March 2006
Fri 31
- Second Division Vittoriosa S. vs Balzan Y. 1-2, Dingli S. vs Gharghur 3-0
- Third Division Pembroke A. vs Sta. Lucia 1-2, Sta. Venera L. vs Mgarr U. 0-1
- Gozo - Freedom Day Cup Ghajnsielem vs Xewkija T. 2-2 aet (4-1 pen)
- One player was suspended and another two were given a suspended sentence after testing positive in doping tests which were carried out at the end of two BOV Premier League matches and a BOV First Division match in January.
A Marsa player who tested positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, which falls under the category of cannabinoids, was suspended for six months and was given another six month sentence suspended for one year.
Two players had tested positive in doping tests which were carried out at the end of the BOV Premier League match Mosta vs Hamrun. One player tested positive for testosterone/epitestosterone and the other for salbutamol. Further tests will be carried out on the former player while the latter was given a one-month suspension suspended for one year.
A St. Patrick player, who tested positive for salbutamol as well, was also given a one-month suspension suspended for one year.
In these two cases, it was only due to negligence by the clubs that these players tested positive. In fact, since these two players use inhalers to cure asthma, had the clubs produced the Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) form, they would have avoided testing positive in these doping tests. The two clubs were fined.
On the other hand, no sanctions were taken against a Birkirkara player who tested positive for testosterone/epitestosterone as in this case the substance was being produced by the body.
In fact, a few years ago, the same player had tested positive for the same substance and random tests confirmed that the high level of testosterone was being produced by the body and not because the player was making use of illicit substances.
- The MFA, through its Futsal Committee under the Chairmanship of the Association's vice-president John Farrugia and committee secretary Mario Gauci, is currently organising courses for Futsal Referees and Coaches. The activity is being held under the auspices of FIFA.
The Courses, staged at the Corradino Sports Pavilion, Paola, are over four whole days and will come to an end on Sunday at 6.00pm.
The event was opened on Thursday morning when the MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud addressed the participants. The courses are being conducted by Mico Martic and Perry Gautier, FIFA Officials for Futsal Coaches and Referees respectively.
The intensive programme comprises theoretical and practical sessions in both coaching and refereeing fields, including a thorough insight of technical developments in this area of indoor football which is becoming increasingly popular in many countries.
A distinguished guest speaker is Petr Fousek, Chairman of UEFA Futsal Committee, who delivered a talk to the course participants this morning and will give another exposition to Futsal Club Administrators relating to their work on Saturday morning at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali, starting at 9.30am.
The participation in these courses is very good and this is proof that the sport in Malta has come a long way since it was introduced on the Island some years ago.
Thu 30
- The Quadrangular Tournament for Top Clubs, earlier known as the Super 5 Tournament, will not be held next season. The Council of the Malta Football Association voted in favour of a proposal by the Executive Committee not to include the tournament in the list of competitions for season 2006/2007.
All the other competitions which were held last season have been confirmed for next season. However next season will see the introduction of a knock-out competition for First Division teams.
Clubs from Division 1 will still be able to take part in U*BET FA Trophy.
The competitions which will therefore be organised next season are the BOV National League - Premier League, First Division, Second Division and Third Division leagues; the U*BET FA Trophy; the BOV Super Cup; the Euro Challenge Cup; the First Division Knock-Out; the quick-KENO Second & Third Division Knock-Out; the Youth League - Sections A, B, C and D; the Youth Knock-Out - A and B; the Women's League; the Women's Knock-Out; the Futsal League and the Futsal Knock-Out.
Just as it was the case this season, there will be no Reserves League or Under-21 League.
The Super 5 Tournament was first held in 1990 and had started as a pre-season tournament for clubs taking part in UEFA competitions. However since Champions League and UEFA Cup qualifiers started being held earlier, the competition was then moved to December.
Floriana and Valletta won the Super 5 Tournament four times, Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara three times, Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians once. The Paolites won the last edition of the competition beating Birkirkara on penalties.
- Five BOV Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner on Thursday.
Hibernians goalkeeper Mario Muscat is ruled out of the game against Marsaxlokk on Saturday while coach Robert Gatt was suspended for two matches and will be unable to sit on the bench for the games against the Southseasiders and against Valletta.
Ian Zammit and Ibrahim Babatunde will be missing the Championship Pool clash between Valletta and Msida St. Joseph on Saturday.
Riad Mynel Gango-Rtsa of Floriana is ruled out of their next Relegation Pool clash against Mosta on Sunday while Andrew Decesare will be missing for Pietà Hotspurs in the game against Hamrun Spartans.
Etienne Mercieca (Lija), Uchenna Anyanwu (Mqabba) and Michael Zerafa (St. Patrick) were suspended for one match in Division 1 while Trevor Thomas of St. George's was handed a two-match ban.
Cameron Gusman (Gharghur), Elton Bugeja (Gudja), Jacques Scerri (Melita) were banned for one match in Division 2 while Mark Schembri (Kirkop), Antoine Muscat (Xghajra) were suspended for one match in Division 3.
Matthew Bonnici (Balzan), Jason Olivia (Pembroke), Gordon Debono and Jonathan Galea (Qormi) and Yourick Scicluna (Zejtun) were suspended for one match in the Youth League while Liam Azzopardi (Senglea) was suspended for two matches.
- The San Gwann Football Club in accordance with the Ministry of Education and in collaboration with the San Gwann Local Council and its benefactors started the football ground development project during the month of January 2006.
This ambitious development meets the club's future vision that of achieving evolution excellence through investment. Today the club's members have a safer and healthier place where to practice and a nicer ambience which also embellishes the town of San Gwann. The community's expectations will be therefore met with this appropriate and multi-functional facility.
The development entails from excavation works to the finishing hard base works, a new lighting system and boundary fence. The installment of the synthetic pitch was entrusted to the Italian company Italgreen. Based in the northern city of Bergamo, the turf company will install the new 62mm XTender type turf.
The new ground dimensions will be 90 meters in length x 45 meters in width. Apart from the club's services offered to its members which include training sessions both for the youth sector and the senior teams, the ground is also aimed for recreational purposes and can be divided in four 5 a-side pitches, two 7 a-side pitches and one full pitch.
The works will be terminated by the first week of April and the first event to be held on the newly developed pitch will be the 12th Edition of the Mediterranean Cup, the largest youth international tournament organised in Malta. The tournament is organised annually by the San Gwann FC Youth Nursery in collaboration with the Malta Football Association, the Malta Tourism Authority and the San Gwann Local Council.
This year's edition will take place from the 08th to the 18th of April and will attract more than 800 participating athletes representing three countries, Malta, Italy and Serbia Montenegro.
The 12th edition is open for six age categories, starting from the Under 8's to the Under 15's and the participating clubs will be the following:
San Gwann FC, Balzan Youths FC, Mqabba FC, Msida St. Joseph FC, Floriana FC, Qormi FC, Rabat Ajax FC, Hamrun Spartans FC, Hibernians FC, Melita Amateurs FC, Pietà Hotspurs FC, Sliema Wanderers FC, St. Andrews Luxol FC, Zebbug Rangers FC, St. Patrick FC, Valletta FC, Birkirkara FC Mosta FC, Dingli Swallows FC, Pembroke Athleta FC, Gzira United FC, SC Partanna Trapani – ITL, SC Sikania Alcamo – ITL, Red Star Belgrade FC – SRB.
The tournament's official technical sponsor is Zeus Sport which will also offer a discount card to all participants to be used when purchasing sports apparel from their new shop opening soon in Valley Road, B'Kara.
The San Gwann Football Club administration would like to thank all those who contributed in achieving this and augurs the full sport enjoyment to all.
- On Monday, 6th February 2006, Premier School of Football marked the termination of its first term by organizing an "End of Term" parents' meeting at the Qawra Palace Hotel.
During the meeting, the school's training methods and evaluation programmes for its students were revealed and explained in detail to the parents present. The training programme for the forthcoming term was also explained. The boys' progress and training participation was put into perspective by means of statistical data duly prepared and presented during the meeting.
The meeting ended with the school's usual presentation of the most improved players' award for the month of January.
Wed 29
- Women's World Cup Croatia vs Malta 1-0
In their match of the European Qualification Competition for the FIFA Women’s World 2007, the second in five days, Malta’s Women’s team down to Group-leaders Croatia by a solitary goal scored just before the interval by Marina Knhenic.
According to reports from Zagreb, the Maltese played a good match and a draw would have been deserved following their tenacious performance.
Croatia had defeated Malta 4-1 in the corresponding match played at the National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, on September 6th last year.
Last Saturday, the Maltese ladies, coached by Pierre Brincat, also lost by one goal to nil to Bosnia Herzegovina in Sarejevo in the same competition.
- Holders Birkirkara will be facing Valletta in the quarter-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy. The draws were held during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash Television.
Champions Sliema Wanderers will be facing Marsaxlokk. The latter reached this stage after eliminating Lija Athletic and Marsa from Division 1.
After beating St. George's and St. Patrick, Hamrun Spartans will be meeting Hibernians.
On the other hand, last season's FA Trophy losing finalists - Msida St. Joseph - were drawn with Floriana. The Saints had eliminated Mqabba and San Gwann while Floriana had defeated Tarxien Rainbows and Senglea Athletic.
The quarter-finals will be played on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 April, all matches at the National Stadium.
Birkirkara and Valletta met four times this season. The Stripes won 4-2 and 2-0 in the first phase while the third round clash ended in a goalless draw. In the Quadrangular Tournament, Birkirkara had defeated Valletta on penalties following a goalless draw.
Sliema and Marsaxlokk met three times - a 2-1 win for Sliema in the first round, a goalless draw in the second round and a 2-1 win for Marsaxlokk in the third round.
Hibernians defeated Hamrun Spartans twice in the BOV Premier League first phase - 1-0 and 2-0.
Floriana and Msida met twice. Msida registered a 4-2 win in the first round while the second round clash ended in a goalless draw.
- Holders Qormi will be facing Zebbug Rangers in the semi-finals of quick-KENO Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
Gzira United will be meeting the only team from the BOV Third Division - Pembroke Athleta in the other semi-final.
The two matches will be played on April 15.
Qormi and Zebbug have already met twice in the BOV Second Division. Following a 2-2 draw in the first round, Qormi registered a 2-1 win in the second.
Tue 28
- Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller named a provisional squad ahead of the two preliminary round matches from the 2006/07 UEFA European Under-21 Championship against Georgia which will be held next month. Malta hosts Georgia on April 12 and travels to Tbilisi two weeks later.
This year, the 16 lowest-ranked nations were paired into eight matches for the preliminary round. The winners of these eight ties, contested on a home-and-away basis, will advance to the group stage, where they will join 34 other teams. Group winners will then move on to a play-off series from which seven countries will join the Netherlands in the final tournament.
Should Malta reach the group stage, it will face Serbia & Montenegro and Lithuania in Group C.
In the last UEFA Under-21 European Championship campaign, Georgia placed fifth in Group 2 with 11 points from 12 matches, beating Albania at home and away from and Kazakhstan away from home. Georgia held Turkey in a goalless draw away from home and Greece 1-1 at home.
Miller and his assistant Silvio Vella included in the squad several players with considerable Premier League experience.
The players selected are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Pietà), Miguel Montfort (Valletta), Bernard Paris (Birkirkara);
defenders Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Brandon Bonnici (Valletta), David Camenzuli (Pietà), Jonathan Caruana (Mosta), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Dean Gera (Pietà), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Andrew Spiteri (Pietà);
midfielder Andrei Agius (Messina), Edmond Agius (Hibernians), Dyson Falzon (Mosta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Cleaven Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Jonathan Pearson (Hibs);
forwards Matthew Bartolo (Mosta), Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Ben Camilleri (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Gilbert Martin (Marsa), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Scerri (Qormi), Ian Zammit (Valletta), Dylan Zarb (Valletta)
The first leg will be played at the National Stadium on Wednesday April 12 at 18:00. The return match will be played in Georgia on Wednesday 26.
- The Malta Football Association will be organising courses for Futsal Coaches and Referees under the auspices of FIFA between Thursday 30th March and Sunday 2nd April 2006.
The courses are being held at the Corradino Sports Pavilion, Paola, and will be conducted by Mico Martic (Croatia), who will lecture the coaches, and Perry Gautier (Belgium), who will lecture the referees.
These Coaches and Referees Instructors will be holding theoretical and practical sessions in their respective fields.
Petr Fousek, Chairman of UEFA Futsal Committee, will be a special guest. He will address the course participants at the Corradino Pavilion at 11.30 am on Friday and will also deliver a talk to administrators of Futsal Clubs at 9.30am on Saturday 1st April.
The four-day activity will be opened by MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud who will address the participants at the Corradino Pavilion at 9.00am on the opening day.
Mon 27
- Third Division Luqa SA vs Ghaxaq 1-1, Zurrieq vs Rabat A. 0-1
Sun 26
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 3-4, Sliema W. vs Msida SJ 4-1
- First Division Lija A. vs Marsa 0-3, Naxxar L. vs St. George's 1-1
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Gudja U. 0-1, Qormi vs Gzira U. 5-2, Gozo vs Melita 2-1
- Third Division Kalkara vs Xghajra T. 0-0, Zejtun C. vs Birzebbuga SP 0-4
- Gozo - GFA Cup Xaghra U. vs Nadur Y. 3-4 aet
- Swedish top division side FK Hammarby arrived in Malta on Saturday for a six-day training camp at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta' Qali.
The Swedish team, who won their first-ever championship in Sweden in 2001, are scheduled to meet Floriana in a match on Wednesday, 29th March at the MFA Training Grounds, Ta Qali, at 6.00 pm.
There is also a possibility that Swiss first division team FC Basel, who are in the last eight of the UEFA Cup competition and due to meet the English Premiership side, Middlesborough, will come to Malta for a training camp early in April.
Meanwhile, a UK Colleges youths representative team, Soccer Stars, will be in Malta between the 5th and 12th April. During their week-long training camp on the island they will be accommodated at the Ta' Qali Complex.
During their stay here two matches are planned against the Malta Under-18 and Under-19 teams, both to be played at the MFA Training Grounds.
Sat 25
- Women's World Cup Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Malta 1-0
The Malta women's national team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the first of two FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers which will be played in four days.
Playing on a waterlogged pitch, neither side managed to score during the first half but it was Nilsabina Pehic who gave Bosnia the three points with a goal during the second half.
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Floriana 2-1, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 1-3
- First Division Mqabba vs San Gwann 1-0, St. Patrick vs St. Andrews 5-1
- Second Division Gharghur vs Mellieha 0-6, Attard vs Dingli S. 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division Victoria H. vs Oratory Y. 5-0, Zebbug R. vs Qala SJ 1-3
- Three Valletta players and coach Paul Zammit paid a visit to the Liceo Dun Guzepp Zammit - Hamrun on Saturday where the annual 50-hour Bicycle Marathon is being held.
Money raised during the Marathon will be in aid of Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi and Muscular Dystrophy Group. The objective is in fact to raise funds for Id-Dar tal-Providenza, Siggiewi to start a project of refurbishment at Villa Papa Luciani and to offset the remaining bank loan on a van which was presented to the Muscular Dystrophy Group last month.
Gilbert Agius, Keith Fenech and Miguel Montfort - who were all students at the Hamrun Junior Lyceum - and Valletta coach Paul Zammit expressed their support for this initiative by visiting the Liceo on Saturday. They also presented a donation on behalf of the club.
Students had the opportunity to take autographs and photos with the players.
On Saturday and Sunday, there will be several activities including a variety show every evening on stage, featuring leading singers and artists, a static show of the Ferrari Club (Malta), old cars and motorcycles, and American auto club (Malta) on Sunday morning, and various other exhibitions and displays. There will be ample rich food and drinks at all hours.
Donations can be made through Bank Accounts H.S.B.C. 023140569050 and B.O.V. 40012585201 and SMS (Lm2) 50618070. Cheques are to be addressed Maratona bir-Roti ’06 Liceo.
Fri 24
- Third Division Kirkop U. vs Siggiewi 1-3, Sirens vs Ta' Xbiex 2-0
- The Women's Football Knock-Out Quarter-Finals draws were held on Wednesday during the Malta Football Association's TV Programme 'MFA Magazine' in the presence of MFA Vice-President Mr John Farrugia.
These resulted as follows: A: Hibernians v Rabat Ajax; B: Birkirkara v Melita; C: Raiders v Sta. Venera Lightnings; D: Mosta v Qormi.
The Semi-finals grouping will be: B vs C and D vs A.
Wed 22
- Seven Premier League players were suspended by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following last weekend's matches.
Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Reuben Debono was suspended for two matches and is therefore ruled out of the games against Valletta and Hibernians.
Birkirkara striker Matthew Calascione and Hibernians midfielder Essien Mbong were both suspended for one match and will miss Saturday's game between Birkirkara and Hibernians.
Msida defenders Mark Pullicino and Josef Mifsud are ruled out of the game against Sliema on Sunday while Hamrun Spartans duo Jonathan Magri Overend and Patrick Ndubisi Ndah will be missing the Relegation Pool clash against Pietà Hotspurs on April 16.
In Division 1, Edgar Degabriele and Christian Grech of St. George's were both suspended for two matches.
Bruce Genovese (Dingli) and Stephen Orlando (Gudja) were suspended for one match in Division 2 while Aaron Pendry (Gzira) was suspended for two matches.
In Division 3, Sta. Lucia had four players suspended - Shawn D'Amato and Duane Carabott for one match; Liam Cutajar and Emanuel Cutajar for two matches. Sta. Lucia official Rodney Marsh was suspended for one match and fined Lm 25.
Mark Grech (Sta. Venera), Brian Gilford and Jovil Abela (Xghajra) were handed a one-match ban.
Christopher Mangion (Fgura), Clayton Felice (San Gwann), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), Clayton Farrugia and Matthew Camilleri (Naxxar) were handed a one-match ban in the Youth League. Enyi Onyebuchi (Sliema) was suspended for two matches. Hibernians masseur Emanuel Abela was also banned for two matches.
Oswaldo Zammit (Tarxien) was suspended for one match in the Youth Knock-Out.
Tue 21
- Third Division Mgarr U. vs Zurrieq 0-1
- The Malta women's national team coach Pierre Brincat and his assistant Alfred Zammit named a 19-strong squad ahead of the two FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia which will be played on March 25 and 29 respectively away from home.
Malta has already played two matches from this campaign last year. Following a 1-4 defeat to Croatia at Ta' Qali in September, Malta lost 4-1 to Slovenia away from home in November.
Like Malta, Bosnia-Herzegovina are yet to collect their first points in the group after losing 2-0 to Slovenia and 2-0 to Croatia last year. Croatia, on the other hand, defeated Malta and Bosnia-Herzegovina but lost to Slovenia.
The players selected by Brincat and Zammit are:
goalkeepers Sharon Costantino (Sta. Venera), Tonina Dimech (Birkirkara);
defenders Tessie Agius (Hibs), Maria Azzopardi (Hibs), Mandy Debono (Hibs), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Leslie Ann Galea (Hibs), Natasha Pace (Melita), Dorianne Theuma (Hibs);
midfielders Therese Briffa (Sta. Venera), Roxanne Gatt (Mosta), Jane Coates (Mosta), Rebecca D' Agostino (Melita), Alexia Jane Scicluna (Birkirkara), Dionne Tonna (Hibs) and
forwards Ylenia Carabott (Hibs), Rebecca Chircop (Mosta), Karen Lia (Mosta) and Kathleen Saliba (Hibs).
The first game on Saturday is against Bosnia-Herzegovina at the Slavija Stadium, Sarajevo and will be controlled by referee Ms Y. Medvedeva from Kazakhstan. On the other hand, on Wednesday, Malta faces Croatia at the Vrbrovec Stadium, Vrobec. The game will be controlled by referee Ms M. Mamayeva from Russia.
Mon 20
- The reality show squad, Net Stars of Net Television on Friday evening was mathematically promoted to the Futsal top division league after league opponents Aluserv Youths and Korol FC ended up in a 7-7 draw.
This result favors Net Stars as they are now mathematically promoted to the first division and now they are targeting to win section B in order to be in pole-position for the 2nd division Futsal championship.
This was a very good news for Net Stars after that earlier during the day, the blues were informed that their former Maltese international player, Michael Degiorgio will be out from play for six weeks due to an injury. Degiorgio has thorn his collateral medial ligament on his left knee.
Net Stars will know play next Friday against AJR Roadstar and eventually will play their last league game on Tuesday 4th April against current league leaders, Safi Southsiders.
In the coming days the production team of Malta’s first sports reality show, Net Stars will announce a detailed programme to celebrate this achievement. This is the second consecutive promotion for Net Stars in the MFA futsal competition.
- National team coach Dusan Fitzel has called up the Sliema midfielder Roderick Bajada to the national squad.
Until recently this player, who joined Sliema Wanderers from Msida St Joseph last January, before the transfer window closed, was a regular choice for the Under 21 team.
Bajada has already made three appearances for the national team. He made his debut against Estonia in a match from the Malta International Tournament in February 2004.
Sun 19
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Mosta 3-5, Msida SJ vs Hibernians 1-1
- First Division Tarxien R. vs Lija A. 2-0, St. George's vs Senglea A. 2-2
- Second Division Balzan Y. vs Zebbug R. 3-1, Gzira U. vs Vittoriosa S. 1-2
- Third Division Pembroke A. vs Fgura U. 2-0, Sta. Lucia vs Sta. Venera L. 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Ghajnsielem 1-0, Nadur Y. vs Xewkija T. 3-1
Sat 18
- Premier League Valletta vs Sliema W. 1-2, Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 1-0
- Second Division Gudja U. vs Melita 2-2, Dingli S. vs Qormi 0-0
- Gozo - Second Division Victoria H. vs Gharb R. 1-0, St. Lawrence S. vs Qala SJ 0-0
Fri 17
- Third Division Rabat A. vs Luqa SA 4-0; Mgarr U. vs Zurrieq 1-0 abandoned
The BOV Third Division match between Mgarr United and Zurrieq was abandoned after 65 minutes on Friday due to fog.
This was the second time in Malta that a game was abandoned for this reason. In February 2002, a Third Division match between Zejtun and Siggiewi was also abandoned due to fog.
- Over 40 enthusiastic young people are attending football sessions at Skolasport this season. Their age ranges between the age of 11 and 16 years. The sessions, which are sponsored by Kellogg's, are held every Saturday morning at the Marsa Sports Grounds.
Participants of the football sessions at Skolasport are given a solid basic preparation in the game. Sessions include physical exercises like warming up, sprints, and ball control consisting of heading, juggling and shooting. The young participants also learn about the rules of the game and how to maintain a healthy team spirit. In addition, Skolasport organises friendly matches and tournaments to incorporate an element of fun and healthy competition.
Skolasport has a team of qualified and experienced coaches, amongst which is prominent local ex-football player, Mr. David Carabott, who is currently coaching football techniques at Skolasport.
At Kellogg's football section, the coaches encourage their young players to enrol in nursery clubs to improve their skills with the possibility of making a name for themselves in Maltese football. In fact, Skolasport has produced a good number of Maltese prominent footballers who have made it to the top of Maltese football. Among them are national team players like George Mallia, Antoine Zahra and Michael Cutajar.
Wed 15
- After suffering two defeats in the Coca-Cola & Multiplus International Tournament, Malta lost three places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta is now 122nd.
Malta is still 46th among the other European countries. Just ahead of Malta are Northern Ireland (98), Georgia (104), Moldova (107), Armenia (109) and Azerbaijan (114) while Liechtenstein (124), Andorra (127), the Faroe Islands (135), Kazakhstan (134), Luxembourg (151) and San Marino (158).
Malta will be playing at least two friendly matches in the coming months before the EURO 2008 qualifying campaign gets underway in September. The first game is against Japan in Germany on June 4th while the second is against Slovakia on August 16th.
- Malta was drawn with Germany, Poland and Italy in the Central-East Group 8 of the 2006/07 edition of the UEFA Regions' Cup - the competition reserved for amateur footballers. It has yet to be agreed which country will stage that mini-tournament which should be held sometime between August 1 and December 31, 2006.
The draw which was held in Nyon and which was conducted by UEFA Youth and Amateur Football Committee chairman Jim Boyce and former Portuguese international midfielder Paulo Sousa, divided the 37 nations into two separate rounds - two preliminary rounds and eight intermediary ones.
Malta managed to avoid being drawn in the preliminary round, therefore making it to the intermediary round. The winners of each intermediary group will progress to the final tournament which will be held in June 2007.
The countries involved in the 2006/07 UEFA Regions' Cup will nominate representative teams before the mini-tournaments begin. Large countries will field regional teams representing the winning clubs in their domestic amateur championships but smaller countries, like Malta, can nominate national sides.
In the first edition of the competition in 1999, Malta was represented by a selection from Gozo. The team suffered heavy defeats to Zapadne Sbrije (Yugoslavia) and selections from Israel and Macedonia.
In 2000, Malta hosted the tournament and was represented by a national amateur team. Malta suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Dalmatia (Croatia) but lost heavily to Abruzzo (Italy).
In the 2002 edition, Malta suffered three defeats but two years ago, the Malta amateur team registered its first win in the competition after beating Primorska (Slovenia). Malta lost the other two matches against selections from Northern Ireland and England.
Only amateur players and players who have never played Premier League football are eligible to take part in this competition and therefore the team will be based on players from Divisions 1, 2 and 3.
- Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
Malcolm Licari of Marsaxlokk, who was sent off in the game against Msida last Sunday, will be missing next Saturday's clash with Birkirkara.
Msida midfielder Paul Fenech and Sliema defender Jeffrey Chetcuti, who both collected their fourth yellow card are ruled out of the games against Hibernians and Valletta respectively.
Hamrun forward Gaetan Spiteri is ruled out of the Relegation Pool clash against Mosta.
Darren Vella (Marsa), Simon Muscat (Naxxar) and Stacy Vella (San Gwann) were suspended for one match in Division 1.
Gharghur had no less than five players suspended for one game. Robert Southward, Edmond Lapira, Walid Louvini, Adrian Gatt and Christian Glass will miss Gharghur's next game against Mellieha. Stephen Calleja (Vittoriosa) and Clayton Caruana (Gzira) were also handed a one-match ban in Division 2.
David Aquilina (Birzebbuga) and Nigel Zerafa (Kalkara) were suspended for one match in Division 3.
Josef Borg (Siggiewi), Josef Dalli, Saviour Sciriha and Leeroy Bonett (St. George's) and Antoine Sapiano (Sta. Lucia) were banned for one match in the Youth League.
Sun 12
- Premier League Floriana vs Hamrun S. 3-0, Marsaxlokk vs Msida SJ 1-0
- First Division San Gwann vs St. Patrick 0-3, Marsa vs Naxxar L. 4-2
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Gzira U. 1-0, Gharghur vs Attard 0-1, Gozo vs Mellieha 2-1
- Third Division Birzebbuga SP vs Kalkara 2-0, Ghaxaq vs Zejtun C. 1-0
- Women's First Division Sta. Venera L. vs Melita 2-3, Hibernians vs Mosta 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division Zebbug R. vs Oratory Y. 1-5
Sat 11
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Hibernians 3-0, Valletta vs Birkirkara 0-0
- Second Division Melita vs Balzan Y. 3-1, Vittoriosa S. vs Dingli S. 0-0
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs SK Victoria W. 2-2
- Gozo - Second Division Qala SJ vs Gharb R. 2-1
Fri 10
- Third Division Ta' Xbiex vs Kirkop U. 0-4, Xghajra T. vs Sirens 2-2
- The Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery reached an agreement with Italian youth football giants Atalanta B.C. to initiate a mutual ambitious football youth training programme of great benefit not only to the children registered with Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery but also, useful to the Nursery coaching staff giving their services there.
This was revealed on the television programme “Come on the Stripes” produced by Birkirkara F.C. and transmitted on Smash TV every Thursday evening by Mr Henry Bray - Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery Chairman.
Last February, Mr Dione Mercieca, Company Director of Allsports International Ltd (installers of Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery state-of-the-art synthetic turf pitches and Italgreen’s representative in Malta) proposed a meeting between the two sides and to this end, a delegation from Birkirkara flew to Bergamo to visit Serie B title contenders Atalanta B.C. - a football club renowned mostly for promoting youth soccer players with big names like Scirea, Cabrini, Donadoni, Inzaghi, Vieri and the latest Pazzini and Montolivo. The group included Mr Henry Bray (President), Mr Franco Agius (Nursery Headcoach), Mr Robert Bray (Asst. Treasurer) and Mr John Sciberras (Coach).
During their visit at the “Centro Bortolotti di Zingonia”, the club’s official premises, Atalanta’s Sports Director, Mr Gabriele Messina greeted the whole delegation and explained the whole club’s structure whilst the Maltese contingent had the time to explore around the professional training facilities offered there. A very important meeting was held with Atalanta’s Technical Advisor, Mr Mino Favini and Headcoach and former player, Mr Stefano Bonnacorso which proved very positive. The group had also the chance to meet first team coach Mr Stefano Colantuono prior to the league game against Catania and were even offered complimentary tickets to watch the game at Atalanta’s home stadium.
A month has elapsed from that date and today, the hard working Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery committee is proud to launch the initial phase of the “Zingonia” project which includes an invitation to Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery coaching staff to attend a coaching clinic in Italy next month whilst an Italian delegation will be coming over to visit Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery premises. Also, Atalanta B.C. coaches will be coming to Malta this year to assess the children during various training sessions and even deliver refresher courses to the Nursery coaching staff. Through this venture, all those promising youngsters may be even be offered the chance to have individual trials in Italy with Atalanta B.C.
Reckoning that this is definitely a unique and ambitious programme, Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery will be very keen in making the best out of this exclusive offer which will be offered solely to children and coaching staff within the Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery clan. For further information, one may contact Mr Henry Bray on 99468248 or visit the Nursery’s Football Training Grounds at P. Bontadini Street in Birkirkara.
- The MFA will be organising a series of meetings aimed at member clubs for better administration within clubs.
Later on this year, the association will also organise a seminar for administrators which will be addressed by foreign experts sent by FIFA. For this seminar, all club officials will be invited.
In view of this seminar, a number of meetings focussing on the various aspects of administration will be held. The first meeting, meant for secretaries and their assistants, will be held on Tuesday March 21 at 18:30 at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali. Other club officials may attend as well.
MFA General Secretary Mr Joe Gauci will be speaking about the Administration of Clubs while Mr Oliver Lautier will talk about the Registration and Contracts of Players.
The speakers will be ready to answer questions. The MFA General Secretary could be contacted beforehand to point out about particular aspects which could be clarified during the meeting.
Thu 9
- Bulgarian top division club Botev Plovdiv made an official request for Msida St. Joseph striker Olalekan Ibrahim Babatunde.
A number of meetings were held with Mr. Atanas Marinov who joined the Bulgarian club after his contract was terminated by Marsaxlokk F.C. earlier this season.
However the Msida SJ Executive Board decided not to transfer the player as it is believed that with his potential, the Nigerian striker can make it to a better European league.
Wed 8
- A Judicial Protest was filed by Events Services organizers of the Westin Malta Football Awards in the First Hall of Civil Court against John Busuttil, Robert Cutajar producers of a local TV football program and Net TV.
In the said protest Sandro Micallef and Alan Cutajar directors of Events Services are protesting about the alleged idea of these individuals and Net TV to organize an activity similar to the Malta Football Awards. This event has been organized for the past four years by Sandro Micallef sports journalist and TV presenter on behalf of Events Services. Any activity that can be like, or gives the impression to be on the same line of the original Malta Football Awards definitely goes against Article 32 and 34 of the Commercial Code.
Events Services would like to inform the general public that as they have done for the past years they will once again organize this year's edition which will be the fifth one. This year's edition will be televised on Melita Sports Channel and also on the Information Channel of Melita Cable PLC which will be open for free viewing to all clients even to those who are not Sports Channel subscribers. The Judicial Protest was signed by Dr. David Farrugia Sacco LL.D
- Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban following last weekend's matches from the BOV Premier League.
The worst hit were Valletta as they had two players suspended for one match - Gilbert Agius and Keith Fenech. Agius and Fenech will be missing the next game against Birkirkara on Saturday.
Hibernians defender Aaron Xuereb, who was sent off in the defeat to Valletta, will be missing the game against Sliema on Saturday while Msida defender Daniel Theuma is ruled out of the game against Marsaxlokk on Sunday.
Marsaxlokk kit-manager Sammy Bonnici was suspended for two matches.
Other players to be suspended for one match include Fabio Cauchi (Dingli), Geoffrey Farrugia (Gudja), Clive Psaila (Luqa), Joseph Gauci (Pembroke), Domenic Camilleri (Siggiewi) and Stephen Said (Sta. Venera).
Jean Paul Busuttil and Joseph Fenech (Birzebbuga), Matthew Borg II (Melita), Joenick Farrugia (Siggiewi), Andy Mangion (Tarxien) and Daniel Zammit (Zurrieq) were suspended for one match in the Youth League.
Tue 7
- The Malta Football Association announced a change in the scheduled times for Saturday's matches from the BOV Premier League.
The two games were switched and therefore Sliema W. vs Hibernians will kick-off at 14:00 while Valletta vs Birkirkara will kick-off at 16:00.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another instructional meeting on Monday 13th March 2006 for holders of Foundation, YDD and CCC Licence coaches.
This meeting to be held at the Ta' Qali Technical Centre will commence at 17:30.
All coaches are advised to be punctual for this theoretical session with the National Coach, Dusan Fitzel.
Sun 5
- Premier League Mosta vs Pietà H. 3-1, Marsaxlokk vs Sliema W. 2-1
- First Division Lija A. vs Mqabba 1-1, St. Andrews vs St. George's 0-3
- Second Division Qormi vs Gharghur 3-0, Gudja U. vs Gozo 0-0
- Third Division Fgura U. vs Siggiewi 1-3, Sta. Venera L. vs Pembroke A. 3-1
- Women's First Division Mosta vs Rabat A. 4-0, Birkirkara vs Qormi 19-0
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 2-0
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs St. Lawrence S. 5-1
Sat 4
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Msida SJ 5-0, Hibernians vs Valletta 1-3
- Second Division Dingli S. vs Zebbug R. 1-0, Attard vs Mellieha 3-3
- Gozo - First Division Xewkija T. vs Xaghra U. 1-1
- Gozo - Second Division Victoria H. vs Zebbug R. 1-0
- The Msida St. Joseph Youth Nursery will be organising an exciting activity for the club’s supporters on Sunday following the recent sporting achievement in securing a place in the Championship Pool. This activity is also part of the centenary celebrations following the foundation of the club in 1906.
The activity will be held at the Mater Dei School in Msida and will include a Penalty Shoot Out and official merchandise will be on sale at reduced prices, including season 2005/06 Official MSJ apparel such as kits, etc. For this occasion, Special Limited Edition bottles of Local Wine with the club’s emblem will be launched as part of the anniversary celebrations.
Everyone is invited to attend for this activity to celebrate together with the Executive Board, Committee Members, Technical Staff and most importantly the players who this season reached an outstanding landmark in the club’s history.
Fri 3
- Third Division Luqa SA vs Mgarr U. 1-3, Zurrieq vs Sta. Lucia 1-0
Thu 2
- Sannat Lions midfielder Noel Borg and Kercem Ajax striker Elton Vella won the Melita Digital Player of the Month awards for December and January respectively.
Noel Borg won the award for December as he was a central figure for Sannat with his sence of leadership in the matches against Xewkija Tigers, S.K. Victoria Wanderers and Xaghra United.
Borg started his career with Victoria Hotspurs at the age of eleven. He played with his home team and won all the honors of the Gozitan Football including the First Division League for the Season 1999/2000.
Elton Vella, on the other hand, won the award for January thanks to a constant fine displays which helped Kercem take leadership of the On Vol First Division League. Gifted with agility and technique on the ball complemented by his goal scoring ability, Vella was fundamental in the Ajax success against Xaghra United and Xewkija Tigers.
Starting his career at the age of nine, he played with his home team and won the G.F.A. Best Gozitan Player of the Year for the Season 2004/2005. If the Ajax forward maintains this current form, he would be instrumental for his team in the challenge for the Onvol First Division League championship.
Wed 1
- Coca-Cola & Multiplus International Tournament Malta vs Georgia 0-2
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel was very open while speaking to the media after the game against Georgia.
"After the Moldova game, I gave a chance to the rest of the squad. We were soon under pressure after suffering an early goal. Two goals which were the results of mistakes. In the first goal, they took advantage of a series of mistakes on the left flank. On the other hand, although it was a well-taken freekick which led to the second goal, Haber was at fault," said Fitzel.
The national coach went on to say that the players suffered psychological pressure during the first half.
"With the introduction of Cohen and Barbara during the second half, we started to play our game although we were also helped by the dismissal of the Georgian player," continued Fitzel.
"We gained self-confidence and created a few chances. Despite the defeat, the game was still a good preparation. The players gave everything."
Speaking more in general, Fitzel said, "What I need to improve on the players' self-confidence. My task is to communicate with the players and to teach them to be tactically-disciplined."
Although he adopted a 4-1-4-1 formation, the Czech coach admitted that such a system would not be suited against strong teams as the defensive midfielder would need much more support.
Fitzel praised players like Luke Dimech for being a leader in defence and Michael Mifsud for his sharp movement and his ability not only when playing as a striker. He branded Gilbert Agius as one of the most clever players in the squad.
On the other hand, William Camenzuli failed to satisfy expectations and could not play at international level.
Fitzel concluded by revealing that Malta will be playing a friendly match against Japan on June 4th in Germany.
The players will be given a two-week break from national team training in order to be able to train with their clubs. Fitzel said he will be taking this opportunity to discuss more with coaches.
Meanwhile the president of the Georgian Football Federation, Nodar Akhalkatsi, said this tournament was very important for Georgia as they are building a new team under the guidance of German coach Klaus Toppmoller.
"This gave us the chance to try new players. Eight players were unable to travel for the tournament and therefore had to rely on players from the Under-21 and Under-19 teams. In fact, there were only four regular players from the senior team in the game against Moldova and just three in this game. "
- Pietà Hotspurs utility player Martin Deanov has landed the BOV Player of the Month award for February.
The 24-year old Bulgarian player, son of the Pietà coach Georgi Deanov, was launched into senior football by Pietà when only a teenager. His playing stint as an amateur with the Hotspurs caught the eyes of many.
He was in fact lured into signing for a club in his native land, Belasista Petrich, four years ago. Last season he rejoined Pietà and again he started leaving his mark.
His impressive form lately culminated in a five-star performance when helping his team beat Marsaxlokk 3-1. On the day his remarkable work-rate and skills on the ball brought him maximum points from the journalists when he was voted BOV Player of the Match.
Similar displays from this player are bound to help his colleagues raise their game.