a Youth Development Diploma at Ta; Qali Complex from the 1st to the 9th November, 2003, both days included.
  Application Forms are available from the MFA Technical Centre at Ta' Qali (att. Mr Nunzio Frendo, tel. 21 411 505) during office hours.
  The closing date for all applications is Monday, 27th October, 2003. A passport size photo will be required with the application. The course will be on a first-come-first-served basis.

Mon 6

• Premier League Sliema W. vs Valletta 1-0
• Second Division Zejtun C. vs Gozo 1-4, St. Andrews vs St. George's 0-1
• The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting for holders of 'A' and 'B', UEFA 'A' and 'B' Licence Coaches on Monday, 13th October, 2003. This session will commence at 17.30hrs.
  All coaches are advised to wear the proper attire for this practical instructional session.

Sun 5

• Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Msida SJ 2-0, Birkirkara vs Hibernians 2-4
• First Division Tarxien R. vs Naxxar L. 0-2, Marsa vs Rabat A. 2-0
• Second Division Gzira U. vs Vittoriosa S. 1-1, Zurrieq vs Zebbug R. 0-1
• Third Division Kirkop U. vs Fgura U. 3-1, Gharghur vs Pembroke A. 1-0
• Gozo - GFA Cup Zebbug R. vs Gharb R. 7-1, Sannat L. vs Xaghra U. 1-2
• >The Maritim Antonine Hotel & Spa are the Mellieha S.C. football team new official sponsors for season 2003/04 currently taking part in the MIA Second Division.

Sat 4

• First Division Senglea A. vs St. Patrick 3-0, Lija A. vs San Gwann 0-1
• Second Division Dingli S. vs Mellieha 0-1, Attard vs Xghajra T. 5-2
• Gozo - GFA Cup Kercem A. vs Oratory Y. 3-0, St. Lawrence S. vs SK Victoria W. 2-0
• Two new sponsors for Valletta FC were unveiled during a press-conference which was held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel, Attard. The Citizens have reached new sponsorship agreements with Pirelli, represented in Malta by the Demajo Group, and ITS - Innovative Transportation Systems.
  Valletta FC president Charles Camilleri started by saying the club was now in a position to present the new sponsors after a few months due to the expiry of the previous agreements with other firms. The previous sponsors were not interested in renewing their sponsorship. However Camilleri thanked them for the help in the past years.
  The Valletta president said that the club wanted to find the ideal partners. In fact, several discussions were held with a number of firms before they eventually reached an agreement with these two companies.
  Camilleri said the sponsorship of Innovative Transportation Systems, manufacturers of electric cars, turns out to be an ideal partner considering that the club is aware of the environment and the fact that these cars could be the perfect solution for Valletta which is one of the most polluted cities. Also following the sponsorship of Pirelli, there are nice prospects for the future of the two companies.
  Both Pirelli and Innovative Transportation Systems have now a three-year agreement with the Citizens. Similarly the agreement with Carlsberg, who already sponsored Valletta last season, has been renewed for another three years. According to Camilleri, these agreements could be extended further since the interest of the three sponsors was something based on a long-term. The Valletta president also revealed that with these three agreements, Valletta have secured their best sponsorship package so far for at least three years.
  Camilleri concluded by thanking those involved in the discussions to lure the new sponsors, mainly vice-president Paul Spiteri and treasurer Mario Muscat.
  Speaking on behalf of the Demajo Group, representatives of Pirelli in Malta, Jeffrey Scerri said that this was the first initiative of this kind for Pirelli in Malta. The choice of Valletta was natural considering that his group of companies always chose Valletta to launch new initiatives. Scerri said Pirelli were synonymous with enthusiasm and energy and hoped Valletta could gain from this enthusiasm and energy to make more success.
  Simon Grech and Adrian Grech Cumbo said that Innovative Transportation Systems are looking forward to opening soon in Malta a factory where these environmental-friendly cars are assembled. They wished the best of success to Valletta.
  David St John spoke of the close relationship between Carlsberg and football and said the sponsorship would lead to greater cooperation between the two parties.
  Charles Camilleri concluded by saying that although Valletta could have had a better start, the current blend of quality players and youngsters is good enough for the club to challenge for honours.

Fri 3

• Premier League Pietà H. vs Balzan Y. 2-1, Hamrun S. vs Floriana 1-1
• Third Division Siggiewi vs Sirens 4-0, Ghaxaq vs Melita 0-2
• The Protests' Board of the Malta Football Association upheld the protest lodged by Pietà Hotspurs against the result of last week's MIA Premier League match against Msida St. Joseph.
  The board ruled that Msida had broken two rules as Gordian Ohaegbu, who was included as a substitute six minutes from time, was an ineligible player as his name was not included in the official line-up. Msida were also fined Lm 50.
  Therefore the 2-0 win for Msida has been converted in a 2-0 win for Pietà. This win enables Pietà to climb in joint-second place with Sliema Wanderers on ten points. On the other hand, Msida fall in seventh place with six points.

Wed 1

• Marsaxlokk midfielder Etienne Barbara was voted MIA Best Player of the Month for August-September 2003.
  Fine performances by the former Floriana midfielder earned him the MIA Player of the Match award in the games against Birkirkara, Hamrun Spartans and Pietà Hotspurs.
  Barbara also earned his first national team call and had the opportunity to make his debut in the 2-2 draw against Israel.
• Two Premier League players were suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commisioner after being sent off during the weekend.
  Miguel Mifsud of Hibernians will now miss the game against Birkirakra while Mauro Di Lello of Pietà will be unavailable for the game against Balzan. An official of Balzan Youths, George Borg, was fined Lm 25.
  One player was suspended in Division 1 - Ivan Zammit of Naxxar Lions. Rabat Ajax coach Dragan Zivkovic was fined Lm 25.
  The other players who were suspended are: Michael Cutajar (Dingli), Jonathan Xuereb, Matthew Portelli and Mario Azzopardi (Gozo), Joseph Mercieca (Mellieha), Emmanuel Junior Sank (St. Andrews), Daniel Axisa (Xghajra), Francis Cassar (Birzebbuga), Jason Bartolo (Gudja), Paul Ablett (Qormi), Matthew Sciortino and Quentin Mercieca (Sta. Lucia). Joe Borg (official - Gzira United), Renato Vidal (masseur - Ta' Xbiex) and Raymond Schembri (coach - Birzebbuga) were all fined.
  Another three players from the Youth League were suspended for one game - Keith Micallef (Msida), Roderick Garzia (St. George's), Matthew Cassar (St. Patrick).
• The Management of the new Ta’ Qali Health & Fitness Centre will be organizing an open weekend during the weekend of the 3rd, 4th, and 5th October. The center will be open 24 hours a day during all this weekend. The general public is invited to make use of all the Fitness Centre facilities for a small donation to YMCA.
  Visitors can use the gym equipment, 25m heated indoor pool, saunas, and Jacuzzi. This event is expected to encourage more people to try the facilities and spend a healthy weekend, whilst at the same time helping YMCA raise more funds to assist homeless people. Numerous well known personalities have already confirmed their participation to support this initiative.
  On Sunday 5th October, visitors can also try a taster session of dancing at the newly opened Dance Studio upstairs where Aerobics, Keep-Fit, Modern Jazz, Kick Dancing, Step Classes, Hip Hop Dancing, 35+Fitness Dance, and Jazz for children will be some of the classes offered during the next term. The dance programme for Sunday morning is Aerobics at 9.40, followed by kick dancing at 10.00, Hip Hop at 10.20 , Jazz (Adults) at 10.40, Keep-Fit / Step at 11.00, Jazz (Juniors) at 11.20 and 35+ Fitness class at 11.40. All sessions are free of charge to those who make a small donation to YMCA.
  Gym staff will be on hand throughout the weekend to provide assistance and to answer any questions. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Ample parking is available.