January 2005

Mon 31

• The Zazu Football School, which will be run former Malta Under-21 national coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia, was launched during a press conference at the Westin Dragonara Resort on Monday.
  The Zazu Football School, which is open for children aged 5 to 14, will be based at the University Grounds, from Monday to Friday between 4:30 and 6:00.
  After playing for Floriana, Ray Farrugia moved to Australia where he played for 12 years for Paramatta Melita Eagles. In Australia, he became a qualified coach and back in Malta, he joined Naxxar Lions as a player coach. Farrugia then had a successful four-year spell with the Malta Under-21 side before joining General Sports Enterprises, a company which runs another football school. In the mean time, he was appointed coach of Pietà Hotspurs.
  When the contract with General Sports Enterprises expired, he had three offers, one of which by Tony Meli and Jeffrey Farrugia.
  Farrugia said the main reason why he chose their offer was a dream he has in mind - that of founding a private school when the Tigne project will be completed. A school which will offer both academic subjects and sports where children would have the opportunity to develop their football skills for two hours daily. A long-term project on which he will be working hard to develop, he confessed.
  The former Under-21 coach argued that there is excessive pressure on children due to the emphasis on academic subjects at school. Therefore they need some sort of diversion and sports plays a very important role in providing such a diversion.
  In just one week, since the Zazu Football School saw its birth, there were sixty applicants, including a number of children from Gozo and one girl.
  Developing football skills is not the only objective of the Football School. Farrugia said that his aim is to help children build a strong character.
  The coaching staff consists of Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia, Marko Glumac and Sliema goalkeeper Murphy Akanji as goalkeepers' coach.
  Cultural visits, weekend breaks and visits abroad are in programme for the children attending the school. Farrugia is in fact in contact with Manchester United discussing the possibility of taking two teams from the school to play there next summer.
  The fee is Lm 35.40 which includes the official kit consisting of a shirt, shorts and socks.
  Farrugia thanked the sponsors for having full faith in his project. The school is sponsored by Teamsport, Konica Minolta, PJ Sutters, Ranieri Cafe and Chez Gaetan.
• Nigerian striker Anthony Eviparker joined Floriana FC. He put pen to paper on Monday afternoon following an agreement with Marsa FC for the permanent transfer of the player.
  Eviparker, who signed a three-year contract, will be the club's third foreigner together with Congolese defender Riad Gango-Rtsa and Brazilian striker Andre Rocha Da Silva.
  He will replace Brazilian striker Edoardo do Nascimento was released by the Greens earlier this month.
  A transfer prohibition on Marsa had to be lifted in order for Eviparker to be able to join the Greens.
  The 19-year old striker had joined Marsa in summer 2001 when he was yet to celebrate his sixteenth birthday. That season, he played nine matches, scoring two goals before moving to Gozo where he played for Nadur Youngsters. The following season, he scored four goals in 22 matches on his return with Marsa.
  In November 2003, he joined Balzan Youths in the Premier League. He was a regular scorer for the Youths scoring eight in 12 matches. This season, he returned with Marsa scoring eight goals in Division 1.
  Eviparker was represented by Star Soccer Agency.
• Richard Buhagiar became the third Marsaxlokk player to join Gozitan side Ghajnsielem. Buhagiar joins the Blacks on loan till the end of the season.
  David Carabott and Daniel Bogdanovic had signed for Ghajnsielem back in October.
  The former Malta international player had started his career with Mosta, joining Floriana in 1990. He played for eleven years for the Greens before moving to Sliema Wanderers on loan in season 2001/2002. The following season he signed for Marsaxlokk.
  Buhagiar is the last in a series of established Premier League players to join Ghajnsielem. Following the arrival of Bogdanovic and Carabott, the Blacks secured the services of Edoardo Do Nascimento and Graham Bencini from Floriana and former Hamrun Spartans goalkeeper Daniel Denagky.
  On the other hand, for Marsaxlokk, this was the seventh player to leave the club over the past month. Foreigners Minabo Asechemie and Dragomir Draganov were released, Etienne Barbara joined Birkirkara, David Camilleri was loaned to Hibernians while Stanimir Georgiev was released two weeks after joining the club.
• The Youth Football Association and 43 youth nurseries received a total of Lm 44,441 as part of UEFA's grants for the development of the youth sector.
  The presentations were held during a ceremony which was held in mid-January at the Centenaty Hall, Ta' Qali.
  Before the presentation, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud praised the Youth FA for its hard work for the past 23 years and the dedication shown by nurseries which are run by volunteers who however show great dedication.
  Dr Mifsud said the MFA gave importance to the youth sector, not only through the national youth teams and the football school at Ta' Qali but also to nurseries as they play an important part in the future of the game in Malta.
  Changes in MFA regulations were meant to protect youth players brought up in nurseries. Something which even UEFA is looking forward to adopting in its competitions for clubs.
  Meanwhile APS Bank will be the official sponsor for the next three years for the Youth FA Under-14 and Under-16 Leagues following the signing of a sponsorship agreement by APS Bank Senior Marketing Manager Mr Alfred Triganza and YFA secretary general Mr Joe Micallef.

Sun 30

• Premier League Sliema W. vs Hibernians 1-1, Valletta vs Birkirkara 0-1
• First Division Naxxar L. vs St. George's 1-3, Hamrun S. vs Marsa 2-1
• Second Division Vittoriosa S. vs Sta. Venera L. 0-1, Melita vs Qormi 0-1
• Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Zejtun C. 2-8, Mgarr U. vs Ghaxaq 0-1
• Women's First Division Melita vs Birkirkara 0-0 (abandoned after 59 mins due to bad weather), Raiders vs Rabat A. 3-0
• Gozo - First Division Zebbug R. vs Xewkija T. 0-2, Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 2-0

Sat 29

• Premier League Marsaxlokk vs St. Patrick 3-1, Msida SJ vs Floriana 1-1
• Second Division Attard vs Gzira U. 0-1, Zebbug R. vs St. Andrews 0-1
• Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs St. Lawrence S. 1-0, Gharb R. vs SK Victoria W. 0-0
• Hibernians secured the services of a third foreigner - Nigerian striker Nwankwo Chidoze. The Paolites therefore have three Nigerians in squad together with Ndubisi Chukunyere and Essien Mbong.
  Chidoze should make his debut for the Paolites on Sunday as they face champions Sliema Wanderers.
  The 18-year old Nigerian striker is the club's third signing this month. They signed Clayton Failla from St. Patrick and David Camilleri from Marsaxlokk.
  Camilleri, who joins the club on loan till the end of the season, was also attracting the interest of Valletta.
  A product of Hamrun, Camilleri moved to Sliema Wanderers in 1999. He joined Marsaxlokk on loan in summer 2003, making his move a 'permanent' one this summer.
  Meanwhile two players left the club. Andre Schembri was transferred to Marsaxlokk while Julian Vella was loaned to Lija Athletic.

Fri 28

• Third Division Kalkara vs Pembroke A. 0-3, Sirens vs Fgura U. 0-2
• After signing Chris Oretan and Anatole Debono, Valletta were strengthened further with the signing of Branko Nisevic from Pietà Hotspurs. The three players are expected to make their debut on Sunday as the Citizens take on Birkirkara.
  Nisevic arrived in Malta in summer 2000, playing for Sliema Wanderers in the UEFA Cup ties against Partizan Belgrade. He then joined Hibernians where he played for three years before being released before the beginning of last season. Nisevic signed for Pietà in summer 2003.
  The 33-year old Serbian defender will be the club's third foreigner together with Bulgarian midfielder Milen Penchev and Nigerian striker Chris Oretan. Jaroslav Marx has been released as he was asked to rest for six months in order to recover from an injury.
  Meanwhile Nisevic is the sixth player to leave Pietà in a few days. Ivan Woods was transferred to Sliema Wanderers while Cleaven Frendo joined Marsaxlokk. Saviour Darmanin was loaned to Birkirkara, Anatole Debono to Valletta and Anthony Galea to St. Andrews.

Thu 27

• Msida St. Joseph had two points deducted and were fined a total of Lm 400 by the MFA Board of Control and Discipline following the incidents which took place in the Premier League match between Msida and Pietà Hotspurs on January 15.
  The main accusation was the assault by a committee member who entered the field of play, hitting assistant referee Nicholas De Battista. Msida were found guilty on this matter and had two points deducted from the total number of points obtained so far and were fined Lm 200.
  Msida were fined Lm 50 after being found guilty of having their players surrounding the referee after the game and protesting and Lm 10 as their supporters insulted the match officials as these were heading towards the dressing room.
  The Saints were severely reprimanded and fined Lm 100 as their supporters damaged 10 seats in the West Stand C. Another fine of Lm 40 was due to the throwing of a seat in the field of play and another two in the VIP area.
  In the meantime, Msida signed goalkeeper Paul Psaila from Luqa St. Andrew's. Psaila, who joins the club on a six-month loan, will be guarding the posts in the next match against Floriana after that goalkeeper Maurizio Valastro, who had replaced the suspended Omar Borg, sustained an injury which will rule him out for around six weeks.

Wed 26

• Friendly Match Malta Under-21 vs Italy Under-20 3-1
• Malta Under-21 midfielders Andre Schembri and Cleaven Frendo joined Marsaxlokk from Hibernians and Pietà Hotspurs respectively. Both signed a four-and-a-half year contract with the Southseasiders.
  Hibs and Marsaxlokk reached an agreement over the transfer of Schembri on Wednesday while the deal involving Frendo was sealed on Thursday.
  Andre Schembri has been missing from the Paolites' line-up for the past month following a dispute with the club over a new contract.
  Schembri made his first appearance for the Paolites in season 2002/2003 and became a regular choice since the beginning of last season.
  On the other hand, a product of Pietà, Cleaven Frendo played for Torino in Italy before returning back with Pietà. After making a handful of appearances between 2000 and 2003, when he was also loaned to Lija Athletic in Division 1, Frendo became a regular choice in the Hotspurs starting line-up last season.
  Frendo and Schembri join another two Under-21 internationals who joined the club over the past weeks. In November, Marsaxlokk signed defender Shaun Tellus from Sliema Wanderers while last week, Victor Sciriha's club secured the services of Shaun Bajada from Floriana.
  Meanwhile the arrival of these players could lead to the departure of others. Midfielder David Camilleri joined Hibernians, although he was also attracting the interest of Valletta. He joins the Paolites on loan till the end of the season.
  A product of Hamrun, Camilleri moved to Sliema Wanderers in 1999. He joined Marsaxlokk on loan in summer 2003, making his move a 'permanent' one this summer.
• Three Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
  Patrick Giua of Msida was sent off while Sliema Wanderers midfielder Stefan Giglio and Bosnian midfielder Senad Repuh of Pietà collected their fourth yellow card.
  Giglio will be missing the game against Hibernians on Sunday. Giua will be unavailable for Msida in Saturday's game against Floriana while Repuh will be missing for Pietà in the next match against Sliema on February 4.
  Other players to be suspended for one match were Edwin Casha and Aldrin Muscat (Dingli), Jamie Debono and Adrian Galea (Mellieha) and Mark Aquilina (Siggiewi). Massimo Borg of Siggiewi was banned for three matches.
  Youth players Clint Caruana (Balzan), Jeremy Gatt Coleiro (Gzira), Cameron Guzman (Qormi), Roderick Fenech (Hamrun) and Steve Borg (Mosta) were suspended for one league match. Richard Agius (Sirens) was banned of one knock-out match.
• Birkirkara secured the services of Pietà Hotspurs goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin on loan till the end of the season.
  The Stripes, who also brought to Malta Serbian goalkeeper Milos Grlic for a trial, were looking forward to signing a second goalkeeper. If the latter satisfies the club's expectations during this trial, they will probably make a bid to sign him in summer.
  Darmanin has been playing for Pietà for the past ten years, being their number one choice. However this season, Andrew Hogg was preferred to Darmanin by coach Georgi Deanov in a number of matches.
  Saviour Darmanin, who will be the club's second goalkeeper, is already the second goalkeeper to Justin Haber in the national team.
  Meanwhile Pietà Hotspurs have transferred midfielder Anatole Debono to Valletta, also on loan till the end of the season.
  A product of St. Andrews, Debono played for Sliema for one season before joining Pietà in summer 2000.
• APS Bank and the YFA have just signed a further extension to the existing collaborative agreement, which has now been in force for a few years, and this in the presence of the YFA and MFA's highest authorities as well as representatives of the 43 nurseries affiliated with the Association. This sponsorship agreement covers a three-year period.
  Mr Alfred Triganza, Senior Manager APS Bank, emphasized that the Bank has been encouraged to extend its financial support to the Association following the way the latter has managed to utilize the funds allocated to it to date in a highly professional and commendable manner. "Undoubtedly, no one can dispute the amount of advantages that young football enthusiasts derive from actively participating in similar events conducted in such organized manner, albeit on a voluntary basis. It is also true that the Association tries to cultivate a 'sports culture' amongst its many initiatives", concluded Mr Triganza.
  Also addressing those present were officials from both the MFA and the YFA. Dr Joe Mifsud, President of the Malta Football Association, expressed his gratitude for the Bank's constant support shown over the last few years whilst taking the opportunity to also thank the YFA's administrative body and the many volunteers and young players for the sacrifices made and the level of input invested in training and competitive events.

Tue 25

• Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller named a 20-man squad ahead of next Wednesday's friendly match against the Italian Under-20 side.
  For Mark Miller's team, the match will be in preparation for another friendly Under 21 encounter between Malta and Norway on February 8 February and that between Malta and Croatia in a UEFA Under-21 European Championship qualifier on March 31.
  Recent displays by Miller's young Maltese team in the Euro Group matches when they beat Iceland 1-0 and offered stubborn resistance to Sweden, Bulgaria and Hungary, are very encouraging.
  From the provisional squad, Miller dropped Valletta striker Ian Zammit and Lija Athletic defender Kurt Zammit while Kenneth Spiteri of Hibernians was withdrawn from the squad due to an injury. Clayton Failla, who last week joined Hibernians from St. Patrick, has now been included in the team.
  Pietà defender David Camenzuli is also part of the squad. Camenzuli played for the Swedish Under-18 side but a new FIFA regulation allows players to switch nationality.
  The players selected in the squad are:
  goalkeepers Kris Calleja (Mqabba), Reuben Gauci (Floriana);
  defenders David Camenzuli (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Ryan Mintoff (Hibernians), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Carl Sammut (Pietà), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà), Shawn Tellus (Marsaxlokk);
  midfielders Andrei Agius (Sporting Mascalucia), Shaun Bajada (Marsaxlokk), Mauro Brincat (Floriana), Christian Cassar (Floriana). Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Paul Fenech (Msida), Cleaven Frendo (Pietà), Gareth Sciberras (Pietà) and
  strikers Nicoḷ Baldacchino (Floriana), Andre Schembri (Hibernians) and Terence Scerri (Hibernians).
  On Wednesday, Italy should provide a very stiff test for the local side as they have in their ranks several of the finest young prospects of Italian football, some of whom have already made their debut in the Italian Serie A, besides turning out for Italy's Under 21 team.
  Italian coach Paolo Berrettini also named a 20-man squad. The selected players are:
  goalkeepers Gianluca Curci (Roma), Daniele Padelli (Sampdoria);
  defenders Michele Canini (Sambenedettese), Andrea Coda (Empoli), Andrea D'Agostino (Foggia), Devis Nossa (Pavia), Luca Rossettini (Padova), Marco Zambelli (Brescia);
  midfielders Simone Bentivoglio (Juventus), Lorenzo Carotti (Como), Gennaro Esposito (Siena), Daniele Galloppa (Triestina), Matteo Lombardo (Inter), Damiano Mitra (Empoli), Antonio Nocerino (Catanzaro), Michele Troiano (Modena) and
  forwards Andrea Alberti (Sambenedettese), Giuseppe Cozzolino (Giulianova), Giuseppe D'Agostino (Piacenza), Tonino Sorrentino (Parma).
  Referee Chris Lautier will be making his international debut in this game.
  The match at the Hibernians Ground on Wednesday, kicks-off at 14:00. Entrance is for free.

Sun 23

• The Malta Football Association will be organizing a course for Trainee Referees which will commence in mid-February.
  Interested persons, males and females, who wish to become Referees are invited to send an application to the Head Referees' Department, Malta Football Association, 280 St. Paul's Street, Valletta or via e-mail to: tom.restall@mfa.com.mt.

Sun 23

• Premier League St. Patrick vs Msida SJ 3-2, Floriana vs Pietà H. 1-1
• First Division Hamrun S. vs Naxxar L. 4-2, San Gwann vs Mosta 1-1
• Second Division Mellieha vs Dingli S. 1-1, Rabat A. vs Melita 1-0
• Third Division Siggiewi vs Gharghur 0-1, Gudja U. vs Santa Lucia 0-0
• Women's First Division Mosta vs Raiders 4-2, Sta. Venera L. vs Hibernians 0-8
• Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Xaghra U. 3-2, Victoria H. vs Ghajnsielem 2-3

Sat 22

• Premier League Lija A. vs Marsaxlokk 0-3, Birkirkara vs Sliema W. 0-2
• Second Division Sta. Venera L. vs Tarxien R. 1-4, Qormi vs Vittoriosa S. 0-1
• Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Gharb R. 5-2, Qala SJ vs Sannat L. 1-2
• Malta Under-21 international midfielder Shaun Bajada joined Marsaxlokk. Bajada signed a four-and-a-half year contract which will keep him at the Southseasiders until June 2009.
  Shaun Bajada is the first signing from the local market this month after the club transferred Etienne Barbara to Birkirkara. The club also signed foreigners Mitko Trendafilov and Michael Ochei.
  Although hailing from Gozo, Bajada has been playing for Floriana since a very young age, making his debut for the senior side in season 2001/2002.
  Meanwhile another Floriana player, Graham Bencini, left the club to sign for Ghajnsielem in Gozo.

Fri 21

• Third Division Luqa SA vs Kirkop U. 1-1, Xghajra T. vs Birzebbuga SP 0-2
• The Malta Football Referees Association condemns without any reservation, the violent attack on Assistant Referee Nicholas Debattista, at the end of the Premier League match between Msida St Joseph and Pieta Hotspurs last Saturday 15th January 2005 at the National Stadium in Ta' Qali, and expresses its solidarity with Mr Debattista.
  The referees' association sadly notes that incidents like these are unfortunately not that isolated. This season has already seen several cases wherein our members have been subjected to some form of violent attack. The MFRA feels that the long-term repercussion of such violent incidents will be to discourage youths from taking up refereeing as a career with all the interesting opportunities that this may offer them.
  The MFRA is worried at the manner in which during a recent case of another violent attack, at the appeals stage, there was a drastic reduction in the suspension of a number of players that had been found guilty of assaulting one of our junior members in the course of a Youth FA under/16 match. The referees' association fails to see how these things can be allowed to happen. Likewise, it fails to see how a declaration from a Premier League club, that they feel they can no longer be held responsible for their supporters actions, pass by without any form of public condemnation from the authorities concerned.
  At this important and delicate stage of the various competitions organised by the MFA and other member associations, we appeal for calm and encourage the players and club officials, so that in the spirit of fair play, they show respect towards match officials during the execution of their duties.
• Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools (BCSS) has launched the 2005 Power skills competition, in collaboration with Powerade, A3FM 101.8 and Urban Jungle.
  Players aged 8-16 years old may compete to win a one-week all-expenses-paid trip to the BCSS residential in the UK this summer. At the BCSS UK Residential, all players will enjoy a full soccer programme, a trip to Old Trafford, games against local opposition and Premiership academy teams.
  Previous Maltese winners include:
  Russell De Raffaelle (Age 8) - Floriana
  Christian Steward (Age 9) - Mellieha
  William Sultana (Age 11) - Luxol
  Steven Pisani (Age 12) - San Gwann
  Previous UK winners include:
  David Beckham - Man Utd & England
  John Robinson - Charlton Ath & Wales
  Sammi Kuffour - Bayern Munich & Ghana
  Jonas Kolkka - PSV & Finland
  This fantastic prize allows the most talented players the opportunity to take the next step, as well as giving all players an insight into life as a professional footballer and hopefully helping to set them on their way to the top.
  More information may be obtained from the official website www.bcssmalta.com

Thu 20

• Details about the proposed new format of the Malta Football Association National League - from the Premier League to Division Three - were revealed during a meeting of the Council of the MFA on Thursday. The Council itself will be voting on the matter in one of the coming meetings.
  The main objective of this proposed change is the association's willingness to make the Premier League a more attractive competition which would generate more interest and attract more spectators to the stadiums.
  If these changes are approved, the new format will be adopted as from season 2006/2007 with next season, 2005/2006, being a year of transition.
  According to this proposal, as from 2006/2007, the Premier Division will be made up of 8 teams. Teams will be playing against each other on a three-round basis. Each team will therefore play 21 matches.
  Only one team will be relegated while the 7th team in the Premier League will be playing a series of play-offs against the second team in Division 1. These play-offs will be a best-out-of-three matches with the team to win two matches claiming promotion. In case of a draw in the play-offs, penalties decide the issue.
  The First Division will be made up of 10 teams. The league will be played on a two-round basis with each team playing 18 matches.
  The champions in Division 1 win promotion while the runners-up take part in the play-offs for promotion together with the team placing seventh in the Premier. The teams placing 9th and 10th are relegated to Division 2.
  The Second Division will be made up of 12 teams. The league will be played on a two-round basis with each team playing 22 matches.
  The champions and runners-up in Division 2 win promotion to Division 1. The teams placing 11th and 12th are relegated to Division 3 while the team placing 10th takes part in the play-offs with three teams from Division 3.
  The Third Division will be made up of the remaining teams. Depending on the number of teams, the current format could be retained or teams could be divided into sections. If there are up to 20 teams, there could be two sections with each section being played on a two-round basis while if there are 21 teams or more, there would be three sections with each section being played on a two-round basis.
  If the current format of the Division 3 league is retained, the champions and runners-up are promoted to Division 2 while the teams placing 3rd, 4th and 5th take part in the play-offs together with the 10th team in Division 2.
  In case of a Division 3 divided in two sections, the section winners will be promoted to Division 2. The runners-up in each section will take part in the play-offs together with the 10th team in Division 2.
  On the other hand, in case of a Division 3 divided in three sections, there is no automatic promotion. The section winners will take part in the play-offs together with the 10th team in Division 2. Three teams win promotion.
  Next year would be a year of transition.
  Therefore if the new format is approved, the Premier League 2005/2006 would be played on a three-round basis with three teams being relegated to Division 1. Only the First Division champions would be promoted.
  Three teams would be relegated from Division 1 while only the Second Division champions would be promoted.
  Three teams would be relegated from Division 2 to Division 3. The Third Division champions are promoted while the teams placing 2nd, 3rd and 4th take part in the play-offs together with the team placing 9th in Division 2.
• Italian Under-20 coach Paolo Berrettini named the squad for the friendly match against the Malta Under-21 side in programme on Wednesday at the Hibernians Ground.
  The team is currently taking part in the Four-Nations Tournament together with Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Italy lost 2-0 to Switzerland away from home, beating Austria 2-0 at home and sharing the spoils in a goalless draw with Germany last month. The Italian Under-20 side will be taking part in the FIFA World Youth Championship which will be held in the Netherlands in June.
  It is not often that Malta faces Italy at representative level in friendly or competitive encounters. The domestic commitments of the teams from the nearby peninsula as well as those of the Maltese make such matches a rarity.
  However, when a match between these two countries is arranged, even if it is at a lower level than the 'A' category, the clash, is bound to generate interest, despite the friendly tag attached to it.
  Although younger performers playing in the cadets representative teams of Italy would have to wait before their names become established, their progress is closely scrutinised along the route starting in regional teams or lower divisions intheir country.
  Most of the upcoming talent, groomed through the supply lines of the U/17, U/19 and U/20 ranks will be considered for the Under 21 squad, from where they are sifted before going on to represent their country in the biennial European Championship of that category. And the Italians have been highly successful at this level, having won the European title many times in recent years.
  Indeed, the preparation of these Italian lads is second to none in Europe.
  All this while they spend their apprenticeship period in a 'feeding' club, more often than not, militating in lower divisions. Others turn out for teams in the lower ranks of the top division or occupy a place in the second grid of the 'bigger' Serie A clubs' first team squads.
  The country's Under 20 team to play against Malta on Wednesday is made up of a number of such players and, although they still have to etch their names alongside those of the more renowned ones, the players command respect in high technical circles of Italian football.
  Maltese followers of the game should not fail to get a closer look at these young footballers, most of whom will probably don the Azzurri national colours at senior level in a few years' time.
  The players selected by Berrettini are:
  goalkeepers Gianluca Curci (Roma), Daniele Padelli (Sampdoria);
  defenders Michele Canini (Sambenedettese), Andrea Coda (Empoli), Andrea D'Agostino (Foggia), Devis Nossa (Pavia), Luca Rossettini (Padova), Marco Zambelli (Brescia);
  midfielders Simone Bentivoglio (Juventus), Lorenzo Carotti (Como), Gennaro Esposito (Siena), Daniele Galloppa (Triestina), Matteo Lombardo (Inter), Damiano Mitra (Empoli), Antonio Nocerino (Catanzaro), Michele Troiano (Modena) and
  forwards Andrea Alberti (Sambenedettese), Giuseppe Cozzolino (Giulianova), Giuseppe D'Agostino (Piacenza), Tonino Sorrentino (Parma).
• Malta lost another place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking list which was published on Wednesday. Malta now lies in the 135th place, the worst ever placing since the first time the ranking list was published back in August 1993.
  Since last month, Malta played a friendly match against the Spanish regional selection of Andalucia which ended in a goalless draw. However such a match is not taken into account since it was not a full international match.
  The first commitment for Malta is now a friendly match against Norway at Ta' Qali on February 9. Malta then plays four matches away from home: 30/3 vs Croatia, 4/6 vs Sweden, 8/6 vs Iceland and 3/9 vs Hungary. The national team hosts Croatia on September 7 and Bulgaria on October 12.
  Among other European countries, Malta is 47th, lying behind Cyprus (109, down 1), Northern Ireland (109, down 2), Azerbaijan (115, down 2), Moldova (116, down 2), Armenia (120, down 1) and Faroe Islands (13, down 1). Behind Malta are Andorra (141, down 3), Liechtenstein (144, down 2), Kazakhstan (149, down 2), Luxembourg (155) and San Marino (165, down 1).

Wed 19

• Three Msida St. Joseph players were handed a suspension after the match against Pietà Hotspurs. Manuel Boni and Omar Borg were suspended for two matches while Adrian Farrugia was handed a three-match ban.
  The three will miss the next two matches against St. Patrick and Floriana. Farrugia will miss the last game of the first phase against Marsaxlokk as well.
  Msida club official Charles Chircop, on the other hand, was suspended for five years - till January 18, 2010.
  Two Hibernians players were also suspended for one match. Essien Mbong and Aaron Xuereb will therefore miss the next game against Sliema.
  Jonathan Buttigieg and Joseph Casha (Marsa),Kevin Naudi (Attard), Reuben Vella (Mellieha), Stephen Said (Sta. Venera) and Eric Lia (Fgura) were all handed a one match ban.
  Diego Armando Cucciardi (Hamrun) was suspended for one match in the Reserves League while Wayne Buttigieg (Hibernians), Joseph Caruana (Rabat) and Marco Schembri (Tarxien) were suspended for one match in the Youth League.

Tue 18

• Nigerian striker Chris Oretan finally joined Valletta till the end of the season. Oretan will be replacing Nemanja Vukasinovic as the club's third foreigner.
  At one point, the transfer seemed to have fallen through with Floriana and Marsaxlokk reportedly making an offer to the player. However he finally opted to join Valletta.
  The 24-year old striker arrived in Malta when he was still a teenager. He played for the Naxxar Lions youths, making his debut with the senior team in season 1998/99. For two years he formed an excellent partnership with Orosco Anonam, who is now a Sliema player. In summer 2000, he moved to Valletta where in his first season, he helped the Citizens claim the six honours at stake.
  
  But after three years, he was released by Valletta as his requests were deemed excessive. For the past months, he was playing for a Second Division club in Germany.

Mon 17

• Upon instructions by FIFA, the Malta Football Association will be holding an exam for those interested in becoming licensed Players' Agents. The exam will be held on Thursday March 17 at 10:00.
  Those interested in sitting for this exam should fill in the application form issued by the MFA and send it to the secretary general of the MFA together with the relevant documents.
  Application forms should reach the MFA headquarters by Monday February 21.
  Application forms and copies of the Players' Agents Regulations may be obtained from the MFA Headquarters, 280 St. Paul's Street, Valletta.
• Holders Mellieha were drawn to meet Third Division side Kirkop United in the quarter-finals of the Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
  Mellieha won Group 4 although they ended their commitments on level points with Melita and Zurrieq. Kirkop, on the other hand, reached the quarter-finals thanks to the draw by lots which declared them as winners of Group 6 after both Kirkop and Zebbug Rangers ended in first place with the same goal difference and a draw in the direct encounter.
  Second Division leaders Qormi will be facing the leaders of Division 3 Gharghur. Vittoriosa Stars face Gzira United while another team from Division 3, Gudja United, were drawn with Dingli Swallows.
  The quarter-finals will be played on Thursday 10 and Sunday 13 February at the Centenary Stadium.

Sun 16

• Premier League St. Patrick vs Lija A. 2-0, Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 1-1
• First Division St. George's vs Mqabba 0-3, Senglea A. vs Marsa 1-1, Gozo vs Balzan Y. 1-2
• Second Division Attard vs St. Andrews 0-1, Mellieha vs Gzira U. 0-1
• Third Division Zejtun C. vs Mgarr U. 1-0, Ghaxaq vs Zurrieq 2-0
• Women's League Raiders vs Sta. Venera L. 2-1, Rabat A. vs Melita 0-4
• Gozo - GFA Cup SK Victoria W. vs Victoria H. 1-0
• Msida St. Joseph committee member Charles Chircop resigned from the committee following a request by the club's Executive Committee.
  The Executive Committee held a meeting on Sunday morning to discuss the issue and decided to ask for the resignation of Chircop from his post.
  Msida once again deplored the incident.

Sat 15

• Premier League Msida SJ vs Pietà H. 1-1, Hibernians vs Floriana 2-0
• After the game against Pietà Hotspurs, the committee of Msida St. Joseph issued a statement to "condemn the conduct of the committee member who assaulted the assistant referee who was involved in a highly controversial decision against Msida St. Joseph."
  The committee will be discussing the matter and will take the actions it deems necessary.
  "The Committee cannot help but not comment on the Assistant Referee's decision in stoppage time - a dubious decision which will definitely leave its mark on the team's progress this season."
• Saturday will be a day to remember for Mario Muscat as he played his 300th competitive match for Hibernians, establishing a new record previously held by Freddie Mizzi who had played 299 matches.
  A product of the Paola Hibs nursery, Muscat made his debut for Hibernians in the Premier League during season 1993/1994 in a game against Rabat Ajax.
  With Hibernians, he won three championships and an FA Trophy. In 1997/98, he was voted MFA Footballer of the Year.
• Second Division Zebbug R. vs Melita 3-2, Sta. Venera L. vs Dingli S. 1-1

Fri 14

• Third Division Pembroke A. vs Sirens 1-0, Fgura U. vs Ta' Xbiex 1-0
• The number of clubs in the Premier League could be decreased to eight as from season 2006/07 as clubs are now accepting the fact that the change in the Premier League format would generate more interest. This emerged from a meeting between MFA and Premier League club officials at the Centenary Hall on Wednesday.
  Such a proposal was opposed by clubs last year when the Executive of the Malta Football Association put a similar proposal in front of the Council last April. On that occasion, only six council members voted in favour of the proposal, twenty-one voted against while another six abstained.
  However there now sees to be an agreeement on the matter, at least among Premier League clubs who were all against the proposal last year.
  If such proposal is approved, next year, the league will be played on a three-round basis. Three teams will be relegated from the Premier League and only one is promoted from Division 1, so that there will be eight teams in the Premier League as from 2006/07.
  The relegation issue in this new format is still under discussion. One option is one club relegated and another promoted. The other is relegation for the team finishing last in the Premier League, promotion for the Division 1 champions and a play-off between the seventh-placed team in the Premier League and the First Division runners-up.
  The Council has the final say on the issue after discussions will be held in meetings over the coming months.

Thu 13

• Msida St. Joseph secured the services of midfielder Paul Fenech.
  A product of Naxxar Lions, Fenech managed to obtain the free transfer from the club after the Lions failed to send the 'retained-list' to the association.
  18-year old Fenech, who now forms part of the Malta-Under 21 squad after playing for the Under-17 and Under-19 national teams, is one of the most promising players ever to emerge from Naxxar and has been playing in Division 1 for the last couple of years.
  He was attracting the interest of Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk.
  Fenech is the third January-signing for Msida after goalkeeper Maurizio Valastro and striker Larson Pace.

Wed 12

• Following an appeal by FIFA President Sepp Blatter to the World Community of Football, including the Malta FA, to help colleagues of the football fraternity hit by the tsunami in several countries in South Asia, the Executive Committee of the Malta Football Association has decided to set up a Fund, the proceeds of which will be sent to FIFA so that Football Associations in the ravaged countries would receive further assistance from the World Body.
  In this regard FIFA has already pledged 1 million US Dollars.
  The executive Committee is requesting all those who form part of the Maltese Football family, to contribute at least Lm1 each towards this Fund until it closes at the end of January.
  In a circular issued by Dr Joe Mifsud, the MFA President appealed to Member Clubs and Member Associations to organize collections urging their players, coaches, members of the technical staff, committee and club members to contribute towards this Fund.
  The appeal was also made to the Malta Football Referees Association (MFRA) and the Malta Football Coaches Association (MFCA), MFA Council Members and Members of the MFA Boards and Committees, as well as employees of the Association.
  Contributions are to be sent to the MFA by cheque, addressed as follows: MFA - Tsunami Victims.
  Closing date is 31st January 2005
• Sean Sullivan (Valletta), Clifton Ciantar (Floriana), Ivan Zammit (Marsaxlokk), Sanin Ortas and Kurt Farrugia (Pietà) were suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
  Sullivan, Ciantar and Zammit received a red card while Ortas and Farrugia received a fourth yellow card.
  Sullivan and Zammit will miss the game between Marsaxlokk and Valletta on Saturday while Ciantar will be unavailable for the Greens in the game against Hibernians. Ortas and Farrugia will be missing the next Pietà game against Msida.
  Jerryton Agius (Balzan), Gaetan Spiteri (Hamrun), Simon Aquilina (Senglea), Anthony Bonello (St. George's) were suspended for one match in Division 1.
  In Division 2, Colin Ciantar of Attard was suspended for three matches. Gregory Degabriele (Melita) and Sandro Calleja (Vittoriosa) were handed a one-match ban.
  Youth players Mark Pickard (Fgura), Dylan Agius (Gzira) and Richard Galea (Luqa) were suspended for one match in the Youth League.
• The Malta Under-17 side, coached by Mark Miller, lost their second match of two Friendly International matches against the visiting Scotland side currently undergoing a training camp in Malta.
  The young Scots opened strongly and went ahead in the 35th minute through Laird Scott. The visitors held the initiative and Cameron made it 2-0 on the hour mark.
  Ten minutes later Darren Smity added a third goal before Malta's striker Dylan Zarb and the Scottish defender Macdonal received marching orders.

Tue 11

• Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 0-1, St. Patrick vs Sliema W. 0-1
• Valletta lost 0-4 to Dutch First Division side Willem II in a friendly match at the Hibernians Ground on Tuesday.
  Nigerian striker Chris Oretan was making his first appearance for the Citizens as he was included in the starting line-up by coach JJ Aquilina. He is now expected to sign a contract with Valletta till the end of the season.
  Jaroslav Marx was also bak for Valletta after he recovered from an injury.

Mon 10

• Sliema signed Slovakian striker Lubos Pernis. The Blues were able to sign Pernis after Orosco Anonam obtained Maltese citizenship.
  Pernis played for Matador Puchov when they were drawn with Sliema Wanderers in the UEFA Cup qualifying round 2001-02. He scored two goals, one in the first leg won 3-0 by Puchov in Slovakia and another in the second leg won 2-1 by Sliema. Since this summer, he was on the books of Belgian side KV Oostende.
  The Slovakian striker could make his debut for the Blues as they take on St. Patrick on Tuesday.
  The arrival of Ivan Woods, who has signed a four-year contract, and Lubos Pernis could possibly mean the transfer of Adrian Mifsud to another club.
  Mifsud had joined Sliema in summer but failed to make an impact. Interested in the player are Msida St. Joseph and clubs in Gozo.
• The Malta Under-17 side, coached by Mark Miller, lost their first of two Friendly International matches against the visiting Scotland side currently undergoing a training camp in Malta.
  In an entertaining first half, both sides shared the exchanges displaying some good flowing football. Young Maltese striker Quilin Refalo missed a golden opportunity to open the score for the home side.
  The young Scots showed more urgency on the resumption. Goalkeeper Bonello effected two great saves but could do nothing to prevent David Gray from scoring for the visitors from a free-kick in the 81st minute. The Maltese were denied a late equaliser when Dylon Zarb brought off a brilliant save from the Scotish custodian from a well-taken free-kick.
  Malta: Bonello Henry, Gatt Baldacchino Clifford, Pisani Duncan, Borg Steven, Farrugia Tyron, Ellul Osbert (Tonna Julian), Zarb Dylon, Debono Fabian, Pace Chris (Goodlip Glanville), Refalo Quilin (Bonnici Steven), Pulo Carl

Sun 9

• Premier League Lija A. vs Msida SJ 1-2, Pietà H. vs Hibernians 1-3
• First Division Hamrun S. vs St. George's 2-0, Mosta vs Balzan Y. 3-1
• Second Division Rabat A. vs Qormi 1-3, Vittoriosa S. vs Tarxien R. 0-2
• Third Division Gharghur vs Gudja U. 0-0, Santa Lucia vs Kalkara 4-0
• Women's First Division Hibernians vs Birkirkara 0-1, Rabat A. vs Mosta 0-3
• Gozo - First Division Xewkija T. vs Victoria H. 2-1, Kercem A. vs Ghajnsielem 1-2
• Malta international striker Ivan Woods will be joining Sliema Wanderers after spending the last five years with Pietà Hotspurs. His registration should be filed in time for him to be able to make his debut in next Tuesday's match against St. Patrick.
  The player was attracting the interest of three clubs, the other two being Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk. Pietà held discussions with the clubs in question and were ready to accept any of the offers put forward by these clubs. Therefore it was up to the player to decide which offer to accept.
  Woods, who is currently the Premier League top scorer with 12 goals, will definitely strengthen the Wanderers' forward-line. Out of the 25 goals scored by Sliema, Danilo Doncic scored seven, Orosco Anonam one while Adrian Mifsud, who joined the club in summer, is yet to score his first goal. All the other goals were scored by defenders or midfielders.
  Woods played for Attard before moving to Valletta in season 1994-95. He was loaned to Sliema Wanderers for one year in season 1998-99. He then returned with Valletta but moved to Pietà Hotspurs in November 1999.
  Ivan Woods is not expected to be the only new player to join the club in this transfer window. Another one should be a new foreigner from Slovakia, Lubos Pernis.
  Pernis played for Matador Puchov when they were drawn with Sliema Wanderers in the UEFA Cup qualifying round 2001-02. He scored two goals, one in the first leg won 3-0 by Puchov in Slovakia and another in the second leg won 2-1 by Sliema.
  The arrival of Ivan Woods and Lubos Pernis could possibly mean the transfer of Adrian Mifsud to another club. Interested in the player are Msida St. Joseph and clubs in Gozo.

Sat 8

• Premier League Sliema W. vs Marsaxlokk 2-1, Floriana vs Birkirkara 1-3
• Second Division St. Andrews vs Mellieha 2-1, Melita vs Attard 2-3
• Gozo - Second Division Sannat L. vs St. Lawrence S. 2-0, SK Victoria W. vs Qala SJ 1-4
• Malta international striker Ivan Woods is expected to play his final match for Pietà Hotspurs on Sunday against Hibernians before moving to another club next week.
  Pietà received three offers by Birkirkara, Sliema Wanderers and Marsaxlokk and are ready to accept one of these offers. It is now up to the player to decide which offer to accept.
  Sliema and Marsaxlokk are desperately in search of a new striker and therefore they may seem to have an edge over Birkirkara in the race for his signature. However the Stripes were the first club to make a formal offer.
  Woods played for Attard before moving to Valletta in season 1994-95. He was loaned to Sliema Wanderers for one year in season 1998-99. He then returned with Valletta but moved to Pietà Hotspurs in November 1999.
• Msida St. Joseph signed goalkeeper Maurizio Valastro after he was released by St. Patrick. Valastro joined the Zabbar side in summer after playing for Marsaxlokk first and Tarxien Rainbows later last season.
  The Saints are interested in strengthening their squad with the signing of Adrian Mifsud or Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, at least on loan till the end of the season.
  Mifsud Triganza has already played for Msida for three years helping them to win the Third Division championship in 2000-01 and the Second Division championship the following season.
  Adrian Mifsud, on the other hand, has so far failed to make an impact at Sliema Wanderers after joining them in summer.
  Meanwhile Msida have loaned striker Trevor Thomas to St. George's. Larson Pace joined Msida in exchange.

Fri 7

• Premier League Valletta vs St. Patrick 5-0
• Floriana FC and Hamrun Spartans reached an agreement over the transfer of Malta Under-21 international midfielder Mauro Brincat. Brincat signed a contract which binds him with the Greens until June 2007.
  Brincat, a product of the Hamrun nursery, was a target for several clubs over the past years, especially Birkirkara, Sliema Wanderers and Valletta. This summer he seemed very close to joining the Citizens but the deal fell through.
  He is expected to make his debut on Saturday as the Greens face Floriana.
  Meanwhile Floriana goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri joined champions Sliema Wanderers on loan till June 2006.
• Nigerian midfielder Minabo Asechemie will not join Scottish Premier League side Dunfermline as manager Davie Hay was not impressed by the player's performance in a specially arranged closed-door match.
  Asechemie had joined the club on a one-week trial earlier this week.
  Asechemie was released by Marsaxlokk as the Southseasiders signed three new foreign players.
  Asechemie arrived in Malta in November 2001 when he was due to join Birkirkara. However with the transfer of Sunday Eboh from Marsa to Birkirkara, Asechemie moved to Marsa. In summer 2003, he was due to join Marsaxlokk but he failed to sign in time before the transfer deadline. He played for Marsa in Division 1 before moving to Marsaxlokk in January 2004.
• Five Premier League players were suspended after being sent off or collecting a fourth yellow card.
  On Wednesday, the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner suspended Brian Spiteri (Lija), Dino Cachia (Msida) and Mark Galea (Valletta).
  On Friday, another two players were suspended for one match: Gordon Camenzuli (Lija) and Darren Debono (Sliema).
  Other players to be suspended were Mark Psaila and Manuel Bartolo (San Gwann), Alan Mifsud (Marsa) and Melvin Farrugia (Zebbug).
  Steven Hyzler (St. Andrews - youths) was suspended for one match as well.
  Hibernians U-19 masseur Emanuel Abela was fined Lm 15.

Thu 6

• What was due to be a major signing for champions Sliema Wanderers, Etienne Barbara will turn out for Birkirkara after the Stripes managed to secure his services from Marsaxlokk.
  Last week, Marsaxlokk and Sliema Wanderers had reached a verbal agreement over the transfer which was due to materialise on Thursday. However the Stripes made a fresh bid for the player which enabled them to sign him.
  Birkirkara's official website www.birkirkarafc.com states that the two clubs have reached an agreement and the deal was sealed on Thursday. Therefore Barbara could make his debut on Saturday as the Stripes face Floriana.
  Barbara has been a long-term target for Birkirkara and last August, the Stripes made a strong bid for the player. However Marsaxlokk president Victor Sciriha was still confident of being able to convince the player to sign a new contract before this expires in June 2005. However with the Malta international striker opting not to extend his contract, Marsaxlokk decided to allow the player move elsewhere.
  This is not the first time Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers clashed in the transfer market with players who seemed to be on the verge of signing for one club, joining the other. Among these players are William Camenzuli, Reuben Debono and Orosco Anonam. The two clubs also had a bitter clash when former Sliema defender Luke Dimech opted to join Birkirkara.
  Etienne Barbara had joined Marsaxlokk from Floriana in January 2003 after going through the Greens' youth sector and playing for three-and-a-half years with the senior team. With Marsaxlokk, Barbara clicked immediately turning out to be a key figure in the team although towards to end of last season, he struggled to retain his place in the starting line-up.
• Nigerian striker Chris Oretan will be returning to Valletta eighteen months after leaving the club after the Citizens reached an agreement with the player. Oretan will be replacing Nemanja Vukasinovic as the club's third foreigner. The Montenegro striker left Malta as he was feeling home-sick.
  The club's official website www.vallettafcofficial.net confirmed that the player will be arriving in Malta on Sunday afternoon. He is then due to sign the contract binding him to Valletta.
  Oretan, who played for three years with Valletta, is expected to sign a contract till the end of the season with the possibility of this being extended till June 2006.
  The 24-year old striker arrived in Malta when he was still a teenager. He played for the Naxxar Lions youths, making his debut with the senior team in season 1998/99. For two years he formed an excellent partnership with Orosco Anonam, who is now a Sliema player. In summer 2000, he moved to Valletta where in his first season, he helped the Citizens claim the six honours at stake.
  But after three years, he was released by Valletta as his requests were deemed excessive. For the past months, he reportedly playing for a Second Division club in Germany.
  Chris Oretan should be able to make his debut for Valletta against Marsaxlokk on January 16.
• Floriana FC and Hamrun Spartans are expected to reach an agreement over the transfer of Malta Under-21 international midfielder Mauro Brincat. The two clubs have been negotiating for the past days and an agreement could be reached on Thursday.
  According to the Floriana official website www.florianafc.com, the Greens have already agreed full terms with the player.
  The two clubs are yet to agree whether the deal will be just for a six-month loan or a definite transfer. Floriana are more interested in a permanent move.
  Meanwhile Floriana have issued the international clearance for midfielder Jonathan Holland. The former Floriana captain has now settled in the UK and will be playing for non-league club Bradford Park Avenue.
  On the other hand, after releasing Edoardo Do Nascimento, the Greens are still hoping to sign a new foreign player. Two players are in fact expected to join the club for a trial.
• Birkirkara secured the services of San Gwann defender Antonio Saliba on loan till the end of the season. A product of Valletta, Saliba joined San Gwann in season 1998-99 where he has been playing for the past six years. Last season, he was voted Best Player in Division 1.

Wed 5

• Premier League Pietà H. vs Marsaxlokk 0-3, Sliema W. vs Lija A. 0-1
• The Malta Under-21 will be playing a friendly match against Italy Under-20 on Wednesday January 26 as part of the preparations for the coming European Championship Qualifiers.
  The match will be played at the Hibernians Ground, kick-off at 14:00.
  The Italian Under-20 side is managed by Paolo Berrettini. The team is currently taking part in the Four-Nations Tournament together with Austria, Germany and Switzerland. Italy lost 2-0 to Switzerland away from home, beating Austria 2-0 at home and sharing the spoils in a goalless draw with Germany last month. The team is currently preparing for the FIFA World Youth Championship which will be held in the Netherlands in June.
  The squad is based on players from the youth squads of some of the top Italian clubs and others who already play regularly in the Serie B. Among the key players are Inter defenders Devis Nossa and Paolo Herman Dellafiore and forwards Simone Bentivoglio (Juventus), Gennaro Esposito (Napoli) and Andrea Alberti (Brescia).
  In February, the Under-21 side will be playing a friendly match against Norway on Tuesday February 8 at the Hibernians Ground. The senior sides will face each other in a friendly match the following day at the National Stadium.
  Meanwhile the Under-17 side will be playing two friendly matches against Scotland at the MFA Traning Grounds in Ta' Qali. The first match will be held on January 10, the second on January 12.
• The two Premier League matches which were postponed last Sunday have now been rescheduled for Tuesday January 11 at the Centenary Stadium.
  Marsaxlokk vs Floriana kicks-off at 18:00, St. Patrick vs Sliema Wanderers at 20:00.
  The two HSBC Youth A Knock-Out Competition matches, Msida St. Joseph vs Zurrieq and Balzan Youths vs Melita, which were due to be played on Tuesday 11 have been postponed.
  The two First Division that were due to be played last Sunday at the Hibernians Ground will now be played on Thursday January 6 at the Centenary Stadium.
  Naxxar Lions vs Senglea Athletic and Marsa vs San Gwann are now scheduled to kick-off at 18:00 and 20:00 respectively.

Tue 4

• The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting on Monday, 10th January, 2005, at Ta' Qali for holders of all Foundation, Youth Development Diploma (YDD) and Club Coach Certificate (CCC) Licence coaches. This meeting will commence at 17:30.
• Former Nigerian international midfielder Minabo Asechemie has joined Scottish Premier League side Dunfermline on a one-week trial, according to the Scottish Daily Record.
  Asechemie was released by Marsaxlokk as the Southseasiders will be signing three new foreign players. He moved to the UK where the rest of his family has already settled.
  Dunfermline manager Davie Hay has turned his attention to Asechemie after the Pars failed to secure the services of Stevie Crawford, a former player of the club who is currently at Plymouth.
  Hay said, "We will probably make a decision on Minabo at the end of the week."
  Asechemie arrived in Malta in November 2001 when he was due to join Birkirkara. However with the transfer of Sunday Eboh from Marsa to Birkirkara, Asechemie moved to Marsa. In summer 2003, he was due to join Marsaxlokk but he failed to sign in time before the transfer deadline. He played for Marsa in Division 1 before moving to Marsaxlokk in January 2004.

Mon 3

• Premier League Msida SJ vs Hibernians 0-2
• Etienne Barbara is expected to make one final appearance for Marsaxlokk on Wednesday before joining Sliema Wanderers. The two clubs have already reached an agreement over the transfer of the player and the deal should be sealed on Thursday.
  Barbara had joined Marsaxlokk from Floriana in January 2003 after going through the Greens' youth sector and playing for three-and-a-half years with the senior team. With Marsaxlokk, Barbara clicked immediately turning out to be a key figure in the team although towards to end of last season, he struggled to retain his place in the starting line-up.
  This summer, Birkirkara made a strong bid for the player but the Southseasiders were still confident of being able to convince the player to sign a new contract before this expires in June 2005.
  However with the Malta international striker opting not to extend his contract, Marsaxlokk accepted the offer put forward by Sliema Wanderers who are still in search of a striker who could fill the void left by Michael Mifsud.
  Ironically Barbara will be making his debut for Sliema Wanderers on Saturday as they face Marsaxlokk.

Sun 2

• Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Floriana postponed, St. Patrick vs Sliema W. postponed, Lija A. vs Valletta 1-2, Birkirkara vs Pietà H. 2-3
• First Division Naxxar L. vs Senglea A. and Marsa vs San Gwann postponed
• Second Division Gzira U. vs Sta. Venera L. 3-1, Qormi vs Zebbug R. 2-0
• Third Division Kirkop U. vs Xghajra T. 1-0, Birzebbuga SP vs Siggiewi 0-1
• Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Nadur Y. 1-1, Xaghra U. vs Ghajnsielem 1-4
  Brazilian striker Edoardo Do Nascimento scored twice on his debut for Ghajnsielem as the Blacks defeated Xaghra United 4-1 in a match from the GFA First Division.
  The Blacks had another player making his debut - Congolese goalkeeper Daniel Dengaky, formerly of Hamrun Spartans.
  In another match, Victoria Hotspurs and Nadur Youngsters shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw.
  Victoria had Ernest Barry and Edmond Lufi making their first appearance while making their debut for Nadur were Joe Camilleri and Rushid El Nagiem.