August 2007
Fri 31
- Premier League Floriana vs Hibernians 1-0, Hamrun S. vs Sliema W. 0-3
- Hibernians secured the services of Nigerian midfielder Edafe Uzeh.
The former Valletta midfielder was on trial with Uniao Leiria and had even signed a pre-contract with the club. However on his return to Malta, he opted to join the Paolites. The nineteen year old, who scored two goals in twenty-four matches with Valletta last season, could make his debut for Hibs against Floriana on Friday.
- Hamrun Spartans secured the services of defender Mark Anthony Bonnici from Birkirkara. He signs a three-year contract.
A product of Sliema Wanderers, he made his Premier League debut in season 1996/97. He was transferred to Birkirkara in summer 2001.
- Msida St. Joseph's third foreigner is English striker Yacine Ouahchia. He joins George Ogbona and Njongo Priso.
Twenty-year old Ouahchia, who was born in Algeria, is a product of The Football Academy in the UK.
- Young Valletta player Mark Barbara joined Marsaxlokk on loan for one season.
The twenty-one year old striker had made his Premier League debut for Valletta in season 2003/04. Last season, he played twelve matches, scoring one goal.
- Birkirkara replace Central African Republic striker William Boris Sandjo with midfielder Marcelin Tamboulas.
Tamboulas, who also hails from the Central African Republic and who is an international player of the same country, left a good impression while playing for the Stripes in the Carlsberg Tournament earlier this month. For the past five years, he played club football in Gabon.
Sandjo had to be released after he suffered a serious injury on his debut with Birkirkara against Hibernians. An injury which will rule him out till the end of the season.
- More First Division clubs secured the services of a foreign player. The foreigners confirmed so far in Division 1 are therefore: Dingli - Uchenna Anyanwu, Mellieha - Sandro Costa Brazilino, Mosta - Ivo Iliev Ginev, Qormi - Chima Henry Dozie, Senglea - Anthony Chimezie Ewurum, Tarxien - Essien Mbong, Vittoriosa - Anthony Eviparker.
Thu 30
- The Malta Football Association will be organising a Futsal Coaches Course between September 14 and 16. The course, which will be led by Malta national futsal team coach Michal Striz, will include theoretic and practical sessions and will be held at the Corradino Pavilion.
Everyone is invited for the course which is free of charge, except for lunch and coffee breaks. The closing date is September 10th.
Those attending the course should attend in full football kit - tracksuit, t-shirt, shorts and Indoor Futsal non-marking shoes.
- Former Malta international midfielder Claude Mattocks joined Valletta from rivals Sliema Wanderers. Mattocks signed a two-year deal.
A product of Floriana, Mattocks made his Premier League debut with the Greens in season 1996/97. He played for eight years with the Greens before moving to Sliema Wanderers in season 2004/05. Mid-way through season 2005/06, he joined Valletta on loan where he had a positive spell, scoring three goals in twelve matches.
Mattocks is the ninth new player in the Valletta squad along Stefan Giglio, who also joined the club from Sliema, Sebastian Monesterolo, Heiner Backhaus, Josef Mifsud, Kenneth Scicluna, Andrew Hogg, Bryan Agius, Frank Temile and young goalkeeper Nicholas Vella.
Mattocks should make his debut for the Citizens in the next game against Pietà Hotspurs on Saturday.
- First Division side Vittoriosa Stars signed eight players ahead of the forthcoming BOV First Division League campaign.
They secured the services of Ivan Cassar, David Gauci and Leighton Grech from Hibernians, Keith Darmanin and Eman Vella from Pietà Hotspurs, Nigerian striker Anthony Eviparker from Xaghra United, Timmy Thomas from Senglea Athletic and Cedric Sciberras from Gzira United.
Larra Lagana and Stephen Calleja are back with the club after spending last season with St. George's and Kalkara respectively.
Wed 29
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Pietà H. 3-1, Birkirkara vs Mqabba 1-0
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored twice as Coventry cruise comfortably into the Carling Cup third round with a 2-0 win at Carlisle.
The former Sliema Wanderers, Kaiserslautern and Lillestrom striker scored on 21 and 56 minutes.
On Saturday, Mifsud played the last fifteen minutes in the 1-0 away win over Cardiff City in a game from the Championship.
In League Two, Luke Dimech played the whole ninety minutes as Grimsby and Macclesfield shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Blundell Park.
In Portugal, Udo Nwoko was in action for Leixoes in the 1-1 draw with Pacos Ferreira.
Tue 28
- Fgura Tournament Qrendi vs Fgura U. 0-1
- Tickets for the EURO 2008 Group C qualifier Malta vs Turkey will be on sale as from Wednesday 29th August.
The game will be played at the National Stadium on Saturday September 8th, kick-off at 19:30.
Ticket-prices are as follows:
West Sides A (Upper) and C - Lm 10.00
West Sides A (Lower) - Lm 4.00
Millennium Stand - Lm 3.00
North Stand - Lm 2.00
Ladies, Children (Under 11), Kartanzjan Card Holders and Persons with Special Needs Card Holders (in Millenium Stand ONLY) - Lm 2.00
Pre-Sale of Tickets is from the following authorised outlets:
Geraldu Kiosk and Matteo Café in Valletta,
Eros Stationery in Paceville,
Star Tourism in Bugibba,
Teamsport of Iklin and
the Health & Fitness Centre at the Millennium Stand, Ta’ Qali.
Tickets will be available from the National Stadium on match-day.
Tickets for the South-End-Core are on sale exclusively from Louis Agius 79403309 or Eman Pulis 99263626 or from the KSU outlet on campus, Rookies - Bugibba, Ryan’s - St. Julian’s -, Zmerc Pub - Balzan, Teamsport - Iklin, Extra Time - Mosta, 47 Summer Nights - Marsascala, Dual Zone - Paola, Scruples - Birkirkara and Go Mobile outlets. Tickets sell at Lm 2.
Meanwhile tickets for the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifer Malta vs France and the Friendly 'A' International Malta vs Armenia on Wednesday 12th September at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali will be available at the National Stadium on match-day.
Tickets for these two games are: West Stand Lm 3 and Millennium Stand Lm 2.
Malta U-21 vs France U-21 kicks-off at 17:30; Malta vs Armenia at 20:15
- Pietà Hotspurs presented their new players during a press conference which was held at TeamSport, Iklin.
The Hotspurs secured the services of Bulgarian defender Peicho Deliminkov and Malta Under-21 goalkeeper Miguel Montfort while another Under-21 international Edward Herrera will stay with the club after spending last year on loan from Melita.
Bulgarian trio Martin Deanov, Svetlan Kondev and Rumen Galabov were also confirmed.
Vice-president Joe Sammut said the club has been focussing on its youth set-up over the past years. Hard work which is however reaping fruit as several club products made it to the senior side. Sammut said Pietà are satisfied that even if they are a small club, they were still able to set-up a strong nursery which is producing several Premier League players.
"Hopefully these players keep their feet to the ground and try to make the most of the coach's experience," said Sammut.
The Pietà vice-president went on to say that the club's objective is that of securing their Premier League status, possibly by securing a place in the Championship Pool.
Pietà coach Carmel Busuttil said no less than nine players in the squad are still Under-18 players. Five out of these players have been playing regularly in the Premier League since his appointment as Pietà coach and some of them even more.
Busuttil said that there are four or five teams which are more or less on the same level.
"If players believe in their capacity and are tactically-disciplined, we can make it to the top six," said Busuttil. "With the inclusion of Peicho Deliminkov and the experienced gained by the young players over the past year, I believe we could be a better team than last season."
Busuttil says the team could win points with the top teams but more important is not dropping any points in direct encounters.
TeamSport is once again the club's technical sponsor and also the technical sponsor of the Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery.
Vice-president Joe Sammut thanked TeamSport for serving the club for the past three years.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising a new UEFA ‘C’ Diploma Course at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre.
The course will be in three phases, over the next three months, the dates being as follows:
13th to 18th September; 19th to 21st October; 1st to 3rd November
Each participant will have to prepare a two-week training log-book comprising six sessions. This should be presented on the first day of the course.
Applications are invited until Thursday 6th September 2007, with the relevant forms to be collected from the Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali during office hours.
These are to be accompanied by a passport-size photo, a CYF Certificate and a letter of recommendation by the applicant’s club or nursery.
Since the number of course participants will be limited, applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Seventeen new teams have applied to take part in the Futsal League for a record total of 67 teams.
Following the withdrawal of Hibernians, thirteen teams are taking part in the First Division. The league will be played in this format:
- Division Set-up 1 section x 13 teams
- Phase 1 - 1 round all play all (round robin) - 78 matches
- Phase 2 (i) No change - 9 matches
- Phase 2 (ii) Teams 8 to 11 + 2nd Placed Division 2 (2 teams) {No further change) - 6 matches
- Phase 2 (iii) Automatic relegation for Teams 12 and 13
The number of teams in the top division will therefore be reduced to eleven in 2008/09 and ten in 2009/10.
Fourteen teams, divided into two sections, will take part in the Second Division.
Meanwhile the association will open once again applications for teams to take part in Futsal competitions. This will be open only to member clubs.
Member clubs having a Futsal team will be able to use any player registered with the club, even if the player is a professional player.
- Clubs in the First, Second and Third Division have up to August 31 to sign new players in order to strengthen their squads for the coming season.
In Division 1, Tarxien Rainbows were the most active side so far in the transfer market.
The Rainbows secured the services of Essien Mbong, Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Ramon Schembri and Simon Muscat (Naxxar), Matthew Pisani (Hibernians), Luke Vella Critien (San Gwann), Andrew Decesare and Ryan Grech (Pietà), Graham Bencini (Marsa) and Malcolm Buttigieg.
Charles Sciberras and Daniel Theuma will once again play with Mosta who also managed to capture Jonathan Debono (Birkirkara), Antonio Saliba, Mark Galea (Sliema), Gilbert Martin (Marsa), Melvin Farrugia (Zebbug) and Bulgarian player Ivo Iliev Ginev.
Senglea signed Chris Cuschieri (San Gwann), Mark Tanti (St. Patrick and Digger Okonkwo (Pietà) while Benoir Fenech (Hibs), Paul Camilleri (Birzebbuga), Joshua Galea (Birkirkara) and Chima Dozie (Senglea) joined Qormi.
Newly-promoted Mellieha signed Sandro Costa Brazilino, formerly of St. Patrick. Kurt Coleiro joined St. Patrick while Kurt Formosa (Floriana) and Chris Muscat (Rabat) signed for Dingli Swallows. On the other hand, Anthony Eviparker will be playing for Vittoriosa Stars.
Birzebbuga St. Peter's were the most active side in Division 2 with the signing of Donald Gatt (Msida), Matthew Xerxen (Gudja), Jeffrey Zammit (Sta. Venera), Johann Zammit (Ghaxaq), Edward Azzopardi (Qormi) and Eric Saliba.
Melvin Agius (Sta. Lucia), Dean Demanuele (Floriana) and Elvin Attard (Senglea) joined Sta. Venera Lightnings. Rabat Ajax secured the services of Tyron Spiteri (Attard) and Clint Micallef (Birkirkara) while Michael Micallef will return with the club after playing for Tarxien on loan.
Ryan Newell moved to San Gwann from Mosta. The Saints also signed Malcolm Tirchett.
Emanuel Vella (Pietà), Gilbert Scerri (St. Patrick), Ives Bilocca (Mosta) and Birkirkara goalkeeper Mark Sciberras joined Balzan Youths.
Elton Camilleri (Pietà) joined newly-promoted Zurrieq while Mgarr United signed a number of players on loan from Mosta and Eric Sciberras from Zebbug. Jonathan Grech joined Naxxar from Mosta. Another Mosta player, Lydon Cilia, joined Lija Athletic while Philip Camilleri will be playing for Sirens.
Mon 27
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Msida SJ 3-0, Valletta vs Floriana 1-2
- Nine teams will be taking part in the forthcoming Women’s League.
Rabat Ajax are not taking part but there will be two new teams in the competition, Pembroke Athleta and Lija Athletic. The other teams taking part in the competition are: Birkirkara, Hibernians, Melita, Mgarr United, Mosta, Sta. Venera, Sliema Raiders.
The same league format will be retained a first phase in which all teams facing each other and then with five teams in Group A and four in Group B in the second phase. Since the Association is planning to have two divisions as from next season, there will be a play-off between the teams ending fifth in Group A and first in Group B to determine which of them will play in the top division next season.
However there will only be a First Division and a Second Division if there are at least ten teams taking part next season.
- For the first time in its history, the Gozo Football Association will be organising a Women's League.
The league will be on 7-a-side basis and will be played on a synthetic turf pitch on Saturday afternoons. The GFA has already issued the applications and the registration forms. The response so far looks to be a very positive one.
It is the Executive’s Committee intention to organise a Futsal League later this season as well. The
Applications will be issued at the end of September the League will commence later in November.
Gozo FC will be participating in the Under-14 League of The Youth F.A. in Malta. The team will be coached by Mr. Alex Spiteri and Mr. Patrick Vassallo.
- The last two teams which are yet to play their first BOV Premier League game - Marsaxlokk and Pietà Hotspurs will be in action on Wednesday as they face each other in one of the two matches in programme.
Marsaxlokk FC
After winning the Premier League championship for the first time in the history of the club, Marsaxlokk will have a hard time in trying to defend the title won last year.
Summer brought a change in the administration of the club and the departure of several players. Justin Haber, Luke Dimech and Andre Schembri moved abroad. Haruna Doda and Samir Garci were released. Shaun Bajada was transferred to Birkirkara while Daniel Bogdanovic is still hoping to move abroad.
Andre Rocha Da Silva returned from a six-month spell on loan with Hibernians. Wendell Gomes returned with the club after spending one season with Floriana while defender Renato Conceicao completes the Brazilian trio. The only other new arrival is that of former Birkirkara defender William Camenzuli.
Reuben Gauci starts as favourite for the number 1 shirt but in Reuben Debono, the Southseasiders have a good replacement. William Camenzuli and Renato Conceicao will take the role as central defenders with Malcolm Licari and captain Carlo Mamo playing on the flanks. Stephen Wellman, who was one of the central defenders last season, could be employed in his old role as striker.
Coach Brian Talbot has plenty of choice in midfield with players like Kevin Sammut, Gareth Sciberras, Peter Pullicino, Jamie Pace and Andre Rocha Da Silva to choose from. In attack, Cleavon Frendo will be the main striker together with Wendell Gomes and possibly Stephen Wellman.
Defending the title will be no easy task for Marsaxlokk but still with no less than six players who are members of the national team, they are a team which can beat any other side. Although they may not start as favourites for the title, Marsaxlokk will be there fighting for a place in the UEFA Cup.
Pietà Hotspurs
After guiding the team to retaining its Premier League status despite a most disappointing start, Carmel Busuttil will be hoping to lead the team to safety by collecting more points in the first phase rather than have to wait till the last few matches as it was the case in the last three or four years.
The Hotspurs will have more or less the same squad of last season. They lost goalkeeper Andrew Hogg but signed Malta Under-21 goalkeeper Miguel Montfort from Valletta. The only other new arrival is Peicho Deliminkov. Pietà have in fact kept the tradition of signing Bulgarian players - the other three Bulgarians in squad being Svetlan Kondev, Rumen Galabov and Martin Deanov. However Deanov is considered to be a Maltese player having been in Malta for over fifteen years, except for a couple of years, and having been brought up in the Pietà youth nursery.
With Montfort guarding the posts, Deliminkov will definitely strengthen the Pietà defence. He will be assisted by David Camenzuli as the other central defender with Edward Herrera and Carl Sammut on the flanks. Rumen Galabov will move to midfield after played mostly in defence last season. Svetlan Kondev adds experience to the midfield which should include Dominic Mifsud and Carl Pulo as well. Up front, Dylan Kokavessis should start together with Martin Deanov.
Avoiding relegation will once again be the main objective for the Hotspurs. With a host of exciting young prospects and a good touch of experience thanks to the Bulgarian foreigners, Pietà have what it takes to confirm their Premier League status for another season.
Sun 26
- Premier League Mqabba vs Hamrun S. 1-2, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 1-1
- The main favourites for the BOV Premier League title - Sliema Wanderers and Valletta will be in action on Monday as they take on Msida St. Joseph and Floriana respectively.
Sliema Wanderers
Sliema Wanderers were the most consistent side over the last eight years as they won the championship three times and ended as runners-up five times. This season, the Blues are set to make a strong bid to winning the 27th title in the history of the club.
They were an active side in the transfer market, securing the services of three international players, an Under-21 international and a new foreign player. Sliema signed Ian Azzopardi from Floriana and Birkirkara duo Etienne Barbara and Roderick Briffa. One of the brightest prospects of football in Malta, Matthew Bartolo, joined the club from Hibernians. Sharlon Pace made his move from Valletta a permanent one.
Nesko Milovanovic is the club's third foreigner, along Murphy Akanji and Aleksandar Madzar, as he replaced Italian defender Mauro Di Lello. Akanji signed a new two-year contract.
Besides Di Lello, Stefan Giglio, Lee Lombardi and Mark Galea moved elsewhere while young duo Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and John Mintoff joined Mqabba on loan.
With Akanji guarding the posts and with Brian Said and Jeffrey Chetcuti as the two central defenders, Alex Muscat and Ian Ciantar will be fighting for one place on the right flank with Ian Azzopardi taking the left flank. In midfield, Sliema coach Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia is spoilt for choice with players like Matthew Bartolo, Roderick Briffa, Roderick Bajada, Claude Mattocks, Nesko Milovanovic and possibly Etienne Barbara at his disposal. Etienne Barbara could in fact play both in midfield or in attack together with Ivan Woods and Aleksandar Madzar.
The Blues' one-and-only objective is the title. Any other result would be a disappointment for a team which together with Valletta start this campaign as the two firm favourites.
Msida St. Joseph
Msida St. Joseph went through several changes this summer following the departure of a host of key players of the team which had secured a top-six finish for the past two years.
Daniel Nwoke left before the end of the season. Paul Fenech, Josef Mifsud, Omar Borg and the other two foreigners - Ousseni Zongo and Ibrahim Babatunde. They also lost Shaun Bajada who had joined the club on loan in January.
The club together with coach Patrick Curmi therefore had to do their best to sign new players in order to strengthen the squad. They signed nine new players so far and are hoping to add another three players before next Friday's final deadline for transfer.
They signed Glenn Magri and Gilbert Camilleri from Naxxar Lions, Clive Spiteri from Valletta, Clive Brincat and Lawrence Mizzi from St. George's, Andrew Spiteri from Birkirkara and Charles Black - an Englishman with a Maltese passport. As regards foreigners, so far the club signed Nigerian midfielder George Ogbona who also holds an English passport and Cameroon Under-23 international striker Njongo Priso.
Manuel Bartolo will be guarding the posts after acting as deputy to Omar Borg for the last couple of years. In defence, Clive Brincat will probably join Tyrone Farrugia at the back with Pio Sciriha and Andrew Spiteri on the flanks. George Ogbona will take the role previously held by Paul Fenech with the other midfielders in the starting line-up probably being Dino Cachia, Adrian Farrugia and Roderick Baldacchino. In attack, Lawrence Mizzi should join Njongo Priso.
The Saints' main objective is to secure their Premier League status as early as possible with a top-six finish. This could turn out to be more difficult than in previous years. With four teams more or less on the same level, Msida need to make the most out of the direct encounters to extend their stay in the Premier League
Valletta FC
Another club which went through drastic changes this summer were Valletta. Administration wise, there are a number of new faces in the committee led by Victor Sciriha. As regards players, Valletta signed eight new players.
The Citizens secured the services of midfielder Stefan Giglio from Sliema, central defenders Josef Mifsud and Kenneth Scicluna from Msida and Birkirkara respectively and goalkeeper Andrew Hogg while flank defender Bryan Agius joins the club from Mosta on loan.
As regards foreigners, Valletta welcomed back Sebastian Monesterolo and signed German midfielder Heiner Backhaus. The third foreigner is seventeen year old Nigerian striker Frank Temile.
Since last season, they released Branko Nisevic, Edafe Uzeh and Richmar Siberie. Second goalkeeper Miguel Montfort joined Pietà while young players like Dylan Zarb and Clive Spiteri moved to other clubs on loan in order to gain experience.
Saviour Darmanin and Andrew Hogg will battle for the number 1 shirt - back to the old days when both played for Pietà. Kenneth Scicluna, Josef Mifsud, Massimo Grima and Bryan Agius or Steve Bezzina will form the rear-guard. In midfield, Zammit will have to choose between David Camilleri, Heiner Backhaus, Stefan Giglio and Dyson Falzon. On the other hand, Gilbert Agius will partner with Sebastian Monesterolo in attack with the other option being the inclusion of Ian Zammit as a striker and Agius playing in midfield.
With no less than eight new players fighting for a place in the starting line-up, the biggest concern for coach Paul Zammit is how much time will these new players take to settle down in the team. Together with Sliema, they start as the firm favourites for the title and supporters hope this will be the right time to end their wait for the Premier League trophy to return to Valletta.
Floriana FC
Under the guidance of new coach Danilo Doncic, Floriana will be hoping to do better than they did in the past two years when they had to play in the Relegation Pool.
The Greens signed five new players - Emanuel Sevasta from St. George's, Clifton Ciantar from Sliema Wanderers and three new foreigners - Serbians Darko Krsteski and Zoran Levnaic and Englishman Yala Bolasie.
Other players who were on loan with other clubs are back like Ryan Darmanin and Mauro Brincat. Ian Azzopardi joined Sliema while Mark Anthony Psaila returned with Mqabba. Foreigners Riad Gango-Rtsa and Bojan Spasojevic were released while Wendell Gomes moved to Marsaxlokk. Angus Buhagiar and Kurt Formosa were loaned to other clubs.
Simon Agius and Matthew Camilleri will fight for the number 1 shirt with Julian Briffa, Darko Krsteski, Emanuel Sevasta and Clifton Ciantar set to be the four defenders in the starting line-up. In midfield, the Greens have quality and quantity in Manolito Micallef, Trevor Cilia, Christian Cassar, Christian Caruana, Mauro Brincat and Zoran Levnaic. Adrian Mifsud should be the only striker in a 4-5-1 formation or could be joined by Bolasie in a 4-4-2 formation.
The Greens' target is a place in the Championship Pool. But with a number of teams aiming for that place, they need to be very careful not to drop important points in direct encounters as it was the case in the past years.
Sat 25
- Mosta Tournament Gharghur vs Mosta 0-4
- The BOV Premier League 2007/08 kicks-off on Sunday with the first two matches. Newly-promoted sides Mqabba and Hamrun Spartans cross swords in the first game. Hibernians take on Birkirkara in the second match.
Mqabba FC
Mqabba are back in the Premier League after ending in runner-up position in the BOV First Division last season.
Coach Joe Falzon was confirmed but the team was strengthened with the signing of several players. Mqabba managed to agree loan terms with Sliema Wanderers for two Under-21 internationals - Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and John Mintoff. Another fine prospect, Dylan Zarb of Valletta also joined the club on a one-year loan. Paul Psaila will act as back-up to goalkeeper Kris Calleja. Mark Anthony Psaila returned with the club after spending last year with Floriana. Claudio Calleja and Lee Galea, who were already on loan with the club last season, will stay for another year.
Mqabba also secured the services of three Brazilian players - twenty-five year old defender Italo Nogueira, twenty-nine year old midfielder Fabio Silva and twenty-six year old striker Marcelo Pereira.
Since last season, players who were on loan with the club like Martin Anastasi, Nicolò Baldacchino, Clyde Camoin and Jesmar Abela were not retained. Alex Ribic and Jesmond Delia were released.
It will be interesting to see the impact which striker John Paul Muscat will make in the Premier League. After being a most prolific scorer in Division 1, he will be eager to leave his mark in the Premier League as well. Joining him in attack will be Brazilian striker Marcelo Pereira.
In midfield, Albert Busuttil and Fabio Silva, the latter having played in Portugal as well, should provide the necessary experience. Marlon Briffa, Claudio Calleja and Dylan Zarb would be fighting for the other places in midfield.
Italo Nogueira will be one of the central defenders, probably with Clifford Gatt Baldacchino. In defence, the team can count on the experience of Marco Catania. Lee Galea should take the other place in the Mqabba rear-guard.
Avoiding relegation is the main objective of Mqabba. It will be no easy task as it is the case with all teams promoted from Division 1. However the good mixture of experience and youth should help Mqabba give a hard time to all teams.
Hamrun Spartans FC
Hamrun Spartans are back in the BOV Premier League after an absence of just one year after winning the BOV First Division League last season.
Marco Gerada was appointed as new coach following the departure of Atanas Marinov but the backbone of the team will remain more or less that of last season. In fact, Hamrun only signed four new players, namely goalkeeper Sean Sullivan, midfielder Gianluca Calabretta and foreigners Precious Monye and Alfred Effiong.
Interesting to note that besides these four new players and the other foreigner in squad - Branislav Timotic, the Hamrun squad is entirely made up of products of the Hamrun Spartans youth nursery.
For Marco Gerada, this will be his second Premier League experience after leading St. George's last season to some fine performances which however were not enough for the Saints to avoid relegation.
Michael Falzon should start as the Hamrun number 1 goalkeeper but Sean Sullivan provides Gerada another good option. In defence, the Spartans have two experienced central defenders in Timotic and Monye with Aaron Attard and John Debattista playing on the flanks.
In midfield, Hamrun could count on the experience of Rupert Mangion but young players like Ryan Fenech are eager to impress. Up front, Alfred Effiong should confirm his potential as a deadly striker after doing well in his first experience in the Premier League last season with St. George's. Thirty-nine year old Stefan Sultana will hope to add more goals to his tally to extend his record of the all-time top-scorer in the Premier League.
The Spartans hope to secure their Premier League status as early as possible with a top-six finish. With a number of teams, more or less in the same situation - that is fighting for the sixth place and hence a place in the Championship Pool, it will be of utmost importance for Hamrun not to drop any points with such teams.
For the first game against Mqabba, Gaetan Spiteri will be missing as he serves a one-match ban.
Hibernians FC
Despite winning three successive competitions - the U*BET FA Trophy in May, the Euro Challenge Cup in July and the BOV Super Cup earlier this month, Hibernians still remain cautious in their ambitions for the coming season.
As usual, the Paolites only make slight changes to their squad. In fact, the only addition to their squad was Argentine striker Julio Alcorse. Robert Gatt starts his ninth season as Hibernians coach.
Matthew Bartolo and Kenneth Spiteri left the club to join Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara respectively. Udo Nwoko moved to Portugal while Andre Rocha Da Silva returned with Marsaxlokk after joining the Paolites on loan in January.
Hibs need to find the key to consistency in order to challenge for honours. They are proving to be a very strong team in knock-out competitions but although they have a team which could beat any other team on their day, in recent years, they failed to challenge seriously for honours as they dropped important points throughout the season.
Should their performances remain consistent, they have what it takes to challenge for honours -
their best advantage being that of not having to wait for new players to settle down in a new team. In fact from the matches played so fact, Julio Alcorse seemed to have settled down immediately.
Guarding the posts will be captain Mario Muscat with Kevin Cassar, Aaron Xuereb, Ryan Mintoff, and Adrian Pulis in defence. In midfield, Pablo Doffo will have Edmond Agius on one side and Clayton Failla on the other. Andrew Cohen, Terence Scerri and Julio Alcorse, on the other hand will form the Paolites' forward-line.
Birkirkara FC
This summer was a period of reconstruction for Birkirkara after a most disappointing Premier League campaign last season. The Stripes were heavily involved in the transfer market with the departure of key players from last year's squad and the arrival of several new players.
Since last season, they released foreigners Andrezej Bledzewski, Precious Monye and Ruben Dario Larossa. Etienne Barbara and William Camenzuli were transfer-listed and joined Sliema and Marsaxlokk respectively. Kenneth Scicluna and Roderick Briffa opted to move elsewhere - the former joined Valletta and the latter joined Sliema. Andrew Spiteri was loaned out to Msida while Mark Anthony Bonnici and Clint Micallef also moved to other clubs.
Birkirkara secured the services of Paul Fenech from Msida, Kenneth Spiteri from Hibernians, Lee Lombardi from Sliema, Shaun Bajada from Marsaxlokk and goalkeeper Omar Borg from Msida. Club products who were usually loaned to other teams were retained, namely Bernard Paris, Alan Tabone, Martin Anastasi and Thomas Paris.
As regards foreigners, after giving trials to a number of players, they ended up in a difficult situation where they had to choose three out of four players - Bulgarian defender Emil Yantchev, Danish defender Ronni Hartvig and Central African Republic duo Marcelo Tamboulas and Boris Sandjo, a midfielder and a striker.
Although Tamboulas impressed in friendlies, he was the unlucky guy - the one not to be retained - as the club opted to sign the two defenders and Sandjo as he proved to be a most opportunist striker. For Yantchev, this will be the second experience with the Stripes after playing for Marsa last season.
With Omar Borg probably being preferred to Bernard Paris in goal, Yantchev and Hartvig will be the two central defenders with Kenneth Spiteri and Lino Galea probably playing on the flanks.
In midfield, Birkirkara coach John Buttigieg will rely on George Mallia and Paul Fenech with Adrian Ciantar and Shaun Bajada taking the other two slots. Up front, Michael Galea should have a fine partner in Boris Sandjo.
Birkirkara supporters are eager to see the team challenging for the title once again. It may be a bit early to do so due to the several changes in the squad. However they have what it takes to challenge the favourites for the title and spring some surprise.
- The draws for Under-14 and Under-16 competitions organised by the Youth Football Association were held on Saturday during the annual Youth FA Gatorade Seminar which was held at St. Aloysius Sports Complex, Birkirkara.
A total of 43 teams are taking part in the APS Bank Under-16 League which is divided into three sections.
Twelve teams are playing in section A which is based on two rounds. Three teams are relegated from Section A to Section B at the end of the season.
Twelve teams are taking part in Section B which is also based on two rounds. Three teams are promoted to Section A and three teams are relegated to Section C.
Section C will be made up of 19 teams who will be playing a league based on one round. The top three teams are promoted to Section B.
Forty-five teams are taking part in the APS Bank Under-14 League: divided in sections A, B, C1, C2 and C3.
Twelve teams are playing in section A which is based on two rounds. Three teams are relegated from Section A to Section B at the end of the season.
Twelve teams are taking part in Section B which is also based on two rounds. Three teams are promoted to Section A.
The teams in Section C will be divided into three groups of seven teams: Section C1, Section C2 and Section C3. Each section will be based on two rounds.
The draw for The Good Causes Fund Cup Under-16 Knock-Out was also held on Saturday.
Youth FA competitions kick-off on September 8. Matches on that day will be played during the morning due to the national match against Turkey which will be played at 19:30.
YFA Under-14 and Under-16 matches will be played at the usual venues together with the new Melita Ground.
Meanwhile a number of guests addressed the seminar. Following an introduction by YFA president Fr Hilary Tagliaferro, Mr Robert Camilleri, Dr Aaron Formosa and Ms Petra Mallia spoke about 'Education in view of obesity and overweight in children and adolescence'. Mr Andrew Decelis and Mr Ivan Riolo spoke about 'Developing the Fundamental Stage'.
Head coaches and coaches were then invited for a practical session at the St. Aloysius Ground while administrators were invited to participate in a presentation and discussion by Dr Simon Busuttil named 'The EU and Sport'.
Finally another three year sponsorship agreement was signed between APS Bank and the Youth FA.
Gatorade and APS are in fact the main sponsors of the festivals and leagues organised by the association.
- Msida St. Joseph signed ten players in their bid to strengthen the squad ahead of the forthcoming BOV Premier League campaign.
Following the departure of Daniel Nwoke before the end of last season and the transfer of Ibrahim Babatunde, Ousseni Zongo, Josef Mifsud, Paul Fenech and Omar Borg, the Saints did their best to seek replacements for these key players.
They signed Glenn Magri and Gilbert Camilleri from Naxxar Lions, Clive Spiteri from Valletta, Clive Brincat and Lawrence Mizzi from St. George's, Andrew Spiteri from Birkirkara and Charles Black - an Englishman with a Maltese passport. As regards foreigners, so far the club signed Nigerian midfielder George Ogbona who also holds an English passport and Cameroon Under-23 international striker Njongo Priso. Stacey Vella made his move a permanent one after being on loan from San Gwann last season.
While addressing a press conference at Ristorante Del Capo, Sliema, new Msida SJ president Robert Farrugia said that over the past three years, the club had managed to obtain important achievements such as reaching the FA Trophy final and semi-finals and for the past two years, they secured a top-six finish.
He said the new committee started working for the new season with the confirmation of Patrick Curmi as coach and appointing Joe Abdilla, former youth team coach, as his assistant.
Robert Farrugia said that Msida, as a small club, did whatever possible to strengthen the team within their possibilities. One way of generating revenue for the club was through the transfer of foreigners to clubs abroad. They also managed to obtain good deals in the transfer of other players.
"We did our homework well. Together with our coach, we saw which players were available in the different divisions in order to strengthen the squad. We believe we have a squad which is strong enough to make it to the top six," said Farrugia.
The Msida president said that in the coming week the squad could be strengthened further with the signing of up to three new players - two locals and a foreigner. In fact, more foreigners will be on trial before the club takes a final decision on a third foreign player.
Msida coach Patrick Curmi said that during the close season, he worked hand in hand with the committee with the objective of finding suitable replacements for the players who left the club while keeping in mind the club's financial state.
Curmi said that although the team has been preparing for the past seven weeks, due to the several changes, time is required before the new players start to settle down.
He said he believes the team is quite competitive and the players will be working hard towards trying to secure the sixth place.
Msida president Robert Farrugia thanked the sponsors Powerade, Activezone, EuroSport, Ristorante Del Capo and Tex-Mex. EuroSport is the club's technical sponsor with Max Sport products.
- The football season in Gozo gets underway in the first weekend of September with the first matches from the Second Division Knock-Out on Saturday 1 and the first matches from the Independence Cup on Sunday 2.
The Second Division Knock-Out will mark the return of Munxar Falcons who will be playing in the Second Division this season. Seven teams will therefore play in Division 2 - Gharb Rangers, Munxar Falcons, Oratory Youths, St. Lawrence Spurs, SK Victoria Wanderers, Xewkija Tigers and Zebbug Rangers. The Sprite Second Division League kicks-off on September 15.
The seven First Division clubs - Ghajnsielem, Kercem Ajax, Nadur Youngsters, Qala St. Joseph, Sannat Lions, Victoria Hotspurs and Xaghra United - are taking part in the Independence Cup. Its final will be held on September 21. The Onvol First Division League kicks-off on September 12.
Other competitions to be played this season include the GFA Cup, the Freedom Day Cup, the BOV Super Cup and the Second Division Challenge Cup.
Fri 24
- Fgura Tournament Mgarr U. vs Marsa 4-1
- Organised support will be at its best on Victory Day as Malta takes on Turkey in a EURO 2008 qualifier thanks to a joint-effort by a number of groups which will pledge their support to the national team under the name of South End Core.
Details about the preparations were revealed during a press conference which was held at TeamSport, Iklin on Friday.
The idea came from Rookies Sports Bar and Ryans Irish Pub. Birkirkara Ultras, Paola Boys Hibs Ultras and the White Warriors also pledged their support to the idea together with Zmerc Pub, Extra Time and Kavallieri Rugby Football Club.
Addressing the press conference, Louis Agius from Rookies said the group behind this organised support has been working since May. Four thousand supporters at the South Side will be taking part in a choreography similar to ones usually seen in football grounds abroad. Four thousand flags will be used for this choreography together with a replica Maltese shirt measuring 15m by 10m and supplied by Diadora which will flow over the South Side.
A number of football chants have been recorded and will be used for the game. A number of promos have been launched on You Tube. Local band Xtruppaw also issued a song specifically for the game named Forza Malta (B' Ghajta Wahda). This can be downloaded from the band's website www.xtruppaw.com
The objective is one - that of creating the right atmosphere to support the national team. Hopefully the number of spectators for the game will be one of the highest ever at Ta' Qali.
Several Turkish supporters will be travelling with the team and several other Turkish people living in Malta, estimated to be a few thousands, are also expected to attend.
The organisers are appealing for all to unite in order to give the best possible support to the national team. Those who will be in the South End Core will have to follow instructions by stewards for a successful choreography.
Mr Agius said that this will not be an isolated event as the South End Core aimed at organising support for future matches and other sports events.
The evening will start at 17:00hrs with supporters gathering in any of the pre-party venues: University campus, Rookies (Bugibba), Ryan’s (St. Julian’s), Zmerc Pub (Balzan) and Extra Time (Mosta). Carcades will then leave the different venues at 18:00hrs to make it in time for the Music Warm Up Party which will be orgainsed at the stadium.
Tickets for the South-End-Core are limited to 4,000 and can be purchased as from Monday exclusively from Louis Agius 79403309 or Eman Pulis 99263626 or from the KSU outlet on campus, Rookies (Bugibba), Ryan’s (St. Julian’s), Zmerc (Balzan), Teamsport (Iklin), Extra Time (Mosta), 47 Summer Nights (Marsascala) or Dual Zone (Paola), Scruples (Birkirkara) and Go Mobile outlets. Tickets sell at Lm 2 only.
Tickets for the other sides will be available later on from the usual outlets. More details will be announced later on.
Mr Agius concluded by thanking all sponsors including Melita Cable, TeamSport, Carlsberg, WKD, Scruples and Zmerc.
- The Malta Under-19 side suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to Poland in the third and final match of the 14th International Youth Tournament which was held in the Czech Republic.
In the first game, Malta lost 1-2 to Norway while in the second match, Malta lost 0-4 to the Czech Republic.
This tournament served as very useful preparation for the more important commitment in the UEFA Under-19 Championship 2007/08 Qualifying Round in November. Malta is in a very tough group with host country Italy, Croatia and Montenegro.
- The Malta Football Association announced the seating arrangements for the first four BOV Premier League matches which will be played on Sunday 23 and Monday 27 August.
Following the issue of a press release in the afternoon, the association decided to make some changes for better security measures.
Although the installation of the glass panels which replaces the fence at the West Stand (Enclosure) has just been completed, the West Stand will not be used for these four matches for safety reasons.
The seating arrangements will be as follows:
Sunday 26: Mqabba vs Hamrun Spartans and Hibernians vs Birkirkara
Mqabba and Hibernians will stay in the Millennium Stand Side ‘A’ and the South Stand.
Hamrun Spartans and Birkirkara will be staying in the Millennium Stand Side ‘C’ and the North Stand.
Monday 27: Sliema Wanderers v Msida St. Joseph and Valletta v Floriana
Msida St. Joseph and Valletta supporters will stay in the Millennium Stand Side ‘A’ and the South Stand
Sliema Wanderers and Floriana supporters will stay in the Millennium Stand Side ‘C’ and North Stand
Ticket prices will be as follows:
Millenium Stand – Lm 3
North and South Stands – Lm 2
Ladies, children, Kartanzjan holders and persons with special needs - Lm 1.50.
Meanwhile the Police Commissioner issued a statement with further instructions for supporters for Monday's matches.
Valletta and Msida supporters should enter Ta’ Qali from Pitkali Road, Attard, in the direction of the Model Aircrafts Club and use the parking area in front of the Enclosure.
Floriana and Sliema supporters should enter Ta' Qali from Mdina Road, Rabat, in the direction of the basketball pavilion and should use the parking areas in front of the Millennium Stand.
Searches will be carried out on spectators. No fog horns, smoke canisters or any sort of fireworks are allowed. Objects which could be used as missiles are also prohibited.
Persons under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to enter the stadium.
No vehicles will be allowed to park in the road surrounding the stadium.
Thu 23
- Fgura Tournament Zurrieq vs Kirkop U. 5-1
- Newly-promoted Mqabba FC strengthened their squad for the forthcoming BOV Premier League campaign with the signing of no less than nine new players, including three new foreigners.
Mqabba secured the services of three Brazilian players - twenty-five year old defender Italo Nogueira, twenty-nine year old midfielder Fabio Silva and twenty-six year old striker Marcelo Pereira.
The Reds also managed to sign Clifford Gatt Baldacchino and John Mintoff from Sliema Wanderers, Dylan Zarb from Valletta, Mark Anthony Psaila from Floriana, Claudio Calleja from Pietà Hotspurs and goalkeeper Paul Psaila from Luqa St. Andrew's. They are also set to renew the loan of Lee Galea from Floriana.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, Mqabba FC president Mario Borg said 2007 was an important year for the club as they celebrated the 50th anniversary from the club's foundation with promotion to the Premier League. He thanked the committee, players and supporters for working towards reaching the objective of promotion. Borg remembered Ikechukwu Chibueze, who was one of the key players in the Mqabba squad last season, who passed away in January.
The Mqabba president said the club's objective will be that of avoiding relegation and hence, the squad was strengthened with the purpose of providing coach Joe Falzon with a squad which could reach this target.
The former Malta international player is in his second season as Mqabba coach. Falzon said he was satisfied with the pre-season of the squad and is looking forward towards the coming season.
The Mqabba coach said that it was of utmost importance for the players to keep their feet to the ground as they start as the underdogs in the Premier League.
The president thanked the sponsors, namely OmniTurf which is the main sponsor and Caqnu Premium Lager. EuroSport is the kit sponsor with the brand Max Sport.
Speaking on behalf of EuroSport, Fabian Catania said this was the second year the company was sponsoring Mqabba. However this is the first time with the brand Max Sport which is a new brand for the Maltese islands.
- A group of 35 children aged between 9 and 13, from the Luxol St Andrew's Academy attended a one week intensive training camp in Bolton, England during the first week of August.
This activity was part of a collaboration program that Luxol have signed with the Bolton Academy, and similar exchanges are programmed for the future.
All the sessions were held at the Hopwood Training centre, where the boys were lodged. A number of Bolton coaches directed the sessions, assisted by Luxol coaches Victor Cumbo and John Aguis.
The program for the boys also included a visit to Reebok Stadium and Old Trafford to watch Manchester United play Inter in a pre-season friendly.
A number of parents accompanied the group.
The camp was a great success and will hopefully become a regular feature in the Luxol Academy calendar in the future.
Wed 22
- Mosta Tournament Albania vs Malta 3-0
- Mosta Tournament Lija A. vs Gharghur 2-0, Mosta vs Mgarr U. 1-0
- Malta climbed five places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking which was published on Wednesday and is now 115th.
Amongst the other European countries, Malta is 44th, on level points with Kazakhstan (up 3). Just ahead of Malta are Georgia (103, down 8), Moldova (106, down 4), Azerbaijan (107, up 2), Latvia (110, up 1). Behind Malta are Iceland (117, down 8), Estonia (125, down 1), Liechtenstein (133), Andorra (161, down 4), Luxembourg (174), Faroe Islands (190, down 2), San Marino (195) and Montenegro (199).
After the friendly game against Albania, Malta hosts Turkey in a EURO 2008 qualifier on September 8 and four days later, hosts Armenia in a friendly match also at Ta' Qali.
- Floriana FC will have three new foreigners after signing Serbian defender Darko Krsteski, Serbian midfielder Zoran Levnaic and English striker Yala Bolasie.
Krsteski is a former player of Red Star Belgrade and also played abroad in Jordan. Levnaic, a product of Partizan Belgrade, formerly played for Sindelic while Bolasie joins the club from Hillingdonborough.
These three foreigners replace Riad Gango-Rtsa, Wendell Gomes and Bojan Spasojevic.
Other new players in the Floriana squad are defender Emmanuel Sevasta, who joins the club from St. George's, and Clifton Ciantar, who returns with the club after spending last season with Sliema Wanderers.
EuroSport is the new kit-sponsor with the brand Legea.
- The Malta Under-13 national team took part in a tournament in the Czech Republic - the Cez Cup between August 3 and 5. The tournament was reserved for boys born in 1995.
The tournament, organised by FC Hradec Kralove, provided good exposure to international competition for the young Maltese players, enhancing their experience and knowledge against stronger opposition.
The team did quite well ending fourth out of eighteen teams. In the first game, Malta defeated Czech side Frydek Mistek 5-0 thanks to goals by Johann Bezzina (2), Terence Agius, Hubert Vella and Cain Attard. Malta then registered another 5-0 win, this time against Trencin (Slovakia), goals by Terence Agius (2), Manuel Briffa (2) and Johann Bezzina.
The U-13 side lost 0-1 to Sardice (Czech Republic) but bounced back with a 1-0 win over Nachod (Czech Republic) thanks to a goal by Johann Bezzina and a 3-1 win over Olympia (Czech Republic) with goals by Terence Agius, Cesco Gusman and Hubert Vella.
In the semi-finals, Malta lost 2-4 to hosts Hradec Kralove. Terence Agius and Nick Bradshaw scored Malta's two goals. Malta then placed fourth after beating Sardice 1-0 thanks to a goal by Manuel Briffa and Chrudim (Czech Republic) 2-0 thanks to another goal by Briffa and another by Bradshaw.
Head Coach Mark Marlow, who was assisted by Frank Schembri and Michal Striz, was voted best Trainer of the Tournament whilst Maltese goalkeeper Jurgen Borg (Floriana) was voted as best keeper of the tournament.
Apart from tournament, some cultural visits were organised by Michal Striz for the young Maltese players. They visited the Zoo Park and the Aqua Park Centre besides sight seeing in the capital city, Prague.
The players who made the trip to the Czech Republic were: Jurgen Borg (Floriana), Leighton Micallef (Mosta), Scott Chircop (Pietà), Francesco Gusman (Floriana), James Manfre (Sliema), Zac Gatt (Melita), Brandon Muscat (Hibs), Kyle Cesare (Pietà), Johan Bezzina (Hibs), Terence Agius (Pietà), Nick Bradshaw (St. Andrews), Nicholas Grima (St. Andrews), Karl Conti (Hibs), Llywelyn Cremona (Valletta), Manuel Briffa (Floriana), Cain Attard (Pietà), Ryan Spiteri (Hamrun) and Hubert Vella (Pietà).
Tue 21
- Under-21 Friendly Portugal vs Malta 3-0
- The Under-19 side suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat to Norway in the opening game from the 14th International Youth Tournament which is being held in the Czech Republic.
Norway took the lead on the 10th minute and doubled the score on 33 minutes. Sliema striker Miguel Ciantar scored the only goal for Malta on 36 minutes. Ciantar received a good pass, rounded a defender and shot from inside the area beating the Norwegian keeper all the way.
Malta will now meet the Czech Republic on Wednesday 22 at 17:00 and Poland on Friday 24 at 16:30.
The starting line-up for Malta: Nicholas Vella, Steve Bonnici, Chris McKay (Julian Tonna), Kane Farrugia, Jonathan Xerri (Timothy Fleri Soler), Beppe Muscat (Adrian Borg), Karl Pulo, Mark Scerri, Nathan Busuttil (Daniel Gatt), Glanville Goodlip, Miguel Ciantar.
This tournament will serve as very useful preparation for the more important commitment in the UEFA Under-19 Championship 2007/08 Qualifying Round in November. Malta is in a very tough group with host country Italy, Croatia and Montenegro.
- The national team continues its preparation ahead of the forthcoming EURO 2008 qualifiers as Malta takes on Albania in a friendly match this evening at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana, kick-off at 20:45.
This will be an important test for Dusan Fitzel's side against a team who stands in a mid-table position in Group G behind Romania, Bulgaria and the Netherlands but ahead of Belarus, Slovenia and Luxembourg.
Malta is currently sixth in Group C with four points from seven matches after collecting a win over Hungary and a draw with Moldova away from home. Malta also did quite well in narrow 1-0 defeats to Greece at Ta' Qali and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo.
The team had a successful one-week training camp in Senec, Slovakia thanks to the ideal logistics surrounding the facilities which were at the disposal of the team and the accompanying technical and medical staff.
Goalkeeper Justin Haber and Andre Schembri, who did not attend the training camp due to club commitments, have now joined the squad for this game.
The starting line-up for Malta will be: Mario Muscat, Roderick Briffa, Ian Azzopardi, Brian Said, Josef Mifsud, Jamie Pace, Gilbert Agius, Etienne Barbara, George Mallia, Andre' Schembri, Terence Scerri.
Substitutes: Justin Haber, Steve Wellman, Aaron Xuereb, Kenneth Scicluna, Roderick Bajada, Cleaven Frendo
The other players of the squad that have not been selected for this match: Andrew Hogg, Omar Borg, Ivan Woods, Peter Pullicino
Missing from the squad are Daniel Bogdanovic, Luke Dimech, Michael Mifsud, Kevin Sammut and Gareth Sciberras.
Malta and Albania met four times. Malta won 2-1 in a friendly match at Ta' Qali in August 1995. The two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the Rothmans Tournament 1998 and two years later, in another match from the Rothmans Tournament, Albania won 1-0. Seven years ago, Malta lost 3-0 in Tirana in another friendly match.
The match against Albania will be played at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana on Wednesday at 20:45.
Mon 20
- Fgura Tournament Mgarr U. vs Kirkop U. 2-0
- The Malta Under-21 side faces Portugal in a friendly match on Tuesday at Vila do Conde, kick-off 22:00 CET. This game will serve as part of the team's preparation ahead of the forthcoming UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers.
The team travelled to Portugal from the Czech Republic where the team spent a one-week training camp under the guidance of Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller, his assistant Silvio Vella and goalkeepers' coach Charles Sciberras.
They also played a friendly match against Czech Second Division side Hradec Kralove, losing 0-1.
The players at Mark Miller's disposal are:
goalkeepers Miguel Montfort, Henry Bonello, Luke Woods;
defenders Steve Borg, Clayton Failla, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Justin Grioli, Edward Herrera, Kenneth Spiteri;
midfielders Andrei Agius, Edmond Agius, Matthew Bartolo, Dyson Falzon, Tyron Farrugia, Paul Fenech, Ryan Fenech, John Mintoff, Thomas Paris;
strikers Angus Buhagiar, Steve Meilaq, Ian Zammit.
Midfielder Andrei Agius, who plays in Italy for Igea Virtus joined the squad in Portugal after missing the training camp due to club commitments.
The Under-21 side will have a most busy season with no less than six qualifiers in programme between September and February.
On September 8, Malta plays Bosnia-Herzegovina away from home and four days later, Malta hosts France at Ta' Qali. The team then plays two matches away from home - against Wales on October 17 and against Romania on November 17. Malta then hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina on November 20 before the game against Wales at home on February 5.
Malta so far played one game, losing 0-1 to Romania at the Hibs Ground with a 94th minute goal.
- Fixtures for the BOV First, Second and Third Division leagues were revealed on Monday. The BOV First Division kicks-off on October 6 while both the BOV Second Division and the BOV Third Division leagues get underway on September 21.
In the BOV First Division, newly-promoted Mellieha take on Marsa, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, in the first game on Saturday October 6th. On the same day, Mosta face the other team promoted from Division 2 - Dingli Swallows. Both matches will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
On Saturday October 7, Tarxien Rainbows meet Senglea Athletic while St. George's face St. Patrick. The other two teams in Division 1, Qormi and Vittoriosa Stars meet on Sunday October 14th.
The league comes to an end with the last two matches on May 18th.
BOV First Division matches will be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, the Hibernians Ground and the Centenary Stadium.
The BOV Second Division kicks-off on September 21 with Melita vs Sta. Venera Lightnings and Lija Athletic vs St. Andrews.
The league comes to an end on May 11th. As usual, all Second Division matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium.
The BOV Third Division League will be divided into two sections: Section A with ten teams and Section B with nine teams.
The first matches will be played on Friday September 21 with Mdina Knights vs Zejtun Corinthians from Section A and Luqa St. Andrew's vs Santa Lucia from Section B.
The teams in Section A are Mdina Knights, Zejtun Corinthians, Xghajra Tornadoes, Siggiewi, Fgura United, Zebbug Rangers, Mtarfa, Attard, Ghaxaq and Qrendi while Luqa St. Andrews, Sta. Lucia, Gudja United, Gozo, Kalkara, Kirkop United, Gharghur, Pembroke Athleta and Gzira United are the teams in Section B.
All Section A matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium. In Section B, Gozo FC will be playing their home matches at the Gozo Stadium while the other matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium.
The BOV Third Division Championship Decider will be played on Sunday May 18.
The Promotion Play-Offs, which will be played on a knock-out basis also get underway on May 18th. The final will be played on May 25th.
Sun 19
- Bosnia-Herzegovina champions MNK Kaskada Gracanica proved to be too strong for Jeepers Futsal Club in the second match from the Group E mini-tournament in the UEFA Futsal Cup preliminary round at the Skövde Arena in Skövde, Sweden.
Kaskada Gracanica won 18-3. They went four goals ahead thanks to Muhibija Spanic, Ferik Dizdarevic (2) and Mirzet Topcagic. Pavel Adamov reduced the gap for Jeepers but Ferik Dizdarevic (2), Muhibija Spanic and Muamer Orucevic made it 8-1.
Goals by Muhibija Spanic and Ulfet Krdzic increased the lead for Gracanica. Owen Galea scored a second goal for Jeepers but Mirzet Topcagic (2), Sadmir Nurcic (2), Muhibija Spanic (2) and Ulfet Krdzic increased the lead to 17-2. Pavel Adamov scored again for the Maltese champions but Ferik Dizdarevic restored a fifteen goal gap.
- Former Hibernians striker Udochukwu Nwoko had an excellent debut with his new club in Portugal as he enabled Leixoes to notch the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with giants Benfica on Saturday.
Nwoko notched the equaliser on the 94th minute after Petit had put Benfica ahead on the 90th minute.
The Nigerian-born striker, who is set to obtain Maltese citizenship, was included as a substitute on 71 minutes, replacing Jorge Goncalves.
Nwoko is one of three players who moved to Portugal this summer. Msida St. Joseph midfielder Ousseni Zongo and Valletta's Edafe Uzeh joined Uniao de Leiria.
Meanwhile in England, Luke Dimech played the whole ninety minutes in the 3-3 draw between Macclesfield and Milton Keynes Dons. On the other hand, Michael Mifsud was included as a substitute on 71 minutes in the 1-1 draw between Coventry and Hull.
Earlier this week, Dimech also played the whole game in Macclesfield's 0-1 defeat to Leeds United in the Carling Cup.
On Friday, Andre Schembri played the whole ninety minutes in Eintracht Braunschweig's 1-3 defeat to SV Babelsberg 03 in the Regionalliga Nord. Eintracht will be in action once again on Tuesday against Union Berlin.
- Four teams are taking part in this year's edition of the Gammari Muscat Mosta Tournament which kicks-off on Wednesday. The four teams are Lija Athletic and Mgarr United from Division 2, Gharghur from Division 3 and hosts Mosta from Division 1.
The tournament will be played on a one round league basis.
Mosta will also organise the Under-19 Challenge. Eight teams will be taking part in this tournament which will be held between August 27 and September 6. Teams are divided into two groups with the winners and runners-up of both groups meeting in the semi-finals.
Playing in Group A are St. Patrick, Mgarr United, Rabat Ajax and Mosta while Melita, Pietà Hotspurs, Sliema Wanderers and Hamrun Spartans will be playing in Group B.
Sat 18
- National Coach Dusan Fitzel and his assistant Oliver Spiteri conducted the last training session of the National Team in Senec on Saturday morning.
As expected, this has been a very successful training camp with the ideal logistics surrounding the facilities which were at the disposal of the team and the accompanying technical and medical staff.
Early on Sunday morning, the team will depart from Slovakia towards Vienna, from where they will fly to Tirana to prepare for the friendly encounter with Albania next Wednesday.
Joining the squad in Tirana will be Justin Haber and Andre Schembri who did not attend the training camp but made themselves available for the friendly match against Albania.
The squad at Dusan Fitzel's disposal for Wednesday's game is therefore made up of:
goalkeepers Omar Borg (Birkirkara), Justin Haber (Haidari), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Aaron Xuereb (Hibernians);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Eintracht Braunschweig), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
The match against Albania will be played at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana on Wednesday at 20:45.
- The Under-19 squad leaves Malta on Sunday to participate in the prestigious 14th International Youth Tournament to be held in the Czech Republic.
Malta will be playing against Norway on Tuesday 21 at 17:00, the Czech Republic on Wednesday 22 at 17:00 and Poland on Friday 24 at 16:30.
This tournament will serve as very useful preparation for the more important commitment in the UEFA Under-19 Championship 2007/08 Qualifying Round in November. Malta is in a very tough group with host country Italy, Croatia and Montenegro.
The players selected by Under-19 coach Edwin Camilleri are:
Goalkeepers: Thomas Galea (Hibs), Nicholas Vella (San Gwann);
Defenders: Steve Bonnici (Melita), Adrian Borg (Mosta), Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Kane Paul Farrugia (Sliema), Timothy Fleri Soler (Hibs), Julian Tonna (Hibs) and Jonathan Xerri (Hibs);
Midfielders: Osbert Ellul (Hibs), Daniel Gatt (Pietà), Karl Pulo (Pietà), Beppe Muscat (Sliema), Mark Scerri (Sliema)
Forwards: Nathan Busuttil (Pietà), Glenville Goodlip (Pietà), Miguel Ciantar (Sliema), Dylan Kokavevssis (Pietà).
Mr Lawrence Ellul (MFA International Dept. Official) is the Head of Delegation while Messrs Charles Scerri and Ray Schembri will be the Asst. Coaches. Dr Matthew Mifsud is the Team Doctor and Mr Gordon Scicluna is the Physiotherapist.
The Maltese contingent returns to Malta on Sunday evening, 26th August.
- Valletta FC will be signing Nigerian youngster Frank Temile as the club's third foreigner.
Seventeen year old Temile, who was part of the Valletta Under-16 squad and has been training with the youth squad, played for the Citizens in a couple of friendly matches, leaving a good impression.
For the past two weeks, Mexican striker Hernan Fernandez was on trial with the Citizens. However at the end of this trial period, the club decided not to offer him a contract.
Temile's signing completes a total of eight new players in the Valletta squad. The other new faces are Stefan Giglio, Josef Mifsud, Andrew Hogg, Kenneth Scicluna, Bryan Agius, Sebastian Monesterolo and Heiner Backhaus.
Since last season, foreigners Edafe Uzeh, Richmar Siberie and Branko Nisevic were released. Sharlon Pace made his move to Sliema Wanderers a permanent one while Dylan Zarb was loaned to newly-promoted Mqabba. Other young players could be loaned for one year in order for them to gain experience.
- Malta Rugby Football Union side Kavallieri RFC and other Malta Rugby members are teaming up with Rookies Sports Bar and Ryans Irish Pub to form part of the South End Core at the forthcoming Euro 2008 football qualifier Malta vs Turkey on the 8th September at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali.
European rugby culture shares many similarities with those of football and historically goes back centuries.
The Malta Rugby Football Union is looking to build on already strong relations with local football clubs and other football authorities.
Therefore the union continues to encourage this kind of initiative and support for Team Malta in all sports.
The MRFU would also like to thank local club sponsors 'Rookies Sports Bar' and 'Ryans Irish Pub' for their constant support towards the growth of Rugby in Malta.
Local rugby enthusiasts are invited to join us in supporting the Maltese national football team. For more information on forming part of the Malta Rugby support please contact Pierre Mangion from Kavallieri RFC on 99429590 or by sending an email to pierremangion@gmail.com
- Dingli Swallows FC Nursery has just opened its applications for boys and girls for the coming season 2007/2008.
Boys between 5 and 16 years and girls between 5 and 12 years, may send their details to the nursery on email address nursery@dingliswallows.com or by post to Dingli Swallows FC 6, Suite A, Triq Il-Parrocca, Dingli. They can also leave their details at the club between Monday and Sunday between 4.00pm and 10.00pm.
More details can be obtained by phoning 79593521 or 21456221.
Fri 17
- Carlsberg Tournament Msida SJ vs Birkirkara 0-1, Sliema W. vs Pietà H. 2-4
- Fgura Tournament Marsa vs Fgura U. 0-2
- Malta futsal champions Jeepers FC suffered an 8-2 defeat to hosts Skövde AIK in the opening match of Group E of the UEFA Futsal Cup preliminary round at the Skövde Arena in Skövde, Sweden.
Pavel Adamov put Jeepers ahead but Skövde soon turned the score in their favour with goals by Oskar Nielsen, Johan Johansson and Johny David. MFA Futsal Best Player Zeljko Anicic scored the second goal for Jeepers but Skövde hit back with goals by Tobias Jansson, Charbel Abraham (2), Robert Eckerman and Gustav Karlsson.
The second game for Jeepers is against MNK Kaskada Gracanica from Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday. Kaskada Gracanica and Skövde face each other in the final game on Sunday.
Thu 16
- Fgura Tournament Qrendi vs Kirkop U. 2-1
- Malta Futsal champions Jeepers Futsal Club will be making their debut in European competitions as they take on Swedish side Skövde AIK on Friday in a match from Group E of the 2007/08 UEFA Futsal Cup Preliminary Round at the Skövde Arena in Skövde.
A record 44 clubs from 43 countries are taking part in the competition, including for the first time teams from Estonia, the Republic of Ireland and Montenegro as well as the return of a team from Israel.
Twenty-two teams, including Jeepers FC, are involved in the preliminary round. There are four groups of four teams and two of three, with the six group winners to progress to the Main Round.
The second game for Jeepers is against MNK Kaskada Gracanica from Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday. Kaskada Gracanica and Skövde face each other in the final game on Sunday.
Jeepers FC, who were founded in 2002, won the 2006/07 MFA Futsal Championship Play-Offs after beating 2005/06 champions Hibernians 8-3 and 2004/05 champions European Pilot Academy 6-3. A 1-1 draw in the last match with Scandals Bar was enough for Jeepers FC to secure their first league title.
- Thunder Wolves will be organising a 5-a-side tournament at the Corradino sythetic turf pitch on Friday 14th September from 18:00 onwards.
Twenty-four teams, divided into four groups of six teams each, will take part. Therfore each team will play a minimum of five games. The winner of each group will move on to the semi-finals.
The prizes include trophies for the teams ending first, second and third plus a Lm 100 cash prize for the winners.
The fee is Lm 30 and the closing date is September 7th.
For more information contact: 79334411 (Adam) or 99258032 (Manuel).
Wed 15
- Carlsberg Tournament Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 0-2, Msida SJ vs Pietà H. 0-1
- As part of its one week intensive training camp being held in Senec, Slovakia, the National Team played a friendly match against local side SFM Senec, which our team won with the convincing score of 4-0.
After an initial two days during which the team held two sessions a day, National Coach Dusan Fitzel conducted only one session on Wednesday morning as the team was due to play the friendly match against local team SFM Senec in the afternoon.
The initial line-up for this match, which kicked-off at 1700 hrs, was Andrew Hogg (45' Omar Borg), Peter Pullicino (45' George Mallia), Ian Azzopardi (45' Steve Wellman), Brian Said (45' Aaron Xuereb), Josef Mifsud (45' Kenneth Scicluna), Gilbert Agius (45' Roderick Bajada), Roderick Briffa, Jamie Pace, Terence Scerri (45' Cleavon Frendo), Andrew Cohen, Etienne Barbara.
The first goal arrived on the 38th minute, when Gilbert Agius converted to goal a fine cross from Etienne Barbara. In the 41st minute, Gilbert Agius sent a excellent thru pass in Terence Scerri's direction who, after beating two opponents, sent the ball at the back of the net to make it 2-0 just before half-time.
At the beginning of the second half, Dusan Fitzel made no less than seven substitutions.
Andrew Cohen's solitary action reaped its efforts as he was floored by the goalkeeper leaving the referee with no option but to award the penalty, which was converted by the same Cohen. Cleavon Frendo then made it 4-0 when he converted a cross by George Mallia from the left flank.
The team resumes its intensive training camp as from tomorrow, until Sunday 19th when the players accompanied by the technical and medical staff leaves to Tirana where Malta will play an international friendly match on Wednesday against Albania.
- As part of the one-week training camp in the Czech Republic, the Malta Under-21 side played a friendly match against Second Division side Hradec Kralove, losing 0-1. The only goal was scored on the 77th minute.
Coach Mark Miller used all players at his disposal during the match which was described as "a good competitive game."
Forwards Edward Herrera and Angus Buhagiar lost good scoring opportunities for the young Maltese side.
Tue 14
- The national 'A' squad held its first training sessions on Monday after arriving in Senec, Slovakia on Sunday for a one-week training camp.
The team held its first training session at 10:30 with the second session being held at 18:30.
Two more sessions will be held on Tuesday while on Wednesday, the team will train only in the morning as they will play a friendly match against a selection from the local team Senec in the afternoon.
Mon 13
- Carlsberg Tournament Msida SJ vs Sliema W. 0-3, Birkirkara vs Pietà H. 3-2
- Fgura Tournament Zurrieq vs Fgura U. 3-2
Sun 12
- Three Maltese international players were in action for their clubs in England and Germany on Saturday.
In the Championship, Michael Mifsud scored the fourth goal for Coventry City in a 4-1 win away from home against Barnsley although he was only included as a substitute on 72 minutes.
In League Two, Luke Dimech made his debut for Macclesfield Town as they shared the spoils with Bradford away from home. Dimech played the whole ninety minutes.
In Germany, Andre Schembri also played the whole ninety minutes for Eintracht Braunschweig in a 4-0 win away from home over SV Bavenstedt in the Lower Saxony Cup.
Sat 11
- The national 'A' squad and the Under-21 side both leave Malta on Sunday for one-week training camps in Slovakia and the Czech Republic respectively.
Twenty players are part of the senior squad which will travel to Slovakia. The players selected by Fitzel are:
goalkeepers Omar Borg (Birkirkara), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Aaron Xuereb (Hibernians);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Kevin Sammut, Gareth Sciberras and Daniel Bogdanovic are not making the trip just like foreign-based players Justin Haber (Haidari), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Michael Mifsud (Coventry) and Andre Schembri (Eintracht Braunschweig).
The training camp will be held between Sunday 12th and Sunday 19th, following which the team will be transferred to Albania for a friendly international match at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana on Wednesday 22 at 20:45. Justin Haber and Andre Schembri will join the team in Tirana on Sunday 19.
The contingent returns to Malta on the 23rd August.
Accompanying the team will be team manager Ivan Vella, national coach Dusan Fitzel, assistant coach Oliver Spiteri, goalkeepers' coach Roger Camilleri, team doctor Dr David Attard, physiotherapist Joseph St John, masseurs Tony Gambin and Donald Spiteri and kit manager Carmelo Gauci.
Meanwhile Under-21 coach Mark Miller named a twenty-man squad for the training camp which will be held in the Czech Republic.
The players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Miguel Montfort, Henry Bonello, Luke Woods;
defenders Steve Borg, Clayton Failla, Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Justin Grioli, Edward Herrera, Kenneth Spiteri;
midfielders Edmond Agius, Matthew Bartolo, Dyson Falzon, Tyron Farrugia, Paul Fenech, Ryan Fenech, John Mintoff, Thomas Paris;
strikers Angus Buhagiar, Steve Meilaq, Ian Zammit.
Accompanying the squad will be coach Mark Miller, assistant coach Silvio Vella, goalkeepers' coach Charles Sciberras, team doctor Dr Stephen Zammit, masseur Jason Degiorgio and kit manager Alex Agius.
The squad will travel to the Czech Republic on Sunday 12th August. On the 19th August, the team will be transferred to Portugal for the friendly international match against Portugal which will be played at the Vila do Conde, kick-off at 21:00. Midfielder Andrei Agius, who plays in Italy for Igea Virtus will join the team on Sunday 19th August in Portugal.
- The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body rejected the protest by Sliema Wanderers. concerning the validity of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round second-leg against PFC Litex Lovech in Bulgaria on 2 August after the Bulgarian club had failed to fill in the match sheet correctly.
The protest however has been turned down by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body, whose decision validates the 4-0 Litex victory and hence a 7-0 aggregate win for the Bulgarian side although the inspector dealing with the case had decided to award Sliema a 3-0 win.
The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body fined Litex €3,000 for an "administrative shortfall" because they missed out the name of one player in the team sheet.
- After suffering sixteen goals in the opening match from Group A5 of the UEFA Women's Cup first qualifying round against Italian champions CF Bardolino Verona, Birkirkara suffered another 0-16 defeat to Athletic Club Bilbao at the ZSD Stadium in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The performance in the first half was much better than that against Bardolino Verona although they suffered five goals. However after the break, Athletic scored eleven goals without reply.
Erika scored seven goals, Juaristi Rzibi three and Amaia Olabarrieta two. Iraia, Irune Murua, Lorena and Nekane scored one each.
On Tuesday, Birkirkara play the last game against hosts Novo Mesto. The latter lost 0-4 to Athletic Club on Thursday and 0-5 to Bardolino Verona on Saturday.
Fri 10
- Super Cup Marsaxlokk vs Hibernians 1-3
- Friendly Matches Valletta vs Msida SJ 1-1, Hamrun S. vs Sliema W. 2-0 (Geatan Spiteri and Ryan Fenech), Birkirkara vs Mqabba 1-0 (Paul Fenech)
- Fgura Tournament Qrendi vs Mgarr U. 2-0
- Champions Marsaxlokk presented the new sponsor and presented two new players during a press conference at the InterContinental Hotel, St. Julian's.
For the next two years, Marsaxlokk will be sponsored by Konica Minolta.
Addressing the press conference, Marsaxlokk president Mr Robert Micallef said the club went through several changes this summer with the change in the administration and the loss of a number of key players who decided to move abroad.
Micallef said the committee is however working hard to strengthen the squad. They signed two defenders so far - Brazilian Renato Garcia Conceicao, who spent last season with St. George's, and former Floriana and Birkirkara defender William Camenzuli.
Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha Da Silva returns with the club after spending four months with Hibernians on loan. Jamie Pace, Carlo Mamo, Trevor Templeman and Charlo Magro signed new contracts with the club.
Next week, Marsaxlokk are expected to sign their third foreigner, who will be another Brazilian player. Wendell Gomes, who played for Marsaxlokk in season 2005/06 and spent last season with Floriana, is still in Brazil but once he manages to obtain the visa, he will be travelling to Malta to join the Southseasiders.
The Marsaxlokk president said the Super Cup is the start of a long journey during which Marsaxlokk will be defending the Premier League title won last year.
"We need to show we can defend the title. We have a strong side and know that we could fight for honours," said Micallef.
The senior team will not be the only focus for Marsaxlokk. This season, the club hopes to give more support to the nursery and start working on improving the club's facilities.
Micallef revealed that the club is planning to install an artificial turf pitch and eventually build a club house. He said that the plans for the project are ready and there are already the necessary permits.
Marsaxlokk coach Brian Talbot is looking forward towards the new season.
"Although there were a few changes this summer on and off the field, the team spirit is high and the togetherness is still there," said Talbot. "We are still a small club but we are dtermned to have a good season."
"We lost good players but the challenge for the new players is to take their place. They have their own pride to show they are good players," continued the Marsaxlokk coach.
Talbot admitted that Valletta and Sliema start as favourites considering their transfer campaign but believes Birkirkara, Hibernians and Marsaxlokk will be there behind them.
"I believe we can spoil someone's party. We can be up there with the teams on top. I don't believe anyone will run away with the league as we did last year," said Talbot.
The Marsaxlokk coach is not that worried that six of his players will be unavailable for training for ten days due to the national team training camp. His only concern is the lack of rest for national team players and the fact that they hardly have any time to recover throughout the year.
Office Group Ltd managing director Anthony Micallef said he was honoured that Konica Minolta accepted to sponsor Marsaxlokk.
He said Konica Minolta are associated with sport worldwide and said that hopefully Marsaxlokk could get support from foreign clubs associated with the company. In fact, the objective of this sponsorship is not to be just on a financial basis.
Micallef wished Marsaxlokk success and said he believed the team could challenge for honours.
- The Malta Football Association is receiving applications from Futsal teams wishing to take part in the Futsal League 2007/08.
Those interested in taking part should send the Form AA together with an affiliation fee of Lm 25.
At the end of the Futsal League, the Futsal Knock-Out will bring futsal competitions to an end. These should be over the end of May 2008.
The closing date for applications is August 20th. Late applications will not be accepted.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising a new UEFA ‘C’ Diploma Course at the MFA Technical Centre at Ta’ Qali.
The course will be in three phases, over the next three months, the dates being as follows:
13th to 18th September, 2007
19th to 21st October, 2007
1st to 3rd November, 2007
Each participant will have to prepare a two-week training log-book comprising six sessions. This should be presented on the first day of the course.
Applications are invited until Thursday 6th September 2007, with the relevant forms to be collected from the Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali during office hours.
These are to be accompanied by a passport-size photo, a CYF Certificate and a letter of recommendation by the applicant’s club or nursery.
Since the number of course participants will be limited, applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
- The Mario Muscat Goalkeepers School will start training for season 2007/08 on Wednesday 29th August at 16:00 at the San Gwann Football Ground.
Goalkeepers who are interested in joining the school should phone on 21424373 or 79620045 or email muscatgk@di-ve.com. One can also visit the website www.keeperschool.com
Thu 9
- The UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body heard the protest by Sliema Wanderers concerning the validity of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round second-leg against PFC Litex Lovech in Bulgaria. Strangely enough there are two versions of the outcome of the protest although in both cases, Litex qualify for the next stage.
Earlier this afternoon, Sliema were informed via fax that they had been awarded a 3-0 win. With the aggregate score being 3-3, Litex still reach the next round thanks to the away-goals rule as the goals they scored at Ta' Qali count double.
Litex were also fined for missing out the name of Ivelin Popov, scorer of one of the goal, in the official team sheet.
However a statement on uefa.com states that UEFA had rejected the protest by Sliema Wanderers.
"Sliema had filed a protest questioning the legitimacy of the game on 2 August after the Bulgarian club had failed to fill in the match sheet correctly. But this has been turned down by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body, whose decision validates the 4-0 Litex victory (and 7-0 aggregate win for the Lovech side)."
"The UEFA committee did, however, fine Litex €3,000 for an "administrative shortfall" because they missed out the name of one player in the team sheet."
Sliema can appeal against the decision within three days of receiving the written grounds for it.
- Italian champions CF Bardolino Verona proved to be too strong for local champions Birkirkara as they defeated them 16-0 in the first match from Group A5 of the first qualifying round of the 2007/08 UEFA Women's Cup at the Športni Park in Domzale, Slovenia.
At the end of the first half, the score was already 9-0.
Melania Gabbiadini scored five of the goals, Valentina Boni notched a hat-trick while Alessia Tuttino, Patrizia Panico and Evelin Vicchiarello scored two each. Cristiana Girelli and Giorgia Motta added another two goals.
On Saturday, Birkirkara take on Athletic Club BFKEB who defeated ŽNK KRKA Novo Mesto 4-0 in the other game on Thursday. The last game for the Stripes is against Novo Mesto on Tuesday 14.
- The BOV Premier League will kick-off on Sunday 26th August, a day later than earlier planned, with the clash between the two newly-promoted sides Mqabba and Hamrun Spartans. Two matches will be played on Sunday, another two on Monday while one of the games in programme on Wednesday 29 wraps up the first round of matches.
With the national team arriving on Thursday 23, clubs would have probably had just one training session before playing their first league game and therefore, a wise decision was taken to delay the start of the competition by another twenty-four hours.
On Sunday 26, the other game in programme besides Mqabba vs Hamrun Spartans is Hibernians vs Birkirkara.
On Monday 27, Sliema Wanderers take on Msida St. Joseph while eternal rivals Valletta and Floriana cross swords in the second game. The last game from the first round of matches - Marsaxlokk vs Pietà Hotspurs - will be played on Wednesday 29.
After that all clubs play their first two games, the league takes a break due to national team commitments - the EURO 2008 qualifier against Turkey on September 8. It will be a hectic month for clubs as they will play five games in three weeks between September 15 and October 6.
The BOV Premier League stops due to the national team matches against Hungary and Moldova and resumes with four matches to be played on October 20/21 and another four matches on November 24/25. From then onwards, there will be a programme of four matches each week, bringing the first phase to an end on February 24. There is only a one-week break in the beginning of February due to the Malta International Football Tournament to be played on February 2, 4 and 6.
The second phase gets underway on March 8 and comes to an end on May 18.
The U*BET FA Trophy first round will be played on November 3/4 and 8/9. Second round matches will be played on March 1/2 while the quarter finals are scheduled on April 12/13. The semi-finals will be played on May 23/24 and the final on May 30.
Wed 8
- Fgura Tournament Marsa vs Zurrieq 3-1
- Friendly matches Valletta vs Mqabba 2-0, Sloga Temerin vs Floriana 1-1
- Three Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off during a friendly match earlier this week.
For the first BOV Premier League game against Floriana, Valletta will be without goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin and Massimo Grima while Hamrun Spartans will be missing Gaetan Spiteri for the game against Mqabba.
- Valletta FC presented seven new players and a new sponsor during a press conference at the FAPI Motors showroom in Attard on Wednesday.
For the season 2007/08, the Citizens will be sponsored by Cadillac. The agreement between the two parties was signed during the same press conference.
Valletta were the most active side in the transfer market so far, signing no less than seven players. These include the return of Sebastian Monesterolo, who had left the club in January to join Kuwait Sporting Club in Kuwait, and Valletta product Stefan Giglio, who left the club in 2001 to move to Bulgaria before returning back to Malta to play for Sliema four years ago.
The other new players in the Valletta squad are goalkeeper Andrew Hogg who played for Pietà, international defenders Kenneth Scicluna and Josef Mifsud, formerly of Birkirkara and Msida St. Joseph respectively, young defender Bryan Agius who joins the club from Mosta and German midfielder Heiner Backhaus.
Addressing the press conference, new Valletta president Victor Sciriha said that after the appointment of the new committee, they started working hard in order to bring Valletta back where they belong.
Mr Sciriha said that the team was strengthened with the aim of making Valletta once again one to the top teams on the island. He thanked the players and did not rule out the possibility of the arrival of other players in order to strengthen further the squad.
He said the club worked hard in order to secure a new main sponsor, something the club lacked in recent years. Following several discussions, an agreement was reached with FAPI Motors, local representatives for Cadillac.
The Valletta president thanked the sponsors, saying the agreement would hopefully be only the beginning of a long-term agreement. He revealed that other sponsors would be announced in the coming days.
Valletta coach Paul Zammit said this was a period of transition for the club. He said that two years ago, the club started building a new set-up with the focus being that of building a team with the right mixtures of experienced players and youngsters.
Zammit said that now was the time for the club to make the next step - improving the quality of the players of the team in order to have a team which can challenge for honours. He said that the new arrivals are all quality players which fit perfectly in his plans.
The club is yet to sign another foreigner and a Mexican striker, Hernan Fernandez, is currently on trial. A decision on whether this player will be retained or not will be taken by the end of the week.
"Expectations are high but one needs to understand that one cannot bring major changes from one day to another," said the Valletta coach. "We still have the same mentality. We have a long journey ahead with the main objective being that of making Valletta one of the main challengers for honours."
After finishing the first phase of the pre-season training, the team is playing two or even three friendly matches a week. Paul Zammit said that since around half of the squad will be travelling with the national team or the Under-21 squad for training camps, he had to make the most of these two weeks for technical and tactical preparation.
Valletta played three friendly matches against Marsaxlokk, Birkirkara and Hamrun Spartans. After a positive performance and a comfortable win over the champions, Valletta suffered narrow defeats in a three-session-game again the Stripes and in the game against the Spartans. Zammit said that his objective was to see the players under pressure and still identified a number of positive aspects in the latter games.
The Valletta coach once again stressed that changes do need time but if the players work hard, the team could be among the main challengers for honours.
Meanwhile Marica Zammit and David Gauci, general manager and financial controller respectively of FAPI Motors said they were glad that the company is the official sponsor of Valletta through Cadillac. Ms Zammit said that Cadillac in the USA also sponsors sports activities such as the Super Bowl in american football and therefore FAPI Motors were eager to link the brand to sports in Malta as well. She said they considered several clubs for sponsorship but eventually chose Valletta due to the club's prestige which will definitely give Cadillac exposure.
- Women's League champions Birkirkara start their first adventure in European competitions on Thursday as they play the first match from Group A5 of the first qualifying round of the 2007/08 UEFA Women's Cup qualifying round against Italian champions ASD CF Bardolino Verona.
With hardly any team from smaller countries taking part in the competition, Birkirkara were in for a tough draw. In fact, the Stripes had to be drawn against teams from Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Portugal, Wales, Slovenia, Slovakia, FYR Macedonia and Croatia.
Also taking part in the mini-tournament, which will be played in Slovenia, are another two clubs besides Birkirkara and Bardolino. The other two teams are Spanish side Athletic Club BFKEB and hosts ŽNK KRKA Novo Mesto.
Birkirkara take on Athletic Bilbao on Saturday 11. The last game is against Novo Mesto on Tuesday 14.
Birkirkara are the first team to represent Malta in this competition as Hibernians, champions for the previous eight years, had never applied to take part.
In the first qualifying round, the forty teams were split into ten groups of four, representing one of three geographical sections. The first two sections, A and B, have three groups, each with one team apiece from the four seeding pots. Section C contains four groups of as many sides.
The ten group winners and the one best runner-up then join the leading five teams in the second qualifying round.
- Msida St. Joseph FC announced that they have reached an agreement with San Gwann FC to transfer defender Stacey Vella on a permanent deal. Vella, who was already on-loan with the Saints last year, now joins Msida SJ on a permanent deal.
The young defender, who started his career with San Gwann FC, had a very positive season last year where he helped Msida SJ to reach their target to obtain a place in the championship pool. Stacey Vella was presented at the Active Zone Gym at the Junior College, Msida.
Active Zone will be providing Msida SJ with gym services following a sponsorship agreement which was finalised recently.
Meanwhile, the club would like to announce that they have issued the tenders for the club's bar. Those who would like to submit an application, should get one an application form from the Mater Dei School Msida (Nursery Headquarters). The application for submitting the tenders ends next Sunday.
- The Balzan Youths Football Nursery is also receiving applications for qualified coaches to form part of the nursery's coaching staff. More details can be obtained by phoning 79617721.
Tue 7
- As was announced some weeks ago, certain facilities at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali are being enhanced for thecomfort of all those who attend football matches.
Works on the installation of special glass panels along the West Stand, similar to those on the opposite side, is at advanced stage and should be completed shortly. The 27 mm thick shatterproof panels consist of three layers of glass and include two laminate sheets in between.
A new electronic scoreboard supplied by Telesystems Communications Co. Ltd is on site and will also be installed in the coming days. The scoreboard will have visual facilities for the spectators' benefit.
Until the work on the paneling along the West End is completed, entrance for spectators for the Super Cup match between BOV Premier League Champions, Marsaxlokk, and U*BET FA Trophy holders, Hibernians, (kick-off at 20.00 hrs) will be from the Millennium Stand. VIP entrance will be as usual.
- Floriana went for a training camp in Serbia as they prepare for the forthcoming BOV Premier League campaign.
For this season, the Greens will be having a new foreign line-up following the release of Riad Gango-Rtsa and Bojan Spasojevic and the departure of Wendell Gomes. So far they signed Croat midfielder Zoran Levnaic and English striker Yale Bosalie.
Another new player in the Floriana squad, under the guidance of new coach Danilo Doncic, is defender Emanuel Sevasta who joined the club from St. George's. Clifton Ciantar is also set to return with the club after joining Sliema last season.
During their two-week training camp, Floriana are expected to play a number of friendly matches.
- Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery will be organizing a recruitment week, for the season, between Monday 27th August and Friday 31st August between 18:30 and 20:00 daily. During this period, Nursery qualified staff coaches and administration will be available at the McDonalds in Birkirkara to welcome boys and girls born between 1st January 1993 and 1st January 2003. Training sessions will commence in mid September, these will be held at the artificial turf pitches situated at the Infetti Training Grounds, B. Bontadini Str, Birkirkara.
Affiliation Fees are as follows:
Boys born between 01/01/2003 and 31/12/2001 Lm45 (€104.80) - 2 Training Sessions a week.
Boys born between 01/01/2000 and 31/12/1998 Lm50* (€116.45) - 2 Training Sessions a week.
Girls born between 01/01/2000 and 31/12/1993 Lm50* (€116.45) - 2 Training Sessions a week.
Boys born between 01/01/1997 and 31/12/1995 Lm60* (€139.74) - 3 Training Sessions a week.
* A Lm 10 €23.29 Discount on affiliation fee will be given to all members who enroll also in the EuroSport SocKids School conducted by David Carabott held at the Birkirkara Artificial Pitches.
All children enrolling with payment during the recruitment week will recieve a number of gifts including a Free McDonalds Happy Meal Voucher, a McDonalds Gift, a Free Adidas Ball, a Discount Card from Calleja Second Step Stationeryand a Discount Card from Eurosport.
For all other enquiries, please contact the Nursery on 21443422, 21482232, 99468248 or email nursery@birkirkarafc.com
Mon 6
- Three players were sent off as Hamrun Spartans defeated Valletta 2-1 in a friendly match at the Centenary Stadium on Monday.
Massimo Grima and goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin were sent off for Valletta, Gaetan Spiteri was sent off for Hamrun.
Roderick Fenech and Gaetan Spiteri scored for the Spartans. Sebastian Monesterolo converted a penalty for Valletta.
- Valletta FC Nursery has just opened its applications for boys and girls for the coming season 2007/2008.
Boys between 5 and 16 years and girls between 8 and 13 years may send their details to the nursery on email address: info@vallettafcnursery.com or by post to 'Ponderosa' Triq l-Ikhal St. Thomas Bay, Marsascala. They can also leave their details at the Nursery Office at the Salinos Grounds during the week between 5:00 and 8:00pm.
More details can be obtained from the Nursery's Secretary on 79224674.
Sun 5
- Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara reached an agreement over a swap deal which will see William Camenzuli join the Southseasiders and Shaun Bajada joining the Stripes.
Twenty-eight year old Camenzuli had started his career with Floriana, making his Premier League debut in season 1994/95. He was transferred to Birkirkara in summer 2000. However after seven years with the Stripes, at the end of last season, he was one of four players who were informed that they were no longer in the club's plans.
On the other hand, Shaun Bajada joined the Floriana nursery, making his Premier League debut in season 2001/02. He was transferred to Marsaxlokk mid-way through season 2004/05. He spent two years with Marsaxlokk as last January, he was loaned to Msida St. Joseph. Twenty-five year old Bajada turned out for the Southseasiders in last month's Euro Challenge Cup and UEFA Champions League qualifiers against FK Sarajevo.
So far, champions Marsaxlokk have confirmed their foreign line-up which will be made up of Brazilians Renato Conceicao, Andre Rocha Da Silva and Wendell Gomes after Englishman Daniel Webb was not retained. Justin Haber, Luke Dimech and Andre Schembri moved abroad while Daniel Bogdanovic is still aiming at joining a club abroad.
On the other hand, new faces in the Birkirkara squad include Paul Fenech, Kenneth Spiteri, Lee Lombardi, goalkeeper Omar Borg and foreigners Emil Yantchev and Ronni Hartvig. The Stripes, who will be retaining Bernard Paris, Alan Tabone and Thomas Paris who were on loan with other clubs last season, are in search of a third foreigner. From last season, Andrzej Bledzewski, Precious Monye, Ruben Dario Larossa, Etienne Barbara, Andrew Spiteri, Kenneth Scicluna, Mark Anthony Bonnici, Clint Micallef and Roderick Briffa will no longer be in squad after being released or transferred to other clubs.
Sat 4
- Sliema Wanderers have filed a protest against the result of the second leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round against Litex Lovech over the ineligibility of Ivelin Popov.
Popov was not included in the official teamsheet which included just ten players. Ironically, the player scored the third goal in a 4-0 win for Litex.
The Wanderers are demanding that they are declared winners of last Thursday's game and hence qualify for the UEFA Cup second qualifying round.
The draw for the second qualifying round was held in Nyon on Friday.
Litex were drawn with Albanian side KS Besa. Besa qualified for this round after eliminating FK Bezanija of Serbia on the away-goals rule following a goalless draw in Tirana and a 2-2 draw in Belgrade.
The second qualifying round matches will be played on August 16 and 30.
- Gozitan champions Nadur Youngsters are working hard to strengthen the squad ahead of the coming season as they celebrate the club's 50th anniversary.
Charles Hili returns with Nadur after spendng the last two years with Kercem Ajax while goalkeeper Jonathan Xuereb renewed his contract with the club.
Mario Bonello, after a long career with the Youngsters as a player, has now been appointed as coach.
- Paola Boys Hibs Ultras have just launched their website www.hibs-ultras.org
The website carries all the latest team and player news, Ultras updates and a history of Hibernians FC.
It promises to provide with all the information one would need to know about Hibs: upcoming games, match results and reports, exclusive interviews and an interactive forum.
The website also includes a photo gallery, online shop and on-line membership.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Coaching Young Footballers Course (CYF) at the Ta’ Qali Technical Centre. This course will be over two days, the 1st and 2nd September 2007.
Those interested are requested to collect an application form from the Technical Centre, Ta’ Qali, during office hours. These forms, duly completed, should be submitted by closing date, Monday 27th August together with two passport-sized photos.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis since the number of applicants accepted for the course will be limited.
Fri 3
- Newly-promoted Hamrun Spartans presented their new signings during a press conference which was held at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands.
The Spartans, who return to the top division after just one season in Division 1 secured the services of goalkeeper Sean Sullivan, midfielder Gianluca Calabretta and foreigners Precious Monye and Alfred Effiong. Serbian defender Brano Timotic was confirmed after joining the club last season. Marco Gerada was appointed as the new coach.
This will be the second experience with Hamrun for Sullivan. In fact, the former St. Andrews, Valletta, Floriana and Birkirkara goalkeeper had played for the Spartans between 1994 and 1996. Calabretta played with the Hamrun nursery before moving to Floriana and eventually Lija Athletic on loan. He played in Sicily last season.
Precious Monye joins Hamrun after four years with Birkirkara while Alfred Effiong moves to Hamrun after spending the last six months with St. George's. He had earlier played for Kercem Ajax in Gozo.
Marco Gerada replaces Atanas Marinov as the new coach. He led St. George's to promotion to the Premier League in season 2005/06.
Hamrun Spartans president Gaetano Cuschieri said that last season's objective was to win promotion in order to be able to celebrate the club's 100th anniversary by playing in the Premier League.
Cuschieri said that the club managed to strengthened the team with four new players and a new coach. Players which should add experience to a squad which is mainly based on young players - all products of the Hamrun nursery. He thanked the players for their co-operation when they were discussing new deals with the club. In fact, most of the young players have now signed three year contracts.
The club also managed to improve its financial position and now looks forward to a new project involving the Victor Tedesco Stadium which includes the installation of an artificial turf pitch and floodlights.
The Hamrun president appealed for support by all the Hamrunizi, not only in the league matches but also in friendly matches which form part of the team's preparation for the forthcoming Premier League campaign. After winning their first two friendly matches, Hamrun will be facing Valletta on Monday at the Centenary Stadium.
Coach Marco Gerada said that the team started its pre-season training five weeks ago and with the club's set-up and the enthusiasm shown by the players, he sees the right potential which could earn Hamrun a place in the Championship Pool.
Gerada also appealed for support, saying supporters could really be the 12th player, just as it was in the glory days of Hamrun in the eighties.
Treasurer Emmanuel Fenech said the club will be launching a souvenir programme marking the 100th anniversary. This limited-edition publication will be available as from Monday. Other limited-edition souvenirs will be available later on this year.
A number of activities are in programme in the coming days including blood donation by players and club officials on Saturday and a reception which will be held at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Tuesday.
The Hamrun president thanked kit-sponsors Legea and official sponsors General Soft Drinks, through their brand Powerade.
- Malta international midfielder Roderick Briffa will be joining Sliema Wanderers after the Blues reached an agreement with his former club, Birkirkara, on Thursday.
Also interested in signing Roderick Briffa were Valletta.
A Birkirkara product, Briffa made his Premier League debut for the Stripes in season 1998/99. He also had short spells with Lija Athletic and Pietà Hotspurs on loan.
Briffa joins another former Birkirkara player at Sliema - Etienne Barbara, who signed for the Wanderers a couple of weeks ago.
Other signings for the Blues include Under-21 international midfielder Matthew Bartolo from Hibernians, international defender Ian Azzopardi from Floriana, defender Sharlon Pace from Valletta and Serbian midfielder Nesko Milovanovic.
Thirty-year old Milovanovic played for Borac Cacak, Radnicki Kragujevic and Milicionar Beograd in Serbia, Sichuan Dale in China, Olympiakos Volou in Greece, Belasitsa Petrich, Levski Sofia and Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Bulgaria.
On the other hand, Clifton Ciantar will return with his former club Floriana, on loan for one season.
- Brazilian defender Renato Garcia Ccnceicao will be playing for Marsaxlokk this season after signing for the champions. He signed a one-year contract.
Conceicao turned out to be one of the best foreigners in the BOV Premier League last season after playing with St. George's. Previously he played for Ghajnsielem in Gozo.
The player was on the verge of joining Gozitan champions Nadur Youngsters after reaching a verbal agreement with the club but finally opted to join Marsaxlokk.
- Bulgarian trialist Ivelin Drashkov scored the only goal for Birkirkara as they defeated Valletta 1-0 in a friendly match at the Centenary Stadium on Friday. Drashkov played for Pirin Blagoevgrad in the Bulgarian First Division.
- Six teams will be taking part in the Fgura United Pre-Season Tournament which will be held at the Kordin Hockey Centre between August 8th and 28th.
The teams taking part are Marsa from Division 1, Mgarr United and Zurrieq from Division 2, Fgura United, Kirkop United and Qrendi from Division 3.
They are divided in two groups with Fgura United, Marsa and Zurrieq playing in Group A, Kirkop United, Mgarr United and Qrendi playing in Group B.
The final for 5th place will be played on Thursday 23, the final for 3rd place on Friday 24 and the final on Tuesday 28.
All matches kick-off at 19:30.
- A contingent of 45 players, coaches and parents from the Mosta FC Youth Nursery have just returned from Aberystwth in Wales after participating in the Welsh International Tournament held between the 22nd and 27th July. The group was led by the Nursery's secretary Mr. Simon Henwood.
The Under-9 side, coached by Mr. Carmel Cortis were successful in winning the Under-10 International Challenge Cup after beating South Ceredigion in the final 2-1. The Under-14s, led by coaches Paul Vella and Darren Muscat, placed as runners-up in the Challenge Cup of their respective section.
The Nursery wishes to inform all interested players from the age of 5 up to the age of 16 that it will soon be accepting applications for training for the forthcoming season. Anyone who is interested may contact the Nursery directly or on telephone number 21415943.
Thu 2
- UEFA Cup Hibernians vs Vojvodina 0-2, Litex vs Sliema W. 4-0
For the game against Litex, Sliema had to borrow a set of shirts and buy football shoes after their luggage, containing the kits, did not arrive and could not be delivered at their hotel in time.
- Birkirkara goalkeeper Omar Borg, Hibernians defender Aaron Xuereb and Marsaxlokk striker Cleavon Frendo were included in a twenty-seven man squad which will start its preparation ahead of the forthcoming EURO 2008 qualifying round matches.
Under the guidance of national coach Dusan Fitzel, the squad will start training as from next Monday at the MFA Training Grounds before travelling to the Czech Republic on Monday 12th for its annual pre-season training camp.
Cleavon Frendo had already played one game for the national team against Moldova in the Malta International Tournament in 2004. On the other hand, for Omar Borg and Aaron Xuereb, this is their first national team call-up.
The twenty-seven players selected by Fitzel are:
goalkeepers Omar Borg (Birkirkara), Justin Haber (Haidari - Greece), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield - England), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk), Aaron Xuereb (Hibernians);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Birkirkara), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Gareth Sciberras (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Daniel Bogdanovic, Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), Michael Mifsud (Coventry - England), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Eintracht Braunschweig - Germany), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
After the training camp in the Czech Republic, the national team travels to Albania for a friendly match in Tirana on August 22nd.
Malta hosts Turkey in a EURO 2008 qualifier at Ta' Qali on September 8. Four days later, the national team plays another game, this time a friendly match against Armenia at the National Stadium.
The last four matches from the EURO 2008 qualifiers are played in five weeks' time between October and November. On October 13, Malta plays Hungary in Budapest and four days later, Malta hosts Moldova at Ta' Qali. Dusan Fitzel's side entertains Greece in Athens on November 17 and four days later, Malta plays the last game, hosting Norway at Ta' Qali.
Wed 1
- Carmelo Bartolo has been confirmed as MFA Senior Vice-President for another three year term after the Council of the Malta Football Association approved a proposal by the Executive Committee on Wednesday.
In the election for the three Vice-Presidents during Saturday's Annual General Meeting, Bartolo obtained a total of 82 votes, Ludovico Micallef 61 votes and Dr Peter Fenech 52.
The Council meeting opened with the traditional address by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud.
Dr Mifsud said that he was glad with the smooth-running of the Annual General Meeting despite the tension which is usually caused by an election. He said all this was thanks to the delegates and council members of the different member clubs and member associations.
The MFA president thanked those who had shown faith in him and said he believes those whop voted for the other candidate, did so because they believed their club would benefit more.
He invited all members to work together in order to put into practice what had been promised.
"What has been promised is fully realisable and will be of benefit for the game," he said.
Dr Mifsud congratulated the other officials who were elected and said that new Vice-President Dr Peter Fenech has shown great enthusiasm in his new role. He also thanked the Council members who are no longer part of the Executive Committee.
The MFA president appealed to new Council members to take an active role and participate in discussions and the work done by the Council whose role is mainly that of making sure that the association's policy is compliant with the objectives mentioned in the statute.
"We will soon meet the Standing Committees of the various divisions and member associations and then will be continue meeting clubs at their own premises, just as we did over the past years," he said.
Dr Mifsud wished all members a year of hard work towards the good of the game.
"Our ultimate target is to continue to improve the level of the game, locally and abroad," he concluded.
The direct responsibilities of the MFA officials were revealed during the same meeting. The members of the different boards and committees were also revealed. These included the panel of chairmen and the panel of arbitrators for the new Independent Arbitration Tribunal which has been set-up after the Extraordinary General Meeting which was held in February.
George Micallef, Ronald Tabone and Carmelo Tanti were appointed as Honorary Members of the Council.
- Malta international striker Daniel Bogdanovic had to return back to Malta after just three days on trial with Italian Serie C1 side US Foggia.
Pain in the groin stopped him from following regular training sessions under the guidance of coach Salvatore Campilongo.
The club's official website states that they will decide further on whether to offer Bogdanovic the chance for another trial. He was expected to stay for two weeks with the Foggia squad for their training camp in Chatillon.
In his attempt to move abroad, Bogdanovic, who helped Marsaxlokk claim their first ever league title last season after scoring thirty-one goals, had already gone for trials with SK Brann Bergen in Norway and Stoke City in England this summer.
- Following a recommendation of the Executive Committee, the Council approved a request by the Malta Amateur Football Association (MAFA) to become a Member Association of the Malta Football Association.
Until this membership is endorsed by the Annual General Meeting, according to the statute of the Malta Football Association, it will only be one on a provisional basis.
In past, the MAFA was a member of the MFA but it withdrew its membership in August 1993.
- Malta international striker Daniel Bogdanovic has joined Italian Serie C1 side US Foggia for a trial.
Bogdanovic, who helped Marsaxlokk claim their first ever league title last season after scoring thirty-one goals, joined the Foggia squad during their training camp in Chatillon and is expected to stay there till the end of the training camp on August 12th. Besides Bogdanovic, also on trial is twenty-one year old Portuguese flank defender Luis Tinoco.
In his attempt to move abroad, Bogdanovic had already gone for trials with SK Brann Bergen in Norway and Stoke City in England.
Foggia are aiming for promotion to the Serie B this season after missing out last season when they placed third in the Serie C1 Girone B, losing the final to Avellino. However Foggia won the Coppa Italia di Serie C.
Born in Montenegro, Daniel Bogdanovic arrived in Malta ten years ago. After playing in Gozo and later for Esperance Sportive in Tunisia, he joined Sliema mid-way through season 1999/2000. In summer 2001, Bogdanovic had joined Vasas SC in Hungary but returned to Malta six months later, joining 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, on loan with Ghajnsielem. He spent season 2005/06 with Sliema Wanderers but last summer, he returned to Marsaxlokk.
- After suffering a 5-1 defeat in the first leg, Hibernians host FK Vojvodina on Thursday in the second leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, aiming for a better performance and result.
In Novi Sad, Ranko Despotovic gave Vojvodina a two-goal lead at the end of the first half. Igor Djuric made it 3-0 on the hour.
A 3-0 defeat for a heavily-depleted side would have not been so bad but Gojko Kacar increased the lead further six minutes from time. Pablo Doffo pulled one back for the Paolites two minutes later when he converted a penalty. However in the dying minutes, Vojvodina were awarded a penalty as well and Ranko Despotovic completed a hat-trick by converting from the penalty-spot.
Just as it was the case in Novi Sad, coach Robert Gatt is unable to field his best formation due to the absence of a number of players. In fact, Jonathan Pearson, Jonathan Caruana, Julian Vella and Ben Camilleri are all struggling to recover from injuries.
To make matters worse, striker Udochukwu Nwoko was transferred to Leixões Sport Club in Portugal.
Defender Kevin Cassar will be back after missing the first leg.
The match will be controlled by Welsh referee Simon Lee Evans. He will be assisted by Edward King and Maldwyn Williams and fourth official Darren Adie.
Thursday's game kicks-off at 18:00.
- Adrian D. Casha has been appointed to control the second leg of the UEFA Cup first qualifying round on Thursday 2nd August 2007 between FK Rudar Pljevlja of Montenegro and AC Omonia of Cyprus. The match is being played in Montenegro.
Joe Camilleri and Mariano Debono will be his Assistants while Marco Borg will be the Fourth Official.
- Valletta beat champions Marsaxlokk 4-1 in a friendly match at the Centenary Stadium on Wednesday.
Stefan Giglio and Sebastian Monesterolo gave the Citizens a two-goal lead. Cleavon Frendo pulled one back for Marsaxlokk but Valletta's new Mexican striker Hernan Fernandez and Dyson Falzon added another two goals to make it 4-1.
Meanwhile Valletta captain Gilbert Agius has decided to stay with the Citizens although Swedish Second Division side Enköpings SK were interested in signing him until the end of the season.
- Fgura United FC is accepting applications from boys aged 7 to 17 and girls aged 7 to 12 interested in joining the Club's Nursery.
Those interested are kindly requested to call at the club or the training grounds in Triq AM Valperga during the days of the week between 1800hrs and 1900hrs and produce an original birth certificate and 3 passport size photos.
For further information recruits are invited to contact the Club Secretary on fgurautd@maltanet.net or 79707390.