June 2007
Sat 30
- UEFA Intertoto Cup Maribor vs Birkirkara 2-1
- The new format for the BOV Third Division Play-Offs was approved during a meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association which was held on Thursday.
As from next season, teams in the BOV Third Division League will be divided into two sections - one with ten teams and another with nine teams. Each section will be played on a two-round league basis. The winner of each section will be promoted automatically to Division 2.
Until last season, the teams placing third, fourth and fifth in the Third Division and the team placing tenth in the Second Division took part in promotion/relegation league on a single round basis. However the play-offs will now be played on a knock-out basis.
The two clubs placing third in each section of Division 3 will play a decider and the winner will play another decider against the team placing tenth in Division 2. The winner of this game will play against the winner of another decider between the two clubs placing second in each section of Division 3. The winner of the final decider wins promotion to Division 2.
Meanwhile the calendar for the BOV Third Division was also approved. The league kicks-off on September 21st and comes to an end on May 11.
The Championship Decider will be played on May 18 together with the first promotion decider between the two teams placing third.
The semi-finals of the promotion play-offs will be played on May 22 and the final will be played on May 25.
- On June 10th, Mtarfa F.C held its very first Annual General Meeting since the club was established on September 1st 2006.
A committee of 15 members was once again elected. Mr Joseph Vassallo was re-confirmed as the club president. Other officials were elected as follows. Vice-Presidents: Mr Anton Mifsud and Mr Carmel Cumbo Secretary: Mr Ian Sansone assisted by Mr Raymond Zahra, Treasurer: Mr John Said assisted by Mr Paul Mifsud. Other Members included Mr Bradley Borg, Mr Kevin Carbonaro, Mr Louis Camilleri, Mr Josef Mifsud, Mr Joseph Mary Mifsud, Mr Joe Borg, Mr Raymond Muscat, Mr Joseph Martin.
Mtarfa F.C have also confirmed their coach for the coming season. The committee also invites football fans to visit their website on www.mtarfafc.com.mt. Comments are very much appreciated.
- Matthew Fenech is the new president of First Division side Qormi FC following the club's Annual General Meeting.
No election was necessary due to the right number of candidates for the different posts. Stephen Scicluna will be holding the new post of club director.
The committee is formed as follows: President - Matthew Fenech, Senior Vice-President - Redeno Apap, Vice-President and Qormi Youth Nursery Chairman - Victor Camilleri, Secretary - Clint Debono, Treasurer - Anthony Saliba, Assistant Secretary and PRO - Marco Ciantar, Assistant Treasurer - Neville Spiteri, Kit-Manager - Emmanuel Vella, Assistant Kit-Manager - George Micallef, Club Director - Stephen Scicluna, Activities Director - Alan Desira. Tony Debono was appointed as club administrator.
Fri 29
- BOV Premier League runners-up Sliema Wanderers and U*BET FA Trophy winners Hibernians were handed a tough draw in the first qualifying round of the 2007/08 UEFA Cup. The Wanderers were drawn against Bulgarian side PFC Litex Lovech while FK Vojvodina Novi Sad from Serbia are the Paolites' opponents.
The draw was held at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday. The ceremony was be conducted by David Taylor, UEFA General Secretary, and Michele Centenaro, UEFA head of club competitions.
According to the draw, Sliema play the first leg at home while Hibs play the first leg in Novi Sad. The first qualifying round matches will be played over two legs on 19 July and 2 August.
Sliema Wanderers vs PFC Litex Lovech
Litex, who were founded in 1921, placed fourth in the Bulgarian First Division with 62 points, fifteen behind champions Levski Sofia. They won the Bulgarian championship twice (1998 and 1999) and the Bulgarian Cup twice (2001 and 2004).
They have a good record in Europe, with nineteen wins and nine draws in 44 matches. They first took part in a European competition in 1998. After eliminating Swedish side Halmstads BK in the Champions League first qualifying round, they were beaten heavily by Spartak Moscow. Their best performance was in season 2005/06. After eliminating NK Rijeka in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup, they moved on to the group stage after beating KRC Genk 3-2 on aggregate. After beating Grasshoppers and Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and losing to AZ Alkmaar and Middlesbrough, they still reached the third round but lost to Strasbourg on a 0-2 aggregate. Litex's largest win in a European competition was a 7-0 win over KN Zeljeznicar in the UEFA Cup qualifiers in August 2004.
Last season, they took part in the UEFA Cup. They eliminated NK Koper with a 6-0 aggregate score, Omonia Nicosia with a 2-1 aggregate score but were then eliminated by Maccabi Haifa.
On the other hand, for Sliema Wanderers, this will be the sixteenth participation in the UEFA Cup. Last season they were eliminated by Rapid Bucharest with a 6-0 aggregate score.
The Wanderers managed to reach a second round on four occasions - Cup Winners Cup 1968/69 eliminating Rumelange (Luxembourg), Champions Cup 1971/72 eliminating IA Akranes (Iceland), UEFA Cup 1996-97 eliminating Margveti Zestaphoni (Georgia) and Champions League 2003-04 eliminating Skonto Riga (Latvia). In Europe, Sliema have a record of twelve wins and three draws in 74 matches.
FK Vojvodina Novi Sad vs Hibernians
FK Vojvodina placed third in the Serbian first division, twenty points behind champions Red Star Belgrade and three behind Partizan Belgrade. They lost the Serbian Cup final 0-2 to Red Star.
Vojvodina were founded in 1914 and were a successful side in the former Yugoslavia. They won the championship in 1966 and 1989 and were runners-up in 1957, 1962 and 1975.
They took part in a European competition for the first time in the UEFA Cup 1962/63. In 1966/67, they reached the quarter-finals of the Champions Cup after eliminating Admira Wien and Atletico Madrid. The following season, Vojvodina eliminated Barreiro, Lokomotiv Leipzig and Goztepe to reach the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup. The last time they took part in the UEFA Cup was during season 1999/2000 when they were eliminated from the second qualifying round of the competition. They have a record of fifteen wins and five draws in 33 matches in Europe.
Hibernians took part in the UEFA Cup nine times. Last year, Hibs were eliminated by Dinamo Bucharest of Romania with an aggregate score of 9-1.
They qualified twice for a further round eliminating Fram Reykjavik (Iceland) in the Cup winners' Cup 1971/72 and Shelbourne (Ireland) in the UEFA Champions League 2002/03. In Europe, Hibs have a record of eight wins and seven draws in 58 matches.
- Marsaxlokk will be facing FK Sarajevo in the first qualifying round of the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League. The draw as held on Friday at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.
The first leg is scheduled at Ta' Qali on July 17/18 with the second leg being played at the Asim Ferhatovic Hase Stadium in Sarajevo on July 24/25.
The winner of the clash between Marsaxlokk and Sarajevo will then meet Belgian side KRC Genk, Carmel Busuttil's former club. The first leg of the second qualifying round takes place on 31 July/1 August in Genk and the second leg on 7/8 August.
This is the second time, Marsaxlokk will be facing a team from Bosnia-Herzegovina after being eliminated from the UEFA Intertoto Cup last season by Bosnian side, NK Zrinjski Mostar, following a 3-0 defeat away from home and a 1-1 draw at the Hibs Ground.
Ironically, FK Sarajevo won the Premijer Liga in Bosnia-Herzegovina with a total of 57 points, just three points ahead of NK Zrinjski.
FK Sarajevo were established in 1946 and were one of the most successful Bosnian sides even in the former Yugoslavia, winning two championships in 1967 and 1985. With Bosnia-Herzegovina becoming an independent state, FK Sarajevo won another two championships in 1999 and 2007 and four cups in 1997, 1998, 2002 and 2005.
They took part nine times in European competitions. They have a record of eight wins and eight draws in 28 matches.
They took part for the first time in 1967 when they eliminated Olympiakos Nicosia in the first round of the Champions Cup but were then ousted by Manchester United in the second round. In 1983, they reached the third round of the UEFA Cup after eliminating Slavia Sofia and Corvinul Hunedoara but were then eliminated by Anderlecht. Last season, FK Sarajevo took part in the UEFA Cup, beating Andorran side Rangers in the first qualifying round. However in the next round, they were eliminated by Rapid Bucharest on a 2-1 aggregate score. Rapid had beaten Sliema Wanderers 5-0 in Bucharest and 1-0 at Ta' Qali in the first round.
This is the third time, Marsaxlokk are taking part in a European competition. In their first attempt, in the UEFA Cup 2003/04, they were eliminated by NK Primorje of Slovenia on a 3-0 aggregate score after losing 0-1 at Ta' Qali and 2-0 in Slovenia.
- The Council of the Malta Football Association voted in favour of granting an amnesty to mark three important events for the association.
The first six months of 2007 were marked by the re-election of MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud to the UEFA Executive Committee in January, the 50 years of international participation by the national team which was celebrated in February and the inauguration of the new MFA Headquarters at the Millennium Stand on Wednesday.
Players and officials who were suspended for single matches or had term-suspensions up to the 30th June 2009 had their suspension cancelled. Players and officials with longer term suspensions had their ban reduced by two years.
The only players who will not benefit from these suspensions are players who were suspended in recent doping cases. These include a player of Tarxien Rainbows and a player of Vittoriosa Stars who were suspended earlier this month and other players who are due to be suspended in the coming weeks after testing positive in doping tests which were carried out towards the end of the season.
- Birkirkara face Slovenian side NK Maribor in the second leg of the UEFA Intertoto Cup first round this afternoon at the Ljudski vrt Stadium in Maribor in the first leg of the UEFA Intertoto Cup, kick-off at 17:00.
In the first leg, which was played at the Hibs Ground, a brace by Dimitar Ivanov Makriev and a late goal by Damir Pekic gave Maribor a most comfortable 3-0 win thanks to which they have almost already set-up a second round clash with Serbian side Hajduk Kula in the second round of the competition.
Birkirkara players will wear black armbands in respect of the victims in the St Helen's Fireworks Factory tragedy.
The match will be controlled by referee Sokol Jareci from Albania who will be assisted by Genci Maloku and Emiliano Bicaku.
- First Division side Marsa have appointed Jimmy Briffa as their new coach.
A former coach of St. Andrews, Balzan Youths and Floriana among other clubs, Briffa coached Lija Athletic in Division 2 last season.
Last year, Marsa were managed by coach Edmond Lufi, who took over from Michael Molzahn in November. The Albanian-born coach is now assistant coach to Robert Gatt at Hibernians.
- Joe Attard, FIFA Referee, has been appointed by UEFA to control the UEFA Intertoto Cup first round second leg match between FK Vllaznia and NK Zagreb on Saturday 30th June 2007.
FIFA Assistant Referees Ingmar Spiteri and Edward Spiteri will be his Assistants in the match in Shkoder, Albania.
Thu 28
- Valletta and Malta national team captain Gilbert Agius was voted Footballer of the Year after polling a total of 46.34%.
This is the third time Agius claimed this award after winning the Footballer of the Year award in 1996/97 and 2000/01.
Marsaxlokk striker Daniel Bogdanovic placed second with 42.28% and Birkirkara midfielder George Mallia third with 40.63%. Another two Marsaxlokk players Kevin Sammut and Luke Dimech placed fourth and fifth respectively with 39.31% and 34.44%.
In Division 1, John Paul Muscat (Mqabba) was voted Best Player ahead of Kenneth Abela (St. Patrick) and Alan Tabone (Tarxien Rainbows). Justin Spiteri (San Gwann) and Stephen Meilak (Hamrun Spartans) placed fourth and fifth respectively.
Daniel Scerri (Lija Athletic) was voted Best Second Division Player. Adam Smeir (Rabat Ajax) placed second and Wayne Borg St John (Mellieha) third. Malcolm Tirchett (Balzan Youths) finished in fourth place and Gordon Mallia (Zebbug Rangers) fifth.
Fgura United's Clint Ellul won the Best Third Division Player award. Julian Azzopardi (Zurrieq), Malcolm Bugeja (Mgarr United), Jean Paul Abela (Zejtun Corinthians) and Carlo Leonardi (Pembroke Athleta)placed second to fifth respectively.
Henry Bonello (Sliema Wanderers) was voted Best Youth Player. Two Pietà Hotspurs players - Carl Pulo and Domenic Mifsud placed second and third respectively. John Mintoff (Sliema Wanderers) placed fourth and Dylan Zarb (Valletta) fifth.
Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara) was voted Best Female Player. Dorianne Theuma (Hibernians) placed second, Roxanne Gatt (Mosta) third and Antonia Dimech (Birkirkara) fourth.
Zeljko Anicic (Jeepers Handyman Centre) won the Best Futsal Player Award ahead of Mark Sullivan (Amazon Pago) and Antoine Spiteri (Demons).
Top Scorers
Premier League: 1. Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk) 31 goals; 2. Ivan Woods (Sliema) 20 goals; 3. Omar Sebastian Monesterolo (Valletta) 16 goals.
First Division: 1. Kenneth Abela (St. Patrick) 17 goals; 2. Chima Dozie (Senglea) 16 goals; 3. John Paul Muscat and Johann Zammit (Qormi) 11 goals.
Second Division: 1. Malcolm Tirchett (Balzan) and Chris Ciappara (Dingli) 16 goals; 3. Matthew Borg I (Melita) 14 goals.
Third Division: 1. Clint Ellul (Fgura) 19 goals; 2. Lawrence Vella (Gharghur) 15 goals; 3. Bjorn Dalli (Ghaxaq) and Godwin Mifsud (Zejtun) 13 goals.
Women's League: 1. Ylenia Carabott (Hibs) 18 goals; Amanda Atkins (Sliema Raiders) 13 goals; 3. Sarah Caruana (Hibs) and Dorianne Theuma (Hibs) 12 goals.
Fair Play Awards
Premier League: 1. Marsa, 2. St. George's, 3. Sliema Wanderers.
First Division: 1. Naxxar Lions, 2. Tarxien Rainbows, 3. Qormi.
Second Division: 1. Dingli Swallows, 2. St. Andrews, 3. Melita.
Third Division: 1. Zurrieq, 2. Mdina Knights, 3. Zejtun Corinthians.
- The draw for the first two qualifying rounds of the 2007/08 UEFA Champions League and the first qualifying round of the 2007/08 UEFA Cup will be held at the UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday. Representing Malta in the Champions League are Marsaxlokk while Sliema Wanderrs and Hibernians will be taking part in the UEFA Cup.
The Champions League draw will be held at 12:00 CET while the UEFA Cup draw will be held at 13:00. The ceremonies will be conducted by David Taylor, UEFA General Secretary, and Michele Centenaro, UEFA head of club competitions.
The three Maltese teams are unseeded as they all hold a coefficient of 0.550.
The Champions League first qualifying round draw will feature 28 teams, all of whom are domestic title-holders, except for Ireland's Derry City, and includes the champions of Montenegro, Andorra and San Marino for the first time.
The seeded teams in the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round and hence possible opponents for Marsaxlokk are:
NK Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia), APOEL Nicosia (Cyprus), NK Domzale (Slovenia), IF Elfsborg (Sweden), FK Sarajevo (Bosnia-Herzegovina), FK Ventspils (Latvia), MSK Zilina (Slovakia), Derry City FC (Ireland), FH Hafnarfjardar (Iceland), FBK Kaunas (Lithuania), Tampere United (Finland), FC Sheriff Tiraspol (Moldova), FC Olimpi Rustavi (Georgia), FK Pobeda Prilep (Macedonia).
The unseeded teams in this round are FC BATE Borisov (Belarus), KF Tirana (Albania), FC Levadia Tallinn (Estonia), FC Pyunik Yerevan (Armenia), FK Khazar Lenkoran (Azerbaijan), FK Astana (Kazakhstan), Linfield Belfast (Northern Ireland), The New Saints FC (Wales), HB Torshavn (Faroe Islands), F91 Dudelange (Luxembourg), Marsaxlokk, Ràngers FC (Andorra), SS Murata (San Marino) and FK Zeta Golubovci (Montenegro).
The first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League will be staged over two legs on 17/18 and 24/25 July, with the second qualifying round taking place on 31 July/1 August and 7/8 August.
Meanwhile in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, the 74 teams are divided first according to geographical criteria and are then divided into seeded and unseeded teams. The Maltese teams are placed in the Southern-Mediterranean region which includes clubs from: Albania, Andorra, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Israel, Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia.
In case, there are no changes, the seeded teams, and hence possible opponents for Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians are:
FK Partizan Belgrade (Serbia), PFC Litex Lovech (Bulgaria), Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel), HNK Hajduk Split (Croatia), FK Vojvodina Novi Sad (Serbia), FK Bezanija (Serbia), Anorthosis Famagusta FC (Cyprus), NK Nova Gorica (Slovenia), NK Slaven Koprivnica (Croatia), AC Omonia Nicosia (Cyprus) and FC Koper (Slovenia).
The unseeded teams are NK Siroki Brijeg (Bosnia-Herzegovina), NK Zrinjski Mostar (Bosnia-Herzegovina), FK Vardar Skopje and FK Rabotnicki Skopje (Macedonia), KS Besa Kavaje and KS Teuta Durres (Albania), Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers, FK Rudar Pljevlja and FK Buducnost Podgorica (Montenegro), Santa Coloma (Andorra).
The UEFA Cup first qualifying round matches will be played over two legs on 19 July and 2 August.
Wed 27
- The new headquarters of the Malta Football Association at the Millennium Stand - Ta' Qali were inaugurated on Wednesday by the President of the Republic Dr Edward Fenech Adami.
The new headquarters was one of a number of projects on which the association had been working over the past months.
In order to finance the project, the association submitted a request for a 400,000 US dollars grant to the FIFA Goal Project II which was then approved by the international body. Swiss television rights and advertising company Infront AG also financed the project with another 200,000 euro.
The new headquarters will provide ample space for administrative work to be done in comfortably spacious surroundings. Offices and board rooms are spread over two floors covering an area of 1100 square metres compared the 250 square metres which were available at the old headquarters in Valletta.
Two commemorative plaques were unveiled and the headquarters were then blessed by the Bishop of Gozo, Mons. Mario Grech.
Among the distinguished guests for the inauguration of the new MFA Headquarters were new UEFA general secretary David Taylor and Liutauras Varnavicius - a member of the FIFA Goal Bureau.
Besides the installation of a new FIFA 2-Star Recommended artificial turf pitch at the Centenary Stadium which will cost about a quarter of a million Maltese liri, a number of other projects will be completed in the coming weeks. These include the new glass partitions at the West Stand which will replace the iron fencing, the new scoreboard, the conversion of the old gymnasium into a National Team Headquarters and the installation of close-circuit television (CCTV) at the National Stadium and eventually at other venues as well.
- Malta international goalkeeper Justin Haber joined Greek side Haidari FC. He signed a two-year contract.
This will be the fourth experience abroad for Haber. He played for a short spell with SK Dobrudzha in Bulgaria in season 2000/01. In season 2005/06, Haber played for French non-league side US Quevilly and last summer he had joined Belgian Second Division side Excelsior Virton.
He left Excelsior Virton in December and returned to Malta where he joined Marsaxlokk.
A product of Floriana, Haber moved to Birkirkara in summer 2002 where he spent three years.
Haidari FC play in the Second Division in Greece. Last season, they finished in the thirteenth place.
- Valletta continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of Pietà Hotspurs goalkeeper Andrew Hogg.
The twenty-two year old goalkeeper is a Hotspurs product, making his Premier League debut in season 2001/02. In season 2003/04, he moved to Italy where he played with the primavera side of Bari. Back in Malta, he had to fight for the number one shirt at Pietà with Saviour Darmanin who was the number one choice at Valletta last season.
Valletta FC secured the service of international Goalkeeper Andrew Hogg from Pieta Hotspurs. Andrew Hogg signed a five year deal with Valletta FC this afternoon. Hogg 22 years old is a product of the Pieta Hotspurs Nursery. Hogg made his first appearance in the Premier league at an early age of 17 years with Pieta Hotspurs and even had some international experience in Italy with Bari.
The Citizens have already announced the signing of another four players so far - Sliema Wanderers midfielder Stefan Giglio, Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo, German midfielder Heiner Backhaus and Msida St. Joseph defender Josef Mifsud.
Earlier this week, captain Gilbert Agius also agreed a new four-year contract with the club. Steve Bezzina, Kurt Magro and Mark Barbara also signed new contracts.
- Second Division side Naxxar Lions appointed Leonard Farrugia as their new coach.
The former Valletta player, who holds an A License, spent several years coaching Kirkop United and had also worked at the Malta Football Association youth sector.
- The Paola Hibs Youth Nursery is receiving applications from children aged five to twelve to join the nursery for the coming season.
The Hibernians FC women's football section is also receiving applications from girls, aged 8 and over, wishing to join the club.
More details can be obtained from Victor Ellul on telephone numbers 99449286, 21234664 or 21673102.
Tue 26
- The new headquarters of the Malta Football Association at the Millennium Stand - Ta' Qali will be inaugurated on Wednesday by the President of the Republic Dr Edward Fenech Adami. Details about the project were given by MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud during a press conference on Tuesday.
The MFA president said this was the first time the association was moving its headquarters out of Valletta. He said that after that a number of buildings had hosted the MFA's premises, in the early eighties, the need for a more adequate place was felt and the present headquarters in 280 St. Paul's Street Valletta was bought. However after twenty-two years, the premises have become too small for the association to function properly.
The choice of Ta' Qali was a natural one considering that its sports and other administrative facilities were already there. Transferring the headquarters to Ta' Qali means that all the association's administration will all be located there.
The biggest concern were then how to finance the project since the association had already started working on other projects, including the installation of a new FIFA 2-Star Recommended artificial turf pitch at the Centenary Stadium which will cost about a quarter of a million Maltese liri.
In order to finance the project, the association submitted a request for a 400,000 US dollars grant to the FIFA Goal Project II. This was approved by the international body. Swiss television rights and advertising company Infront AG also financed the project with another 200,000 euro. Therefore the Malta Football Association was able to set-up its new headquarters with an expenditure of a quarter of a million Maltese liri without taking any loans from banks.
The new headquarters will provide ample space for administrative work to be done in comfortably spacious surroundings. Offices and board rooms are spread over two floors covering an area of 1100 square metres compared the 250 square metres which were available at the old headquarters in Valletta.
Dr Mifsud thanked all those involved in the set-up of these new headquarters namely FIFA and Infront AG, the members of the Executive Committee, the members of the MFA Sports Facilities Board, the engineers who contributed to this project, the different contractors and MFA employees for the work done under the supervision of MFA vice-president Ludovico Micallef.
The MFA president concluded by saying that other projects will be completed in the coming weeks. These include the new glass partitions at the West Stand which will replace the iron fencing, the new scoreboard, the conversion of the old gymnasium into a National Team Headquarters and the installation of close-circuit television (CCTV) at the National Stadium and eventually at other venues as well.
The inauguration ceremony of the new MFA Headquarters will be held on Wednesday at 19:30. The headquarters will be inaugurated by the President of the Republic and will be blessed by the Bishop of Gozo Mons Mario Grech.
Among the distinguished guests for the inauguration will be new UEFA general secretary David Taylor, Liutauras Varnavicius from the FIFA Goal Bureau and FIFA Development Officer for Europe Eva Pasquier. The presidents of both UEFA and FIFA were willing to attend but were unable to do so due to a FIFA Executive meeting.
- Season 2007/2008 kicks-off on Monday 9th July with the first competition of the season - the Euro Challenge Cup.
In the first match, Hibernians face Sliema Wanderers.
On Wednesday 11, the third team in the competition - Marsaxlokk will be in action as they take on the loser of the first game. On Friday 13, the winner of the first game face Marsaxlokk.
In case of a draw in the first game, Marsaxlokk take on Hibernians on Wednesday and Sliema on Friday.
- MFA general secretary Joe Gauci and treasurer Alex Manfre were appointed on two UEFA committees. Gauci will be forming part of the National Associations Committee while Manfre is now a member of the Media Committee.
This decision was taken during the UEFA Executive Committee meeting which was held in the Netherlands last week.
MFA senior vice-president Carmelo Bartolo and vice-president Ludovico Micallef retained their posts in the UEFA Appeals Board and the UEFA Youth Committee respectively.
Meanwhile while speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud revealed that vice-president John Farrugia had decided to suspend himself from the post of vice-president after he was being investigated over matters which however are not related to football. The case is related to his full-time job at the Malta Maritime Authority.
Farrugia decided to suspend himself temporarily until next month's Annual General Meeting.
Dr Mifsud said that this was the most correct thing to do for Farrugia at this point although according to Maltese laws, one is presumed innocent until found guilty by the Law Courts. He thanked Mr Farrugia for the service offered to the game.
- Msida St. Joseph secured the services of St. George's duo Clive Brincat and Lawrence Mizzi. Both players join Msida on a one-year loan.
Both Brincat and Mizzi are club products although Mizzi spent some time on loan with Vittoriosa Stars.
Msida, who confirmed Patrick Curmi as their coach, had so far released Paul Fenech and Josef Mifsud who joined Birkirkara and Valletta respectively.
Mon 25
- Malta international striker Daniel Bogdanovic is currently on trial with Norwegian side SK Brann.
Officials from Brann had watched the Marsaxlokk striker in action in the EURO 2008 qualifier between Malta and Norway in Oslo earlier this month. Contacts were then established with the player's representatives - Star Soccer Agency and FIFA Licensed Players' Agent Julian Holland.
The player left Malta on Sunday and in the afternoon, he watch SK Brann in action away to Viking Stavanger. Viking won 3-1. SK Brann are currently second in the table.
On Monday, Bogdanovic attended the first training session and did very well.
Born in Montenegro, Daniel Bogdanovic arrived in Malta in October 1998 together with his father Milosar Bogdanovic who coached Hamrun Spartans for a short period during season 1998/99. Bogdanovic moved to Gozo and later played in Tunisia for Esperance Sportive. In the mean time, he was also included in the Malta Under 21 squad. The Yugoslav striker joined Sliema mid-way through season 1999/2000 after a short trial with Floriana. In summer 2001, Bogdanovic had joined Vasas SC in Hungary and on his return to Malta, he joined Naxxar Lions. He then moved to Valletta but in January 2003, he signed for Cherno More Varna in Bulgaria.
Back in Malta in summer 2003, Bogdanovic joined Sliema Wanderers but mid-way through the season, he was transferred to Marsaxlokk. In November 2004, he moved to Gozo where he was loaned to Ghajnsielem. He spent season 2005/06 with Sliema Wanderers but last summer, he returned to Marsaxlokk whom he helped win the Premier League title for the first time after scoring thirty-one goals.
Earlier this season, Bogdanovic went for a trial with Watford in England.
- Mr Joe Cordina was confirmed as President of the Gozo Football Association for the next two years during the Annual General Meeting which was held on Monday 25th June 2007.
The Executive Committee of the Gozo FA will therefore be formed as follows: President - Joe Cordina, Vice-Presidents - Joe Camilleri and Charles Calleja, General Secretary - Alvin Grech, Deputy General Secretary - Mario Camilleri, Treasurer - Anthony Camilleri, Assistant Treasurer - Francis Grech, P.R.O - Joe Louis Sciberras, and GFA Facilities Manager - Charlie Farrugia.
Addressing the members, Mr Cordina spoke about the work done by the GFA administration over the past six years. He said that despite the financial constraints, the GFA has done its best to improve the facilities at the Gozo Stadium. In fact the GFA recently inaugurated the floodlighting project at the Gozo Stadium. This was done with the support of the Ministry for Sport, Ministry of Finance and the Ministry for Gozo. Member Clubs and supporters are the main beneficiaries of this project.
"We are determined to keep on working on other projects so that Gozo will have a modern and fully equipped stadium," continued Mr Cordina. The GFA President said the association needs to work harder to attract more youths to the game and to encourage them to keep on playing football.
Another target of the association is to strengthen the Gozo FC without disrupting the GFA leagues and to organise a female League.
- Mr Warren Muscat is the new coach of Third Division side Gudja United.
Muscat, who is a physical education teacher, has been serving as a head coach with the Gudja Nursery for the last six years. Last season, he assisted former coach Jason Bartolo with the senior squad during the season and coached the Under-19 squad and Under-16 squads.
The coach, committee and players will have their first meeting at the club premises on Monday. The meeting will be followed by a presentation night where the award for last season's best player will be presented.
- Mr Anthony Cassar was confirmed as president of Tarxien Rainbows following the club's Annual General Meeting.
The two vice-presidents are Louis Zammit and Charles Cassar while Kevin Bonavia and Albert Catania were confirmed as secretary and treasurer respectively.
The other members of the committee are: Asst. Secretary - Alphonse Saliba; Asst. Treasurer - Frank Vella; Team Manager - John Vella; Member: George Vella. John Vella is also MFA Executive Committee & Council Member.
The team's new coach is Noel Coleiro.
Sun 24
- UEFA Intertoto Cup Birkirkara vs Maribor 0-3
- The Pietà Hotspurs Youth Football Nursery will be taking part once again in a prestigious tournament abroad - this time being the Welsh International Super Cup.
This will be the twenty-third edition of the tournament which is widely considered as Wales and the UK’s number one international summer tournament. Teams from around of the world will be in attendance at what will be a true showcase of football. The tournament will as usual attract many football scouts from Premiership clubs in the search for the future stars of the game.
In past years players such as Michael Owen, Shay Given, Steve Gerrard, Mark Delaney, Robbie Fowler, Dieter Hamann, Andriy Shevchenko, Thomas Rosicky have all played at this annual event and gone on to achieve great accolades in the game.
The Pietà Nursery will participate with two teams - class I and class J respectively.
The tournament. which will be held between July 22 and 28, is played on some of the best soccer grass pitches to be found in the UK. A contingent of forty-two players and officials will visit Aberstwyth during this tournament. The coaches in charge of the teams will be Frankie Ciantar, Jesmond Sultana and head-coach Godfrey Grima while the team delegate will be Damian Saliba.
For more information visit website www.welshsupercup.com
- The new committee of First Division side Marsa FC was elected following the club's Annual General Meeting which was held on Sunday.
Twanny Mercieca was confirmed as president while Justin Gauci and Raymond Bonnici will be holding the posts of secretary and treasurer respectively.
The other members of the committee are: Carmel Cachia - vice-president; Paul Caruana - Kit Manager, David Pace - Team Manager, Amante Spiteri - assistant treasurer, Bertu Zammit - assistant secretary and George Scicluna, George Attard, Lizio Vella and Jason Cini - members.
- Following the club's Annual General Meeting, the new Rabat Ajax Football Club committee for season 2007/08 will be formed as follows: President: Mr. Amadeo Zammit, Vice-President: Mr. Anthony Bugeja, Secretary: Mr. Mario Grima, Finance Secretary: Mr. Paul Bugeja, Ass. Secretary: Mr. Etienne Cachia, Ass. Finance Secretary: Mr. Brian Borg, Members: Mr. Andrew Cachia, Mr. Glenn Micallef and Mr. Victor Sammut.
- Mdina Knights FC's wrapped up its season with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on June the 24th 2007, at Corte Capitanale, Misrah il-Kunsill Mdina, whereby the members analysed and scrutinised the past season, and discussed the optimal way forward.
The elected executive committee composed of nine elements are, Eman Puliswho retained his post as Club President, Sean Buhagiar - Vice President, Matthew Paris was installed as the club's General Secretary, Neville Pullicino, a new recruit,
was appointed as the Financial Administrator, Gilbert Camilleri retained his position as PRO, whereas Keith Galea, Joseph Formosa, Edmond Camilleri and Mario Galea Testaferata were appointed as Executive Committee Members.
The newly appointed committee unveiled a new sponsorship agreement for the forthcoming season. ActiveZone, which resides within the Junior College in Msida shall offer sportive and gym facilities to the squad. Eman Pulis, the club's President, defined such agreement as a key milestone for the club, since it will aid players with the necessary facilities to perform better. The executive committee would like to express it gratitude to ActiveZone and its entire staff.
Sat 23
- Valletta and Malta national team captain Gilbert Agius is favourite to claim the MFA Footballer of the Year award after five players were shortlisted after a first round of votes.
Agius obtained a total of 66 votes. He was followed by Marsaxlokk's Kevin Sammut and Birkirkara's George Mallia who both obtained 58 votes. Premier League top scorer Daniel Bogdanovic of Marsaxlokk is fourth with 57 points and Luke Dimech fifth with 46 points.
The players will now be awarded points for appearances, but shall be penalised with points for yellow/red cards. Points for appearances shall be awarded in connection with Premier League and FA Trophy matches and national team matches in the EURO 2008 qualifiers. Demerit points are deducted in connection with these matches.
A player is awarded three points for having taken part in a match even if the player is substituted and two points for having taken part in a match as a substitute. On the other hand, a player is penalised by one point for each yellow card, four points for each red card and one point for reported misconduct before or after a match.
The winner will be announced during the first meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association which will be held in July.
Gilbert Agius already won the award twice - in 1996/97 and 2000/01. For the other four finalists, it would be the first time they won the award.
- Newly-promoted Hamrun Spartans secured the services of Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong. At Hamrun, he will be joining new coach Marco Gerada, also formerly of St. George's.
Effiong had joined St. George's last January after spending two years in Gozo with Kercem Ajax. He was an instant hit with the Saints, scoring no less than eight goals.
- Alfred Attard is the new coach of Second Division side Balzan Youths.
Attard, who is also a former player of Balzan, had been coaching Sta. Venera Lightnings, winning promotion from the Third Division in season 2005/06. Last season, he reached the club's objective of maintaining their Second Division status by avoiding relegation.
Balzan Youths placed fifth in the BOV Second Division last season but then managed to win the quick-KENO Second & Third Division Knock-Out.
- “Keep up the good work. Never turn away a child who wants to play football.” This was the message delivered by Arsenal FC coach, Paul Shipwright when he addressed Maltese youth coaches during the Emirates-sponsored seminar on youth football development held at the Corinthia San Gorg Hotel, St Georges Bay.
Accompanied by his coach colleague from Arsenal FC, Martin Davis, Paul Shipwright traveled to Malta for the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2007, which is sponsored by the Dubai based international airline, Emirates, and they were hosted by the Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC).
Following a brief introduction by the AMSC Chairman, Richard Felice Pace, Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis gave an outline of their work and activities at Arsenal FC. They shared their experiences and gave some basic and very practical hints. This was followed by a questions and answers session with the Maltese coaches.
Arsenal Community department provides football training for every body. Eighty per cent of the children train as a recreation. The best players are selected to join the Arsenal Soccer Schools while the very best of these go to the Academy.
“Spend quality time with each player who comes to your club, both the talented one and the less talented” advised Paul, who has been running soccer schools for the past 20 years. He was replying to a question raised by one of the coaches who showed concern that youth coaches are nowadays concentrating too much on league results which may leave little time to work towards developing good players.
The Arsenal Soccer Schools provide quality training and physical education for the young players. They stimulate interest in football and they help to support Arsenal Football Club as the top talent move to Academy. These best players are the future of Arsenal Club. Many top players such as Justin Hoyte, David Bentley, Ashley Cole and Steve Sidewell have started training at Arsenal soccer schools and the Academy.
Another point raised was football training for girls, which is quickly picking up among many Nursery Clubs. Arsenal coaches confirmed that the girls follow the same training sessions as for boys. They train with boys until the age of 11 years.
Asked if nursery clubs should educate the players on nutrition, Paul Shipwright said that it is important that first the parents should be educated about nutrition and know what their child should eat in particular before and after a training session. “Parents have to understand which good food their child should consume. They must guide their children on their eating habits,” said Paul.
AMSC PRO Peter Paul Gauci, thanked the audience and the Nurseries they visited the day before. He said that Paul and Martin enjoyed the visits to the youth nurseries of Qormi, Hamrun Spartans, Birkirkara and Melita and were pleased with the work they saw.
Emirates Manager for Malta and Cyprus, Paul Fleri Soler, thanked Mr Shipwright and Mr Davis for their very informative talk. He said: “I am confident that next year we can further expand on this activity for the benefit of the Maltese coaches.” This was the second seminar on youth football development, held as part of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge and supported by Emirates.
- Following Lija Athletic’s Annual General Meeting, on Friday 15th June, the following members were elected to represent the Second Division side for the next Season 2007-2008.
Charles J. Scerri was confirmed as President of the Club. Carmel Mallia is Vice-President, while Carmel Bonnici and Felix Cuschieri were both re-confirmed as Secretary and Treasurer Respectively. Lawrence Borg was appointed as Club Director. The other members of the committee are: David Formosa, Clinton Bonnici, Saviour Sammut, Charles Diedo, Carmel Cilia, Samuel Cutajar - P.R.O., William Mintoff, Emmanuel Bezzina, Sunny Scerri – MFA Delegate and newly elected member Louis Fenech.
Meanwhile Anthony Grech is the new coach for Lija Athletic for Season 2007-2008. Grech has coached Qormi FC, Mqabba FC and Zebbug Rangers among others.
- The new committee of Sirens FC was elected following the club's Annual General Meeting which was held on June 14th at the Sirens Football Ground.
Hon. Censu Galea was confirmed as president. Carmel Agius is the vice-president while Martin Xuereb and Joseph Agius hold the posts of secretary and treasurer respectively.
Lino Camilleri is the assistant secretary and also the ground and kit manager while Paul Fenech is the assistant treasurer. The other members of the committee are Paul Deguara - MFA Council Member, Francis Farrugia - PRO, Alan Bugeja and Joseph Portelli.
Fri 22
- Birkirkara will be hosting Slovenian side NK Maribor in the first leg of the UEFA Intertoto Cup first round at the Hibs Ground on Sunday, kick-off at 16:00.
After winning the championship in season 2005/06, the Stripes had to settle for third place after a most disappointing start to their Premier League campaign.
Under the guidance of coach John Buttigieg, Birkirakra will be hoping for a good performance against Maribor in their bid to boost the morale ahead of the coming season. Over the past weeks, the Stripes informed a number of players they were no longer in the club's plans. These players, namely William Camenzuli, Etienne Barbara, Clint Micallef and Mark Anthony Bonnici, are yet to join another club but will still miss the game against Maribor.
Paul Fenech, Kenneth Spiteri and Emil Yantchev who already agreed to join Birkirkara for the coming season are not eligible as only players registered with the club during season 2006/07 are eligible.
Maribor are taking part in the Intertoto Cup after placing third in the Slovenian Prva Liga.
NK Maribor are one of the leading clubs in Slovenia winning the seven successive championships between 1996/97 and 2002/03. They won the Slovenian Cup five times - 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999 and 2004.
They participated regularly in European competitions since 1992. Ironically in their first participation, they met Hamrun Spartans in the qualifying round of the Cup Winners Cup. Maribor qualified after a 4-0 in Slovenia and a narrow 1-2 defeat at Ta' Qali.
In season 1999/2000, Maribor went through the Champions League qualifiers, beating KRC Genk (aggregate 5-4) and Olympique Lyon (aggregate 3-0) and secured a place in group phase of the competition. NK Maribor beat Dynamo Kyiv 1-0 away from home and held Bayer Leverkusen in a goalless draw although they were eliminated.
Last year, they took part in the UEFA Intertoto Cup. They were one of the teams to go through all the stages and qualify for the UEFA Cup. They eliminated Sant Julià of Andorra (aggregate 8-0), Zeta of Montenegro (aggregate 5-0) and Spanish side Villareal (aggregate 3-2). However in the UEFA Cup, they lost with a 2-3 aggregate score to Partizan Belgrade.
For Birkirkara, this is the first time they will be playing in the Intertoto Cup. They have been participating regularly in the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Champions League since 1996. On one occasion, they managed to reach a second round. In fact, in 2001, they eliminated Lokomotiv Tbilisi of Georgia.
So far only one Maltese club managed to reach a second round in the Intertoto Cup. In 1999, Floriana had eliminated Welsh side Aberystwyth Town with a 4-3 aggregate score.
The team which qualifies will meet Hajduk Kula of Serbia in the second round. The second round matches take place on 7/8 and 14/15 July.
The match between Birkirkara and Maribor will be controlled by officials from Azerbaijan - referee Fariz Yusifov and assistant referees Elman Musaev and Roman Vasilyev. Tickets are Lm 2 for men. Women, children and Kartanzjan holders enter for free.
The return match will be played in Maribor on Saturday 30th.
Thu 21
- Valletta continued to strengthen their side as they secured the services of Msida St. Joseph defender Josef Mifsud.
Mifsud, who is also a member of the national team squad, was attracting the interest of Birkirkara as well.
A product of Sliema Wanderers, Mifsud made his Premier League debut in season 2001/02. He was loaned to Lija Athletic in Division 1 in 2002/03 and Msida in 2003/04. He has been playing for the Saints for the past four years.
So far, Valletta have already reached agreements with Sliema Wanderers midfielder Stefan Giglio, German midfielder Heiner Backhaus and Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo.
- Chris Lautier, FIFA Referee, has been appointed as Referee in the UEFA Intertoto Cup first round first leg match between UE Sant Julia of Andorra and FK Slavia Sarajevo of Bosnia-Herzegovina to be played at Andorra la Vella on Saturday 23rd June 2007.
Lautier will be assisted by FIFA Assistant Referees, Konrad G. Borg and Charles Micallef.
- With effect from Monday, 25th June, 2007, the MFA Administration (with the exception of the Finance Department) will start operating from the new Headquarters at the Millennium Stand (Floors 2 and 3), National Stadium at Ta' Qali which will be officially inaugurated on Wednesday evening, 27th June.
All correspondence is to be addressed as follows:
The General Secretary,
Malta Football Association,
Millennium Stand (Floor 2),
National Stadium,
Ta' Qali ATD 4000
The contact numbers will remain the same: Tel. 21 222 697, 21 232 581; Fax: 21 245 136
- The committee of Gudja Youth Nursery is pleased to announced that it has launched a new website, http://www.gudjayn.com
This website will be focusing on the Football Nursery of Gudja and will be providing regular and updated information on all age groups and on what is going to be happening during the coming season.
Meanwhile, Gudja Youth Nursery is receiving applications for kids, boys and girls, from 6 to 16 years of age who would like to join our nursery for the coming season 2007/2008.
All those interested can download the application form from the website www.gudjayn.com, fill it in and return it to the Gudja Youth Nursery Football Ground or send the application form by email to info@gudjayn.com or by post to 60, Triq il-Lewz, Gudja. GDJ1712
Wed 20
- Wednesday 27th June 2007 will be a big day for the MFA since a new chapter will be etched in the annals of the Association.
The occasion will be the inauguration of the new MFA Headquarters at the Millennium Stand, National Stadium, Ta’ Qali.
This is the first time that the Association is moving its administrative centre out of Valletta. The Headquarters at 280, St Paul’s Street, owned by the association since 1983, had become too small for the MFA to conduct its operations from.
Administrative work had to be done in comfortably spacious surroundings which befit modern times. The two floors at the Millennium Stand were an ideal place for such a base.
Work on the new premises started last year, and thanks to funding, mainly by FIFA, other financial backing from the Swiss Television and Advertising firm Infront AG, complemented by the MFA’s share, the project has now become a reality.
Dr Edward Fenech Adami, President of Malta, will inaugurate the new premises at 19.00 hrs in the presence of MFA officials and other distinguished guests, including FIFA and UEFA officials.
- Mr. Colin Calleja was confirmed as the President of Sta. Venera Lightnings FC following the club's Annual General Meeting.
Mr. George Mercieca is the Vice-President, Mr. Alfred Scerri, who was also appointed as a Council member, and Mr. Rennie Briffa were also confirmed as General Secretary and Treasurer respectively, Mr. Johan Mifsud and Mr. Johan Vella are to assist the General Secretary, Mr. Jesmond Xuereb, Mr. Raymond Borg and Mr. Michael Zammit as Assistant Treasurers while Kevin Aquilina, Joe Darmanin and Gary Mercieca will also form part of the 12-man Committee of Sta. Venera Lightnings FC.
Tue 19
- Malta Under-21 midfielder Paul Fenech joined Birkirkara after spending the last two years and a half with Msida St. Joseph.
A product of Naxxar Lions, Fenech had joined Msida in January 2005 managed to obtain the free transfer from the club after the Lions failed to send the 'retained-list' to the association.
Meanwhile the club's official website www.birkirkarafc.com announced the signing of another two players.
Another Malta Under-21 international - defender Kenneth Spiteri joined the club from Hibernians. Spiteri, who made his Premier League debut in season 2003/04, signed a three-year contract.
Bulgarian defender Emil Yantchev also joins the club after spending last season with Marsa.
Yantchev already played for Birkirkara in season 2005/06, being a member of the team which won the championship.
- Valletta secured the services of German midfielder Heiner Backhaus.
Twenty-five year old Backhaus will therefore be one of the Citizens' three foreigners along Branko Nisevic and Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo. In fact, following his appointment as new president of Valletta FC, Victor Sciriha said the club was about to confirm Branko Nisevic and sign two new foreigners. During a meeting with supporters, Sciriha had claimed he had already reached personal terms with Monesterolo who had left Valletta in January to join a club in Kuwait.
Backhaus started his career with Rot-Weiss Essen in the Regionalliga in season 2000/01. The following season, he moved to Hannover 96 and then to 1. FC Union Berlin. He spent the first part of season 2004/05 with the second team of Borussia Monchengladbach and the second part of the season with the second team of Arminia Bielefeld. The following season, he moved to the first team of Arminia in the Bundesliga although he failed to make an appearance in the senior team. In January 2006, Backhaus signed for Kickers Offenbach where he spent the last eighteen months.
Meanwhile former president Joe Caruana Curran was co-opted to the committee of Valletta FC following a proposal by president Victor Sciriha. Caruana Curran therefore returns to the Valletta committee after stepping down four years ago.
- Msida St. Joseph announced that they have reached an agreement with Mr. Patrick Curmi to continue with his job as Coach for next season.
Curmi was confirmed on Monday after the whole committee agreed to trust him with the job as they felt he was the right person to bring the club forward.
In a statement, the committee stated that they were always more then happy with the way Mr. Curmi mastered the squad last year and that all agreed that he should be confirmed for another season.
Mon 18
- Msida St. Joseph FC would like to announce that following the Annual General Meeting held last Friday 15th June, continued on Sunday 17th, Mr. Robert Farrugia was appointed as the new President of Msida St. Joseph FC. Mr. Farrugia, who was Vice-President last year, will succeed Mr. Antoine Portelli who did not submit his nomination for the committee this year.
In the committee headed by Mr. Farrugia, Mr. Charles Debono is the Vice-President, the Abela-Wadge brothers Keith and Alan who are going to hold the positions of General Secretary and PRO respectively, Mr. Martin Micallef is the Council Member while Mr. Elton Agius, Mr. Malcolm Dimech, Mr. Stephen Lovegrove, Mr. Ian Micallef, Mr. Kenneth Portelli, Mr. Jean Paul Bajada, Mr. Neil Zammit, Mr. Noel Mallia and Mr. Alfred Mallia will also form part of the 14-men Committee of Msida St. Joseph FC.
In his first comments after being confirmed as President, Mr. Robert Farrugia said he was very happy with the composition of the committee and that he is confident of another successful season for the club in the Premier Division.
Msida St. Joseph FC would also like to thank former President Mr. Antoine Portelli; who was unanimously confirmed as Honorary President, former Acting-President and Vice President Mr. Edward Calleja and former Financial Director Mr. Robert Ancilleri for the service they offered to the club in the past years.
- In the coming weeks, Eurosport will be officially lauching the SocKids School for children aged 6 to 12 years. This soccer school will be run and conducted by the most capped maltese international football player and former captain, David Carbott who is also a qualified UEFA 'B' coach.
David's twenty years experience in football will surely be considered as an asset for him to be able to deliver planned, fun, safe, ethical and effective coaching sessions for all ages and abilities, including the fun tuition of basic skills and techniques within a safe professional enivironment. Apart from that, SocKids school are working closely with a prominent Italian Serie A football club and will be offering opportunities both local and abroad to youngsters forming part of this venture.
The training sessions will commence in September 2007 and will be spread over two semesters (September to January and February to June) with regular weekly sessions held at the synthetic turf pitches in Birkirkara. Free official kits will be given on enrolment whilst a technical individual report will be issued to all participants after every semester.
Applications will be available soon from all Eurosport outlets in Malta.
Other additional information and assistance can be obtained by calling on mobile numbers 79438515 or 99468248 or by sending an email to sockidsmalta@yahoo.com.
Sun 17
- Sliema Wanderers are set to strengthen their squad in the coming days with the signing of two international players and an Under-21 international.
Birkirkara midfielder Roderick Briffa is reportedly close to joining the Wanderers although he is also a target for Valletta. Briffa, made his Premier League debut with the Stripes in season 1998/99 and has always played with Birkirkara except for a short spell with Pietà in season 2001/02.
After his contract with Floriana expired at the end of the season, defender Ian Azzopardi is also expected to join the Blues. A product of Floriana, Azzopardi made his Premier League debut with the Greens in season 2000/01.
The Wanderers are also set to sign Under-21 midfielder Matthew Bartolo. He is free to join another club as he holds amateur status. Widely considered as one of the brightest prospects, Bartolo, who is a key figure in the Under-21 squad, will be signing a two-year contract.
He started his career with Hibernians, making his first appearance in the Premier League in 2004/05. The twenty-one year old midfielder, who spent five months on loan with Mosta in season 2005/06, was attracting the interest of other clubs as well.
Sliema are also set to sign a striker in order to strengthen their forward line. Their main target is Daniel Bogdanovic but the Marsaxlokk forward is eyeing a move abroad. Another option is Birkirkara's Etienne Barbara who was very close to joining the Blues before opting for the Stripes in January 2004.
Midfielder Stefan Giglio will be joining Valletta after his contract with Sliema expired but three players signed new contracts with the club, namely Jeffrey Chetcuti, Brian Said and Orosco Anonam.
- Birkirkara continued their preparations ahead of the UEFA Intertoto Cup first round commitments against Slovenian side NK Maribor with a 3-1 win over Gozitan side Sannat Lions.
Roderick Briffa put the Stripes ahead. Sannat levelled matters before the end of the first half but a brace by Adrian Ciantar gave Birkirkara victory.
The Stripes host Maribor on Sunday June 24th at the Hibernians Ground with the return match being played in Maribor on Saturday 30.
Eligible to play in the Intertoto Cup are players who were registered with the club during the past season, including players who were on loan with other clubs.
However missing from the squad will be players who were transfer-listed including William Camenzuli and Etienne Barbara.
Meanwhile the club's Annual General Meeting was held on Friday. Victor Zammit was confirmed as chairman while Peter Calleja and Charles Micallef were confirmed as secretary and treasurer respectively. Joe Gauci is the senior vice-chairman while Joe Zammit and John Borg are vice-chairmen.
- The Annual General Meeting of Mosta FC will be held on Sunday 24th June at the club premises at 10:00.
The items on the agenda include the election of the ordinary members in the Executive Committee for season 2007/08.
Applications for the post of ordinary members may be sent to The Secretary, Mosta FC, 38/40 Eucharistic Congress Road, Mosta, by not later than June 23rd.
Only paid members will be eligible to attend and vote. A reception will be held after the meeting.
- Mdina Knights FC is going to hold its Annual General Meeting on Sunday 24th June at Corte Capitanale, Misrah il-Kunsill Mdina at 18.00hrs. All paid members are encouraged to attend.
Fri 15
- Robert Micallef is the new president of champions Marsaxlokk. Micallef succeeds outgoing president Mark Sciriha who was unable to contest for the post after his father Victor Sciriha was elected as president of Valletta.
According to MFA and FIFA regulations, members of the same family cannot form part of committees of different clubs.
Until last season, Mark Scirha held the post of president, Victor Sciriha - the post of vice-president and Gillian Sciriha - the post of treasurer.
The new vice-presidents are Peter Hartshorne and Steve Abela while Mark Cutajar is the new secretary. Thomas Zahra was appointed treasurer while the other member of the committee is Mario Desira.
- Former Hibernians assistant coach Michael Woods is the new coach of First Division side St. George's.
Woods replaces Marco Gerada who quit the club to join Hamrun Spartans in the Premier League.
Meanwhile Noel Coleiro was appointed as coach of Tarxien Rainbows. He replaces Jesmond Zerafa who joined Qormi. Qormi were coached by Martin Gregory for the past three years.
- The Gudja Youth Nursery is accepting applications for kids, boys and girls, from 6 to 16 years of age which would like to join our nursery for the season 2007/2008. All those interested should either leave their details at the Gudja United football ground, send their details to Ann, Gilormu Cassar str, Gudja or by phone on 99821120.
Meanwhile all those kids that would like to take part in the summer sessions which start in the second week of July and end on the second week of September should phone on the above number.
The nursery would like to remind all those interested in coaching at our nursery that there are still some coaching spots available.
- The new committee of Mgarr United for season 2007/08 was elected following the Annual General Meeting which was held on Sunday 10th June.
There where two changes with Nicholas Vella and Charles Camilleri replacing Gordon Said and Jason Zammit. The former failed to get elected while the latter did not contest for a place in the committee.
During the first meeting of the committee, Joe Schembri was confirmed as president for the fourth year running. The other appointments are: Paul Vella and Dione Chetcuti - vice-presidents; David Said - secretary; Malcolm Bugeja - vice-secretary; Chris Muscat - treasurer; Josef Galea - vice-treasurer; Dr. Chris Cilia LL.D., Mario Vella, Nicholas Vella and Charles Camilleri - members.
Thu 14
- The Annual General Meeting of the Youth Football Association will be held at the Centenary Hall Ta' Qali on Saturday 23rd June.
On the agenda is the speech by the president, the approval of the minutes of the AGM 2005/06, the approval of the Administrative Report and the Financial Report, the election of five members to represent nurseries on the council of the YFA and the election of neutral members on the council.
There were six nominations for the post of member on the council to represent nurseries: John Agius (St. Andrews), Godwin Aquilina (Sta. Venera), Charles Cassar (Rabat Depiro), Mario DeBattista (Hamrun), Malcolm Dimech (Zebbug) and Carmel Farrugia (Birzebbuga Windmills).
Nurseries are reminded to send the list of delegates in due time as only the approved delegates will be able to attend the AGM and vote.
Wed 13
- Former Valletta and Sliema Wanderers striker Danilo Doncic was appointed as the new coach of Floriana FC.
He will be replacing Joe Grech who led the Greens to seventh place in the BOV Premier League last season.
Doncic started his coaching career last season as player-coach of First Division side San Gwann. However mid-way through the season, the Serbian striker decided to hang his boots and concentrate on coaching.
Meanwhile as regards foreigners, Brazilian forward Wendell Gomes has been confirmed as one of the foreign players for next season.
- Following the two away defeats to Norway and Bosnia-Herzegovina, Malta lost five places in the Coca-Cola/FIFA World Ranking as published on Wednesday. Malta is now 117th.
Among the other European countries, Malta is 45th. Just ahead of Malta are Georgia (97, down 5), Moldova (101, down 11), Latvia (107, down 3), Azerbaijan (109, down 6) and Iceland (109, down 13). Behind Malta are Kazakhstan (119, down 4), Estonia (121, down 11), Liechtenstein (133, up 1), Andorra (157, up 4), Luxembourg (174, up 4), Faroe Islands (186, down 1) and San Marino (195).
Malta is now expected to play a friendly match on August 22.
Tue 12
- Former Marsaxlokk president and vice-president Victor Sciriha was elected to the committee of Valletta FC with the hightest number of votes following the Citizens' Annual General Meeting which was held between Sunday and Monday.
Victor Sciriha, who polled 457 votes, was not the only new face in the committee. Sergio Zampa, Joe Calleja (Zmerc), Michael Palmier and Sean Bonaci also made it to the new Valletta FC committee.
Actually Zampa had formed part of the Valletta FC committee in past. Calleja used to form part of the the Birkirkara FC board of directors.
On the other hand, out of the previous committee members, Charles Camilleri, Paul Spiteri, Anton Abela, Anthony Caruana and Kevin Gauci retained their place in the committee.
Mario Muscat, Vincent Tabone, Frank Pulis and Jason Galea Lucas failed to get elected.
Victor Sciriha will be acting as President, Sergio Zampa as Executive Vice President and Joe Calleja as Vice President. Anton Abela is confirmed as General Secretary while Michael Palmier will be the club's Treasurer.
- Msida St. Joseph Football Club will be organizing their Annual General Meeting on Friday 15th June at 6.30pm at the Mater Dei School.
Items on the agenda include the elections for the committee which can also include an election for the Club President.
- The Annual General Meeting of Birkirkara FC will be held on Friday 15th June at the club's premises at 19:00.
Sun 10
- Malta international striker Andre Schembri joined German side Eintracht Braunschweig on loan for one season from champions Marsaxlokk.
The 21-year old striker will be joining his new club for the training camp which starts on June 20th.
Speaking to the club's official web-site, Eintracht vice-president Hans-Jürgen Schultze said "We are delighted to have succeeded in signing an international player. The club's objective is to complement young players with more experienced ones. Andre Schembri is a young player who will find an experienced partner in Sreto Ristic."
Schembri made his Premier League debut with Hibernians during season 2002/03. In January 2005, he joined Marsaxlokk where he has been playing for the past two-and-a-half years.
Eintracht Braunschweig ended their commitments in the German second division at the bottom of the table and will therefore play in the Regionalliga Nord next season. In past they even played in the Bundesliga with their last appearance being in season 1984/85.
Ironically Eintract Braunschweig wear the same colours like Marsaxlokk with a yellow shirt and blue shorts.
- Marco Gerada is the new coach of newly-promoted Hamrun Spartans. Gerada replaces Bulgarian coach Atanas Marinov who had joined the Spartans last season, guiding them to promotion.
Marinov moved back to Bulgaria after the two parties failed to agree over the salary.
Gerada had been coaching St. George's for the past two years. He won the BOV First Division championship in season 2005/06. However after one year in the Premier League, the Saints were relegated to Division 1 at the end of this season.
Sat 9
- Champions Marsaxlokk claimed five awards in the sixth edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards which was held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel - Attard on Saturday.
Daniel Bogdanovic was voted Best Forward and Best Local Player. Luke Dimech and Kevin Sammut were voted Best Defender and Best Midfielder respectively while Brian Talbot was voted Best Coach.
Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Murphy Akanji was voted Best Goalkeeper while another two Sliema players - Joe Brincat and David Carabott shared the award for the Best Veteran Player.
Valletta's Ian Zammit was voted Most Promising Youngster while goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin was voted Powerade Outstanding Player. The latter won this award after polling the highest number of sms votes during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash Television.
Valletta captain Gilbert Agius won the award for the Best Goal. A goal he scored for the national team in the friendly match against Austria.
Msida St. Joseph's Ibrahim Babatunde was voted Best Foreign Player.
Stephen Meilak of Hamrun Spartans was voted Best First Division Player while Noel Bray (Southenders) claimed the award for the Best Futsal Player.
Maria Azzopardi (Hibernians) won the award for the Best Female Player while Xaghra United's Chris Camilleri was voted the Best Onvol First Division Player.
Hibernians won the Awards for the Best Support. Other special awards which were presented during the gala night were special awards for the Malta Football Association, Youth Football Association and the Gozo Football Association and for Malta international striker Michael Mifsud.
The winners:
Best Goalkeeper Murphy Akanji (Sliema W.)
Best Defender Luke Dimech (Marsaxlokk)
Best Midfielder Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)
Best Forward Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk)
Best Coach Brian Talbot (Marsaxlokk)
Most Promising Youngster Ian Zammit (Valletta)
Best Foreign Player Ibrahim Babatunde (Msida SJ)
Best Maltese Player Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk)
Best Goal of the Season Gilbert Agius (Malta vs Austria)
Best Female Player Maria Azzopardi (Hibernians)
Best Futsal Player (First Division) Noel Bray (Southenders)
Best OnVol GFA First Division Player Chris Camilleri (Xaghra U.)
Best Veteran Player (aged 35 and over) Joe Brincat (Sliema W.), David Carabott (Sliema W.)
Best First Division Player Steve Meilaq (Hamrun S.)
Powerade Outstanding Player Saviour Darmanin (Valletta)
Best Support Hibernians
Special Awards Malta Football Association for the 50th anniversary of participation in international football; Gozo Football Association for the 70th anniversary from its foundation; Youth Football Association for the 25th anniversary from its foundation; Michael Mifsud
The gala event was presented by Mario Micallef and Catherine Xuereb while the awards were presented by couples made up of journalists, personalities and representatives of sponsors.
Entertainment was provided by Italian singers Ron and Ivana Spagna together with local singer Tristan B.
Thu 7
- Twenty awards will be at stake on Saturday at the sixth edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards which will be held at the Corinthia Palace Hotel - Attard.
Valletta captain Gilbert Agius is a finalist in three categories while Sliema Wanderers goalkeeper Murphy Akanji, St. George's defender Renato Garcia Conceicao and Marsaxlokk trio - Daniel Bogdanovic, Jamie Pace and Kevin Sammut, are all finalists in two categories.
Voting for these fourteen awards were journalists, club presidents, coaches and team captains.
Voting for two of the other awards - the Powerade Outstanding Player and the Best Support is the general public. Voting for the Award for Best Support is by sms on 506 14 914.
Other awards which will be presented will be special awards for the Malta Football Association, Youth Football Association and the Gozo Football Association and a Career Award.
The list of finalists is as follows:
Best Goalkeeper Murphy Akanji (Sliema W.), Omar Borg (Msida SJ), Andrew Hogg (Pietà H.)
Best Defender Renato Garcia Conceicao (St. George's), Luke Dimech (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema W.)
Best Midfielder Roderick Bajada (Sliema W.), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)
Best Forward Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema W.)
Best Coach Ray Farrugia (Sliema W.), Brian Talbot (Marsaxlokk), Paul Zammit (Valletta)
Most Promising Youngster Matthew Bartolo (Hibernians), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Ian Zammit (Valletta)
Best Foreign Player Murphy Akanji (Sliema W.), Ibrahim Babatunde (Msida SJ), Renato Garcia Conceicao (St. George's)
Best Maltese Player Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)
Best Goal of the Season Gilbert Agius (Malta vs Austria), George Mallia (Moldova vs Malta), Jamie Pace (Malta vs Bosnia)
Best Female Player Maria Azzopardi (Hibernians), Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara), Natasha Pace (Melita)
Best Futsal Player (First Division) Zeljko Anicic (Jeepers Handyman Centre), Noel Bray (Southenders), Benny Gialanze (El Mundos)
Best OnVol GFA First Division Player Chris Camilleri (Xaghra U.), Charles Mercieca (Ghajnsielem), Joseph Portelli (Nadur Y.)
Best Veteran Player (aged 35 and over) Joe Brincat (Sliema W.), David Carabott (Sliema W.), Daniel Theuma (Pietà H.)
Best First Division Player Kenneth Abela (St. Patrick), Steve Meilaq (Hamrun S.), John Paul Muscat (Mqabba).
The gala event, which will be presented by Mario Micallef and Catherine Xuereb, will be broadcast on Melita Sports and the Information Channel at 20:30. There will be a repeat on Education 22 on Sunday at 20:30.
Among the guests are Italian singers Ron and Ivana Spagna who will be singing together with local singer Tristan B.
- Young James Paris has joined Manchester City as an Academy player. Football Frenzy Soccer School has been monitoring James’s progress for the past four years and recently recommended him to one of their contacts in England and the trial was arranged. The trial went very well as James impressed all the coaching team.
Manchester City were so amazed that a few days later James’s family were invited to Manchester to view the facilities offered by this Premiership Club. During this trip James was offered the opportunity to join the club as an Academy Player. Following this he was show-cased at the Manchester City Stadium in front of the home supporters before their match versus Wigan Athletic and was announced over the loud speakers as an exciting talent coming from Malta. He was also presented with a Manchester City T-Shirt bearing his name. Football Frenzy was represented by Wayne Peart who accompanied James and his family to Manchester.
James has worked hard for this opportunity. From the age of just 11 his abilities stood out. In 2004 during a Liverpool Training Camp that was organised in Malta James was one of 5 boys who were selected from amongst 205 participants, who were later invited for a Training Camp to Liverpool Academy at Melwood. The following year he was invited to Reading FC (arranged by Terry Wateridge & Jon Mottershead from Football Frenzy) on two occasions and last year he was invited by Malcolm Elias for a trial at Southampton FC. He has also played abroad in tournaments with his club Pieta and Football Frenzy in England which have all aided his development as a player and put him in good stead for the recent success. Most recently thanks to many contacts that Pietà Hotspurs Football Club have with Italian football clubs, he was also invited to an Italian Serie A team Empoli Calcio where he also left a good impression.
James started out playing for Luxol St. Andrews Youth Nursery and at the age of 13 he joined Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery where after just one season he was given the Captain’s armband of the Under 14’s team. Only recently Pieta Under 14’s were also crowned the new Malta Champions after dominating the Youth FA Under 14 Section A league. He has also been a member of the MFA Youth Training Scheme since the age of 11. He will be leaving for Manchester together with his family in July.
Jim Cassell - Academy Director and Barry Poynton - Head of Recruitment of Manchester City Football Club recently visited Malta to have a look at the Football Frenzy set up and to also have a look at the promising young talent on display here in Malta. They liked the island and the set-up and look forward to working together with Football Frenzy in the future.
Wed 6
- The Annual General Meeting of St. George's F.C. will be held on Friday 15th June 2007 from 19:00 onwards at the club's premises.
Members are encouraged to attend and participate in this important meeting. Those who have paid their annual membership are eligible to vote.
Tue 5
- Following a disappointing 4-0 defeat to Norway, the national team will aim at a positive performance in Sarajevo as Malta faces Bosnia-Herzegovina in another EURO 2008 qualifier.
Despite going one goal down on the half-hour, the Maltese managed to control the opponents in some way or another for over an hour. But once the Norwegians scored the second goal, it was all over for Dusan Fitzel's side with the Maltese failing to keep the pace with their opponents.
To make matters worse, the four goals could have been avoided considering that they were the result of defensive mistakes.
Ironically in the first game from Group C, defensive blunders were to blame in a 2-5 defeat to Bosnia at Ta' Qali.
For the game at the Asim Ferhatovic Hase Stadium, Fitzel is expected to make changes in the starting line-up. Defenders Luke Dimech and Roderick Briffa will be available once again after both were ruled out through suspensions.
Luke Dimech was suspended for two matches after being sent off in the game against Moldova and therefore missed the games against Greece and Norway. On the other hand, Briffa received two yellow cards in the games against Moldova and Greece and was banned for one match.
Dimech and Briffa are expected to replace Stephen Wellman and Ian Azzopardi with Brian Said and Kenneth Scicluna retaining their place in the starting line-up.
In goal, Fitzel will probably make a last-minute choice whether to start with Mario Muscat or Justin Haber.
With Kevin Sammut suffering a slight injury on Saturday, his place should be taken by Ivan Woods while Gilbert Agius, George Mallia and Jamie Pace confirmed in midfield. Up front, Michael Mifsud should support Andre Schembri.
The full squad at Dusan Fitzel's disposal is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Marsaxlokk), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Floriana), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), Luke Dimech (Marsaxlokk), Josef Mifsud (Msida), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Birkirkara), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Etienne Barbara (Birkirkara), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Marsaxlokk), Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Andre Schembri (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Bosnia's morale is sky-high following a dramatic 3-2 win over Turkey. After going one goal down, Parma's Zlatan Muslimovic levelled matters. Turkey regained the lead but Edin Dzeko restored parity. Adnan Custovic notched a dramatic winner on 91 minutes.
This win put Bosnia just three points behind Turkey. They are third, on level points with Norway.
Fans are now beginning to believe their team has a real chance of making it to the finals for the first time, also considering that a win on Wednesday would put them level on points with Turkey, who have to wait until September 8th for their next fixture when they face Malta.
The players at the disposal of coach Fuad Muzurovic are:
goalkeepers Adnan Guso (CS Pandurii Lignitul Targu Jiu), Muhamed Alaim (FK Sarajevo);
defenders Branimir Bajic (FK Partizan), Boris Pandza (HNK Hajduk Split), Vedin Music (FBC Treviso), Dario Damjanovic (HNK Hajduk Split), Veldin Muharemovic (FK Sarajevo), Ivan Radeljic (NK Slaven Belupo);
midfielders Mirko Hrgovic (HNK Hajduk Split), Zajko Zeba (FC Kamaz Naberezhnye Chelny), Zvjezdan Misimovic (VfL Bochum 1848), Elvir Rahimic (PFC CSKA Moskva), Darko Maletic (FK Partizan);
forwards Vedad Ibisevic (TSV Alemannia Aachen), Edin Dzeko (FC Teplice), Adnan Custovic (R. Excelsior Mouscron), Mladen Bartolovic (HNK Hajduk), Zlatan Muslimovic (Parma FC).
This will be the fourth clash between Malta and Bosnia. Before last September's game, the two countries met twice in friendly matches. Malta had registered a 2-1 win at Ta' Qali in January 1999 with Bosnia-Herzegovina winning 2-0 in Sarajevo in August 2001.
The game kicks-off at 20:15 and will be controlled by Welsh referee Mr Ceri Richards.
The Maltese contingent leaves Sarajevo, via Munich, on Thursday morning and arrives in Malta at 15:00.
- After screening the EURO 2008 qualifier between Norway and Malta last Saturday, Smash Television will be broadcasting LIVE from Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina vs Malta - another match from Group C of the EURO 2008 qualifying round.
Smash Television have also acquired the rights for another two national team away matches. Hungary vs Malta scheduled on the 13th October and Greece vs Malta scheduled on the 17th October will also be broadcast live.
Smash Television broadcasts on Free-to-Air Channel 44 UHF.
Mon 4
- The Malta Under-21 side will be aiming at a positive start to its commitments in Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 European Championship 2007/09 as it hosts Romania at the Hibernians Ground on Tuesday, kick-off at 17:45.
Besides Malta and Romania, also playing in Group 10 at Bosnia-Herzegovina, France and Wales.
This will be the first competitive match for Mark Miller's side since the elimination from the qualifying round of the UEFA Under-21 Championship 2006/07 after two 1-2 defeats to Georgia. But since then the format has been changed and the competition is once again played on the old group-based format.
Over the past twelve months, Malta played six friendly matches in which Miller drafted several new players. Malta suffered two 1-2 defeats to Tunisia, at Ta' Qali and in Tunis, and another 1-2 defeat to Switzerland at Ta' Qali. The team then suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat to Finland in February but after an improving performance in a 0-2 defeat to Moldova in Tiraspol, Malta beat Sweden 2-1 at the Hibs Ground in March.
Romania are coming from a very creditable 1-1 draw in France last Friday in their opening Group match. The strong Romanian side was leading one-nil at the end of the first half.
Gates at the Hibernians Ground will open one hour before kick-off. Entrance tickets are Lm 1.50.
The squad at Mark Miller's disposal is made up of:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Michael Falzon (Hamrun), Miguel Montfort (Valletta);
defenders Andrei Agius (Martina Franca - Italy), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Roderick Fenech (Hamrun), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), Justin Grioli (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Pietà), Kenneth Spiteri (Hibernians);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Matthew Bartolo (Hibs), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Thomas Paris (Qormi), Karl Pulo (Pietà), Julian Vella (Hibs);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Stephen Meilak (Hamrun), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
Sun 3
- Floriana’s Manolito Micallef won the BOV Player of the Month award for May 2007, the last award of these awards for the Malta Football Association BOV Premier League 2006/07.
The winner’s trophy was presented to the player by Mario Cilia, Manager of Bank of Valletta’s Floriana Branch in the presence of Alex Grech, Communications Officer of the Malta Football Association.
Consistently perky displays by the midfielder-cum-forward player have long been noted, with his darting runs being a feature of Floriana’s play when the team is in possession of the ball and moving upfield.
The player’s capabilities also extend to winning numerous tackles in his team’s half of the field before he lays inviting balls for his colleagues. His speed and knack of running into position to pick his spot are also very much part of his repertoire of skills.
These qualities surfaced in the latter part of the season, thus earning the Floriana player the May honour.
Puttinu Cares – Children’s Cancer Support Group were the charitable institution of choice of the player to benefit from the donation related to this award.
- A two-day futsal tournament will be held between Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th July at the Corradino Pavilion.
The first games from the first two group phases will be held on Saturday at 09:00 with the last games kicking-off at 19:40.
A barbecue will then be held in the yard of the Corradino Pavilion. Tickets will be available from committee members.
The tournament continues on Sunday with the matches from the third phase starting at 09:00, followed by the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final which kicks-off at 18:35. The presentation will follow.
The winning team will receive the Siminu Challenge Cup which is retained for one year, a Lm 100 cash prize, a trophy for the team and a trophy for each player. The participation fee will also be refunded when the trophy is returned next year.
The runners-up will receive a trophy for the team and trophies for each player. There will be another trophy for the top scorer throughout the tournament.
The closing date for applications is Saturday July 7th. The participation fee is Lm 65.
More information could be obtained by phoning 99857641 or 99472471.
Sat 2
- Although the transfer market opens on July 2nd, a number of clubs are already actively in the transfer market.
With Victor Sciriha set to be elected in the committee of Valletta FC in the Annual General Meeting which will be held next week, the Citizens are the most active side in the transfer market.
One of the first arrivals will be that of Sliema Wanderers midfielder Stefan Giglio who will be making his return to his first love after playing for CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Sofia in Bulgaria and the Wanderers for the past three years. His contract with Sliema expired at the end of the season.
Another return is expected to be that of Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo who had left the Citizens to join a club in Kuwait last January. Branko Nisevic will be confirmed as one of the three foreigners while Richmar Siberie will be released.
Valletta are also eyeing a number of other players in order to strengthen their squad.
Birkirkara will definitely have a number of changes in their squad. Last month, they informed four of their players that they were no longer in the club's plans. Mark Anthony Bonnici, Clint Micallef, William Camenzuli and Etienne Barbara are therefore set to move elsewhere.
Roderick Briffa, Kenneth Scicluna and William Camenzuli are on the wanted-list of a number of clubs. Sliema and Valletta are reportedly interested in Briffa are reportedly interested. The Citizens are also interested in Scicluna and Camenzuli.
Foreigners Andrzej Bledzewski, Precious Monye and Ruben Dario Larossa will all be released. With the departure of so many players, John Buttigieg is expected to focus more on the club's young players.
Champions Marsaxlokk are expected to lose four players. Goalkeeper Justin Haber will not be retained while Andre Schembri and Daniel Bogdanovic are expected to move elsewhere. Schembri is eyeing a move abroad and in the coming days is expected to go for a trial in Germany. Bogdanovic, whose contract expired at the end of the season, is also interested in moving abroad but should such a move fails to materialise, he could join Sliema Wanderers for the fourth time in his career.
Kevin Mamo will be quitting football but Carlo Mamo and Jamie Pace signed new contracts with the club. The captain signed a three-year contract while Pace signed a four-year deal. Shaun Bajada and Andre Rocha Da Silva will return with the club after spending the last five months on loan with Msida and Hibernians respectively.
Besides Bogdanovic, Sliema are also interested in Floriana defender Ian Azzopardi and Marsaxlokk goalkeeper Justin Haber. However the latter would only join Sliema if Murphy Akanji moves elsewhere.
Msida goalkeeper Omar Borg and midfielder Paul Fenech are attracting the interest of a number of clubs. Borg is being linked with Birkirkara while Fenech could join either Valletta or Birkirkara.
Nigerian-born striker Udo Nwoko, who is set to apply for Maltese citizenship, is due to return with Hibernians after joining Marsaxlokk on loan in January. However the player is looking forward to playing abroad after being offered a trial in Portugal.
Former Valletta and Sliema Wanderers striker Danilo Doncic is set to be appointed as the new coach of Floriana FC. Doncic, who coached First Division side San Gwann this season, will replace Joe Grech.
In Division 1, Jesmond Zerafa, formerly of Tarxien Rainbows, has been appointed as the new Qormi coach.
Fri 1
- Malta's commitments in the Group 10 qualifying round matches of the next UEFA Under-21 Championships will kick-off against Romania at Hibernians Ground on Tuesday 5th June 2007 at 17:45.
This will be the first competitive engagement for the team under the charge of Mark Miller after they lost to Georgia in April last year on a 4-2 aggregate in a double-header qualifying play-off, valid for the 2007 Championship.
Since then Malta had mixed fortunes when playing friendly matches as Miller opted to draft new players in his squad so that they would obtain the necessary international experience.
France, Wales and Bosnia Herzegovina are the other sides in Malta's UEFA U-21 Qualification Group.
Romania registered a very creditable 1-1 draw in France last Friday in their opening Group match. The strong Romanian side was leading one-nil at the interval.
There was a marked improvement in the team's performance graph when in the last match they beat Sweden 2-1 in an international friendly. This was a result which boosted the players' confidence, and if they can reproduce the cohesive play and fighting qualities against the strong Romanians a satisfactory result is possible.
As usual, support for our team is needed and the Maltese followers of the game are expected to turn up in good numbers at the Hibernians Ground to provide this backing. Gates at the Hibernians Ground will open one hour before kick-off. Entrance tickets: Lm1.50
The squad at Mark Miller's disposal is made up of:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Michael Falzon (Hamrun), Miguel Montfort (Valletta);
defenders Andrei Agius (Martina Franca - Italy), Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Roderick Fenech (Hamrun), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), Justin Grioli (Valletta), Edward Herrera (Pietà), Kenneth Spiteri (Hibernians);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Matthew Bartolo (Hibs), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Paul Fenech (Msida), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Thomas Paris (Qormi), Karl Pulo (Pietà), Julian Vella (Hibs);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Stephen Meilak (Hamrun), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
- Malta will be aiming for another positive performance as Dusan Fitzel's side faces Norway at the Ulleval Stadium in Oslo on Saturday, kick-off at 20:05.
Malta is coming from a series of positive performances. After the historic 2-1 win over Hungary in October, Malta drew 1-1 in a friendly match against Austria in February. In March, Malta earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Moldova which was followed by a narrow 0-1 defeat to Greece at Ta' Qali.
However in Norway, Malta faces an uphill task as Age Hareide's side is desperate for points in their bid to close in on group leaders Turkey and second-placed Greece. After a 4-1 win over Hungary away from home and a 2-0 win over Moldova in Oslo, Noway lost 1-0 to Greece in Athens and a shock 1-2 defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina at home. In their last outing, they shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw with Turkey away from home.
With Luke Dimech and Roderick Briffa, both ruled out through suspension, Fitzel should make one or two changes from the team which lost to Greece. Stephen Wellman should make his return in defence while in-form Mario Muscat could replace Justin Haber in goal considering that the latter has not played in any competitive matches for over eight weeks.
Captain Gilbert Agius will be joining the exclusive club of players with a century of caps by making his hundredth appearance for the national team.
The starting line-up should therefore be: Mario Muscat, Ian Azzopardi, Brian Said, Stephen Wellman, Kenneth Scicluna, Gilbert Agius, Michael Mifsud, George Mallia, Andre Schembri, Kevin Sammut, Jamie Pace.
Also at the disposal of Fitzel are Justin Haber, Josef Mifsud, Peter Pullicino, Roderick Bajada, Etienne Barbara, Daniel Bogdanovic and Ivan Woods.
Norway are also set to have some changes. Experienced goalkeeper Thomas Myhre was left out of the squad and his place should be taken by SK Brann's Hakon Opdal. Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who was set to make his return is ruled out after suffering an injury in training earlier this week. He will be replaced by Aston Villa's John Carew.
The starting line-up for Norway will be: Hakon Opdal (SK Brann), Jarl Andre Storbaek (Valerenga IF), Erik Hagen (FC Zenit St Petersburg), Brede Hangeland (FC Kobenhavn), Jon Arne Riise (Liverpool FC), Bjorn Helge Riise (Lillestrom SK), Martin Andresen (SK Brann), Kristofer Haestad (IK Start), Steffen Iversen (Rosenborg BK), John Carew (Aston Villa FC), Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn Rovers FC).
The two countries met six times - twice in European Championship qualifiers, three times in friendly matches and once in the Rothmans Trophy. Norway won four matches with another two ending in draws.
In the qualifiers leading to the EURO 96, Norway won 1-0 at Ta' Qali and 2-0 in Oslo. The last clash between the two teams goes back to February 2005 when Norway won 3-0 at Ta' Qali.
Norway vs Malta will be controlled by referee Mr Jacek Granat from Poland.