October 2007
Wed 31
- The Malta women's national team suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat in a match from one of the friendly UEFA Women's Mini-Tournaments which are being held around Europe.
This mini-tournament is being played at the Grbavica Stadium in Sarajevo.
Rebecca D’Agostino put the Maltese ahead from a set-piece in the opening period, a lead which they enjoyed until ends were changed.
However, the hosts equalised through a penalty and then sealed the issue late in the game after a defensive lapse.
Malta will be in action once again on Friday.
In the first game, Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Luxembourg 3-2.
- The next EURO 2008 international fixture for the Malta National Football Team is scheduled for Saturday 17th November when Dusan Fitzel's squad will travel to Athens for the game Greece vs. Malta. Last March at Ta' Qali, the Greeks just managed a win on our home soil when they where awarded a penalty in the second half which was duly converted.
A tour will be organised by the South End Core and Fantasy Tours in collaboration with Events Services for local supporters who are willing to travel abroad for this away fixture. The tour will be held between Thursday 16th and Sunday 20th November. The price for a single adult is Lm149 / €347.35 which includes flights, all taxes, transfers, accommodation in 3 star hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis, match ticket and the services of an experienced tour leader. Those who book by the 5th November will also be given a free South End Core shirt to be worn during the game. The tour includes also excursions around Athens and another excursion for the training session of the Malta National Team on the eve of the match.
For bookings, contact Mr. Louis Agius on 7940 3309 or by booking directly at Fantasy Tours, Zachary Street, Valletta Tel: 25 40 40 40.
Tue 30
- The highly-ranked Czech Republic registered another victory over Malta in a Futsal International friendly between the two countries on Sunday.
Malta lost 11-0 against a team focused on registering a decisive victory and putting up slick indoor football. At the end of the first half, the score was 6-0.
Malta could only battle on, showing gritty qualities especially in defence where goalkeeper Benny Gialanze stood out with a steady display. Nevertheless, Michal Striz's team could have netted some consolation goals through Noel Bray, Tyron Borg and Robert Magro. But the three of them had some ill-luck in front of the opposing goal.
Between Friday and Saturday, another three matches were played, all resulting in wins for the Czech Republic, who are considered number four in Europe.
These matches were part of a programme of preparation Malta's coach Michal Striz has planned for the Futsal National Team in view of FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers which will be held in February.
- The Danilo Doncic Football Academy will open its doors officially on November 1st 2007 with an Open Day at the Floriana Ground, starting at 11:00. Everyone is invited to attend this open day for free.
The Staff of the Danilo Doncic Football Academy is made up of a number of foreign professional coaches with international working experience in the USA, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, France and Serbia among other countries, holding UEFA A and B licenses. The staff also includes local coaches.
The Director and Head Coach of the Academy is Danilo Doncic. Prof. Aleksander Rogic is coach and Project Manager, Milos Basic is coach and Team Manager, Murphy Akanji is the Goalkeepers' Department Head Coach while Jermain Brincat is the Administrator and also an assistant coach.
The fee for Group Training is Lm 50 for seven months or Lm 7.15 for one month. One training session costs just Lm 1.78. There are three different groups: Kinder for those aged 4 to 8, Primary for those aged 8 to 11 and Secondary for those aged 11 to 14. Kids will be tested every 3 months and results of all tests and improvement will be recorded for every kid.
Training includes Technique development, Tactic Development and Motor development within sensitive period. Anthropometry, Anthropomotor and Football Skills tests will be carried out.
For Small Group Training (2-6 players), the fee is Lm 3 for each training session. The fee for Individual Training, the fee is Lm 8. Individual and Small Group Training is open for all ages.
Individual and Small Group Training includes Football sessions: technique and tactical, Goalkeeper training, Recovery from the injuries, Weight-loss and fat burning, General physical preparation, Nutrition advice together with the possibility of international trials and camps.
Meanwhile the Danilo Doncic Football Academy, in collaboration with S.E.R.C., is offering the following medical coverage: Sports injury diagnosis and management, Injury prevention, Rehabilitation of Sport injury, Taping and bracing, Pre-exercise screening, Nutrition advice and sports supplementation, Sports Psychology and Foot mania.
More details may be obtained by phone on 79053974 or by visiting www.danilodoncicschool.com
Mon 29
- Second Division Balzan Y. vs Lija A. 4-2, Mgarr U. vs San Gwann 2-2
- Michael Mifsud once again came to the rescue for Coventry with a brilliant late strike sinking 10-man Colchester 1-0 at The Ricoh Arena.
The Sky Blues' top scorer was the shining light in what was otherwise a desperate Championship performance by the administration-threatened club.
They were on course for a fourth game without a goal until manager Ian Dowie switched Mifsud from the right to a more central role and the move paid off in spectacular fashion with just eight minutes remaining.
The Malta international striker has now become an automatic choice in the Sky Blues' starting line-up. He scored four goals in league matches and another four in the League Cup.
Coventry are currently eleventh on 18 points from 13 matches. However they are just two points away from the play-offs zone and just six points separate them from second-placed Bristol City.
Meanwhile Michael Mifsud will be once again in action on Thursday in the fourth round of the Carling Cup as Coventry host West Ham United. The Sky Blues reached this stage after the Malta international striker scored twice in the 2-0 win over Carlisle, scoring another two in a 2-0 win over Man Utd at Old Trafford.
Sun 28
- First Division Dingli S. vs Vittoriosa S. 0-0, Qormi vs Senglea A. 1-0
- Third Division Section A Attard vs Siggiewi 4-1, Zebbug R. vs Xghajra T. 2-1
- Gozo - GFA Cup Victoria H. vs Nadur Y. 1-2, Ghajnsielem vs Sannat L. 2-0
- Malta international defender Luke Dimech was voted the September A-Line Player of the Month for Macclesfield by the club's supporters. Dimech polled 30.4% of the total votes.
Since joining the Silkmen in summer, Dimech has started twelve times. In fact, he returned to the starting line-up on Saturday in the game against Bury after being rested in 3-2 defeat at Accrington Stanley the previous week.
- Daniel Bogdanovic could not have a better start with his new club Cisco Roma in the Italian Serie C2 Girone C as he scored twice in the 3-2 win against Andria away from home.
Bogdanovic had agreed to join Cisco Roma four weeks ago but his registration was only given the go-ahead earlier this week following the receipt of the international transfer certificate.
Andria managed to take the lead but a brace by the former Marsaxlokk striker before the end of the first half put Cisco 2-1 ahead. Former Lazio striker Paolo Di Canio converted a penalty to increase the lead but Cisco reduced the gap late in the game.
Cisco Roma move sixth on the 15-points mark, ten points behind leaders Benevento but just two behind third placed Cassino and Real Marcianise.
This is not the first experience abroad for Bogdanovic having played for Esperance Sportive Tunis (Tunisia), Vasas SC (Hungary) and Cherno More Varna (Bulgaria). In Malta, he played for Sliema Wanderers, Naxxar Lions, Valletta, Marsaxlokk and Ghajnsielem in Gozo. Last season, he helped Marsaxlokk claim their first ever BOV Premier League title with 31 goals in 28 matches.
Sat 27
- Second Division Rabat A. vs St. Andrews 1-2, Sta. Venera L. vs Zurrieq 1-1
- Gozo - GFA Cup Kercem A. vs SK Victoria W. 0-2, Gharb R. vs Oratory Y. 1-3
- The futsal national team figured in two training matches against the Czech Republic on Saturday as part of the training camp which is being held over the weekend. Each match consisted of two halves of 12 minutes each.
In the first match Malta lost 7-1, with Robert Magro scoring Malta's goal. In the second match Malta lost 10-0.
Fri 26
- The Malta Under-17 team held hosts Estonia in a goalless draw in the third and final match from Group 11 of the 2007/2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship which was held in Estonia.
Oliver Spiteri's side therefore ended its a commitments with a positive result after suffering two 0-6 defeats to England and Portugal. These two teams had defeated Estonia 6-0 and 2-0 respectively.
In a decisive game for the top spot in the group, England and Portugal shared the spoils in a goalless draw. England therefore end on top thanks to a better goal-difference.
- First Division Mellieha vs Tarxien R. 2-2, St. George's vs Marsa 2-1 abandoned on 53 minutes due to fog.
For the third time in the history of football in Malta, a match being played at the Centenary Stadium was abandoned due to fog. The BOV First Division match between St. George's and Marsa was in fact abandoned on 53 minutes by referee Alan Mario Sant as the scarse visibility made it impossible for the game to continue.
- Playing against the Czech Republic, ranked fourth in Europe, the Malta national futsal team suffered an 11-0 defeat in a friendly match on Friday. This was the first in a series of three friendlies which will be played in the Czech Republic over the weekend.
Despite the defeat, it was still a good work-out and a good experience for the Maltese players against highly-talented opposition. The hosts scored seven in the first half. After the break, the Maltese improved, defending well and creating good scoring chances. Malta goalie Benny Gialanze also managed to save a penalty.
These matches are part of a programme of preparation Malta's coach Michal Stritz has planned for the Futsal National Team in view of future competitive commitments.
- Juventus will be the second top Italian side to visit Malta in a year as the bianconeri are set to travel to Malta in January for a four-day training camp and a friendly match against Valletta.
Renaissance Productions Ltd, a company better known for the organisation of a number of concerts and other high-profile events, are the organisers of this tour.
This mini-training camp will take place during the short winter break the Serie A takes. In fact, following a round of matches on December 23, the league resumes on January 12/13. Juventus are expected to stay in Malta between January 8 and 12 and will play a friendly match against Valletta FC on January 9.
Juventus team manager Gianluca Pessotto is expected to be in Malta in the coming days to inspect training and accommodation facilities while director general Jean-Claude Blanc will address a press conference in Turin on November 5 to reveal more details about this training camp in Malta.
This will be the bianconeri's fourth visit to Malta. In September 1971, Juventus met Marsa in the UEFA Cup, winning 6-0 at The Stadium in Gzira. Haller scored twice with Causio, Novellini, Capello and Cuccureddu scoring the other four goals.
Juventus were drawn once again with a Maltese side, Valletta, in September 1987. The bianconeri won 4-0 thanks to a brace by Michael Laudrup and another brace by Angelo Alessio.
In December 1998, Juventus visited Malta for a friendly match against a Malta League XI. Marcello Lippi's side won 5-1. Carmel Busuttil put the Malta League XI, a selection of Birkirkara, Sliema Wanderers and Naxxar Lions players, ahead on the 4th minute but Alessio Tacchinardi, two goals by Marco Rigoni, Nicola Amoruso and Simone Perrotta gave Juve a comfortable win.
Last January, Milan spent a one-week training camp in Malta following an invitation by Birkirkara FC between January 2 and 10. The two teams played a friendly match on January 9 with the rossoneri obtaining a 5-0 win.
Thu 25
- Third Division Pembroke A. vs Luqa SA 0-1, Zejtun C. vs Ghaxaq 1-1
- The Publications Department of the Malta Football Association has published its official Year Book for season 2007/2008. This is a popular and informative annual publication that has gained in prestige and has now become a comprehensive and official guide to Maltese Football.
The current edition again carries a list of domestic competition winners of all Divisions throughout the years including the Youth, Women and Futsal Leagues. In addition there is a very comprehensive international section that includes results of matches played by the National 'A' and Under-21 teams and going down to all youth teams' commitments.
The Annual, compiled and edited by Albert Fenech, originally incorporated official fixtures of the Association's main competitions for the current season, but has over the years been expanded to serve as a guide to Maltese football throughout the over 100 years history of the Malta FA.
Other information includes honours won by teams in various competitions since their inception, results of Maltese teams playing in all the European matches over the years, scorers' lists in domestic competitions, individual honours and details of most capped players and national team scorers' lists.
The publication is a handy reference for all football followers. With well over 200 pages, the Yearbook is sold at Lm2.00 (Euro 4.66) at various local stationers.
- Due to unforeseen circumstances the Instructional Meeting for holders of UEFA 'A', UEFA 'B', 'A' and 'B' Licence coaches scheduled for Monday 29th October 2007 had to be postponed.
The MFA Technical Centre will now be organising this Instructional Meeting on Wednesday 31st October 2007.
This meeting, which is planned to be a theoretical session, is due to start at 17.30 hrs.
Wed 24
- The Malta Futsal team will be travelling to the Czech Republic on Thursday afternoon to play a series of three friendlies, including a training match against the host country over the coming weekend.
These matches are part of a programme of preparation Malta's coach Michal Stritz has planned for the Futsal National Team in view of future competitive commitments.
The matches against the Czech Republic are scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the Saturday encounter billed as a training match.
The Malta team is as follows:
Bjorn Vassallo (Aluserv, GK), Benny Gialanze (El Mundos, GK), Nicholas Bilocca (Amazon), Tyron Borg (Zurrieq FC), Noel Bray (Southenders), Roderick Caruana (Zurrieq FC), John Cutajar (Scandals Bar), Mark Ellul Sullivan (Luxol-Amazon Pago), Robert Magro (Naxxar Motors), Nebojsa Mijailovic (European Pilot Academy), Jeanbert Gatt (Scandals Bar), Paul Bugeja (Kerygma), Timothy Ellis (Powerade), Jonathan Sammut (Scandals Bar).
Michal Striz will also have assistant coach Mark Marlow accompanying the team.
- Vittoriosa Stars striker Anthony Eviparker was handed a three-month ban following an incident which occurred at the end of the BOV First Division match between Vittoriosa and Mosta on Tuesday.
Eviparker will therefore miss six First Division matches and the U*BET FA Trophy first round match against Mqabba.
Ivan Zammit who was also sent off in the same game was suspended for two matches. Another First Division player, Jonathan Francica, was suspended for one game.
Meanwhile in the BOV Premier League, Msida St. Joseph defender Clive Brincat was banned for two matches and is therefore ruled out of the games against Mqabba and Sliema.
Gaetan Spiteri of Hamrun Spartans was suspended for one game and will miss the game against Floriana on November 24.
Hibernians official Stephen Abela was suspended for one match.
In Division 2, Jerryton Agius (Balzan) was handed a three-match ban. Aaron Agius (Balzan), Clayton Giordimaina (San Gwann), Matthew Spiteri Gonzi (Naxxar), Joseph Mallia (Sirens) and Matthew Borg I (Melita) were suspended for one match.
Elon Cassar (Attard) and Daniel Borg (Gharghur) were banned for one match in Division 3.
In the Youth League, Marvic Psaila (Luqa) was suspended for two matches while Justin Pace (Sta. Venera), Edison Falzon (Dingli), Manuel Scerri, Steve Buhagiar and Joseph John Cutajar (Tarxien) and Matthew Cilia (Zebbug) were banned for one match.
- After losing to both Hungary and Moldova, Malta fell thirteen places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. The latest ranking list, which was published on Wednesday, saw Malta falling into the 137th place.
Among the other European countries, Malta is now ranked 48th. In fact, Liechtenstein who climbed 23 places to move into the 119th place, is now ranked better than Malta.
Just ahead of Malta are Azerbaijan (116, down 1), Liechtenstein (119, up 23), Kazakhstan (122, down 2) and Estonia (130, down 3). Behind Malta are Luxembourg (150, up 26), Montenegro (171, up 15), Andorra (173, down 4), Faroe Islands (194, down 1) and San Marino (196).
Malta will be facing Greece in Athens on November 17 and Norway at Ta' Qali on November 21.
Tue 23
- UEFA Under-17 Malta vs Portugal 0-6
The Malta Under-17 team, guided by Oliver Spiteri, conceded a second consecutive six-nil defeat this time at the hands of the group favourites Portugal match from Group 11 of the 2007/2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship which is being played in Estonia.
Portugal took the lead on 4 minutes when off a corner by Cedric Soares, Jose Francisco headed home. Alex Zahavi dribbled three players on 11 minutes before rounding the goalkeeper and placing the ball at the back of the net. Malta had a good chance to reduce the gap on 16 minutes when off a good move, Keith Fenech's effort was neutralised by Luis Ruben. However two minutes later, William Carvalho beat Balzan to make it 3-0. On 21 minutes, Alex Zahavi scored the fourth goal for Portugal.
The Maltese defenders controlled their opponents better, going close with a corner by Jamie Paris on 56 minutes. However on 59 minutes Jose’ Francisco managed to beat the Maltese goalie from a close angle. Portugal were unlucky to hit the upright on 62 minutes but ten minutes later, Alex Zahavi made it 6-0. Daniel Balzan then performed a good save into a corner on substitute Nelson Oliviera.
MALTA: Daniel Balzan, Ismael Grech, Joseph Aquilina, Jesus Camilleri, Andreas Galea, Randall Refalo, Rowan Muscat, Keith Fenech, James Paris (79' Lyden Micallef), Mark Spiteri (41' Elkien Cauchi), Tristan Caruana (68' Ryan Sammut).
- Holders Tarxien Rainbows were drawn against St. Patrick in the Preliminary Round of the First Division Knock-Out which will be played on November 18 at the Centenary Stadium.
In the other Preliminary Round match, Senglea Athletic take on Qormi.
The two teams which qualify from this round move to the quarter-finals which will be played on April 12 and 13. The semi-finals are scheduled for May 25 and the final for May 29.
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs Mosta 0-1, St. Patrick vs Qormi 1-3
- KFC and Teamsport are Gzira United's main sponsors for the present season. This was announced during a press conference held inside KFC restaurant, situated on the Gzira seafront, where club President, Mr. Tyrone Demanuele was presented with a complete new Diadora kit showing the KFC logo, prominently on the front.
Ms. Stefania Conte, General Manager, on behalf of the franchisee, congratulated Gzira United FC and augured well for a successful football season.
Some of this seasons new signings, along with the team captain were present for the presentation.
Mon 22
- Third Division Section A Qrendi vs Mdina K. 0-1
- Third Division Section B Gzira U. vs Kirkop U. 2-0
- BOV Premier League leaders Floriana, winners of the FA Trophy eighteen times and losing finalists twelve times, were drawn with First Division side Mellieha in the first round of the U*BET FA Trophy. First round matches will be played on November 3, 4, 10 and 11 at the Centenary Stadium.
Valletta, winners of the FA Trophy eleven times, will be facing St. Patrick while Hamrun Spartans, who won the competition six times, will be meeting Mosta.
Six Premier League clubs and ten First Division clubs took part in the draw. U*BET FA Trophy holders Hibernians, Premier League champions Marsaxlokk, runners-up Sliema Wanderers and third-placed Birkirkara were given a bye and enter the competition in the quarter-finals which will be played in April.
Pietŕ Hotspurs were drawn with St. George's, Mqabba take on Vittoriosa Stars while Msida St. Joseph will be facing Senglea Athletic.
The other four First Division clubs were drawn against each other with Qormi being paired with Tarxien Rainbows and Marsa set to face Dingli Swallows.
The second round of the competition will be played on March 2 and 3 and the quarter-finals are scheduled for April 12 and 13. The semi-finals will be played on May 23 and 24 while the final is programmed for May 30.
Meanwhile speaking before the draw, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said this was the third year of sponsorship of the FA Trophy by Maltco Lotteries through U*BET. The company was also sponsoring the Second & Third Division Knock-Out through quick-KENO. He thanked Maltco and said that hopefully, later this season, the two parties will meet to discuss the possibility of renewing this sponsorship agreement.
Speaking on behalf of Maltco Lotteries, Mr Mario Cassar said the company was glad to sponsor this competition as Maltco was always willing to promote sports and hoped that the agreement with the Malta Football Association was renewed at the end of this season.
- The Malta Football Association published the contents of a letter the association had sent to the Head of the Euro Observatory, Mr Alan Camilleri, regarding the increase in stadia entrance fees as from January 1.
The association was replying to a letter by Mr Camilleri, dated October 11, in which the Euro Observatory had warned the MFA to revise its position, threatening the association with the possibility of administrative fines amounting to Lm 750.
The association insisted once again that the price of tickets will be increased only to cover operational expenses after that there was no change in the ticket prices for the past eight years.
The letter states,
Dear Mr. Camilleri,
Thank you for your letter of the 11th October 2007 regarding the recently announced increase in the stadia entrance fees as recently decided by the Malta Football Association.
It transpires from your letter that this subject had come to your knowledge from media reports of a Press Conference of the Malta F.A. during which this subject, one of several others covered by the media, was mentioned.
In the first place we wish to place on record that the Malta F.A. is disappointed with the lack of professionality shown by your office, since evidently it relied upon what the media may have reported to have been said during a press conference and did not have the presence of mind to get in touch with us to verify the facts of what was actually and exactly stated during the said Press Conference. Even worse, you decided to inform the media about the contents your letter, together with your rash and wrong assumptions, even before the faxed copy of the same letter had reached the addressee at Malta F.A. offices.
In our opinion your actions are very unbecoming of a public office rendering services in such delicate and historic moment. Furthermore, since as far as I know, this was the first time that your office has officially circulated to the media the contents of a letter sent to an individual or entity reproaching such an individual or entity, the Malta F.A. is convinced that your action was intended to try and publicly ridicule the Malta F.A. Even this is despicable, a conclusion which is re affirmed by the fact that today no other person company or association was ever named in public. Furthermore I will not comment on whether there were all around the country Euro related increases or aptly should they be termed abuses. I will leave the public to reach their own conclusions as to who, why and what is being investigated and whether everything is being investigated.
For your information, during the Press Conference held by the Malta F.A. on the 10.10.07 to which you made reference in your letter, the MFA President stressed that the decision taken by the Malta F.A. Executive Committee and accepted by the Malta F.A. Council, to slightly increase the stadia entrance fees, had nothing to do with introduction of the euro currency and that this increase was solely based on the ever increasing operational costs of the Malta F.A. due to the increase in the price of commodities and services and to the annual wages cost of living increases in the last eight (8) years. Furthermore, during that Press Conference, the President gave several examples of how the operational costs of the Malta F.A. had increased. Whether all that was said by the MFA President was reported in the Media is quite another matter and cannot exculpate your irresponsible behaviour since it was your duty to get in touch with the right source to verify the facts. At the same time, since this increase will apply as from the 1st January 2008, the Malta F.A. had to think in euro currency terms. I do not believe that thinking in euro currency terms about something monetary to be effective as from the 1st January 2008 is against the law. Nor, as far as I know, has a price freeze been legally introduced.
The reasons for this increase were again stressed by the MFA President during a subsequent Malta F.A. Press Conference held on the 15.10.07. During this last Press Conference the MFA President also stated that the Malta F.A. will inform the Media of its reply to your letter by publishing its response however, as opposed to your office, since it is ethically and professionally correct, I am forwarding a fax copy of this letter for your perusal prior to distributing it later this evening.
For the record you should be aware that the last increase to the stadia entrance fees decided by the Malta F.A. was eight (8) years ago. Since then the Malta F.A. has experienced several increases in its operational costs connected with the organization of its domestic competitive matches. Furthermore, the participating clubs, which perceive sixty per cent (60%) of the income collected from stadia entrance fees after the match day expenses are deducted, also experienced several increases in their operational costs.
In so far as to the increase of operational costs of the Malta F.A. alone in the last 8 years is concerned, I wish to invite you to examine the following under-mentioned facts to enable you to decide for yourself whether the slight increase decided by the Malta F.A. is utterly justified.
The Water Services Corporation has increased the price of water pumped from the bore-hole at Ta’ Qali used for watering the natural grass field at the National Stadium by three hundred per cent (from 10c per cubic meter to 40c per cubic meter).
Government imposed a surcharge of between 45% and 65% on all the Malta F.A.’s water and electricity bills.
The expense for police and other security services rendered to the Malta F.A. during domestic competitive matches has considerably increased.
The Malta F.A. had absorbed the three per cent (3%) increase in VAT decided by Government a few years ago imposed on stadium entrance tickets which increased from fifteen per cent (15%) to eighteen per cent (18%).
The wages of the Malta F.A.’s full-time employees increased annually through the cost of living increases announced by Government during the annual Budget Speech. Similarly, the allowances paid to part-time employees, including those manning the stadia entrance gates, have increased.
The prices of several essential commodities, particularly diesel, have substantially increased.
Many of the above mentioned increases have led to the increase in the price of several services which the Malta F.A. avails itself of during domestic competitive matches such as the ambulance service, the cleaning service etc. etc.
Many of the above mentioned increases as well as the increase in the price of several other commodities both locally and abroad has led to an increase in the price paid by the Malta F.A. for essential commodities needed in the up-keep of the MFA sports facilities to the best possible level. These include the price of the different seeds, manure, imported sand, maintenance and servicing of machinery, etc. etc.
The slightly increased stadia entrance fees include VAT at the rate of eighteen per cent (18%).
Besides the current operational expenses which the Malta F.A. absorbed, during the last 8 years, the Malta F.A. has enhanced its sports facilities for the benefit of spectators. These include the demolishing of the former East stand and its replacement by a modern new stand which includes individual seating at the National Stadium and which had cost the Malta F.A. millions of Maltese liri, as well as several other improvements of a capital nature also undertaken for the benefit of spectators. However, none of these capital costs had been taken into consideration in the stadia entrance fees increase recently announced.
The legal notice quoted in your correspondence lays down that no person shall increase the price of any good or service for the reason that the monetary changeover is taking place. The aim behind such prohibition is to curb abuse throughout Euro Conversion which is clearly not our case. Now that you are in possession of the hard facts above highlighted, you are in a better position to conclude whether the slight increase in the stadia entrance fees decided upon by the Malta F.A. was made to take advantage of the introduction of the euro currency or otherwise. We are convinced that you will conclude than the increases are justified and that the Malta F.A. should be permitted to continue organising its domestic competitions.
The Malta Football Association also expects in the light of the above, that the thinly veiled threat made in your letter by quoting article 23 of the Legal Notice L.N. 4 of 2007 be withdrawn since the Malta F.A. is in no way transgressing this legal requirement and therefore this article is inapplicable in our case.
We remain at your disposal to meet to discuss further should any other clarification be required from your office,
Yours Truly,
Joseph Gauci
General Secretary
Sun 21
- UEFA Under-17 England vs Malta 6-0
The Malta Under-17 team, guided by Oliver Spiteri, suffered a 6-0 defeat to England in the first match from Group 11 of the 2007/2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship which is being played in Estonia.
Aston Villa forward Nathan Delfouneso scored on 22 and 24 minutes before completing his first international hat-trick on 56 minutes. Newcastle striker Ryan Donaldson England's first and fifth goals on 18 and 68 minutes respectively while Matthew James, of Manchester United, scored ten minutes from time.
MALTA: Daniel Balzan, Ismael Grech, Joseph Aquilina, Jesus Camilleri, Andreas Galea, Randall Refalo (80' Mark Spiteri), Rowan Muscat, Keith Fenech, James Paris, Triston Caruana (41' Amadeo Mercieca), Elkien Cauchi (74' Matthew Tabone).
- Premier League Hibernians vs Msida SJ 4-0, Sliema W. vs Marsaxlokk 1-0
- Second Division Birzebbuga SP vs Naxxar L. 3-1, Sirens vs Melita 1-3
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Mtarfa 1-0
- Third Division Section B Gharghur vs Gozo 1-3
- Gozo - Second Division SK Victoria W. vs Oratory Y. 5-1, Munxar F. vs Zebbug R. 0-0
- Adrian Casha has been appointed by UEFA to control matches in the 7th UEFA European U-19 Championship 2008 Qualifying Round Group 10 Mini-Tournament to be held in Albania from 23rd to the 28th October 2007.
France, the Netherlands and Latvia, will join host nation, Albania, in this mini-tournament.
Mr Alan Camilleri has been appointed as Assistant Referee.
- Second Division side Rabat Ajax launched a new book - "The History of Rabat Ajax Football Club 1930-2006" and presented their new sponsor during a press conference which was held at the club premises on Sunday.
The club will be sponsored by Firefly healthy drinks and Silvatec cleansing bars, represented in Malta by Saviour Galea of Bedra Ltd.
In launching the book, Rabat Ajax FC president Mr Amadeo Zammit said this was the result of several years of research by Louis Azzopardi, a former Rabat player and official. Zammit said the author worked hard to publish the book besides working hard to find sponsors for this publication.
The author - Mr Louis Azzopardi said that shortly after being elected to the Rabat Ajax committee back in 1981, he aimed at having more complete records for the club considering that most of the club's record books had been destroyed a few years earlier.
Retrieving information was not an easy job but thanks to long hours of research at the National Library and the help of a number of elderly people who had some records about the club, his dream of bringing the pieces together to write the history of the club was made possible. The main objective was that of giving Rabat supporters and others interested in statistics something to refer to regarding the history of the club.
It took the author five years of research to write the first edition of the history of the club, which was published in 1995. Azzopardi said that he was then encouraged to publish a second edition of the book. This time, he goes into more detail with the addition of more statistics related to the players, amongst other features.
The author said that besides the satisfaction of publishing a book, another of his objectives is that of helping the club. In fact, thanks to the several sponsors, all profit which will be generated from the sale of the book will go the club.
Azzopardi concluded by thanking those who helped him in some way or another in publishing the book and especially Albert Pearson, who was Azzopardi's right-hand man in the book's page setting.
"The History of Rabat Ajax Football Club 1930-2006" is the result of intensive research by Louis Azzopardi, aimed at providing the complete history of the club, complete by all results obtained by Rabat Ajax and the teams which represented Rabat earlier, namely Rabat Rovers, Rabat Rangers and Rabat FC; statistics regarding the team and the players together with a list of all the committee members and coaches throughout the history of the club. All this is complemented with scores of photos from as early as the 1930s.
This book, in fact, continues where the first edition had left off. "The History of Rabat Ajax Football Club 1930-2006" can be bought from the Rabat Ajax Football Club at the price of Lm 2.50.
Meanwhile assistant treasurer Brian Borg said that unfortunately in recent years, the club had failed to attract sponsors.
However the club has now reached an agreement with Mr Saviour Galea who will be sponsoring the club through the brands Firefly and Silvatec.
He said this was hopefully the beginning of a long-term relationship between the two parties.
On behalf of the club, president Amadeo Zammit thanked the sponsor for his support.
Club captain Keith Micallef was then presented with the traditional black-and-white striped shirt carrying the sponsor's logos.
Sat 20
- Premier League Mqabba vs Pietŕ H. 1-6, Hamrun S. vs Valletta 0-0
- Second Division Zurrieq vs Mgarr U. 2-2, San Gwann vs Balzan Y. 1-0
- Gozo - Second Division Xewkija T. vs Gharb R. 6-0
- The Malta Under-17 team, guided by Oliver Spiteri, will be engaged in Tallinn, Estonia in Group 11 mini-tournament of the 2007/2008 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, with the programme of matches starting on Sunday, 21st October.
Besides the host country, Estonia, and Malta, the other participants in this preliminary group are England and Portugal.
As can be anticipated, Malta will be up against strong opposition, but will, nevertheless, try to compete with honour in their bid to qualify for the final stages of the competition to be held in Antalya, Turkey in May 2008.
The schedule of Malta’s matches is as follows:
Sunday 21st October - England v Malta at 14:00
Tuesday 23rd October - Malta v Portugal at 14:00
Friday 26th October - Estonia v Malta at 14:00
The Malta squad, made up of 18 players, is:
Goalkeepers – Daniel Balzan (Hibernians), Sam Bartolo (Pietŕ)
Defenders – Joseph Aquilina (Three Bridges FC), Jesus Camilleri (Valletta), Andreas Galea (Birkirkara), Ismael Grech (Pietŕ), Matthew Tabone (Hibernians)
Midfielders – Tristan Caruana (Hibernians), Elkien Cauchi (Hibernians), Keith Fenech (Birkirkara), Matthew Cauchi (Hibernians), Rowen Muscat (Birkirkara), James Paris (Manchester City FC), Ryan Sammut (Naxxar)
Forwards – Amadeo Mercieca (Sliema), Lyden Micallef (Mosta), Randall Refalo (Pietŕ), Mark Spiteri (Floriana).
- The Danilo Doncic Football Academy will be holding an Open Day on November 1st at the Floriana Ground, starting at 11:00. Everyone is invited to attend this open day for free.
The academy is providing a number of courses which include Group Training, Individual Training, Small Group together with the possibilities of trials, international tournaments and training camps.
The fee for Group Training is Lm 70, covering seven months. There will be a total of eight sessions per month. There are three different groups: Kinder for those aged 4 to 8, Primary for those aged 8 to 11 and Secondary for those aged 11 to 14.
The fee for Individual Training is Lm 8 per sessions. This is open for children of any age. Individual training includes soccer sessions, goalkeeper training, physical training, losing weight and more.
Small Group sessions cater for children of any age. The groups may have a maximum of six children. The fee is Lm 3 per session.
Those attending the Danilo Doncic Football Academy will be undertaking three tests per season. Medical, motorical and football technique tests will be carried out. There is the possibility of training camps abroad and due to close connection with foreign teams, those attending the academy could take part in tournaments abroad. The most talented players will be sent for trials with foreign teams.
The academy will prepare a number of social activities as besides football, a main objective is the child's social development.
More details may be obtained by phone on 79053974 or by visiting www.danilodoncicschool.com
Fri 19
- Third Division Section A Ghaxaq vs Zebbug R. 1-1, Xghajra T. vs Attard 1-1
- The Malta FA, in line with UEFA and its member associations, is running a week-long campaign, the 8th Fare Action Week Against Racism with a programme of events which started on Wednesday with the Malta v Moldova match.
The campaign comprises several activities including school visits on Friday 19th October by an MFA delegation accompanied by the Hon. Minister of Education, Dr Louis Galea and printing of commemorative T-Shirts to be worn by players, referees and ball boys during several matches in different venues in Malta and Gozo.
The campaign will also be given publicity by the setting up of billboards highlighting the event.
National team players joined the delegation visiting three schools representing the state schools, independent schools and church schools.
There were speeches to schoolchildren to imbue in them a sense of unity in the fight against racism, while a campaign donation comprised a number of football-related items which were presented to the schools.
The campaign is being co-ordinated by the MFA vice-president, Dr Peter Fenech.
Thu 18
- The MFA would like to express its thanks to the public, including a good number of families, club football nurseries and the South End Core, for attending at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali to give their support to our national team during Wednesday's Malta - Moldova European Championship Group C qualifying match.
The Malta Football Association appreciates the support which once again was remarkable, despite the inclement weather. This support was not only heard but felt by the players especially when our team faced an adverse scoreline which matured in the first half. The crowd's backing was a major factor which helped our players pull back into the game with two goals and end the match on a crescendo.
The MFA, on behalf of all, wishes to thank the players and coaching staff for their hard work which is reaping positive performances.
The MFA, would also like to show its gratitude to the media for its continued support, the police and all those who were involved in one way or another to make Wednesday's match another occasion to be remembered.
Wed 17
- EURO 2008 MALTA vs MOLDOVA 2-3
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel was satisfied with the performance of his players during the second half which saw the locals making a good come-back from three goals down to go close to saving a point from the game.
Speaking after the match, Fitzel said the game consisted of two completely different stories - a first half marked by Moldova and a second half marked by Malta's come-back.
"Before the game, I told the players that they had to pull up their sleeves and fight as this was a difficult game. I told them that only with a very good performance we could achieve a positive result," said Fitzel.
The Malta coach went on to say that he was happy with the performance of the players during the second half and that Malta even deserved a draw for the second-half performance.
"However players must realise that if they do not play with passion, we cannot succeed," pointed out Fitzel.
Meanwhile Moldova coach Igor Dobrovolsky said he would have been satisfied even with a draw from this game.
The former Russian international player said his players managed to remain concentrated for this game even if they were coming from an impressive draw with Turkey.
- UEFA Under-21 Wales vs Malta 3-1
Tue 16
- First Division Marsa vs Tarxien R. 2-3, Senglea A. vs St. George's 2-0
- After making sure of obtaining a record number of points, Malta will now hope to do even better by beating Moldova in a bid to avoid the bottom place in Group C of the EURO 2008 qualifying round. Malta hosts Moldova at the National Stadium this evening, kick-off at 19:30.
With the good performance and the excellent support by fans in the last home game against Turkey still in mind, the Malta national side will hopefully defy the odds and claim the three points.
The task is no easy one for Dusan Fitzel's side. Moldova are ranked 81st, compared to Malta's 124th place in the FIFA Ranking and are coming from a series of good results and performances. In fact, after beating Latvia in a friendly match in August, they lost narrowly to Norway at home but bounced back with a fine 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in Sarajevo. Last Saturday, they held Turkey to a 1-1 draw in Chisinau.
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel is expected to make only one or two changes from the team which faced Hungary during the weekend. Jamie Pace is set to return in the starting line-up after missing the last game due to an injury.
There should be no changes in defence with Justin Haber guiding the posts behind Kenneth Scicluna, Brian Said, Luke Dimech and Ian Azzopardi. Same thing in attack with Andre Schembri supporting Michael Mifsud.
The only changes should take place in midfield. During last Monday's training session, Fitzel tried the different set-ups. Roderick Briffa and Jamie Pace will definitely start with the other players fighting for the other two shirts being Kevin Sammut, Udo Nwoko, George Mallia and Ivan Woods. Fitzel could opt to start with Briffa, Pace, Mallia and Woods.
Brian Said will be the team's captain in the absence of the injured Gilbert Agius.
Moldova coach Igor Dobrovolski welcomes back Serghei Lascencov and Igor Bugaev who missed the game against Turkey due to a suspension. He dropped Alexei Savinov, Igor Tigirlas and Denis Calincov from the squad but recalled 40-year-old defender Serghey Stroenco.
This will be the seventh clash between Malta and Moldova. Moldova won three times, Malta once and the other two matches ended in draws. This includes the 1-1 draw in Chisinau last March. On that occasion, George Mallia had put Malta ahead on 73 minutes with Alexandru Epureanu notching the equaliser five minutes from time.
Mon 15
- First Division Qormi vs Vittoriosa S. 0-1, Dingli S. vs Mellieha 2-2
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud denied the decision to raise ticket prices for matches organised by the Malta Football Association as from January 1, had nothing to do with the adoption of the euro next year.
The MFA president said this was the first increase in ticket prices in eight years after the association had decided to absorb the 3% increase in the rate of Value Added Tax three years ago.
The increases were mainly meant to cover increased expenses among which water and electricity bills. In fact, water bills increased four times as much from 10 cents to the commercial rate of 40 cents per unit. Water and electricity bills also increased due to the surcharge. The association had been contemplating an increase in prices for some time but only now had decided to increase the prices.
Dr Mifsud said he was surprised to read the statement by the NECC when they could have easily contacted the association for its reaction.
As from 1 January 2008, tickets costing Lm3 at present will cost €8, Lm2 tickets will cost €5, Lm1.50 tickets will cost €4 and Lm1 tickets will cost €2.50.
Following the introduction of the Euro as from January 1, for some time, payments could still be made in Maltese liri. For this reason, there will be a particular stall from where one could pay for the tickets in Maltese liri but change will be provided in euro.
- After Moldova managed to collect four points in their last two matches, Malta has to aim for a win in the bid to avoid the bottom place in Group C of the EURO 2008 qualifying round.
While addressing a press conference on Monday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that although Malta failed to obtain a positive result in Budapest, the players showed good fighting spirit in against Hungary.
Dr Mifsud appealed for support, asking the local fans to turn out in large numbers as they did in the last EURO 2008 home qualifier against Turkey last month.
From the squad which travelled to Budapest, Malta coach Dusan Fitzel made two changes with the inclusion of Jamie Pace, who missed the game through suspension, and Andrew Cohen. The squad will be trimmed to eighteen players on Tuesday.
The twenty players at Dusan Fitzel's disposal are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Haidari - GRE), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield - ENG), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Sliema), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Udo Nwoko (Leixőes - POR), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibs) Michael Mifsud (Coventry - ENG), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Eintracht Braunschweig - GER), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Meanwhile Serghei Lascencov and Igor Bugaev will be back for Moldova after missing the game against Turkey. Moldova coach Igor Dobrovolsky dropped Alexei Savinov, Igor Tigirlas and Denis Calincov but recalled 40-year-old defender Serghey Stroenco.
The players selected should therefore be:
Goalkeepers: Serghei Pascenco (FC Sheriff), Nicolai Calancea (FC Zimbru Chisinau), Evghenii Matiughin (FC Tiligul Tiraspol).
Defenders: Semion Bulgaru (FC Sheriff), Alexandru Epureanu (FC Moskva), Ghenadie Olexic (FC Amkar Perm), Victor Golovatenco (FC Tiraspol), Serghei Lascencov (FC Karpaty Lviv), Serghey Stroenco (FC Tiligul Tiraspol).
Midfielders: Alexandru Gatcan (FC Rubin Kazan), Vitalie Bordian (FC Metallist Kharkiv), Victor Comlenoc (FC SKA Rostov), Nicolae Josan (FC Iskra-Stali), Serghei Namasco (FC Tiraspol), Denis Zmeu (SC Vaslui), Andrei Corneencov (FC Sheriff).
Forwards: Viorel Frunza (FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt), Igor Bugaev (FC Chornomorets Odesa), Anatolie Doros (FK Standart Baku), Ghenadie Orbu (FC Dacia Chisinau).
Tickets for the game are available from the following outlets:
Geraldu Kiosk - Republic Street, Valletta
Eros Stationery - Wilga Street, Paceville
Star Tourism - Pioneer Road, Bugibba
Teamsport - Gallarija Darmanin, Iklin
Teamsport - Cathedral Street, Sliema
MFA Health & Fitness Centre - Millennium Stand, Ta' Qali
Match ticket prices are as follows:
West Side C – Upper (also valid for Malta vs Norway on 21.11.07) - Lm15.00 (€ 34.94)
West Side C – Lower (also valid for Malta vs Norway on 21.11.07) - Lm15.00 (€ 34.94)
West Side A Upper - Lm10.00 (€ 23.29)
West Side A Lower - Lm 5.00 (€ 11.65)
Millennium Stand - Lm 3.00 (€ 6.99)
Millennium Stand Balcony - Lm15.00 (€ 34.94)
South Stand - Lm 2.00 (€ 4.66)
North Stand - Lm 2.00 (€ 4.66)
Pre-Sale of tickets will continue up to 19.00 on Tuesday, 16th October, 2007. Any remaining Tickets for the match Malta vs Moldova will be on sale prior to the match at the MFA HQ Reception Desk (Floor 2, Millennium Stand) and from the ticket-booths of the National Stadium on Wednesday, 17th October, 2007.
The gates at the National Stadium will open at 18.00. Public Transport from City Gate Bus Terminus to the National Stadium starts at 17.30. Public Transport will also be available from the National Stadium back to City Gate Bus Terminus at the end of the match.
- Two Maltese FIFA Referees will be controlling matches in Europe this week.
Joe Attard, assisted by Charles Micallef and Konrad G. Borg, with Kevin Azzopardi as Fourth Official, will be in Podogorica, Montenegro, in charge of the UEFA U-21 match between Montenegro and Portugal on 16th October.
Anton Zammit, assisted by Philip Agius and Ingmar Spiteri, with Chris Lautier as Fourth Official, will be in San Marino to control the match between San Marino and Wales to be played on Wednesday 17th October.
- Preparations by the South End Core for Wednesday's EURO 2008 qualifier between Malta and Moldova are well underway.
Preparation of material which will be used as part of the choreography during the game is taking place at the Mosta FC permises.
In fact, the Mosta Supporters Club are the latest addition to the groups forming part of the South End Core. Other supporters clubs include the Birkirkara Ultras, Paola Boys Hibs Ultras and the Valletta White Warriors.
Sun 14
- Second Division Naxxar L. vs Sta. Venera L. 0-1, Lija A. vs Rabat A. 0-1
- Third Division Section A Siggiewi vs Qrendi 1-3
- Third Division Section B Kalkara vs Sta. Lucia 5-2
- Gozo - GFA Cup Qala SJ vs St. Lawrence S. 2-0, Zebbug R. vs Munxar F. 3-2
- The Malta national futsal team will be hosting Moldova in a friendly international match at the AS Hibernians Sports Pavilion on Tuesday 16, kick-off at 20:45.
This game will serve as preparation for Michal Striz's side ahead of the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers which will be played in Malta in February. Malta will face Slovenia, Greece and Albania.
The players selected by Malta head coach Michal Striz and his assistant Mark Marlow are:
goalkeepers Bjorn Vassalo (Aluserv) and Benny Gialanze (El Mundos);
Nicholas Bilocca (Amazon FC), Tyrone Borg (Zurrieq FC), Noel Bray (Southenders), Roberto Micallef (Powerade), John Cutajar (Scandals Bar), Mark Sullivan (Amazon FC), Robert Magro (Naxxar Motors), Nebojsa Mijailovic (European Pilot Academy), Jeanbert Gatt (Scandals Bar), Paul Bugeja (Kerygma Kristal), Timothy Ellis (Powerade).
On the other hand, the Moldovan squad is made up of:
Vladimir Aga, Alexandru Antonov, Valeriu Baesu, Constantin Budujel, Vitalie Bulala, Alexei Capsamun, Denis Coicev, Eduard Critiuc, Viorel Gaibu, Oleg Hilotii, Rusian Istratii, Andrian Lascu, Alexei Mardari, Alexie Muntean, Sergiu Munteanu, Evgheni Natcovschii.
- Malta was among 200 FIFA member countries at the 4th Women Football Symposium recently held in Shangai, China, which included 500 delegates as participants. MFA President, Joe Mifsud, and Alfred Zammit, women’s football technical adviser to the MFA Board, represented our association.
The Symposium proved to be very useful in FIFA’s strategy to further promote women’s football on the world scene. In fact, several countries, including Malta, gave a valid contribution and were instrumental towards the success of the event.
Various topics were up for discussion and case studies were presented and analysed by six countries.
FIFA President Josef Blatter brought the Symposium to an end with a concluding speech which focused on the growing importance of women’s football in all the continents against a vision of the future.
The event was held during the FIFA Women’s World Cup which also had China hosting the competition. The participants were lucky enough to be able to watch the final two matches of the tournament, the game for third place between the USA and Norway, which the former won 4-1, and the final which saw Germany beating Brazil 2-0.
Sat 13
- EURO 2008 HUNGARY vs MALTA 2-0
- Second Division Melita vs Birzebbuga SP 1-2, St. Andrews vs Sirens 1-1
- Gozo - GFA Cup Xaghra U. vs Victoria H. 0-2, Xewkija T. vs Ghajnsielem 2-2 (5-4 pen)
Fri 12
- Third Division Section A Mtarfa vs Zejtun C. 0-2
- Third Division Section B Luqa SA vs Gudja U. 1-1
- After holding Turkey in a 2-2 draw last month, Malta will be aiming for a good performance in Budapest as Dusan Fitzel's side takes on hosts Hungary in another match from Group C of the EURO 2008 qualifiers.
The Czech coach would have definitely preferred having all players at his disposal but an injury ruled out Malta captain Gilbert Agius out of this game and next Wednesday's clash with Moldova at Ta' Qali. Jamie Pace, on the other hand, serves a one-match ban after collecting a second yellow card in the game against Turkey.
For this game, Fitzel included in the squad for the first time Nigerian-born midfielder Udo Nwoko. Nwoko, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday next Monday, was available for selection after obtaining Maltese citizenship in August. He is currently playing in the top division in Portugal with Leixőes after playing for Hibernians, Mosta, Marsaxlokk and Xewkija Tigers in Gozo.
Fitzel is therefore forced to make two changes from the team which drew with Turkey. No changes are expected in defence with Justin Haber guiding the posts behind Kenneth Scicluna, Brian Said, Luke Dimech and Ian Azzopardi. Same thing in attack with Andre Schembri supporting Michael Mifsud.
Roderick Briffa takes Gilbert Agius's role in midfield with Ivan Woods retaining his place in midfield although he has just recovered from an injury. George Mallia replaces Jamie Pace while Kevin Sammut takes the role on the flank usually taken by Roderick Briffa.
The starting line-up will therefore be: 1. Justin Haber, 17. Kenneth Scicluna, 3. Ian Azzopardi, 4. Brian Said (Captain), 6. Luke Dimech, 7. Kevin Sammut, 8. Roderick Briffa, 11. George Mallia, 9. Michael Mifsud, 10. Ivan Woods, 13. Andre` Schembri.
Also at Fitzel's disposal are: 12. Mario Muscat, 14. Terence Scerri, 15. Josef Mifsud, 19. Roderick Bajada, 18. Udo Nwoko, 2. Peter Pullicino, 5. Steve Wellman.
It will definitely be a difficult game for Malta considering that the Magyars will be all out to revenge last year's 2-1 defeat at Ta' Qali when two goals by Andre Schembri gave Malta a historic win.
Since that defeat, Hungary changed their coach and appointed Peter Várhidi as their new mentor. Várhidi made a complete overhaul in the squad, leaving just a few players from the previous squads. In fact from the team which faced Malta last year, the only survivors are Roland Juhasz, Leandro, Peter Halmosi, Peter Halmosi, Balazs Toth and captain Zoltan Gera.
Hungary are currently fifth in the group with nine points from nine matches. In their last two games at home, they defeated Moldova 2-0 and Bosnia-Herzegovina 1-0. They suffered three defeats in the last four matches, namely defeats to Greece, Norway and Turkey, all away from home.
Tamás Priskin, Tamás Hajnal and Vilmos Vanczák are ruled out through suspension but Zoltan Gera is available although he was sent off in the last game against Turkey for simulation inside the penalty area. In fact, the UEFA disciplinary committee decided not to suspend him after TV replays subsequently showed that Gera had been clearly fouled by the Turkish goalkeeper.
The full squad at the disposal of coach Peter Varhidi is made up of:
Goalkeepers: Márton Fülöp (Leicester City), János Balogh (DVSC-TEVA), Szabolcs Balajcza (Újpest FC)
Defenders: Csaba Csizmadia (SV Mattersburg), Krisztián Vermes (Újpest FC), Tamás Vaskó (Bristol City), Béla Balogh (Colchester United), Roland Juhász (RSC Anderlecht), István Rodenbücher (MTK Budapest), Zoltán Szélesi (RC Strasbourg), Boldizsár Bodor (Roda JC Kerkrade)
Midfielders: Ádám Vass (Brescia), Balázs Tóth (Racing Genk), Krisztián Vadócz (NEC Nijmegen), Dániel Toozsér (AEK Athens), Leandro De Almeida (DVSC-TEVA), Zoltán Gera (West Bromwich Albion), Ákos Buzsáky (Plymouth Argyle)
Forwards: Attila Filkor (Inter), Balázs Farkas (Dinamo Kiev), Balázs Dzsudzsák (DVSC-TEVA), Péter Halmosi (Plymouth Argyle), Róbert Feczesin (Brescia), Péter Rajczi (Pisa), Ádám Hrepka (NEC Nijmegen).
This will be the tenth clash between Malta and Hungary. Hungary won six of these matches, but Malta did manage to obtain some impressive results including the 1-1 draw at the Nep Stadium in Budapest in April 1989 and the 2-2 draw at Ta' Qali in December 1988. The last time Malta played in Budapest, Malta lost 4-0 in September 2005.
Hungary vs Malta will be played at the Ferenc Szusza Stadium in Budapest on Saturday, kick-off at 16:20. The match will be controlled by officials from Armenia, namely referee Karen Nalbandyan, who will be assisted by assistant referees Gegham Vardanyan and Arshak Knyazyan and fourth official Arman Amirkhanyan.
The game will be screened live on Smash Television. The South End Core is encouraging Malta fans to watch the game on big screens at Rookies Sports Bar - Bugibba, Ryan's Pub - St. Julian's, Extratime - Mosta, 47 Summer Nights - Marsascala and Zmerc Pub - Balzan.
The Malta squad returns to Malta on Sunday at 12:10 on flight KM 521 and will continue its preparation for the game against Moldova which will be played on Wednesday at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, kick-off at 19:30.
- APS Bank extend its sponsorship agreement with the Youth Football Association for another three years.
Mr Alfred Triganza, APS Bank Senior Manager - Marketing Unit, said that among the reasons for which the bank is extending the sponsorship is the fact that the YFA always made diligent use of its funds.
"Without any doubt, one can witness the benefit received by young footballers from the activities organised by the Youth FA," said Mr Triganza. He thanked the YFA administration, volunteers and players for the enthusiasm shown and for the sacrifices they make.
Youth FA president Fr Hilary Tagliaferro showed his appreciation towards the bank for the support given over the past five years and said that he is sure that all stake holders in youth football will benefit from this sponsorship agreement.
- Malta Under-17 coach Oliver Spiteri and his assistant Ramon Zammit named an eighteen-man squad for the UEFA Under-17 Championship Group 11 mini-tournament which will be played in Estonia between October 21 and 26.
Malta will be facing England on Sunday 21, Portugal on Tuesday 23 and Estonia on Friday 26. A really difficult test for Malta considering that England are ranked number 3 and Portugal number 5 in Europe at Under-17 level.
The players selected by Spiteri and Zammit are:
Daniel Balzan (Hibs), Matthew Tabone (Hibs), Ismael Grech (Pietŕ), Joseph Aquilina (Three Bridges FC - ENG), Andreas Galea (Birkirkara), Jesus Camilleri (Valletta), Randall Refalo (Pietŕ), Rowen Muscat (Birkirkara), Lydon Micallef (Mosta), Keith Fenech (Birkirkara), James Paris (Manchester City - ENG), Sam Bartolo (Pietà), Mark Spiteri (Floriana), Tristan Caruana (Hibs), Matthew Gauci (Hibs), Amadeo Mercieca (Sliema), Ryan Sammut (Naxxar), Elkien Cauchi (Hibs).
Wed 10
- First Division Tarxien R. vs Senglea A. 1-0, St. George's vs St. Patrick 2-1
- Nigerian-born midfielder Udo Nwoko was included in the squad for the two EURO 2008 qualifiers against Hungary on October 13 in Budapest and against Moldova four days later at Ta' Qali. Malta coach Dusan Fitzel revealed the 18-man squad during a press conference which was held on Wednesday.
Nwoko, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday next Monday, was available for selection after obtaining Maltese citizenship in August. He is currently playing in the top division in Portugal with Leixőes after playing for Hibernians, Mosta, Marsaxlokk and Xewkija Tigers in Gozo.
Malta will be without two key players - Gilbert Agius and Jamie Pace. The Valletta and national team captain is ruled out injured while the Marsaxlokk midfielder is suspended after collecting a second yellow card in the game against Turkey.
Ivan Woods, who missed the last two league matches for Sliema Wanderers due to an injury, was included in the squad after recovering fully.
Out of the trip to Budapest are Valletta goalkeeper Andrew Hogg, Hibs defender Aaron Xuereb, Marsaxlokk midfielders Cleavon Frendo and Gareth Sciberras, Sliema Wanderers striker Etienne Barbara and Andrew Cohen of Hibernians.
The eighteen players who will be travelling to Budapest are therefore:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Haidari - GRE), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield - ENG), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Sliema), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Roderick Bajada (Sliema), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Udo Nwoko (Leixőes - POR), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Michael Mifsud (Coventry - ENG), Terence Scerri (Hibernians), Andre Schembri (Eintracht Braunschweig - GER), Ivan Woods (Sliema).
Fitzel complained that due to the congestion of fixtures in the BOV Premier League, he did not have any chance to prepare as he would have wished for these games and in fact, it was only this week that the players are training regularly with the national squad. But still, sessions so far consisted only of recovery sessions.
The Malta coach said that after the defeat to Malta in October last year, Hungary changed their coach and appointed Peter Várhidi as their new mentor. Várhidi made a complete overhaul in the squad, including several new players, leaving just a few players from the previous squads.
Although Hungary suffered three defeats in the last four matches, Fitzel is expecting a very difficult game.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that these two matches are very important matches as the MFA had set the target of avoiding the bottom place in the table in these qualifiers.
"With a win, we would probably make sure of avoiding the bottom place. But before that against Hungary, we will be trying our best to achieve a good result," said Dr Mifsud.
Malta did manage to obtain positive results against Hungary in past. Besides the 2-1 win last year at Ta' Qali, Malta had managed to hold the Hungarians in two draws in the qualifiers leading to the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The last time Malta played in Budapest, Malta lost 4-0 in September 2005.
On the other hand, Malta and Moldova met six times. Moldova won three times, Malta once and the other two matches ended in draws. This includes the 1-1 draw in Chisinau last March.
Hungary vs Malta will be played at the Ferenc Szusza Stadium in Budapest on Saturday, kick-off at 16:20. The Malta squad leaves Malta on Thursday at 09:30 on flight KM 304 to Budapest, via Munich and will be back home on Sunday at 12:10 on flight KM 521.
Malta vs Moldova will be played on Wednesday 17 at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, kick-off at 19:30.
Tickets for the game will be on sale as from Thursday from the following outlets:
Geraldu Kiosk - Republic Street, Valletta
Eros Stationery - Wilga Street, Paceville
Star Tourism - Pioneer Road, Bugibba
Teamsport - Gallarija Darmanin, Iklin
Teamsport - Cathedral Street, Sliema
MFA Health & Fitness Centre - Millennium Stand, Ta' Qali
Match ticket prices are as follows:
West Side C – Upper (also valid for Malta vs Norway on 21.11.07) - Lm15.00 (€ 34.94)
West Side C – Lower (also valid for Malta vs Norway on 21.11.07) - Lm15.00 (€ 34.94)
West Side A Upper - Lm10.00 (€ 23.29)
West Side A Lower - Lm 5.00 (€ 11.65)
Millennium Stand - Lm 3.00 (€ 6.99)
Millennium Stand Balcony - Lm15.00 (€ 34.94)
South Stand - Lm 2.00 (€ 4.66)
North Stand - Lm 2.00 (€ 4.66)
Pre-Sale of tickets will continue up to 19.00 on Tuesday, 16th October, 2007. Any remaining Tickets for the match Malta vs Moldova will be on sale prior to the match at the MFA HQ Reception Desk (Floor 2, Millennium Stand) and from the ticket-booths of the National Stadium on Wednesday, 17th October, 2007.
The gates at the National Stadium will open at 18.00. Public Transport from City Gate Bus Terminus to the National Stadium starts at 17.30. Public Transport will also be available from the National Stadium back to City Gate Bus Terminus at the end of the match.
At around 18.15 – Events Services Ltd will again provide top musical entertainment by popular DJ Colin Fitz. He will be assisted by Peter Busuttil as Master of Ceremonies.
The game between Malta and Moldova will also be part of the activities which will be marking Football Against Racism in Europe (FARE) Action Week being celebrated between the October 17 and 21. During the game, players and referees will be wearing a t-shirt with the Unite Against Racism logo. National team players will be carrying a giant red card meant as a symbolic red card towards racism. Ball-boys will carry the Unite Against Racism streamer.
- A final inspection will be carried out on Monday before a decision could be taken on whether the Malta Football Association could join the UEFA Referees Convention in December.
If the application is accepted, Malta will form part of the second group of countries to be admitted for a total of eighteen football associations so far.
Forming part of the UEFA Referees Convention would mean better education for referees.
The MFA Head of the Refereeing Department, Mr Tommy Restall said this would be a very important step for the association and referees and is confident Malta's application will be accepted, considering that the structure of Malta's refereeing sector is often used as a model by UEFA.
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud announced on Wednesday that there will be a slight increase in ticket prices for matches organised by the Malta Football Association as from January 1.
This will be the first increase in ticket prices in over five years after the association had decided to absorb the 3% increase in the rate of Value Added Tax three years ago.
As from 1 January 2008, tickets costing Lm3 at present will cost €8, Lm2 tickets will cost €5, Lm1.50 tickets will cost €4 and Lm1 tickets will cost €2.50.
The increases, which were also meant to cover increased expenses among which water and electricity bills, were effected in order to round off the charge and ease the admission procedure at the gates.
Following the introduction of the Euro as from January 1, for some time, payments could still be made in Maltese liri. For this reason, there will be a particular stall from where one could pay for the tickets in Maltese liri but change will be provided in euro.
- Besides the national 'A' team's commitments in the EURO 2008 qualifiers against Hungary and Moldova, another four national teams will be in action this month.
The Under-21 side travels to Wales for another match from the UEFA Under-21 Championship Group 10 qualifiers at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham on Wednesday 17.
This will be another difficult test for the Under-21 team which lost the three matches played so far in the group.
Better performances were expected from the players. Something which even Under-21 coach Mark Miller admitted.
"Nowadays almost all Under-21 players are playing regularly with their clubs in the Premier League. The players are good but they do lack character and leadership qualities. Until they learn that in football, one needs character, results will not be achieved as this is the only way, we could improve our game," said Miller.
With several of their players playing in the League Championship in England and a couple even playing in the Premier League, Wales are a very strong side. However Miller admitted that it is against Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina at home that Malta stands some chance of gaining points.
The players which will probably make it to the squad which will travel to Wales are:
goalkeepers Miguel Montfort (Pietŕ), Luke Woods (Ware - ENG);
defenders Steven Bezzina (Valletta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Mqabba), Edward Herrera (Pietŕ), Duncan Pisani (Floriana);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun);
forwards Stephen Meilak (Hamrun), John Mintoff (Mqabba), Ian Zammit (Valletta).
The squad leaves Malta on Sunday at 20:50 and returns back to Malta on Thursday 18.
Meanwhile the Malta Futsal national team hosts Moldova in a friendly international match at the AS Hibernians Sports Pavilion on Tuesday 16, kick-off at 20:45.
This game will serve as preparation for Michal Striz's side ahead of the 2008 FIFA Futsal World Cup qualifiers which will be played in Malta in February. Malta will face Slovenia, Greece and Albania.
The Malta Under-17 side will be taking part in the UEFA Under-17 Championship Group 11 mini-tournament which will be played in Estonia between October 21 and 26.
Malta will be facing England on Sunday 21, Portugal on Tuesday 23 and Estonia on Friday 26. A really difficult test for Malta considering that England are ranked number 3 and Portugal number 5 in Europe at Under-17 level.
On the other hand, the Malta women's national team will be playing in one of a series of UEFA Women's Mini-Tournaments which are being held in the coming weeks and months.
The women's team travels to Sarajevo towards the end of the month where the team will be facing hosts Bosnia-Herzegovina on Wednesday 31 October and Luxembourg on Friday 2 November.
- Hamrun Spartans defender Branislav Timotic was handed a one-match ban after being sent off in the Spartans' 2-2 draw with Birkirkara during the weekend.
Timotic is therefore unavailable for Hamrun's next game against Valletta on October 20.
Marsa's Jean Paul Zammit was suspended for one match in the First Division and Joseph Caruana (Rabat) was banned for one match in Division 2. Clayton Axisa (Attard) and Alan Deidun (Kirkop) were suspended for one match in the Third Division.
In the Youth League, Hubert Gatt (Gzira) was suspended for two matches while Kenneth Bedingfield (Birzebbuga), Nicolai Gauci (Gzira), Gareth Galdes (Luqa), Wayne Pantalleresco (Marsaxlokk) and Rodney Caruana (Qormi) were banned for one match. Birkirkara masseur Antoine Abela and Marsaxlokk coach Albert Vella were suspended for two matches while Pietŕ assistant coach Godfrey Grima was handed a one-match ban.
Tue 9
- First Division Mellieha vs Marsa 1-3, Mosta vs Dingli S. 4-0
- The first instructional meeting for CYF, YDD & C Licence Coaches is going to be held on Monday 15th October 2007 at 19:30 at St. Aloysius College Ground, Birkirkara.
The theme for this meeting is "Goalkeepers Training" and is being conducted by Mr. Saviour Darmanin, a qualified coach and active goalkeeper.
Those members who have not paid there membership fees yet, may do so at the beginning of the session.
Mon 8
- Third Division Section B Pembroke A. vs Gzira U. 1-0
- Third Division Section A Mdina K. vs Fgura U. 0-2
- Esther Azzopardi (nee Farrugia) has been appointed as referee in two Group 1 matches of the 1st European Women’s Under-17 Championship 2008 to be held in Switzerland between October 11 and 16.
This is the first appointment for Ms Azzopardi since she was officially included on the FIFA list of Women Referees, the first Maltese female referee on the FIFA list.
Esther Azzopardi will be controlling two matches, namely Switzerland v Cyprus and Cyprus v Lithuania. The other team in this group is Wales.
Mr Paul Apap has been appointed as Assistant Referee for this tournament.
- The BOV First Division League kicks-off this week with two matches on Tuesday and another two on Wednesday at the Centenary Stadium.
The league is expected to be a close battle once again with a number of teams aiming for promotion and the rest hoping to secure their First Division status as early as possible.
This season the BOV First Division will feature for the first time in decades the three Cottonera derbies between Senglea Athletic, St. George's and Vittoriosa Stars. Therefore some interesting matches are definitely in programme this season.
In the first match on Tuesday, Mellieha, who were promoted from Division 2, take on Marsa, who were relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season. The Blues retained more or less the same squad as last season with the addition of Brazilian striker Sandro Costa Brazilino together with Gianluca Calabretta who joined the club from Hamrun after spending last season in Sicily. Marsa, on the other hand, lost several players from last season's squad including goalkeeper Jonathan Debono, Graham Bencini, Emil Yantchev, Ishaku Umoru, Diego Cucciardi, Andrew Scerri and Gilbert Martin. They retained Nigerian midfielder Joseph Chidi Achokwu.
The second game puts against each other Mosta and Second Division champions Dingli Swallows. The Blues are expected to make a strong bid for promotion following the signing of goalkeeper Jonathan Debono, Antonio Saliba, Gozitan striker Elton Vella, Mark Galea, Gilbert Martin and Bulgarian Ivo Ginev. Dingli, under the guidance of Jesmond Zammit, retained most of last season's players including Roderick Spiteri, Jeffrey Farrugia and Chris Ciappara. They signed Chris Tabone and Brian Galea from Mosta, Chris Muscat from Rabat, Roderick Farrugia from Siggiewi and Kurt Formosa from Floriana, all on loan for one season. Giles Lanzon joined Dingli from Lija while Uchenna Anyanwu, formerly of Vittoriosa Stars, is the club's foreigner.
The first game on Wednesday puts against each other Tarxien Rainbows and Senglea Athletic. The Rainbows were one of the teams who were strengthened most this summer. They secured the services of Nigerian midfielder Essien Mbong, Angus Buhagiar (Floriana), Ramon Schembri and Simon Muscat (Naxxar), Matthew Pisani (Hibernians), Luke Vella Critien (San Gwann), Andrew Decesare and Ryan Grech (Pietŕ), Graham Bencini (Marsa) and Malcolm Buttigieg. Senglea, on the other hand, signed Nigerian striker Anthony Ewurum, who played for Marsa and then Mosta last season. Other new signings include Chris Cuschieri (San Gwann), Digger Okonkwo (Pietŕ) and Mark Tanti (St. Patrick).
In the second match, St. George's take on St. Patrick. After being relegated from the Premier League last season, the Cospicua side had a number of changes in their squad. They transferred Manuel Sevasta to Floriana, Clive Brincat and Lawrence Mizzi to Msida, Edgar Degabriele and Terry Abela to Zebbug. Johan Spiteri joined neighbours Vittoriosa while Renato Conceicao and Alfred Effiong moved to Marsaxlokk and Hamrun Spartans respectively. Michael Woods was appointed as the new coach while the new arrivals in the St. George's squad include James Mercieca, Martin Camilleri, Clayton Caruana, Luka Desira Buttigieg, Samuel Cassar, Luke Agius, Keith Xuereb, Brandon Borg, Jesmond Delia, Adrian Marmara, Glenn Tanti, Justin Zammit and Nigerian striker Peter Anizoba. St. Patrick, on the other hand, will rely on more or less the same players as last season although they lost Mark Tanti, Gilbert Scerri and Sandro Costa Brazilino.
The only two teams who will not be in action this week are Qormi and Vittoriosa who will be facing each other in their first game on Monday 15. Both teams were strengthened with the signing of a number of players. Qormi secured the services of coach Jesmond Zerafa and signed Joshua Galea, Jonathan Francica, Kurt Zammit, Paul Camilleri, Benoir Fenech, Victor Bellia, Matthew Borg, Lee Grima and Nigerian striker Chima Dozie. From last season's squad, they lost Johann Zammit, Edward Azzopardi, Thomas Paris, Andre Formosa, Antonio Saliba and Jane Talcevski. Vittoriosa, on the other hand, secured the services of Ivan Cassar, David Gauci and Leighton Grech from Hibernians, Keith Darmanin and Eman Vella from Pietŕ Hotspurs, Nigerian striker Anthony Eviparker from Xaghra United, Timmy Thomas from Senglea Athletic and Cedric Sciberras from Gzira United. Larry Lagana and Stephen Calleja are back with the club after spending last season with St. George's and Kalkara respectively.
- After the successful attempt at organising support for the last EURO 2008 qualifier against Turkey last month, the South End Core group will once again be behind the national team in the next home qualifier against Moldova on October 17.
Addressing the media, Louis Agius said the group's target was that of gathering support for the national team and the high turn-out of supporters for the game against Turkey encouraged the South End Core to organise support for the coming matches.
Agius said that the group was hoping to organise a one-day tour for the game against Hungary which will be played next Saturday. However the price asked by the airline was too prohibitive and therefore, despite the interest shown by a number of Malta fans who were willing to travel to watch the team in Hungary, plans for the one-day tour had to be shelved.
However the group is still asking Malta fans to turn out to one of the pubs/bars which are part of the South End Core initiative like Rookies Bar - Bugibba, Ryan's Pub - St. Julian's, Extratime - Mosta and 47 Summer Nights - Marsascala, where the game will be broadcasted on big screens.
Louis Agius said one objective of the group was to change the mentality of local fans by encouraging continuous support for the team throughout the ninety minutes.
For the game against Moldova, preparations are well underway. Agius admitted that unlike the game against Turkey, luring more fans for this game is a more difficult task since there is no 'rivalry' as it was the case with Turkey. However this should be a test to show how much fans are really behind the national team.
The supporters at the South Side will be taking part in a choreography which will include the giant replica Maltese shirt, supplied by Diadora, which will flow over the South Side and flags.
Tickets for the South-End-Core are available for Lm 2 as from Tuesday, from Louis Agius 79403309 or Eman Pulis 99263626 or from the KSU outlet on campus, Geraldu Kiosk, TeamSport, Dual Zone, Ryan's Irish Pub, Zmerc Pub, Rookies, 47 Summer Nights, Extratime and all Vodafone outlets.
Meanwhile the South End Core launched its own website - www.southendcore.com
Sun 7
- Second Division Rabat A. vs San Gwann 0-1, Balzan Y. vs Zurrieq 0-3
- Third Division Section A Attard vs Ghaxaq 4-0
- Third Division Section B Kirkop U. vs Gharghur 0-2, Gozo vs Kalkara 5-0
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Munxar F. 4-0
- The MFA Public Relations & Publications Committeemet the Sports Editors/Coordinators of the Media sections over a lunch organised at the MFA Technical Centre Restaurant, Ta' Qali on Friday. MFA officials were also present for this activity.
The event was an opportunity for the new members of the committee to discuss with the media various ways of improving the existing good relationship which the Press has with the MFA.
This was pointed out by the MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud, in a short address to the journalists. He stressed that the media in general had an important role to play in the promotion of football.
Dr Mifsud said that the media and the association should work hand in hand to foster more interest in football and augured that the good relations will be kept up in future.
He concluded by saying that such occasions will be held in the months ahead, something which should further strengthen the bond between the Association and the Media.
Sat 6
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Floriana 0-2, Pietà H. vs Hibernians 0-2
- Second Division Sirens vs Lija A. 0-2, Mgarr U. vs Naxxar L. 0-1
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs SK Victoria W. 0-6, Zebbug R. vs Xewkija T. 4-2
Fri 5
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Mqabba 1-0, Hamrun S. vs Birkirkara 2-2
- Third Division Section A Qrendi vs Xghajra T. 0-1, Zebbug R. vs Mtarfa 3-0
- Valletta FC captain Gilbert Agius is the BOV Player of the Month for September 2007.
Martin Mangion, Manager of Bank of Valletta’s Fleur de Lys Branch presented the BOV Player of the Month trophy to Gilbert Agius in the presence of Louis Micallef from the Malta Football Association.
Agius was attributed this honour following his consistent performance during the month of September rather than spectacular fanfare. His performance for Valletta helped the team regain momentum and a healthier placing in the top division standing after a shaky start to the BOV Premier League.
This player’s work-rate catches the eye as much as his scoring exploits. It was, in fact, this first quality and his gritty play that earned Agius September’s award.
This honour is only the latest in a long list of honours achieved by this player who is now entering a veteran stage in his competitive career.
Moviment Missjunarju Gesu Fil-Proxxmu is the charitable institution chosen by Agius to benefit from the donation related to this award.
- Daniel Bogdanovic is eager to make his debut for his new club Cisco Roma after joining them on a one-year deal earlier this week.
Speaking to the club's official website, Bogdanovic said "I'm really glad to have joined Cisco. After failing to reach an agreement with Foggia, Cisco presented me with an interesting offer which I could not reject. The rest of the players in the squad are looking forward towards doing well. Now I hope to do well with the team."
"I was eager to test myself in Italian football and I think Cisco will be a good showcase for me. Hopefully my goals will help the team in what hopefully be a successful season for the club."
Bogdanovic should be joining in attack former Lazio, Juventus, Napoli, Milan, Celtic, Sheffield Wednesday, West Ham and Charlton striker Paolo Di Canio who had joined the club last season.
Cisco Roma play in the Serie C2 Girone C. They are currently in the lower part of the table after collecting six points from six matches.
This will be the fourth foreign club for the Montenegro-born striker after playing for Esperance Sportive Tunis (Tunisia), Vasas SC (Hungary) and Cherno More Varna (Bulgaria). In Malta, he played for Sliema Wanderers, Naxxar Lions, Valletta, Marsaxlokk and Ghajnsielem in Gozo. Last season, he helped Marsaxlokk claim their first ever BOV Premier League title with 31 goals in 28 matches.
- Moldova coach Igor Dobrovolski named the squad ahead of the two EURO 2008 qualifiers against Turkey and Malta, both matches being played away from home.
The team is currently at the bottom of Group C, on level points with Malta. However Malta has a game in hand. In their last outing, they registered an impressive 1-0 win away from home against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Missing from the squad is Serghei Rogaciov who retired from international football and Radu Rebeja who is ruled out injured.
On the other hand, goalkeeper Evghenii Matiughin, midfielder Denis Calincov and striker Ghenadie Orbu were included in the squad.
The players selected by Dobrovolski are:
Goalkeepers: Serghei Pascenco (FC Sheriff), Nicolai Calancea (FC Zimbru Chisinau), Evghenii Matiughin (FC Tiligul Tiraspol).
Defenders: Semion Bulgaru (FC Sheriff), Alexandru Epureanu (FC Moskva), Ghenadie Olexic (FC Amkar Perm), Victor Golovatenco (FC Tiraspol), Serghei Lascencov (FC Karpaty Lviv), Alexei Savinov (FC Zimbru Chisinau).
Midfielders: Alexandru Gatcan (FC Rubin Kazan), Vitalie Bordian (FC Metallist Kharkiv), Igor Tigirlas (FK Ventspils), Victor Comlenoc (FC SKA Rostov), Nicolae Josan (FC Iskra-Stali), Serghei Namasco (FC Tiraspol), Denis Zmeu (SC Vaslui), Andrei Corneencov (FC Sheriff).
Forwards: Viorel Frunza (FC Ceahlaul Piatra Neamt), Igor Bugaev (FC Chornomorets Odesa), Anatolie Doros (FK Standart Baku), Denis Calincov (no club), Ghenadie Orbu (FC Dacia Chisinau).
- Last month, Sirens striker Adrian Galea became the first player toore hundred goals at the Centenary Stadium following its inauguration in 1999. Galea scored 79 goals for Sirens and 21 goals in Mellieha in matches from the MFA Second and Third Division leagues, matches from the Second & Third Division Knock-Out and the Centenary Cup which was played in the year 2000.
In his career, Adrian Galea ended twice as top scorer in Division 3 with Sirens - in seasons 1999/2000 and 2001/02. Galea, who was also a youth international, played for the Malta Amateur team in the UEFA Regions Cup in Holland in 2002. Besides Sirens and Mellieha, he also played for Zebbug Rangers, Naxxar Lions and St. Andrews.
Thu 4
- Premier League Valletta vs Sliema W. 1-2
- Gozo - First Division Xaghra U. vs Ghajnsielem 2-2, Kercem A. vs Sannat L. 2-3
Wed 3
- Women's Super Cup Birkirkara vs Hibernians 0-3
Hibernians won the first major honour of the season when they comfortably beat arch rival Birkirkara by three clear goals in the Women's Super Cup played this evening at the Luxol Stadium.
New signing Rebecca D'Agostino scored the opening goal with a super strike direct from a free-kick in the 4th minute whilst Kathleen Saliba (62') and skipper Dorianne Theuma (78') added two more second-half goals to confirm Hibs superiority on the day.
MFA Vice-President Dr Peter Fenech presented the coveted trophy to the Hibernians captain, Dorianne Theuma at the end of the match.
- Gozo - First Division Qala SJ vs Victoria H. 1-3
- Three Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following the weekend's matches.
Marsaxlokk defender Steve Wellman is therefore ruled out of the game against Mqabba. Msida midfielder Adrian Farrugia will be missing the game against Floriana while Pietà's Svetlan Kondev will be unavailable for the game against Hibernians.
Hibernians coach Robert Gatt, who was sent off towards the end of the game against Floriana, was suspended for two matches.
In Division 2, Rabat Ajax duo Adam Smeir and Emanuel Muscat were banned for one match together with Andrew Camilleri Kamsky and Michael Valenzia (St Andrews).
Bjorn Dalli (Ghaxaq) was suspended for one game in Division 3 while Sta. Lucia kit-manager John Urry was banned for two matches.
Keith Xuereb (Attard), Christian Borg (Balzan), Valerio Mottola (Sliema), Adon Grech (St. George's), Peter P. Camilleri (Xghajra) and Tonio Farrugia (Zebbug) were suspended for one match.
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud scored the fourth goal in a week as he helped Coventry City turned defeat into victory as they beat Blackpool 3-1 in an entertaining clash at the Ricoh Arena.
Andy Morrell put Blackpool ahead but one minute from the end of the first half, Michael Mifsud was floored by Blackpool defender Danny Coid inside the area and Michael Doyle made it 1-1 from the penalty spot.
On 69 minutes, Dele Adebola release Mifsud with a perfect through pass and the Malta striker made no mistake in the one-on-one situation to give Coventry a 2-1 lead.
Robbie Simpson sealed the issue with a third goal six minutes from time.
Tue 2
- The Football Frenzy Soccer School, new season 2007-2008 kicks off on Friday 5th October after another successful and exciting year.
In between the Soccer School season, was the Summer Academy, which has just finished after an exciting 10 week course where the 160 participating children learned various skills from the English Football Association, Brazilian skills including the Ronaldo and Ronaldinho moves, Dutch attacking moves and the Will Coerver method of varied skills. These will also be taught during the forthcoming season which is almost fully booked again. To take advantage of the last few places, anyone interested can contact Jon Mottershead on 79- 442-433 or 21634397 or email footballfrenzy@waldonet.net.mt
Also of interest is that Football Frenzy had their own football scout, Alan Williams (ex English professional player) visit Malta again last month and he went to the Summer Academy and spotted 6 talented young players who will be flying to England soon for trials at professional clubs. Another 9 boys and one girl have been earmarked for the near future. This was the same scout that spotted James Paris and sent him to Manchester City FC. Two boys who attended the soccer school and also spotted by Alan after recommendations by Jon Mottershead were sent to Bristol City FC for a week's trial last July and did very well.
Football Frenzy recently set up it's own English Academy, run by Jon Mottershead and Wayne Peart. Already they have had matches against the academies of Brentford FC, Plymouth Argyle, Swindon Town and Eastleigh.
The Football Frenzy England Academy actually beat Plymouth 2:1 which was an amazing feat for such a newly formed club! Four Maltese boys, Luka Desira Buttigieg, Matthew Gauci, David Muscat and Armand Chetcuti were invited to train and play in the friendly matches and gave a very good account of themselves.They are all being monitored for the future and may be invited back soon after comments from the coaches at the respective clubs. More games against professional academies are being lined up for the future. These in itself are brilliant opportunities for young players to be spotted or picked up by professional clubs.
Alan Williams will be visiting Football Frenzy in Malta at least 3 times during the forthcoming Soccer School season as in his words, "their are some excellent young players in Malta that with a bit of correct guidance and assistance can do well abroad in Football." So Football Frenzy are going to make sure he gets over to Malta as much as possible in the very near future. Of course his words have been proven even truer by the recent yet not surprising success of Michael Mifsud at Coventry City and James Paris at Manchester City."
The Football Frenzy team of English coaches of Belinda, Kevin, Gary, Robert, John, Sam and Jon are looking forward to another exciting season as everyone is encouraged to achieve their goals!
Mon 1
- Premier League Floriana vs Pietŕ H. 4-0, Birkirkara vs Msida SJ 1-1
- Third Division Section A Zejtun C. vs Fgura U. 2-2
- Third Division Section B Sta. Lucia vs Gudja U. 1-1
- Gozo Football will finally have its own means of promoting Gozitan football with the production of a new TV programme GFA Review. This programme which is being produced by the Gozo Football Association in collaboration with Events Services will focus on the main domestic leagues namely the OnVol First Division and other leagues played on the sister island.
GFA Review will be hosted by veteran Gozitan sports journalist Joe Bajada together with Gozo football reporter Mark Cini. This programme will include all the goals of the respective leagues together with weekly features about players who will distinguish themselves during the season 2007/08.
This programme is produced by Joe Bajada and directed by Philip Cassar with the collaboration of Events Services.