May 2004
Sun 30
- Gozo - Super Cup Victoria H. vs Ghajnsielem 1-5
- Gozo - Second Division Xaghra U. vs St. Lawrence S. 0-0
Sat 29
- Third Division Decider Kirkop U. vs Qormi 0-2
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Qala SJ 8-0, Oratory Y. vs Gharb R. 2-1
Fri 28
- Gozo - First Division Relegation Play-Offs Sannat L. vs Xewkija T. 1-2
Thu 27
- International Friendly Germany vs Malta 7-0
- Gozo - Super Cup semi-final Nadur Y. vs Ghajnsielem 2-5
- Three teams will be fighting against relegation in the relegation play-offs in the Easyline First Division in Gozo after that Kercem Ajax, Sannat Lions and Xewkija Tigers ended their league commitments on the 19-points mark.
In the first match which will be played on Friday, Sannat Lions will play Xewkija Tigers. Kercem Ajax will play the loser of the first match on Tuesday June 1st and the winner on June 4th.
The team which places last in this mini-league will be relegated to Division 2. On the other hand, the team which places second will have to play another play-off against Second Division runners-up St. Lawrence Spurs on June 7th.
Wed 26
- Gozo - Super Cup semi-final Zebbug R. vs Victoria H. 0-1
- The Malta national team needs to be at its very best when it entertains hosts Germany in a friendly match at the Dreisamstadion in Freiburg. The match will be no ordinary game for a German side which is desperately in need of a convincing performance in the build-up to EURO 2004 after being trashed 5-1 by Romania last month in Bucharest.
"First of all we must win back the credit that we have lost," said German coach Rudi Voeller.
Malta coach Horst Heese and his assistant Carmel Busuttil hope their players give a good account of themselves following a fine performance despite a 1-2 defeat to Finland in March.
Marsaxlokk trio Richard Buhagiar, David Carabott and Etienne Barbara and midfielders George Mallia of Birkirkara and Claude Mattocks of Floriana were dropped from the squad while Luke Dimech had to turn down the national team call due to Mansfield Town's commitment in the Nationwide Football League Third Division Play-Off Final.
Making their return to the squad after missing the last game against Finland in March are four players - Roderick Bajada of Hamrun, Cleaven Frendo and Gareth Sciberras of Pietà Hotspurs together with Sliema Wanderers captain Noel Turner. Sciberras and Turner are both expected to be awarded a starting berth.
Heese and Busuttil are in fact expected to field: Mario Muscat; Gareth Sciberras, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Brian Said, Ian Azzopardi; Ivan Woods, Noel Turner, Stefan Giglio, Antoine Zahra I; Michael Mifsud, Antoine Zahra II.
Hibs striker Andrew Cohen and midfielder Peter Pullicino are the only uncapped players in the Maltese squad.
This game will be Germany's first game since Voeller named a 22-man squad on Monday for Euro 2004 starting on June 12.
A 23rd player will be named before June 2. Cologne striker Lukas Podolski, 18, is the favourite.
Hanover 96 striker Thomas Brdaric, the only surprise on Voeller's list, was a doubtful starter because of a sore thigh muscle.
Hamburg SV defender Christian Rahn was withdrawn from the Euro 2004 squad on Wednesday because of a thigh injury. Christian Ziege, who is looking for a club after being released by Tottenham Hotspur, replaces him.
The 32-year-old Ziege, who won the last of his 71 caps in Germany's 2-0 defeat by Brazil in the 2002 World Cup final in Yokohama, should start on the bench on Thursday.
Central defender Christian Woerns of Borussia Dortmund will not be able to play on Thursday because of a sore hip. VfB Stuttgart's Andreas Hinkel should take his place in the starting line-up.
Arsenal's Jens Lehmann, fighting with Oliver Kahn for the number one spot in goal, was expected to start the match.
Werder Bremen players Fabian Ernst and Frank Baumann will both be rested because they are playing the German Cup final against second division Alemannia Aachen on Saturday.
The German line-up should be: Jens Lehmann; Arne Friedrich, Jens Nowotny, Andreas Hinkel, Philipp Lahm; Dietmar Hamann, Torsten Frings, Bernd Schneider, Michael Ballack; Miroslav Klose, Fredi Bobic.
This game will also have a special meaning for the two coaches. Horst Heese was Rudi Voeller's coach when the two were at Kickers Offenbach. But this is not the first time Heese and Voller are facing each other as back in September 1998 in a friendly match between the Malta national team, playing under the name of MFA XI, and AS Roma, two goals by Voller enabled the Italians to register a 2-1 win over the team coached by Horst Heese.
Malta and Germany faced each other 7 times so far. The Germans won 6 games and one match ended in a draw.
The last encounter between the two teams took place in Malta on September 2nd, 1998, when Germany won 2-1.
FIFA Referee Anton Stredak from Slovakia will be controlling the game on Thursday which kicks-off at 20:30.
- The Youth Football Association (the Youth FA) in collaboration with Chelsea Supporters Club - Malta (CSCM) is holding a seminar on Youth Football Development on Friday 28th May 2004 at 7.15pm at the Centenary Hall, the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali. This event is being held in conjunction with next Sunday's Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge, which is sponsored by Emirates Airlines.
The 90 minute seminar will be conducted by Chris Harris, Football Development Official from Chelsea Football in the Community and Laurence Batty, Goalkeeping Coach from Chelsea FC Academy. They will focus on Youth Football Development and Goalkeeping techniques respectively. Both coaches are in Malta on the initiative of CSCM and with the support of Chelsea FC.
"The aim of the Youth FA is to build and develop football talents of the Maltese children with the assistance of qualified coaches," said Mr Joe Micallef, General Secretary of the Youth Football Association. "We are pleased that we have started an association not only with CSCM but also with Chelsea FC youth training coaches.
"The seminar provides an ideal opportunity for all youth coaches to meet and be able to put forward any questions they may have. This occasion will not be a one time event, thanks also to Emirates Airline, but we hope to hold similar seminars in the near future for the Maltese coaches who train young footballers," said Mr Micallef.
CSCM Treasurer and Co-ordinator for Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge, Mr Chris Micallef, said: "CSCM has willingly supported the initiative of the Youth FA. We are delighted to help in the development of football and its overall standard. We look forward to a continued relationship with the Youth FA."
Mon 24
- Hibernians duo Peter Pullicino and Andrew Cohen are the only two uncapped players included in the Malta squad which travelled to Germany on Monday ahead of the friendly match in programme at the Dreisam Stadium in Freiburg against the EURO 2004 finalists on Thursday.
From the provisional squad which national coach Horst Heese and his assistant Carmel Busuttil had named last week, one player dropped out as Luke Dimech was asked by his club side - Mansfield Town to turn down the national team call due to the English side's commitment in the Nationwide Football League Third Division Play-Off Final.
Making their return to the squad after missing the last game against Finland in March are four players - Roderick Bajada of Hamrun, Cleaven Frendo and Gareth Sciberras of Pietà Hotspurs together with Sliema Wanderers captain Noel Turner.
Marsaxlokk trio Richard Buhagiar, David Carabott and Etienne Barbara and midfielders George Mallia of Birkirkara and Claude Mattocks of Floriana are not part of the squad.
The eighteen players selected by Heese and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Pietà) and Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Brian Said (Sliema), Steve Wellman (Floriana);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Hamrun), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Peter Pullicino (Hibs), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà), Noel Turner (Sliema), Antoine Zahra (Birkirkara) and
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Michael Mifsud (Sliema), Ivan Woods (Pietà) and Antoine Zahra (Hibs).
Malta and Germany faced each other 7 times so far. The Germans won 6 games and one match ended in a draw.
The last encounter between the two teams took place in Malta on September 2nd, 1998, when Germany won 2-1.
FIFA Referee Anton Stredak from Slovakia will be controlling the game on Thursday which kicks-off at 20:30.
- Hanover 96 striker Thomas Brdaric was a surprise selection on Monday by Germany coach Rudi Voeller in his squad for Euro 2004. The Germans host Malta on Thursday in Freiburg in one of the final matches as preparation ahead of the finals.
The 29-year-old Brdaric, who has played only once for Germany more than two years ago, has scored 12 goals for his club in the Bundesliga this season.
The other names on the list of 22 players for the finals in Portugal starting on June 12 were largely expected, but Voeller has left the door open for a young player.
A 23rd player, a member of Germany's under-21 squad, would be named before June 2, Voeller said.
The 23 players selected by Voeller are:
Goalkeepers: Oliver Kahn (Bayern Munich), Jens Lehmann (Arsenal - England), Timo Hildebrand (VfB Stuttgart);
Defenders: Frank Baumann (Werder Bremen), Arne Friedrich (Hertha Berlin), Andreas Hinkel (VfB Stuttgart), Philipp Lahm (VfB Stuttgart), Jens Nowotny (Bayer Leverkusen), Christian Woerns (Borussia Dortmund), Christian Rahn (Hamburg SV);
Midfielders: Michael Ballack (Bayern Munich), Fabian Ernst (Werder Bremen), Paul Freier (VfL Bochum), Torsten Frings (Borussia Dortmund), Dietmar Hamann (Liverpool - England), Jens Jeremies (Bayern Munich), Sebastian Kehl (Borussia Dortmund), Bernd Schneider (Bayer Leverkusen);
Strikers: Fredi Bobic (Hertha Berlin), Thomas Brdaric (Hanover 96), Kevin Kuranyi (VfB Stuttgart), Miroslav Klose (Kaiserslautern).
Sat 22
- Gozo - Second Division Xaghra U. vs Gharb R. 3-1, Qala SJ vs Oratory Y. 1-1
Fri 21
- Third Division Play-Offs Zurrieq vs Kirkop U. 0-2
- After avoiding relegation by a whisker, future should be brighter for Msida St. Joseph as former Torino Calcio president Roberto Goveani will be investing in the club with the aim of bringing better administration and sounder financial grounds for the coming seasons.
Notaio Roberto Goveani spoke about his interest in the club during a press conference which was held at the Hilton, St. Julian's. Also addressing the press conference were Msida president Joe Demarco, vice-president Dr Kevin Deguara, treasurer Antoine Portelli and Dott. Luciano Giudo.
Dr Deguara said that Antoine Portelli and himself have been in contact with Dott. Goveani over the past months and that following the relegation battle, which Msida St. Joseph F.C. won hands down, Dott. Goveani promised to come over to Malta to finalise his proposal.
“Over the past three years, we have worked hard to turn Msida St. Joseph F.C. from a lower Division club, to a Premier League Club, with a healthy Balance Sheet, enthusiasm and most important a club which is based on its supporters. Although a small locality, the Msida people have shown they have a big heart and are ready to follow us in our endeavours to establish Msida as a leading football club in Malta.”
He added that this collaboration with Dott. Goveani is yet another step in this direction.
“Dott. Goveani is a well-known face in Italian football, and is a former President of Torino Calcio, which under his leadership won the Coppa Italia in 1993. He is currently involved with AC Ischia and will soon announce his involvement with a club from the Austrian top division, namely Tirol Innsbruck. He is also a former President of other clubs, namely Capri and Calangianus (Sardegna).
Roberto Goveani said that he has been eyeing Maltese football for quite some time, as the situation in Italian football is not healthy. He added that when he met both Kevin and Antoine, he realised that the energy and commitment shown by both of them, convinced him that choosing a small club which had obtained so much over the past years, was the best deal for him.
Goveani argued that it is important not to have presidents linking all their wealth to the club and when they go bankrupt, the club goes bankrupt as well, as it was the case of important clubs in Italy.
“In our research to find a potential partner, we were looking for a club with professionalism, ambition, energy and enthusiasm – and Msida St. Joseph fitted this identikit perfectly.”
He also admitted that he was waiting for the relegation issue to be decided – “Now that I have made my interest in Msida public, I wish this to be a success not just for me, but also for the club. Apart from this I hope that my involvement will be beneficial for young Maltese players to play abroad.”
Goveani revealed that a young Msida player could in fact go for a training camp with an Austrian club in a few weeks' time.
He thanked all those involved, especially Dr. Deguara and Mr. Portelli for their professional behaviour during their talks as well as Luciano Giudo who was the first contact for this agreement to happen.
Although no details were given about new players or a new coach, it is clear that Manuel Boni will be one of the foreigners for Msida. There are prospects that the two Nigerian strikers Daniel Nwoke and Olumuyiwa Aganun could go to other clubs abroad.
Goveani said that it was not his target to have a squad full of foreign players. However he did not rule out the possibility of a foreign coach taking over the team.
Both Dr. Deguara and Dott. Goveani said that the next step is that of finalising the proposal, in which a detailed plan of the way it is being suggested that the club operates hopefully will be approved by the Annual General Meeting and then work will start for the next season.
- JJ Aquilina is the new coach of Valletta FC. He replaces Atanas Marinov who quit the club last week as he took advantage of a clause in his contract which stated that he would be free to leave if he informed the club in writing.
Just a couple of weeks ago, JJ Aquilina was appointed as coach of the Malta Amateur team which will be taking part in the 4th UEFA Regions Cup in the Central-West group of the Preliminary Round.
Aquilina, a former player of Sliema Wanderers and Floriana, coached Xghajra Tornadoes, Marsaxlokk and Lija Athletic over the past two years. With Marsaxlokk in season 2002-03, he had quite a good season in the Premier League leading the Southseasiders to a place in the Championship Pool despite a most negative start.
- David Carabott will be making one final appearance for the national team in the next home game after he decided to quit international football.
Carabott, who played with Hibernians and Valletta, before joining his first love Marsaxlokk last summer, collected a record number of 122 national team caps since making his debut on November 15, 1987 in a European Championship qualifier against Switzerland.
Carabott, who will be 36 years old next month, will be concentrating on club football after helping Marsaxlokk reach a historic FA Trophy final thanks to which they will be playing in the UEFA Cup qualifying round this summer.
- Gharghur FC have officially confirmed ex Malta international player
Martin Gregory as their coach for the next season 2004/2005.
This will be the third season for Martin Gregory as Gharghur coach after joining the club in November 2002, leading it to a creditable 10th place during his first season and to 6th place during the season which has just ended.
- Domenic Aquilina been awarded the "FIAP Honourable Mention Award" in the FIAP XVIII International Biennial of Sports Photography FOTOSPORT 2004. His winning entry was awarded in the category "For the best works that best represent sports as promotion of cultural diversity and coexistence".
The FIAP FOTOSPORT contest is a world-wide sports photographic contest, for all amateurs and professional photographers from all over the world.
Commenting on this award, Aquilina said "Such award gives me more drive to implement my photographic work, with more professionalism, dedication and drive. For this I would like to thank everyone concerned. I would like to share this award with all of you - for your assistance and support always."
The winning nomination "Helping Hand" depicts the then Marsa FC goalkeeper Jason Cordina giving a helping hand to his colleague Minabo Asechemie in the FA Trophy quarter final match between Marsa FC and Valletta FC, on May 12, 2002.
Thu 20
- Third Division Play-Offs Qormi vs Birzebbuga SP 3-0
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs SK Victoria W. 2-2
- Hibernians will be facing Croatian side NK Kamen Ingrad in the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup in June. Kamen Ingrad are the second Croatian side to qualify for the Intertoto Cup after placing first in the Relegation Pool of the Croatian First Division League.
NK Osijek who placed fourth in the Croatian First Division were the first team to qualify for the Intertoto Cup. Fifth-placed Varteks and sixth-placed Zadarkomerc did not apply to take part in the competition and therefore, the second spot in the Intertoto Cup for Croatia went to Kamen Ingrad.
They were quite unlucky to end playing in the Relegation Pool as they ended on level points with Zadarkomerc. However they held a worse record in direct encounters. In the Relegation Pool, they placed first in the Relegation Pool, four points ahead of Inker and six ahead of Slaven Belupo.
Kamen Ingrad are a relatively new team in European football having taken part in UEFA competitions only once. In fact, last year, they managed to beat Etzella Ettelbrück of Luxembourg 2-1 away and 7-0 at home in the Qualifying Round. In the first round, they were eliminated by Schalke of Germany following a 0-0 draw in Croatia and a 1-0 defeat in Germany.
They were only promoted for the first time to the Croatian First Division in 2000/01, their best placing being a fourth place last season.
The first leg will be played in Malta on June 19 or 20. The second leg will be played in Croatia on June 26 or 27.
- Sta. Venera Lightnings F.C.have extended the contract of coach Kenneth Costantino for the following year after the club's success achieved under his guidance.
Mr Costantino joined the club in the season 2000/2001 when he was appointed coach of the Youths team. The Youths squad won promotion in two successive years under his leadership from Section C to Section A. He was then appointed as the first team's coach in season 2002/2003, and this year he led the squad to promotion to the Second Division.
In a statement, the committee wished Mr Costantino success for the coming season 2004/2005.
- Anton Zammit is the new treasurer of the Malta Football Referees Association following an election which was held on Monday. Zammit replaces Raymond Ambrogio who quit the post.
This is not the first time Zammit served in the committee of the MFRA as he occupied the posts of vice-president, secretary and member for several years.
Wed 19
- Gozo - Second Division Qala SJ vs Gharb R. 7-3
- Hibernians duo Peter Pullicino and Andrew Cohen are part of the provisional 19-man squad named by national coach Horst Heese and his assistant Carmel Busuttil ahead of the international friendly match in programme at the Dreisam Stadium in Freiburg against EURO 2004 finalists Germany on May 27.
This is the first national team call for both players. On the other hand, making their return to the squad after missing the last game against Finland in March are four players - Roderick Bajada of Hamrun, Cleaven Frendo and Gareth Sciberras of Pietà Hotspurs together with Sliema Wanderers captain Noel Turner.
Marsaxlokk trio Richard Buhagiar, David Carabott and Etienne Barbara and midfielders George Mallia of Birkirkara and Claude Mattocks of Floriana are not part of the squad.
The squad will be trimmed to eighteen players before leaving to Germany on Monday at 15:15 on flight KM 328 to Frankfurt.
The nineteen players selected by Heese and Busuttil are:
goalkeepers Saviour Darmanin (Pietà) and Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Roderick Bajada (Hamrun), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Mansfield), Brian Said (Sliema), Steve Wellman (Floriana);
midfielders William Camenzuli (Birkirkara), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà), Stefan Giglio (Sliema), Peter Pullicino (Hibs), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà), Noel Turner (Sliema), Antoine Zahra (Birkirkara) and
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Michael Mifsud (Sliema), Ivan Woods (Pietà) and Antoine Zahra (Hibs).
Tue 18
- FA Trophy Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 0-2
- Women's Knock-Out Birkirkara vs Hibernians 2-4 aet
Mon 17
- Bulgarian coach Atanas Marinov quit Valletta FC after just one year with the club.
Marinov had joined the Citizens last May, signing a two-year contract. However a clause in his contract said that he would be free to leave the club, if he informed them in writing before the end of the first season.
Valletta once again had a disappointing season in which they once again empty-handed after having to play in the Relegation Pool and after being eliminated from the FA Trophy semi-finals by Marsaxlokk.
Rumours have it that Marinov will be moving to another Premier League side, possibly Marsaxlokk.
The Bulgarian mentor has been coaching in Malta for seven years. He coached St. Patrick for three years, helping them to win promotion to the Premier League in 1997/98. Marinov then moved to Birkirkara where he stayed for about two years, leading them to a historic first ever league championship in season 1999/2000. In season 2001/02, he joined Hamrun Spartans where he stayed for two years, helping them avoid relegation despite several constraints, mainly due to the transfer prohibition.
Before coaching in Malta, Atanas Marinov coached Spartak Plovdiv and Arda in Bulgaria besides coaching in Libya for three years.
- The winners of last year's MFA Futsal Knockout competition - RBSM FC were declared the Champions of the top 1st Division of the national five-a-side football competition - The MFA Futsal League.
The final game has been played at Coradino Sports Pavillion in Paola. The RBSM team were facing El Mundos team. The numerous spectators had a chance to enjoy the exciting match involving opponets of great local football stars from the past but still shining today, with players such as Ray Vella 'il-Mundu', Alex Azzopardi, Edwin Camilleri and others.
The thrilling game was full brilliant football from both sides. the final score was 5-2 with RBSM team celebrating the well deserved victory.
Undoubtedly the most popular sport in Malta, five-a-side football is currently undergoing a big upsurge and since the competitions in Futsal – the only version of this game officially recognized by the FIFA and the UEFA, have been organized by the MFA a few years ago, it gained a big popularity, involving a lot of ex-Malta international football players as well as young talents and a football enthusiasts, counting more than 40 participating clubs forming 3 divisions. After finishing the games of the League which lasts from November till April, all the teams enter a Knockout Competition with the final usually played in the middle of May.
As it is currently being organized, the Maltese side will be taking part in some International Futsal Tournaments abroad later this year, marking the start of our international experience in this game.
The players forming RBSM are: goalkeeper Charles Zahra, Slavko Vukanovic, Alexei Danilin, Sergei Troublenkov, Boban Milovanovic, Dragan Milovanovic, Branco Pantelic and Sinisa Erak.
Sun 16
- Third Division Birzebbuga SP vs Kirkop U. 0-5, Qormi vs Zurrieq 3-0
- Gozo - First Division Zebbug R. vs Ghajnsielem 1-2, Victoria H. vs Xewkija T. 2-5
- Women's Knock-Out Melita vs Birkirkara 0-5, Mosta vs Hibernians 0-3
- Birkirkara FC have confirmed Stephen Azzopardi as coach for next season. His contract was due to expire at the end of this season. This decision was announced following a meeting which was held on Saturday.
Speaking to the club's official website, Birkirkara chairman Victor Zammit also stated that during the meeting, the board members discussed the players who will be confirmed and others who will be transfer-listed.
Azzopardi had formed part of the MFA's technical centre before coaching Balzan Youths helping them to win promotion from Division 3 to Division 1. He joined Birkirkara in December 2001 with whom he won all the major honours, except for the Premier League. In fact, they won the FA Trophy twice in 2002 and 2003, the Super Cup twice in 2002 and 2003, the Super 5 Cup in 2002/2003 and the Lowenbrau Cup in 2003.
Sat 15
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Kercem A. 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Oratory Y. 1-2
Fri 14
- Sliema Wanderers and Malta midfielder Stefan Giglio has been awarded the MIA Player of the Month for May 2004.
Giglio's distinguished performances and goals during the past weeks have have caught the eye of all followers of Maltese football and contributed towards his club's MIA Premier Championship success this season.
Since his return from Bulgaria last summer, where he played for CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia, Stefan Giglio, a product of Valletta FC, has confirmed his talent for club and country all season and augurs well for more successes in the future.
Giglio, who won this award last March as well, was voted MIA Player of the Match in the game against Hibernians this month.
- The Malta Football Association have renewed their agreement with HSBC for the sponsorship of the Youth Under 19 League and Knock-Out competition as well as the Women's League and Knock-Out competitions.
Marco Grech, HSBC's senior communications manager, recently presented the sponsorship cheque, worth Lm5,000, to MFA president Dr Joseph Mifsud at the association's offices in Valletta.
- Third Division Section A champions Konica Gunners Futsal Club were declared Futsal Knock Out Champions for the first time after beating Hibernians 6-4 in a very exciting match.
Konica Gunners were leading 3-1 just before half time but the suspension of Oliver Mallia (Gunners) changed the result to 3-3 and therefore there was no choice but to play the extra time. During the extra time the Gunners made a good come back and scored 3 consecutive goals making the Gunners sure of the cup after finishing 6-4. Anthony Farrugia, the Gunners Goalkeeper lifted the cup after performing very well and saving 3 penalties out of 4 during the game.
Taking part in the Futsal League for the first time, they played 15 matches, winning 13 and losing none. The team also was the only team unbeaten this season.
Konica Gunners' line-up for the final was: Anthony Farrugia (gk); John Buttigieg, Ray Farrugia, Oliver Mallia, Raphael Psaila, Carmel Busuttil, Silvio Vella, Marko Glumac and Silvan Borg (gk). Farrugia, Mallia, Psaila and Busuttil scored a goal each with Glumac notching a brace.
- Ten football personalities have been nominated by the Malta Football Association for the UEFA Certificate of Merit for the long service to football as part of the 50th Anniversary of UEFA.
The persons nominated in the respective categories are:
Club President - Mr Tony Bezzina (Hibernians);
International Referee - Mr Lawrence Sammut (FIFA Referee); National Coach - Mr Victor Scerri (ex-Malta National Coach); National Team Player - David Carabott (122 appearances for Malta); Council Member - Mr Ronnie Tabone (Melita); Match Inspector - Mr Watty Gatt; Club Secretary - Mr Joe Farrugia (Secretary - Kirkop United); Kit Manager - Mr Carmel Gauci (National Team Kit Manager); Nursery Official - Mr Carmelo Farrugia (B'Bugia Windmills) and Official from a Member Association - Mr Paul Borg Inguanez (President - Inter Amateur Soccer Competition).
- The Qormi Local Council inaugurated a new project consisting of a 5-a-side artificial turf pitch in Valletta Road, Qormi.
This ground is meant for the children attending the Qormi FC nursery. The investment for this project is part of a partnership agreement with Qormi Football Club.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Qormi mayor Roderick Galdes in the presence of Qormi FC president Silvan Fenech.
Two exhibition matches were played one for players from the Youth Nursery and another for Qormi FC veterans.
Thu 13
- FA Trophy Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 2-1
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Mellieha vs Zebbug R. 2-1
Wed 12
- FA Trophy Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 1-0 aet
- Youths A Knock-Out Floriana vs Naxxar L. 4-1
- Gozo - Second Division Xaghra U. vs SK Victoria W. 1-1
- Malta lost one place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta now lies in 129th place. Last month, Malta suffered a 1-2 defeat to Finland at Ta' Qali.
Among the other UEFA countries, Malta lies in 46th place. Ahead of Malta are Moldova (104), Lithuania (108, down 4), Armenia (112, up 2), Northern Ireland (114, up 1), Azerbaijan (116, up 2) while the Faroe Islands (131, down 2), Kazakhstan (136), Andorra (146, up 1), Liechtenstein (150, down 1), Luxembourg (155, up 1) and San Marino (165) lie behind Malta.
The next commitment for Malta is a friendly match against Germany in Freiburg on May 27. Malta is then expected to face the Faroe Islands in a friendly match in August.
- JJ Aquilina was appointed as coach of the Malta Amateur team.
The Malta Amateurs will be playing in the 4th UEFA Regions Cup in the Central-West group of the Preliminary Round. Malta was drawn with Slovenia, England and Northern Ireland with Slovenia hosting the mini-tournament which will be played in August or September.
The players who will be selected should be amateurs who had never played Premier League football and have never represented Malta in the national team, U-21 or even at club level. In fact, the players selected usually hail from Second and Third Division clubs.
Aquilina, a former player of Sliema Wanderers and Floriana, coached Xghajra Tornadoes, Marsaxlokk and Lija Athletic over the past two years.
Meanwhile JJ Aquilina was fined by the Malta Football Association after quitting Lija Athletic in February. Lija brought the case in front of the MFA Players, Clubs and Coaches Complaints Board and Aquilina was fined Lm 125 for breach of contract and Lm 200 for moral damages. He appealed from this decision.
Tue 11
- Second Division Runners-Up Decider Gozo FC vs Gzira U. 2-2 (3-2 pen)
Mon 10
- Malta will be playing a friendly match against the Faroe Islands during an 8-day training camp which will be held in summer. The game should be played on August 18.
The training camp will be held probably in mid-August since the clubs taking part in the Qualifying Round of the Champions League and UEFA Cup will be playing in July. However should any team reach the second stage of the competition, their players would not be selected for the training camp.
Since two of the opponents in the forthcoming 2006 World Cup campaign are Iceland and Sweden, the MFA was eager to face other Scandinavian opponents in order to prepare for these matches.
Malta, in fact, is also hoping to play another friendly match against Norway at Ta' Qali in February 2005.
On the other hand, the Malta Football Association decided not to play any more friendly matches in April in order not to disturb the clubs' training schedule ahead of the final matches in the Premier League.
Arrangements are being made for a friendly match at the National Stadium by the National Team against a top European club side in January 2005.
On the eve of the game against Norway, the Malta U-21 side will play against Norway U-21.
Another friendly match for the Under-21 will probably be played in August against a team yet to be defined.
As part of the preparation for the UEFA Under-17 and the UEFA Under-19 mini-tournaments, the Malta Football Association is expected to host a tournament in Malta for the U-17s late in August while it hopes to take part in a tournament for the U-19s abroad also in August.
- Gharghur FC have officially confirmed ex Malta international player Martin Gregory as their coach for the next season 2004/2005. This will be the third season where Martin Gregory, who in the past also played for Sliema Wanderers and Floriana and also coached Sliema Wanders, will be coaching the team after joining in November 2002, leading it to a creditable 10th place during his first season and to 6th place during the season which has just ended.
Sun 9
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Sliema W. 2-1
- First Division Lija A. vs Mosta 4-2, St. Patrick vs Marsa 2-2
- Third Division Play-off Zurrieq vs Birzebbuga SP 2-0, Kirkop U. vs Qormi 1-1
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Victoria H. 1-1, Kercem A. vs Xewkija T. 0-3
- Champions Sliema Wanderers were drawn to meet holders Birkirkara in the semi-finals of the FA Trophy.
This semi-final will be played on Thursday 13 at the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:30.
In the first semi-final, which will be played on Wednesday 12, Marsaxlokk take on Valletta.
Marsaxlokk reached the final after beating St. Patrick 1-0, Pietà Hotspurs 3-1 and Hibernians 4-1. On the other hand, Valletta entered the quarter-finals after being awarded a bye for placing in the top four last season and eliminated Floriana 1-0.
Sliema Wanderers defeated Msida St. Joseph 1-0 while Birkirkara crushed Mosta 5-0 in the other two quarter-finals.
Sat 8
- UEFA Women's Championship Malta vs Romania 0-8
- Premier League Msida St. Joseph vs Balzan Youths 2-1, Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians 1-4
- First Division Tarxien Rainbows vs Rabat Ajax 3-1, San Gwann vs Naxxar Lions 3-2
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Ghajnsielem 2-4
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Xaghra U. 1-0
- The Malta Football Association announced that the MIA Second Division Runners-up Decider between Gozo FC and Gzira United will be played on Tuesday 11th May, 2004, at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali. The game kicks-off at 18:00.
The two teams placed second with 42 points together with Mellieha. However since Gzira and Gozo had a better record in direct encounters, they had the right to contest the promotion play-off.
Fri 7
- Six players were suspended for one match: Patrick Muscat and Thomas Caruana (St. Patrick), Michael Vella, Chris Camilleri and Anthony Portelli (Gozo) and Sandro Calleja (Vittoriosa).
- The contract of Mark Miller with the Malta Football Association was extended by one year till June 2005.
Miller is currently the coach of the Under-21, Under-19 and Under-17 sides.
He will be guiding the Under-17 and Under-19 sides in the mini-tournaments in September and October.
However his contract will not cover the full European Under-21 Championship campaign which kicks-off with the game against Sweden on September 3 and comes to an end on October 15, 2005 with the game against Bulgaria.
In fact, the games against Hungary and Croatia will be played in September 2005, besides the game in October against Bulgaria.
Thu 6
- Two Premier League tested positive in two doping tests which were carried out during the second week of April. The two matches in question were Balzan Youths vs Msida St. Joseph and Pietà Hotspurs vs Sliema Wanderers.
Msida's Jeremy Agius was suspended temporarily as he tested positive for a prohibited substance. The proper sanctions will be taken at a later stage.
On the other hand, the other player was not suspended as there lie doubts on whether the substance for which he tested positive was something he had taken or whether it was a substance produced by the body as he suffers from a particular medical condition.
Doping tests are carried at random, usually once a month. Four players, two from each team, are drawn by lots. Their urine samples is collected and then shipped to a laboratory in Germany.
Between season 1999/2000 and 2003/04, 49 tests were carried out on 196 players. One tested positive in 2000/01, three in 2001/02 and one in 2002/03.
- Sliema Wanderers launched a programme of activities to mark the 25th title in the history of the club.
On Friday 7 (between 11:00 and 13:00, 17:00 and 19:00) and Saturday 8 (between 11:00 and 13:00), players and club officials will be at the Ferries to meet supporters and will be available for taking photos. One could also take photos with the cup better known as "Ix-Xiha". Players and officials will be collecting donations from supporters, the general public and businessmen.
The Trophies and History Museum Room will be open for the public on Friday and Saturday.
On Saturday at 20:00, there will be a Pasta Night at the Torri Bar, Sliema. Tickets at Lm 5 for adults and Lm2.50 for children under 12 years are available from the Miramare Hotel, the Supporters Club, the Nursery, Band Clubs, the President's office - 60 Depiro Street Sliema or by phoning 21 330874.
On Sunday, a defile and carcade leaves the Ferries at 13:00, destination the National Stadium. Transport will be available for families and the elderly.
At the National Stadium, there will be a show by leading singers at 15:00. The singers include Enzo Guzman, Tony Camilleri (L-Ghannej), John Mark, Tonio Cuschieri, Vittorio Gauci, Fabrizio Faniello and Ira Losco. These will be singing the songs included in the new CD which will be launched. Alex Pace Gouder will be presenting the show.
After the game, there will be the presentation of the trophy and at around 19:30, the defile including the floats, cars and the float carrying the players will leave the area next to the Paul & Rocco Petrol Station. The defile will be making the triumphant march to the Ferries where a Grand Finale is scheduled at 20:30. The show includes a fireworks display.
A party, led by DJ Banana, will follow. The deejay line-up includes J Joy, DJ Johann, DJ Duncan, Steve Vee and Lady Romak.
Sliema Wanderers would like to invite Sliema supporters and the genral public to join them in these celebrations. The committee also would like to announce the publication of a souvenir magazine as part of these celebrations. New souvenirs have been launched including a CD and T-shirt.
Wed 5
- Gozo - First Division Zebbug R. vs Xewkija T. 3-0
- The Malta Football Association announced a number of changes in the fixtures of the FA Trophy, Super Cup, the Second & Third Division Knock-Out and the Women's Knock-Out.
The semi-finals of the FA Trophy, which were previously scheduled to be played on May 14 and 15, will now be played on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 May.
The final of the FA Trophy will take place on Tuesday, 18th May, 2004 at 7.30pm at the National Stadium and not on Thursday 20 as originally planned.
The semi-finals' draw will be held on Sunday prior to the end-of-match Press Conference.
The Super Cup will not be held at the end of the season as originally scheduled but will be played next season. A tentative date has been fixed - Sunday 22nd August, 2004.
The Final of the Second & Third Division Knock-out Competition between Zebbug Rangers and Mellieha, scheduled to be played on May 23, will now be played on Thursday May 13 before the second FA Trophy semi-final match at the National Stadium.
On the other hand, the Final of the Women's Knock-out will be played on Tuesday May 18 at 16:45, i.e. before the FA Trophy Final at the National Stadium.
Meanwhile next Sunday's MIA Premier League clash between Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers has been delayed by half an hour and will kick-off at 16:30.
- Pietà Hotspurs striker Ivan Woods will be missing the last league game against Floriana after being handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Four First Division players were suspended for one match - Daniel Scerri of Lija Athletic, Jonathan Buttigieg of Marsa, Simon Aquilina and Tyrone Ghirxi of Senglea Athletic.
Roderick Mangion of Third Division side Sta. Lucia was also suspended for one match while Birkirkara's U-19 kit-manager Nicholas Grima was suspended till August 4.
- Coach Pierre Brincat and his assistant Alfred Zammit have announced the following squad for next Saturday's Group 5 UEFA Women's Championship match against Romania at the Victor Tedesco Stadium Hamrun.
The eighteen players selected by Brincat and Zammit are:
goalkeepers Nina Dimech (B'Kara FC), Esther Farrugia (Mosta);
defenders Chantal Fenech (B'Kara), Sandra Sammut (B'Kara), Leslie Ann Galea (Hibernians), Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians), Maria Azzopardi (Melita), Francesca Busuttil Griffin (Melita), Natasha Pace (Melita);
midfielders Rebecca D'Agostino (B'Kara), Dione Tonna (Hibernians), Tessie Agius (Hibernians), Joanne Vella (Hibernians)
Jane Coates (Mosta), Marisa Deguara (Mosta) and
forwards Sarah Caruana (Hibernians), Nora Agliano (Raiders), Maria Coppola (Melita).
It will be recalled that the Maltese lost 0-3 to Romania in the opening Group match played in Bucharest in August last year.
Since then Malta suffered another two defeats away from home - against Bosnia-Herzegovina 0-1 and Croatia 0-3 - and two at home - against Ireland 0-9 and Croatia 1-4.
The match will be controlled by Portugese FIFA referee Berta Maria Correia Tavares. She will be assisted by assistant referees Antonio Manuel Perdigao Silva and Jose Carlos Neves Remanlho and fourth official Sadia Mizzi.
The match on Saturday kicks-off at 15:30. The sporting public is invited to attend and give its support to the Maltese team. Entrance is free.
Tue 4
- Marsaxlokk striker Daniel Bogdanovic has been voted as the MIA Player of the Month for April 2004.
Bogdanovic's distinguished performances for his club during the April is an indication of a return to form for this talented player who is striving for a recall to the National Team in time for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup Group Eight Qualification matches starting on the match against Sweden in September.
The Yugoslav-born striker was voted MIA Player of the Match in the games against Birkirkara and Floriana. Against Birkirkara, he managed to score one of the goals in a 3-1 win while against Floriana, Bogdanovic notched a hat-trick.
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Victoria H. 1-3
- The Malta Football Association will consider applications from constituted clubs to participate in the Third Division League next season 2004/2005.
Applications, which must include a copy of the Club Statute and a list of committee members with their respective IDs, must reach the MFA General Secretary at 280, St. Paul Street, Valletta VLT 07, by not later than Friday, 14th May, 2004.
Late applications will not be considered.
Mon 3
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Hibernians 3-1
- Second Division St. George's vs Gzira U. 0-1, Zebbug R. vs Attard 3-1
Sun 2
- Premier League Valletta vs Msida SJ 1-3, Pietà H. vs Birkirkara 1-1
- First Division Mosta vs St. Patrick 2-3, Mqabba vs Senglea A. 1-1
- Second Division Xghajra T. vs Zejtun C. 1-1, Mellieha vs St. Andrews 2-1
- Third Division Sta. Lucia vs Kirkop U. 1-4, Qormi vs Sirens 4-1
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Sannat L. 3-0
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Gharb R. 4-0
- Hibernians will be the first team to play 1,000 successive league matches in the top division when they face champions Sliema Wanderers on Monday.
The Paolites are in fact the only club that was never relegated to a lower division. They joined the Malta Football Association in season 1932/33 and played their first match in the First Division on January 28, 1933 against Sliema Rangers.
Hibs, who also hold the record of being the first team to take part in a European competition, having faced Servette Geneva of Switzerland in the European Champions Cup 1961/62, won the championship nine times.
Sat 1
- First Division Rabat A. vs Lija A. 2-2, Marsa vs San Gwann 1-1
- Second Division Vittoriosa S. vs Gozo 2-2, Dingli S. vs Zurrieq 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Qala SJ 0-0