May 2008
Sat 31
- Marsaxlokk forward Kevin Sammut has been awarded the BOV Player of the Month award for the third time this season. This is the first time since the introduction of the award that a player has been chosen as the Player of the Month three times in one football season.
The Marsaxlokk and Malta international forward did just that when he scooped the journalists’ honour for May. This honour follows his achievements for the months of February and April. The Player of the Month award came after yet another excellent spell, culminating in his impressive display during the Marsaxlokk win over newly-crowned champions Valletta FC.
Factors contributing to this impressive form have been the player’s dedication, consistency and an unflinching spirit to give his utmost for the team. His technical qualities need not be glossed over again, except that his ratings in terms of skills have been of the highest order.
Karl Spiteri, Manager Corporate Branding and Quality presented the trophy to Sammut, who chose the Children’s Cancer Support Group as the organisation to benefit from the monthly donation BOV makes in association with this award.
- Following the opening of the new Centre of Senglea Nursery and the brand new 5-a-side Synthetic Pitch, Senglea Youth Football Nursery has issued applications for candidates wishing to join their coaching staff for Season 2008/09 Summer/Winter.
Interested coaches are invited to send their CV, specifically outlining their technical and coaching background, together with a covering letter to Stephen Spiteri on the e-mail address sengleanursery@hotmail.com as early as possible.
All applicants will be acknowledged.
- The 58th FIFA Congress voted with a significant majority (155 yes, 5 no) in favour of a resolution on 6+5. A rule thanks to which each club, at the beginning of each match, must field at least six players who are eligible to play for the national team of the country of the club. With the 6+5, there will still be no restriction on the number of non-eligible players under contract with the club, nor on substitutes to avoid non-sportive constraints on the coaches (potentially 3+8 at the end of a match).
In his address to the Congress, FIFA President Joseph Blatter had stressed: "We do not want to go against the existing laws. Regarding Europe, we want to use the legal basis of the Treaty of Lisbon, which acknowledges the specificity of sport and its structures and organisations, and comes into force on 1 January 2009. We want to go for consultation, not confrontation".
UEFA president Michel Platini declared that "6+5 is considered illegal within the European Union. [But] UEFA totally shares the philosophy and objectives of 6+5. UEFA fully supports the resolution presented. We will do everything to help the FIFA President to defend the objectives presented today."
Franz Beckenbauer, chairman of FIFA's Football Committee, said: "Everybody regrets that England will not be represented at EURO 2008. We had thousands of English fans in Germany for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. They contributed to the party. It is unfortunate that they will not take part this time. It is not only England that is affected by the current situation. Other countries are concerned. Maybe it will be Germany soon. We debated 6+5 within our Football Committee and every member was in favour of this idea. We need to find an arrangement with the European Union."
Theo van Seggelen, Secretary General of FIFPro, a body that unites 60,000 professional football players all around the world and not only in Europe, mentioned: "Before becoming professionals, players need good training. Clubs need to invest time and money in the education of players. Training is necessary. But playing is necessary too. The career of a professional player is only complete when he has played for his club for at least a couple of years, and we prefer it when it is with the club where he was trained. FIFPro calls upon the Presidents of FIFA and UEFA to continue to explore all possible means - within the limits of the law - to achieve the objectives of 6+5."
In detail, the resolution adopted by the FIFA Congress states:
The FIFA Congress, at its meeting in Sydney on 29 and 30 May 2008, decided to:
- fully support the objectives of "6+5 " as laid down at the above Congress,
- request the Presidents of FIFA and UEFA to continue to explore for Europe, together with the world of sport - football's protagonists, but also the international Olympic Committee and the international federations - all possible means within the limits of the law to ensure that these crucial sporting objectives be achieved,
- give the FIFA President the mandate to, if necessary, take similar steps on the other continents in cooperation with the relevant Confederation.
FIFA's objectives are those of creating harmony and balance between national team football and club football, avoiding the clubs' loss of national identity which is leading to increasing inequality among the latter, thereby widening the financial and sporting gap between the two, reducing the competitiveness of club competitions and increasing the predictability of their results and safeguarding (i) the education and training of young players, (ii) training clubs, and (iii) the values of effort and motivation in football, particularly for young players, is a fundamental element of protecting national teams and restoring sporting and financial balance to club football.
The objective is to have an incremental implementation starting at the beginning of the 2010-2011 season to give clubs time to adjust their teams over a period of several years:
- 4+7 for 2010-2011
- 5+6 for 2011-2012
- and 6+5 for 2012-2013.
Fri 30
- Hibernians will be facing ND Gorica in the first round of the UEFA Intertoto Cup. The first leg will be played at the Hibs Ground on June 21 with the return match being played at the Stadion Športni Park in Nova Gorica on June 28.
Although the First Division League in Slovenia has not yet finished ND Gorica are sure of placing third. They won the Slovenian League four times - in 1996, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and the Slovenian Cup twice - in 2001 and 2002.
Hibernians, on the other hand, placed seventh in the BOV Premier League as they finished on top of the Relegation Pool. However they will be taking part in this last edition of the UEFA Intertoto Cup as Sliema Wanderers failed to apply to take part in the competition while Floriana and Hamrun Spartans do not hold a UEFA Licence.
ND Gorica have been taking part in UEFA competitions on a regular basis for the past twelve years with their best run being in season 2004/05 when they eliminated Flora Tallinn of Estonia and FC Copenhagen of Denmark in the first two qualifying rounds of the UEFA Champions League.
The winner of the two-legged tie will move on to the second round to meet the team representing Bulgaria. The second round will be played on 5/6 July and 12/13 July.
Last year, Malta was also drawn with Slovenia in the Intertoto Cup first round. Birkirkara met NK Maribor with the latter winning 3-0 at the Hibs Ground and 2-1 at home.
In past, Hamrun and Marsaxlokk had also faced teams from Slovenia. In 1992, Hamrun Spartans were eliminated by Maribor Branik after losing 4-0 away from home and winning 2-1 at Ta' Qali in the Cup Winners Cup. In 2004, Marsaxlokk were eliminated by NK Primorje after losing 0-1 at Ta' Qali and 2-0 away from home in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round.
Thu 29
- Malta will be facing Austria in a friendly match at the UPC Arena in Graz on Friday, kick-off at 20:30. The match is part of Malta's preparations ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign but also the last test for Austria before the EURO 2008 final tournament gets underway on June 7th.
After collecting a record number of points in the last EURO 2008 qualifiers, Malta started preparing for the World Cup qualifiers with the Malta International Tournament in which Malta suffered two narrow defeats to Armenia and Belarus, beating Iceland 1-0. In March, the locals registered a most emphatic 7-1 win over Liechtenstein. A historic game for the national team in which Michael Mifsud scored five goals.
Preparation continued with a test against the Belgian Olympic Team last Friday which saw Dusan Fitzel's side losing narrowly 1-2. But the Maltese side was an experimental one as Fitzel could not count on Birkirkara and Hamrun Spartans, among others. In fact, the Czech coach opted to include some of the Under-21 players.
One of these players was Hibernians defender Jonathan Caruana who is part of the 18-man squad which travelled to Graz. Marsaxlokk's Cleavon Frendo was also included after missing the last game against Liechtenstein due to an injury while goalkeeper Justin Haber and striker Andre Schembri are also back after missing that game due to club commitments.
On the other hand, Omar Borg, Kenneth Scicluna, Aaron Xuereb, Stephen Wellman, Roderick Bajada, Peter Pullicino, Kevin Sammut, Andrew Cohen, Terence Scerri and Ivan Woods were all left out of the squad.
Fitzel gave no indications on which players will make it to the starting line-up on Friday except that Jonathan Caruana will be given his debut as he will be starting the game as right back. With Luke Dimech and Brian Said expected to start as the two central defenders, the other defender for the left flank could either be Shaun Bajada or Ian Azzopardi. As regards who will guard the posts, the Malta coach will have to decide whether to award the number 1 shirt to Andrew Hogg or Justin Haber.
Gilbert Agius, George Mallia, Jamie Pace and Cleavon Frendo or Udo Nwoko will start in midfield while up front Etienne Barbara or Andre Schembri will partner with Michael Mifsud.
The full squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Haidari), Andrew Hogg (Valletta);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Sliema);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Udo Nwoko (Leixões), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Andre Schembri (Braunschweig).
Meanwhile Austria are in their final preparations ahead of the final stage of the EURO 2008, which they are co-hosting with Switzerland. They will be playing in Group B together with Croatia, Germany and Poland.
Preparation was not easy for coach Josef Hickersberger as results obtained in friendly matches over the past eighteen months were far from impressive. In fact, after a 1-1 draw against Malta at Ta' Qali in February 2007, Austria registered just one win in fourteen matches. They drew 1-1 with Ghana, 0-0 with Paraguay, 0-0 with Japan (winning on penalties), 0-0 with Tunisia and 1-1 with Nigeria last Tuesday. On the other hand, they lost 1-0 to France, 0-1 to Scotland, 0-2 to Chile, 3-1 to Switzerland, 0-1 to England, 0-3 to Germany and 3-4 to the Netherlands. Their only win was against the Ivory Coast - 3-2 in October 2007. They are currently ranked 101st.
The Austrian squad is made up of the following players:
1 Alex Manninger, 2 Joachim Standfest, 3 Martin Stranzl, 4 Emanuel Pogatetz, 5 Christian Fuchs, 6 René Aufhauser, 7 Ivica Vastic, 8 Christoph Leitgeb, 9 Roland Linz, 10 Andreas Ivanschitz, 11 Ümit Korkmaz, 12 Ronald Gercaliu, 13 Markus Katzer,
14 György Garics, 15 Sebastian Prödl, 16 Jürgen Patocka, 17 Martin Hiden, 18 Roman Kienast, 19 Jürgen Säumel, 20 Martin Harnik, 21 Jürgen Macho, 22 Erwin Hoffer, 23 Ramazan Özcan.
This will be the ninth clash between Malta and Austria with the latter winning all previous matches except for last year's friendly match which marked 50 Years of International Football for the Malta Football Association.
The game, which will be played on Friday, kick-off at 20:30, will be controlled by referee Robert Krajnc who will be assisted by assistant referees Milan Kogej and Robert Zirnstein, all from Slovenia. The fourth official will be Michael Robitsch from Austria.
After this game against Austria, Malta will play another friendly match away from home against Estonia on August 20. The first World Cup qualifier is against Portugal on September 6.
Wed 28
- Malta national coach Dusan Fitzel named an 18-man squad for the friendly match against Austria which will be played at the UPC Arena in Graz on Friday. The match is part of Malta's preparations ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
A new face in the Maltese squad is Hibernians defender Jonathan Caruana. The Under-21 international was one of the players who were included in the friendly match against the Belgian Olympic Team last Friday.
Marsaxlokk's Cleavon Frendo is back for Malta after missing the last game against Liechtenstein due to an injury while goalkeeper Justin Haber and striker Andrew Schembri will also be back after missing that game due to club commitments.
Kenneth Scicluna, Aaron Xuereb, Stephen Wellman, Roderick Bajada, Peter Pullicino, Kevin Sammut, Andrew Cohen, Terence Scerri and Ivan Woods were all left out of the squad.
The players selected by Fitzel are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Haidari), Andrew Hogg (Valletta);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Sliema);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Udo Nwoko (Leixões), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Etienne Barbara (Sliema), Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Andre Schembri (Braunschweig).
For Austria, this will be the final test before the final stage of the EURO 2008, which they are co-hosting with Switzerland, kicks-off. They will be playing in Group B together with Croatia, Germany and Poland.
The game, which will be played on Friday, kick-off at 20:30, will be controlled by referee Robert Krajnc who will be assisted by assistant referees Milan Kogej and Robert Zirnstein, all from Slovenia. The fourth official will be Michael Robitsch from Austria.
The Maltese contingent in Austria will be headed by MFA Senior Vice-President, Mr Carmel Bartolo, The Technical staff will be headed by Coach, Dusan Fitzel and his Assistants Mark Miller and Michael Striz, Goalkeepers’ Coach Roger Camilleri, National Team Doctor Dr David Attard, Physiotherapist Joseph St. John, Masseurs Anthony Gambin and Donald Spiteri, Kit Manager Carmelo Gauci and National Team Secretary Ivan Vella.
After this game against Austria, Malta will play another friendly match away from home against Estonia on August 20. The first World Cup qualifier is against Portugal on September 6.
Tue 27
- First Division Knock-Out Tarxien R. vs Vittoriosa S. 1-3, Dingli S. vs Mosta 2-1
- A Msida St. Joseph player tested positive in a doping test which was carried out after the BOV Premier League match between Hibernians and Msida St. Joseph.
As usual four players - two from each team - were chosen at random. The results for Hibs duo Edmond Agius and Ben Camilleri and Msida's Adrian Farrugia were negative but the other Msida player tested positive.
Meanwhile Valletta midfielder Claude Mattocks was banned for four months after he tested positive in a doping test which was carried out after the BOV Premier League match Hibernians vs Valletta on December 26.
Claude Carbonaro (Mosta) and Ryan Grech (Tarxien) had their suspension reduced to two months and nine months respectively by the Appeals Board.
In Malta, doping tests are carried out at random at a number of matches ranging from the Premier League to the Third Division. In each particular test, four players - two from each team - are selected.
While in most cases in past years, players tested positive after taking medicine without informing their club doctor or for using inhalers, there were also a number of cases which involved players making use of social drugs such as cannabis and cocaine.
Mon 26
- As part of the celebrations to mark the team's promotion to Division 1, Rabat Ajax will be holding an exhibition match between the current Rabat Ajax team and a team made up of former Rabat Ajax players on Wednesday at the Mtarfa Ground, kick-off at 18:00.
Among the former Rabat players who will be taking part in this exhibition match are Edmond Caruana, Emmanuel 'Chico' Azzopardi, Ronald Scerri, Silvio Vella, Roderick Asciak, Franco Degabriele, Valletta coach Paul Zammit, Clive Mizzi, Vesko Petrovic with Joe Cilia as coach.
A get-together will be held after the game at the Mtarfa complex.
On Sunday, members from the L'Isle Adam Band Club Club and the Count Roger Band Club will be playing at the band march which starts at 10:30. The march leaves from Saqqajja - Main Street next to the Rio Bar and the Grima Petrol Station.
Meanwhile in the coming days, Rabat Ajax will be issuing a CD to mark the promotion.
Sun 25
- Argentine striker Sebastian Monesterolo could continue his career in Cyprus as AEK Larnaca is interested in signing him. Monesterolo was in fact due to go to Cyprus to have talks over a possible transfer.
www.aekition.com reports that the player had already agreed a two-year contract with the club.
After playing for Boca Juniors, Banfield, San Francisco de Cordoba and Juventud Unida, Monesterolo moved to Malta in January 2005, scoring eleven goals in the remaining part of the season for Valletta.
In the first part of season 2006/07, Monesterolo scored sixteen in thirteen matches but in January 2007, he moved to Kuwait where he had an unsuccessful spell with Al Kuwait Sports Club. Six months later, he returned to Malta where after a quiet start, he managed to score nineteen goals to be crowned top-scorer of the BOV Premier League.
AEK placed fourth this season. Anorthosis won the title ahead of APOEL and Omonia.
Sat 24
- U*BET FA Trophy Hamrun S. vs Birkirkara 1-2
- Second & Third Division Knock-Out Balzan Y. vs Melita 1-5
- The Organising Committee of the seventh edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards announced the finalists for this year’s edition which is to be held on Friday 6th June 2008.
Best Goalkeeper
Omar Borg (Birkirkara), Reuben Debono (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Hogg (Valletta)
Best Defender
Ronnie Hartvig (Birkirkara), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Sliema)
Best Midfielder
Gilbert Agius (Valletta), David Camilleri (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk)
Best Forward
Sebastian Monesterolo (Valletta), Marcelo Pereira (Mqabba), Frank Temile (Valletta)
Best Coach
John Buttigieg (Birkirkara), Brian Talbot (Marsaxlokk), Paul Zammit (Valletta)
Most Promising Youngster
Steve Bezzina (Valletta), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Frank Temile (Valletta)
Best Local Player
Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Sliema).
Best Foreign Player
Marcelo Pereira (Mqabba), Njongo Priso Doding (Msida SJ), Frank Temile (Valletta)
Best Female Player
Eleonora Agliano (Birkirkara), Catherine Camilleri (Birkirkara), Sharon Costantino (Melita)
Best Veteran Player
Darko Krsteski (Floriana), Sean Sullivan (Hamrun S.), Stefan Sultana (Hamrun S.)
Best Goal
Michael Mifsud (Malta vs Liechtenstein 26/03/2008), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk vs Floriana 21/04/2008), Ivan Woods (Sliema W. vs Marsaxlokk 26/04/2008)
Best Futsal First Division Player
Zeljko Anicic (Jeepers FC), Predrag Babic (Scandals FC), Noel Bray (Southenders FC)
Best Onvol GFA First Division Player
Chris Camilleri (Nadur Y.), Daniel Farrugia (Victoria H.), Errol Grima (Sannat L.)
Best First Division Player
Anthony Ewurum (Senglea A.), Joseph Farrugia (Qormi), Elton Vella (Mosta)
Best Second Division Player
Kurt Coleiro (Balzan Y.), Julian Galea (Melita), Adam Smeir (Rabat A.)
Apart from the 15 categories of which the finalists have been announced, this year there will be more Awards given out during this high profile night which will be televised live once again on Melita Sports and on the Weather and Info Channel. These extra Awards will be the Special Career Award and the Coke Zero Best Support Award. The latter is the only Award for which the voting is still open. Supporters can vote by sending an SMS on 506 14 914 with the name of the team they think had the best organized and innovative support in the 2007/08 season. The Coke Zero Best Support Award was launched almost two months ago where supporters were invited to upload their support pictures and videos on www.cokezero.com.mt in the super fan section. The response for this initiative was very encouraging.
In the meantime, Sandro Micallef Chairperson Malta Football Awards said that the response for those who were entitled to vote for the main Premier League categories was also very satisfactory as 96% of those who were entitled to vote handed in their vote to the organizing committee on time before the elimination process before the three finalists could be determined. Those who were entitled to vote for the established Premier League Categories included 45 local journalists, 10 Premier Club Presidents or officials, 10 Premier Coaches and 10 Premier Club Captains.
More details about the upcoming 7th edition and photo gallery of the previous editions can be obtained from www.maltafootball.com/awards.
The Melita Digital Malta Football Awards are supported by the Malta FA and its affiliated Clubs.
- Changes in the format of the First Division Knock-Out Competition were approved by the Council of the Malta Football Association last Thursday.
As from next season, the taeams taking part in the competition shall be divided into two groups of five or less teams, depending on the number of the teams applying to take part.
The first phase will be played on a league basis. The winners of each group will face the runner-up of the other group in the semi-finals.
This proposal was put forward by the First Division Clubs Standing Committee with the objective being that of providing First Division clubs a pre-season competition. In fact, the first phase is planned to be played at the beginning of the season in September with the First Division League probably kicking-off in October as it was the case this season.
So far, the competition was being played on a pure knock-out basis.
This season, the competition has reached the semi-finals stage with BOV First Division champions Tarxien Rainbows facing Vittoriosa Stars and Dingli Swallows due to meet Mosta next Tuesday at the Centenary Stadium.>
Fri 23
- Friendly Match Malta XI vs Belgian Under-23 1-2
The Belgian Olympic Team defeated a Maltese selection in a friendly match at the National Stadium on Friday as part of the Belgian team's training camp ahead of the Olympic Games which will be held in Beijing this summer.
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel had to leave out of his squad Birkirkara and Hamrun Spartans players who will be playing the U*BET FA Trophy final on Saturday and opted to rest Valletta players as well, except for goalkeeper Andrew Hogg. Justin Haber, Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri were also missing from the squad.
Under-21 players Henry Bonello, Matthew Bartolo, Jonathan Caruana, Edmond Agius and Clayton Failla were all included as Fitzel played with two completely different teams in the first and second half - the only player to play the whole ninety minutes being Cleavon Frendo.
Belgium took the lead on 22 minutes with Sanharib Malki-Sabah placing the ball at the back of the net from close range following a perfect pass by Anthony Van den Borre.
The Maltese selection levelled matters nine minutes in the second half when Cleavon Frendo entered the penalty area from the left, rounding a defender and serving Terence Scerri who hit low past the Belgian goalkeeper.
Bonello performed a great save on a direct freekick three minutes later on Jan Vertonghen with the ball hitting the upright and travelling along the goal line
Belgium notched the winner three minutes from time when off a cross by Tom De Mul, Axel Witsel slammed the ball home past Bonello.
The match was controlled by referee Marco Borg.
MALTA XI - 1st half: Andrew Hogg, Jonathan Caruana, Ian Azzopardi, Brian Said, Luke Dimech, Etienne Barbara, Kevin Sammut, Peter Pullicino, Cleavon Frendo, Jamie Pace, Andrew Cohen.
MALTA XI - 2nd half: Henry Bonello, Edmond Agius, Aaron Xuereb, Clayton Failla, Steve Wellman, Roderick Briffa, Matthew Bartolo, Roderick Bajada, Udo Nwoko, Terence Scerri, Cleavon Frendo.
- First Division Promotion Decider Mosta vs Qormi 0-0 aet (3-4 pen)
Qormi will be playing in the BOV Premier League next season after beating Mosta 4-3 on penalties in the BOV First Division Promotion Decider. At the end of extra-time, the score was still 0-0.
For Qormi, this will be their first adventure in the Premier League although they did play in the top division - the then Division One - in the sixties and seventies. The last time they played there was in season 1979/80.
The first half lacked goal-mouth action as the two teams adopted a more cautious approach.
In fact after that a Joseph Farrugia diagonal shot for Qormi ending just wide on 11 minutes, three minutes from the end of the first half, a great freekick by Joseph Farrugia was followed by a brilliant save by Mosta goalie Jonathan Debono into a corner.
After the break, the Blues went close with a Ryan Deguara powerful drive which was deflected into a corner by Matthew Farrugia on 48 minutes. A minute later, Massimo Grima scored from close range off an Elton Vella freekick but the goal disallowed for an offside. Qormi replied with a Joseph Chetcuti effort ending just over the bar.
On 62 minutes, Grima sent Carlos Camenzuli through but the latter, all alone in front of the goalkeeper, hit wide. On the other side of the pitch, in a swift counter-attack for Qormi on 71 minutes, Joseph Chetcuti served Carmel Formosa on the left. The latter beat a defender on the run but was unlucky to see his conclusion hit the foot of the post.
Two minutes from time, Qormi had a goal by Joseph Chetcuti disallowed by referee Alan Mario Sant as the Qormi player had handled the ball. In stoppage time, a freekick by Joseph Farrugia ended high.
The match went into extra-time with Carlos Camenzuli missing a good opportunity when served on the left by Pio Vassallo on the 97th minute. His diagonal shot scraped past the post. Mosta then went very close to taking the lead with a cross shot from the left by Elton Vella hitting the woodwork. On 111 minutes, Camenzuli had another close-range effort blocked by Matthew Farrugia. Three minutes later, Joseph Chetcuti's diagonal shot ended wide.
With the score still 0-0, penalties had to decide the issue. Jesmond Zerafa's side claimed victory as they scored four and Mosta three.
The penalty shoot-out:
Steve Borg (M) scored, Carmel Formosa (Q) scored;
Antonio Saliba (M) hit wide, Michael Borg Olivier (Q) scored;
Elton Vella (M) - penalty saved by goalkeeper, Clyde Camoin (Q) - penalty saved by goalkeeper;
Nicky Gatt (M) scored, Paul Camilleri (Q) scored;
Daniel Theuma (M) scored, Anatole Debono (Q) scored.
MOSTA Jonathan Debono, Steve Borg, Mark Brincat, Carlos Camenzuli, Ryan Deguara, Melvin Farrugia, Antonio Saliba, Daniel Theuma, Elton Vella, Massimo Grima (Pio Vassallo), Kalenga Ndayi (Nicky Gatt).
QORMI Matthew Farrugia, Kurt Zamit, Matthew Borg, Joseph Saliba, Paul Camilleri, Clyde Camoin, Joseph Farrugia (Michael Borg Olivier), Joseph Chetcuti, Lee Grima (Jonathan Francica), Anatole Debono, Carmel Formosa.
Referee: Alan Mario Sant
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud thanked the media for its support during a meeting which was held at the Westin Dragonara Resort on Friday.
Dr Mifsud said that although the football season is drawing to an end, the association's administrative work continues in preparation for the Annual General Meeting which is held in the last Saturday of July. He said this will be a busy year for the association with its main project being that of improving sports facilities.
The MFA president said that facilities at Melita and St. Patrick have already been inaugurated and works at the Victor Tedesco Stadium and Pembroke should be completed in the coming months. These have already been promised financial aid.
In fact thanks to a UEFA programme, the association will be receiving funds from UEFA amounting to € 2.5 million and will obtain a € 2 million bank loan in order to be able to help clubs in improving their facilities. Projects include 13 full-size pitches and 11 smaller-sized pitches, all with artificial turf.
Meanwhile Malta national coach Dusan Fitzel spoke about the friendly match against Austria which will be played next Friday.
He said that in the game against the Belgian Olympic Team, he was giving an opportunity to a number of new players to show they deserve being in the national squad and if they do, they could make it to the squad which will travel to Austria.
Fitzel said that the past weeks were quite hectic for national team players due to their league and trophy commitments. He said players were quite tired and for that reason, training sessions with the national team consisted only of light training.
According to the national coach, the game against Austria will be a very important one as he has to gauge the team's improvement over the past eighteen months by comparing the team's performance with that of the match against Austria played at Ta' Qali in February 2007.
Austria, one of the hosts of EURO 2008, are geared for the European Championships final and will be coming from a friendly match against Nigeria three days earlier. For Malta, this will be an opportunity to feel the atmosphere of EURO 2008 as it was the case of the game against Japan in June 2006, a few days before the kick-off of the 2006 World Cup.
Dusan Fitzel also thanked the media for its support throughout the past season.
- A decider for the third place in the BOV Premier League between Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers will be played at the beginning of next season if necessary.
Such a decider would have been necessary to decide which team was due to take part in the UEFA Cup or the UEFA Intertoto Cup. However as things turned out, this would only be necessary if Hamrun Spartans win the U*BET FA Trophy.
With the Spartans not having a UEFA Licence and therefore being ineligible to take part in UEFA competitions, Birkirkara will be taking part in the UEFA Cup, no matter if they win or lose the FA Trophy.
FA Trophy rules stipulate that the winners and the teams placing first, second and third in the Premier League receive a bye in the first two rounds and enter the quarter-finals.
Therefore, if Hamrun Spartans win the FA Trophy, a decider would be necessary to determine which team between Birkirkara and Sliema will join Hamrun, champions Valletta and runners-up Marsaxlokk in the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy 2008/09.
Thu 22
- Third Division Promotion Play-Offs Attard vs Gzira U. 0-0 aet (4-3 pen), Mgarr U. vs Xghajra T. 1-0 aet
- The final of the U*BET FA Trophy between Birkirkara and Hamrun Spartans will be played on Saturday at 18:30, and not at 17:00 as originally scheduled, following a request by the two clubs.
The final of the quick-Keno Second & Third Division Knock-Out was also delayed by an hour-and-a-half and will now kick off at 15:45.
Both matches will be played at the National Stadium.
- The Malta Under 15 team is currently taking part in the Kouba Cup in Trutnov, Czech Republic.
The team, under the guidance of coach Charles Scerri and his assistants Joseph Martin Bajada and Frank Schembri, suffered defeats in the first five matches at the Lokomotiva Stadium.
On the first day, Malta lost 0-1 to Jihoceský KFS and 1-2 to KFS Vysocina. The Under-15 side then lost 0-3 to Liberecký KFS and 1-3 to Královéhradecký KFS on Wednesday. On Thursday, Malta suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat to Zlínský KFS.
Tue 20-5-2008
v Jihoceský KFS 0-1. C. Dimech, B. Gatt, C. Grech, L. Galea, J. Debono, Z. Muscat, M .Hammet, D. D'Agostino, I. Scerri, J. Massa, M. Camilleri.
v KFS Vysocina 1-2. C. Dimech, B. Gatt, C. Grech, L. Galea, B. Kristensen, Z. Muscat, I. Scerri, A. Azzopardi, R. Dalli, C. Briffa, L. Mallia.
Wed 21-5-2008
v Liberecký KFS 0-3. C. Dimech, B. Gatt, L. Galea, C. Grech, J. Debono, J. Massa, I. Scerri, Z. Muscat, R. Dalli, M. Camilleri, M. Hammet.
v Královéhradecký KFS 1-3
G. Spiteri, B. Gatt, L. Galea, C. Grech, J. Debono, M. Hammet, Z. Muscat, D. D'Agostino, L. Mallia, M. Camilleri, C. Briffa.
Thu 22-5-2008
v Zlínský KFS 1-2. G. Spiteri, B. Gatt, L. Galea, C. Grech, S. Agius, J. Massa, I. Scerri, B. Kristensen, C.Briffa, M. Camilleri, M. Hammet.
- National coach Dusan Fitzel named a 20-man squad ahead of the friendly match against the Belgium Olympic Team which will be played on Friday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 18:00.
With a number of players from Birkirkara and Hamrun Spartans still engaged in the U*BET FA Trophy final and some of the foreign-based players yet to arrive in Malta, Fitzel had to choose a number of players from the Under-21 side.
The squad in fact includes Sliema Wanderers players Henry Bonello and Matthew Bartolo and three Hibernians players - defenders Jonathan Caruana and Clayton Failla and midfielder Edmond Agius.
This game will therefore provide Fitzel another opportunity to try new players as the team prepares for the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign which gets underway in September. Malta will be playing another two friendly matches till then. The first one is against Austria in Graz next week and the second is against Estonia in Tallinn on August 20.
The players selected by Fitzel are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Henry Bonello (Sliema);
defenders Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Brian Said (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Macclesfield), Stephen Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Edmond Agius (Hibs), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Jamie Pace (Marsaxlokk), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Udo Nwoko (Leixoes);
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Etienne Barbara (Sliema) and Cleavon Frendo (Marsaxlokk).
Tue 20
- Birkirkara defender Ron Hartvig was suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following Tuesday's semi-final against Valletta.
Hartvig is therefore ruled out of the final against Hamrun Spartans on Saturday.
Valletta midfielder Kurt Magro was banned for two matches.
Other players to be suspended for one match include Andrea Gatt (St. George's), Jerryton Agius and Beppe Pace (Balzan), Adam Smeir (Rabat), Robert Southward (Gharghur), Alex Azzopardi (Xghajra) and Angelo Borg (Zebbug).
Zebbug striker Lawrence Vella was banned for four matches while Martin Pace and Keith Farrugia were banned for two matches. Zebbug kit-manager Mark Attard was suspended for four matches.
In the Youth Knock-Out, Alex Cini (Mosta) and Marco Mercieca (San Gwann) were both banned for one match.
Tue 20
- FA Trophy Birkirkara vs Valletta 4-2
- Mgarr United Youth Nursery and Mgarr United Football Club will be organising an Open Weekend between Friday 23 and Sunday 25. The activities meants for all the family are aimed at raising funds for a ground with synthetic turf pitch.
Friday 23 @ 20:30: Maltese night with traditional Għana and stand with Maltese food.
Saturday 24 @ 08:30: Penalty Shoot Out for young players from the Under-5 and Under-12 categories.
20:30 Barbeque. 'Cowboy' John Muscat will be presenting and a big screen will be available for the broadcasting of the Eurovision Song Contest. Tickets available for €12 (Lm5.15) - adults and €6 (Lm2.58) for children. Tickets at the door will be sold for €13 (Lm5.58).
Sunday 25: Activities include a show by “Classic Fords Club” and “Classic Sports Cars Club Malta”, a show by Police Dog Section at 11:15, pony rides for children, high tea and tombla at 15:30, a display of football memorabilia and an activity for youths at 20:30 with the participation of Eve Ransom and Mark Galea Jazz Band.
Mon 19
- FA Trophy Hamrun S. vs Floriana 4-2
- Justin Grioli (Valletta) and Malcolm Licari (Marsaxlokk) were both suspended for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner. Grioli is therefore ruled out of the FA Trophy semi-final against Birkirkara on Tuesday.
- Second Division side Lija Athletic appointed Albanian coach Ilir Pelinku as their new coach.
This will be Pelinku's second spell as Lija coach having coached them in the Premier League in season 2004/05.
Pelinku, who also played for Lija, besides Marsa and Qormi, coached First Division side Mellieha this season.
Under his guidance, Lija's main objective next season will be that of challenging for promotion after ending in sixth place this season.
- A young footballer from Luxol St. Andrews Football Club was declared as the overall winner of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2008. Zack Scerri who also won the Under 11 category, was coached by Vick Cumbo. He received the Emirates Shield from Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates’ Manager for Malta and Cyprus.
The runner-up and winner of the Under 12 category was Robert Ciantar. He was coached by Jason Cachia from Dingli Swallows Youth Nursery.
Almost fifty talented footballers, including 10 girls, battled it out for the title of the fifth edition of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge, which was held at Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.
This event was organised by the Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC) and sponsored by Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, with the aim of encouraging and discovering new young Maltese football talent. The Challenge was also supported by Arsenal FC.
The Adjudicating Panel consisted of three established Maltese coaches Stephen Azzopardi, Patrick Curmi and Silvio Vella.
The Challenge featured talented young male and female players, born in 1995 and 1996, from 18 local Youth Nursery Clubs. These hailed from Birkirkara, Birzebbuga Windmills, Dingli Swallows, Floriana, Hamrun Spartans, Marsa, Mgarr United, Mosta, Naxxar Lions, Paola Hibs, Pembroke Athleta, Qormi, Sliema Wanderers, Luxol St. Andrews, St. George’s, Tarxien Rainbows, Valletta and Xghajra Tornados.
The Emirates Airline Footballer Challenge saw the return of Arsenal FC coaches, Paul Shipwright who is responsible for partnered Soccer Schools and Martin Davis, Sports Development Officer.
Richard Felice Pace, Arsenal Malta Supporters Club Chairman, said: “We are delighted that this Challenge has provided a good and healthy platform for our young Maltese footballers. We are confident that the participants have gained experience in competition and an opportunity to learn from foreign coaches.”
“We thank Emirates Airline for continuing to sponsor this great event in Malta. Words of thanks also go to Arsenal Football Club, our guests Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis, the three judges, the participating Youth Nurseries, coaches and young participants who have shown enthusiasm and dedication, as well as remarkable talent. A special credit also goes to the Arsenal supporters who are here with us, the Radisson SAS Bay Point Hotel and The Premiershop Zejtun for their support,” concluded Mr. Felice Pace.
For the second year, the Challenge attracted 10 girls who came from Birkirkara, Hamrun Spartans, Pembroke Athleta, Luxol St Andrews, Mgarr FC and Tarxien Rainbows football nurseries. They rose to the challenge and showed outstanding efforts in all the set exercises.
Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates’ Manager for Malta and Cyprus, said: “Emirates sponsors various high profile events but it also seeks to encourage sports at grass roots level. We continue to play a significant role in nurturing and encouraging new talent among young Maltese footballers. This is the fifth year that Emirates has sponsored this event and we are pleased that it has been a success.”
The Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge ended with the Presentation of Trophies to the two winners, Zack Scerri and Robert Ciantar. Winning nurseries, Luxol St. Andrews YN and Dingli Swallows YN received a donation to purchase equipment for their respective nurseries. The prize money was presented to Vick Cumbo and Jason Cachia respectively. Each participant was presented with a Certificate and Emirates branded gifts.
Sun 18
- First Division St. George's vs Vittoriosa S. 3-7, Tarxien R. vs St. Patrick 3-0
- Second Division Promotion Decider Balzan Y. vs Rabat A. 0-3
- Third Division Championship Decider Zebbug R. vs Gozo FC 1-3 abandoned on 57 minutes
The BOV Third Division Championship Decider between Section A winners Zebbug Rangers and Section B winners Gozo FC was abandoned on 57 minutes due to incidents.
Zebbug took the lead thanks to a goal by Gordon Mallia but the Gozitans turned the score in their favour with a brace by Anthony Portelli and a goal by Charles Hili. Zebbug had two players sent off.
Twelve minutes in the second half, assistant referee Duncan Sultana was hit by an object which was thrown from the Zebbug side.
Incidents continued on the stand with a police officer being hit by supporters.
A statement by the Malta Police Community and Media Relations Unit, a police officer cautioned a man who was making offensive towards the referee and as soon as he was asked for identification, another person tried to stop the police from carrying out their duty. At this point, the police officer was punched in the head from behind by another person.
The officer was taken to Mater Dei hospital suffering from slight injuries. A number of persons have been held by police for further questioning.
- Third Division Play-Offs Xghajra T. vs Gharghur 1-0
- Malta international defender Luke Dimech was one of five players to be released by Macclesfield Town boss Keith Alexander.
Alexander told the club's official website: "The end of the season is always a testing time for players and managers alike but decisions have been taken and I'm pleased with what I hope to be the start of the process of building a squad capable of challenging in League Two next season. It's never nice letting any player know they are being released but it was clear we needed to do it given where we finished in the league last season."
Dimech had joined the League Two side in summer after winning the championship with Marsaxlokk last season.
- Dingli Swallows F.C. Youth Nursery is receiving applications from coaches interested in joining the nursery for season 2008/2009.
Those interested should send an application with their details and a copy of their coaching certificate together with their CV to Dingli Swallows F.C. Youth Nursery, No 6, Suite A, Parish Street, Dingli, Attn. Joseph Cuschieri by not later than June 2nd.
Coaches who already form part of the Dingli Swallows Youth Nursery staff need not apply.
Sat 17
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Valletta 4-0
- First Division Marsa vs Senglea A. 0-5
- The new artificial turf pitch at the St. Patrick Ground was inaugurated on Saturday by Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi and MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud.
The ground is managed by St. Patrick FC and St. Patrick FC Youth Nursery. The nursery is currently celebrating its twentieth anniversary.
This project was partly financed by the Government through the Good Causes Fund and the Malta Football Assocation.
The pitch was installed by Allsport International and levelling works were carried out by Pada Ltd.
St. Patrick president Charles Caruana, secretary Manuel Gauci and Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli, toghether with the Prime Minister and the MFA president, all delivered short speeches on this occasion.
The next project will be that of building a stand for spectators on the side opposite the bastions.
- New premises for the Senglea Athletic Youth Nursery were inaugurated on Friday by Prime Minister Dr Lawrence Gonzi.
The nursery has been working hard in order to provide the young players attending the nursery with better facilities. This new recreation centre for Senglea youngsters is meant to provide them with a place where they could gather and entertain themselves in a safe place.
Earlier this month, the Senglea nursery and the Senglea Local Council signed an agreement thanks to which the Tal-Ponta Ground is being refurbished with the installation of artificial turf, new fencing and lighting. Youngsters in the Senglea nursery will be carrying their transfer sessions there once works are completed after having to carry their training sessions on the roof of the premises of the Catholic Institute in Senglea for the past months.
Also present for the inauguration were Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Dolores Cristina and MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud.
Fri 16
- The draws of the semi-finals of the First Division Knock-Out were held on Friday at the MFA Headquarters, Ta' Qali.
In the first semi-final, holders Tarxien Rainbows take on Vittoriosa Stars while Dingli Swallows face Mosta.
Dates and venues are yet to be issued.
- The Malta Football Association will consider applications from constituted clubs to participate in the BOV Third Division League for the forthcoming season 2008-2009.
Applications, which must be submitted with a copy of the club statute and a list of committee members with their respective ID Card numbers, must reach the MFA General Secretary at Millennium Stand Floor 2, National Stadium, Ta’ Qali ATD 4000, by not later than Friday 23rd May 2008.
Late applications will not be considered.
- Pietà Hotsprus trio Sheldon Grech, Dean Gera and Svetlan Kondev were all suspended for one match after playing their last league match. Roderick Bajada and Mark Scerri of Sliema were also banned for one match.
- Valletta FC announced the programme of celebrations to mark the 19th title in the history of the club.
Saturday 17th May: Players, coach, staff and officials will visit the children's ward at the Mater Dei Hospital where Valletta FC souvenirs will be distributed. At 13:30, a carcade leaves il-Baviera, destination Ta' Qali. At 16:00, entertainment will be provided at the National Stadium. After the game Marsaxlokk vs Valletta, the BOV Premier League trophy will be presented by the MFA President accompanied by BOV officials at around 20:00. Celebrations will then continue at Valletta.
Sunday 18th May: At 18:00, thanksgiving mass at St. Augustine Church. This will be followed by a reception for clubs in Valletta at the Valletta FC club premises.
Monday 19th May: At 18:00, the traditional 'funeral' leaves from near the Valletta St. Paul's and proceeds through St. Dominic Street, Merchants Street, South Street, Republic Street towards the square in front of the Law Courts.
Tuesday 20th May: At 19:30, the U*BET FA Trophy semi-final Birkirkara vs Valletta.
Friday 23rd May: At 18:30, an exhibition match for ex-Valletta players at the Salinos Ground. Those interested in taking part should contact Joe Micallef (9942 9955) or Eddie Vella (9980 3891) by not later than Tuesday 20. A reception will be held after the match.
Saturday 24th May: U*BET FA Trophy final
Saturday 31st May: A reception for supporters - time and venue to be announced later.
More activities will be held near the Valletta St. Paul's on Monday 2nd June, St. Dominic Hall on Wednesday 4th June and Mattia Preti Square on Thursday 5th June.
Thu 15
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Msida 2-4, Floriana-Sliema 0-2
- The Malta Under 15 team will be taking part in the Kouba Cup next week in Trutnov, Czech Republic.
The team, under the direction of coach Charles Scerri and his assistants Joseph Martin Bajada and Frank Schembri, will be travelling to Prague on Sunday. They will play four matches at the Lokomotiva Stadium in Trutnov.
This tournament will serve as preparation for the Maltese youngsters who will form the basis of our youth team.
The squad is made up of the following players: Goalkeepers: Carlos Dimech (Hibs), Gianni Spiteri (Birkirkara)
Defenders: Steve Agius (Qormi), John Debono (Naxxar), Brandon Gatt (Hibs), Lee Galea (S. Gwann), Chris Grech, Zach Muscat (both Pieta)
Midfielders/Forwards: Ayrton Azzopardi (Pieta), Christian Briffa (Hibs), Michael Camilleri (Birkirkara), Dylan D’Agostino (Pieta), Ryan Dalli (Sliema), Matthew Hammet (Hibs), Bjorn Kristensen, Joseph Massa (both Hibs), Larsen Mallia (Pieta), Ian Scerri (Hibs).
- Bank of Valletta, title sponsors of the BOV Premier League, has presented a commemorative poster to this year’s champions, Valletta F.C.
“This is the third consecutive year that Bank of Valletta is sponsoring the BOV Premier League and we are keeping our tradition of presenting a commemorative poster to the champions,” said Michael Galea, Executive Head at the CEO’s Office, Bank of Valletta when he presented the first poster to the President of Valletta F.C., Victor Sciriha. Also present were Paul Zammit and Gilbert Agius, the team’s coach and captain respectively.
The commemorative A2 poster shows the Valletta F.C. lineup that won this year’s BOV Premier League together with the Club’s officials. It was taken at Ta’ Qali against a backdrop of the team’s supporters. The posters which have been given to the Club will be available on Saturday at Ta’ Qali during Valletta F.C.’s final match.
Thanking Bank of Valletta for donating the posters and its support to the National Football leagues, Mr Sciriha said, “We are delighted to have prevailed in this year’s hard-fought championship and to have added another championship trophy to the Club’s roll of honours, which now tallies a total of nineteen championships”.
“Valletta FC is lucky to have very loyal fans that have supported the team both in the winning and in the struggling days. Through this initiative by Bank of Valletta, these supporters will have a souvenir of this triumphant season, which also honours the players who obtained this achievement”, concluded Mr Sciriha.
The BOV Premier League trophy will be presented to Valletta FC during a presentation ceremony that will be held immediately after Valletta’s last game this season on Saturday 17th May 2008.
- Scandals Futsal were declared Futsal First Division champions after the MFA Control and Disciplinary Board awarded them a 2-0 win over European Pilot Academy.
The final of the Futsal First Division Championship Play-Offs between Scandals Futsal and European Pilot Academy which was played on April 24 was abandoned by the two referees following incidents caused by a few Serbian fans which were present at the Corradino Pavilion. With Scandals leading 6-4 with around seven minutes to go, the few Serbian supporters ignited flares and then invaded the pitch.
With clouds of smoke still suffocating the Corradino Pavilion, the two referees had no option other than to abandon the game.
- The Zurrieq FC Youth Nursery is accepting applications for qualified coaches who are interested in forming part of the Nursery coaching staff for season 2008/2009.
Interested coaches are to submit a detailed CV and a copy of their coaching certificate at Zurrieq FC YN 30, Main Street, Zurrieq or by email on zurrieqfcyn@gmail.com.
Wed 14
- The seventh edition of the Malta Football Awards will be held on Friday 6th June at the Corinthia Palace Hotel Attard. This edition will be supported by a number of new sponsors who join others who have already supported the event in past years. For the third consecutive edition, the event will be carrying the name of Melita Digital Malta Football Awards.
Addressing a press conference, the Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards said that the awards which have now become synonymous with the gala event will be presented once again but in order to keep with the tradition of introducing one or more new awards in every edition, Events Services launched a new award - the Best Second Division Player together with the Special Award for the Career.
Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Mr Clyde Puli also addressed the press conference. He said that the fact that the Malta Football Awards have now entered the seventh edition confirm how year after year, this event is gaining more popularity and this was only thanks to the organisers and those who believed in this initiative. Thanks to Events Services, the Malta Football Awards are now part of the local sports calendar. The Parliamentary Secretary thanked the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, the Malta Football Association and General Soft Drinks for their continuous support which is essential for the organisation of such events.
"Football fans should be grateful to the organisers for the introduction of the Best Support Award. The fact that this award is spread over all divisions should serve as encouragement for all clubs and their supporters, said Mr Puli.
The Parliamentary Secretary concluded by congratulating the committee and players of Valletta FC for winning the championship and making an appeal to football fans to support the organisers of the Malta Football Awards.
The organisers announced that Event Services have renewed the agreement with General Soft Drinks thanks to which the company is sponsoring another award through Coke Zero. In the Coke Zero Best Support Award, which was launched over a month ago, local fans are invited to visit the website www.cokezero.com.mt and upload photos and videos of their support. The response was very good so far with submissions from fans of most Premier League clubs and also from supporters of First and Second Division clubs.
A jury for the Coke Zero Best Support Award was formed a few weeks ago and the panel is already submitting its votes. These will be added to the votes by the general public who could vote by SMS on 50614914.
The awards for the seventh edition of the Melita Digital Malta Football Awards are therefore:
- Best Goalkeeper
- Best Defender
- Best Midfielder
- Best Striker
- Most Promising Youngster
- Best Coach
- Best Foreign Player
- Best Local Player
- Best Goal of the Season
- Best Women's League Player
- Best Futsal First Division Player
- Best Onvol GFA First Division Player
- Best First Division Player
- Best Second Division Player
- Awards for Career
- Coke Zero Best Support
- Best Veteran Player (aged 36 and over)
Sandro Micallef said that once again those entitled to vote are people involved in the local game, namely the presidents, coaches and captains of the ten Premier League clubs and over 45 journalists who followed the BOV Premier League 2007/08. However voting for the best players in the Futsal League, Women's League, First and Second Division and the GFA Onvol First Division was reserved for officials and players from the respective clubs.
The gala event, will be broadcast on Melita Sports 702/47 and on Information Channel (04 analogue/106 digital). The latter channel is open for all Melita Cable subscribers. There will be a repeat on Education 22, the following day at 20:30. The event will be presented by Mario Micallef and Catherine Xuereb who will be inviting distinguished personalities on the stage to announce the winners and present the different awards.
No tickets will be available on sale and attendance is strictly by invitation.
On behalf of Events Services, director and organiser Alan Cutajar The organisers thanked the media for their support and thanked the sponsors which are making this edition possible, namely Melita Digital, MTA, BWIN, General Soft Drinks, Strand Electronics, Sterling, EuroSport, MFCC, Bank of Valletta, Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, ADT, ETC, Carmelo Abela Marketing, TITAN Air Conditioners, Hamilton Travel, John's Garage, XFM, Aristocrat and maltafootball.com.
More details about previous editions of the Malta Football Awards are available at www.maltafootball.com/awards
- After winning the Youth League Section A, Sliema Wanderers were presented with the trophy by MFA vice-president Dr Peter Fenech after the last game against Floriana which the Blues won 2-0.
After a shaky start to the championship, Sliema never looked back and grew stronger with every game. This augurs well for the club to introduce more youngsters to the senior team. Mark Scerri has already made it to the first team, and at such a young age of seventeen has established himself in the starting line-up of the Premier league side. Other youngsters, including Miguel Ciantar who has also made his debut for the senior team, are also showing the qualities to make it to the senior level.
Hibernians finished in second place ahead of Birkirkara, Valletta and Pietà Hotspurs. Floriana placed sixth, followed by the two teams which were promoted from Section B last season San Gwann and Lija Athletic. Both teams therefore managed to secure their Section A status for the first time.
San Gwann obtained seven draws in eighteen matches and won precious points in direct clashes with Mosta and Hamrun besides beating Valletta. On the other hand, Lija Athletic were the surprise pack in this section. The Lija squad sprung a few surprises including the 2-1 win over last year's champions Pietà Hotspurs in the league's first match and the 4-1 thumping of Floriana. In one particular match, Lija were loosing 0-3 to rivals San Gwann and managed to win the match 4-3 after scoring four goals in the space of just 13 minutes - perhaps a record breaking comeback in the youth league.
Mosta and Hamrun Spartans ended in the bottom two places and are therefore relegated to Section B. On the other hand, Balzan Youths won Section B and will be promoted to Section A together with Mgarr United.
Tue 13
- Premier League Mqabba vs Hibernians 1-1, Hamrun S. vs Birkirkara 0-2
Mon 12
- Champions Valletta were drawn with Birkirkara in the semi-finals of the U*BET FA Trophy. Hamrun Spartans take on Floriana in the other semi-final.
The draw was held at the MFA Headquarters on Monday.
Hamrun Spartans vs Floriana will be played on Monday 19 while Birkirkara vs Valletta is scheduled for Tuesday 20. Both matches will be played at the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:30.
HAMRUN SPARTANS vs FLORIANA - Mon 19th May
Floriana registered a comfortable 7-1 win over Mellieha in the first round before struggling to beat Senglea Athletic 3-2 after extra-time in the second round. In the quarter-finals, the Greens beat traditional rivals Sliema Wanderers 2-1.
The Spartans beat Mosta 2-0 before defeating Pietà Hotspurs 1-0. They went on to beat Dingli Swallows 3-1 in the quarter-finals.
Hamrun and Floriana met four times this season. Following a 1-1 draw in the first round, Hamrun registered a 2-1 win. The two teams shared the spoils in another 1-1 draw in the third round with the Greens claiming the three points in the fourth round thanks to a 2-1 win.
BIRKIRKARA vs VALLETTA - Tue 20th May
Valletta defeated First Division sides Tarxien Rainbows 5-0 and St. Patrick 4-0 in the first two rounds before beating holders Hibernians 2-1 in the quarter-finals. On the other hand, after receiving a bye in the first two rounds, Birkirkara entered the quarter-finals stage, beating Marsaxlokk 2-1.
Valletta and Birkirkara met four times this season with the Citizens claiming two wins - 1-0 in the first and 2-1 in the fourth round and the other two clashes ending in two 1-1 draws.
- Hamrun Spartans striker Alfred Effiong was banned for one match by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner while Hibs striker Ndubisi Chukunyere was suspended for two matches.
- May 11th was a day of festivities celebrated by the Nadur Youngsters Football Club supporters as this day was dedicated to mark various significant occasions for this Gozitan club. This year represented a year of success as the Youngsters managed to win the Championship League in Gozo thus managing to win this prestigious title for the tenth time. The Nadur team intends to follow the traditional practice of wearing a star on their shirts as a symbol of attaining this memorable result.
The Nadur Youngsters are also marking the 50th anniversary since the establishment of their club on the 20th September 1958. They have come a long way and have since then gained 46 honours, making them the club with the most awards in Gozo. Amongst these are ten championship leagues, with nine of them being won in the past fourteen years, with the first one being the season of 1967/68.
The club’s committee, the team and supporters commemorated this event in a concelebrated mass at the Basilica of St Peter and St Paul in Nadur. Afterwards, the newly refurbished Nadur Youngsters Football club was inaugurated by the Hon. Giovanna Debono, Minister for Gozo, who also hails from Nadur, with the Nadur Archpriest, Rev. Mgr. Saviour Muscat then blessing the premises.
During a short inaugurating address, Minister Debono stressed the importance of the presence of sports facilities within the community. The Ministry for Gozo has been supporting and will continue to support such clubs in their endeavours to enhance sporting facilities in Gozo, since it believes that the whole Gozitan community can benefit through these clubs. Sporting facilities in Gozo are thoroughly different from that of the past and the Nadur Youngsters’ story is one such example. This club now has one of the many synthetic turf pitches which have been installed around Gozo over the past years through the support of the Ministry for Gozo. Besides serving the clubs, these pitches are also used for activities organised by the Gozo College or Local Councils, due to appropriate agreements signed by the respective entities in each locality. These pitches have also benefited various nurseries, with the one in Nadur being one of the most popular, even amongst Maltese football teams.
Sun 11
- First Division Mosta vs Mellieha 3-0, Qormi vs Dingli S. 4-2
- Second Division Zurrieq vs Sirens 4-1, Naxxar L. vs Rabat A. 0-2
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Attard 0-3
- Third Division Section B Santa Lucia vs Gozo 1-2
Sat 10
- Premier League Valletta vs Sliema W. 0-1
- First Division St. Patrick vs Marsa 3-1, Vittoriosa S. vs Tarxien R. 0-3
- Second Division San Gwann vs St. Andrews 4-1, Birzebbuga SP vs Balzan Y. 0-4
Fri 9
- Premier League Hibernians vs Pietà H. 2-1, Hamrun S. vs Marsaxlokk 3-4
- Third Division Section A Mtarfa vs Qrendi 0-6
- Third Division Section B Kirkop U. vs Gudja U. 0-1
- The Malta national team will be playing two friendly matches over the next three weeks as part of its preparation ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers which get underway in September.
In fact, besides the friendly match against Austria at the UPC-Arena in Graz in programme on Friday 30th May, Malta will play another friendly match against the Belgian Olympic team which is currently preparing to take part in the Beijing Olympic Gams this summer.
The game against the Belgian Olympic team will be played on Friday 23rd May - the eve of the U*BET FA Trophy final. For this reason, players who will be involved in the final will not take part in this game.
Speaking during a press conference on Friday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said it was a great honour for Malta to be invited to play against Austria - one of the hosts of the EURO 2008 - just eight days before the kick-off.
He said the MFA also accepted the request by the Belgian FA to play the friendly match against the Olympic team as this would still be a good test for the local side.
National coach Dusan Fitzel said that after the good test against Japan a few days before the kick-off of the 2006 World Cup, he was looking forward towards this game against Austria as for a small country like Malta, the team could get a feel of the atmosphere surrounding the European Championship.
Having played Austria last year, Fitzel considers this to be an important test for his players as he could compare their performance in this game with that of last year although he admitted that this was a tough period for the local players considering that this game comes at the end of the season and with the current club commitments, the squad is training just once a week.
Fitzel said that foreign-based players like Luke Dimech, Udo Nwoko and Michael Mifsud have already started their holidays and will join the squad in the coming days. The rest of the players based abroad will be available for the game against Austria. For the game against the Belgian Olympic team, he said he will use some of the promising players from the Under-21 side as well.
Tickets for the game against the Belgian Olympic team will be available for € 2.50 while thanks to Coca-Cola, thirty local fans will be taken on an all-inclusive trip to Graz to watch and support the Maltese national team in the friendly match against Austria which will be the 300th international match for Malta.
- Thirty fans will get the opportunity to watch the national team play the friendly match against Austria in Graz on Friday 30th May as part of the Coca-Cola Goal! Campaign 2008 which was launched on Friday at The Westin Dragonara Resort on Friday.
Mr Martin Agius - Sales and Marketing Manager of The General Soft Drinks Co Ltd. - said that Coca-Cola aims to support local football talent. In fact, 30 lucky participants of the Coca-Cola Goal! Campaign will be taken on an all-inclusive trip to Graz in Austria to watch and support the Maltese national team in this friendly match.
"We believe it is also important to cultivate the local football talent and increase the level of support of Maltese football. We started this with the Coke Zero Superfan last month which aims to reward those who support their favourite team in the most effective way, and this time we are giving the opportunity for people to watch the Maltese National Team in action live, away from Malta."
As part of this campaign, General Soft Drinks is using two local players in its promotion. In fact, two national team players Jamie Pace and Roderick Briffa appear in a television commercial promoting the Coca-Cola Goal! Campaign.
Meanwhile as official sponsor of Euro 2008 internationally, Coca-Cola is also in a position to offer all-inclusive VIP packages to the Euro 2008 final, which include return flights, accommodation, Vienna sight-seeing tours, Coca-Cola merchandise, VIP treatment and Exclusive Category 2 Match Tickets for the Euro 2008 final match scheduled to be held at Ernst Heppel Stadium in Vienna on 29th June 2008.
"We as Coca-Cola pride ourselves in offering our consumers once in a lifetime experiences and we have no doubt that winning VIP packages to the Euro 2008 final with Coca-Cola is indeed a dream for any football lover" said Mr. Martin Agius, "Moreover we are also offering five all-inclusive packages to the EURO 2008 Quarter Finals to be held in Vienna, on 22nd June 2008."
To participate in the "Coca-Cola Goal! Campaign 2008" consumers can choose to participate by SMS or by post: Participants simply need to drink 0.5 litre PET bottles of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, Sprite or Diet Sprite, gently peel the label and either SMS the unique code, which is found on the bottle, to SMS number: 50612000 or complete the required details on the back of the label using a ball point pen and send it to "Goal Campaign 2008", The General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd, Marsa Industrial Estate, Marsa, MRS 3000."
The first draw will be held on the 23rd of May 2008 and will determine the 30 winners who will travel with the Maltese National team for the friendly match against Austria in Graz on the 30th May 2008. A second draw will be take place on 12th June 2008, wherein each of the five winners will win an all-inclusive trip to watch one of the Euro 2008 quarter finals to be held on the 22nd June 2008. The winners of the third and final prize will be drawn on the 20th June 2008 and will win two packages each for the Euro 2008 Final in Vienna on the 29th June.
- Zurrieq FC were relegated to the BOV Third Division after having five points deducted. In fact, Zurrieq now have 14 points, seven less than Mgarr United.
They had three points deducted after failing to present the signed balance sheet. Zurrieq had appealed against this decision. However the decision was confirmed.
Zurrieq had another two points deducted after being found guilty of casing the incidents which led the BOV Second Division match against St. Andrews on April 27 to be abandoned. Referee Chris Francalanza abandoned the match on 69 minutes after he was hit by a Zurrieq player.
- Several talented young male and female footballers who train with the Under 11 and Under 12 categories will take part in the 5th edition of Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge to be held in the evening on Friday 16th May 2008 at Victor Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.
The Challenge, which is being organised by Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC) in collaboration with Emirates Airline and with the support of the English Premier Football Club Arsenal FC, has received the confirmation from 18 Youth Football Clubs in Malta.
“We have received applications from most of the Nursery Clubs of the premier division such as Valletta, Birkirkara, Floriana, Sliema and Hamrun,” said Peter Paul Gauci, Event Coordinator and Vice-President and PRO of AMSC. “Our aim is to encourage both the talent and the spirit of sports at the grass root level.”
On the 16th May 2008, all chosen participants will be tested on their individual skills in dribbling, juggling and shooting, according to the Set Minimum Standards of the Nursery Clubs.
For this year’s edition parents and friends of young participants are invited to attend and watch the competition and the competitors’ training session with Arsenal FC coaches on Friday evening. The event will commence at 6.00pm.
The junior members of the Arsenal Supporters Club are invited to attend to a fun training football session with the visiting Arsenal FC coaches to be held during the same evening.
At the end of the Challenge, the competitors will have a special training session with the two Arsenal FC coaches. Each participant will be presented with a certificate and Emirates give-aways followed by the presentation of Trophies, prizes and Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge Shield.
Meanwhile Arsenal Malta Supporters Club (AMSC) will hold a Practical Session for Youth Nursery coaches and trainers on Saturday, 17th May at 9.00am at Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hamrun. Football coaches are invited to attend and register at the AMSC.
This event, which is being offered free of charge, will be held in conjunction with the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge, and sponsored by Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline.
The coaching session with a group of young players will be conducted by the two visiting senior officials from Arsenal Football Club’s Community Department, Paul Shipwright, who is responsible for partnered Soccer Schools and Martin Davis, Sports Development Officer. At the end of the Practical Session, there will be a Question and Answer session.
“Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis will be sharing their best practices in football coaching for young players,” said Peter Paul Gauci, Event Coordinator and Vice-President and PRO for AMSC. “This activity will encourage and support the coaches of this popular sport while seeking to raise standards of the football game.”
Paul Fleri Soler, Emirates’ Manager for Malta and Cyprus, said: “As the sponsor of the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge for the 5th year, Emirates seeks to develop a more proactive partnership with Arsenal supporters and football community in Malta. Activities like these help to bring in foreign know-how in coaching for the benefit of Maltese trainers.”
The Arsenal FC coaches will be retuning to Malta on the initiative of Arsenal Malta Supporters Club and with the support of Arsenal FC. Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis together with their wives will be the guests of the Radisson SAS Bay Point Hotel, St George’s Bay.
All Football Club Youth Nurseries are invited to send their coaches and admission is free. It is advisable to book in advance either on tel: 7924 8635 or via email on arsenal@onvol.net; or rifepa@onvol.net
Thu 8
- Premier League Mqabba vs Msida SJ 2-2, Birkirkara vs Floriana 1-1
- Gozo - Super Cup Nadur Y. vs Qala SJ 0-3
- Marsaxlokk forward Kevin Sammut has been nominated as the BOV Player of the Month for April 2008. Having already nailed this award in February, Sammut’s consistently good performance for his team helped him tip other contenders in the journalists’ selection for April.
With five BOV Premier League goals to his credit so far this season, this forward has shown he is a useful rather than a prolific goal-getter. His graft on either flank of the field and his sudden surges towards the centre are among the many assets of his repertoire of skills.
His colleagues have often cashed in on his pin-pointed chips from the wings or accurate service from inside positions, and many goals resulted from this player’s assist. It is little wonder that Kevin is an established member of the Malta National Team.
Charles Azzopardi, Marketing Communications Manager at Bank of Valletta presented the trophy to Kevin Sammut during an award ceremony. Mr. Azzopardi congratulated the player and noted how BOV is making a regular contribution towards local sports through this initiative. In addition to the award, a contribution to a charity of the player’s choice, Sammut’s being the Children’s Cancer Support Group is also made, thus also making a worthy contribution to the community.
- Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery have just reached a twinning agreement with Italian side Atalanta BC. An agreement thanks to which young players attending the Birkirkara nursery will benefit a lot.
The Atalanta youth sector is one of the best, if not the best, in Italy. A nursery which produced some of the top Italian players.
The Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery, who is celebrating its 25th anniversary, had been holding discussions with the Atalanta's settore giovanile which eventually led to the twinning agreement between the two parties.
The climax was reached on Sunday April 20th with a visit by the Birkirkara Under-14 side in Bergamo. The team led by coach Franco Agius met the Atalanta esordienti, led by coach Mauro Fumagalli. Although the Maltese side was made of players who are a year older than the players in the Italian side, it was a very difficult game for Birkirkara. Atalanta won 2-1, turning defeat into victory in the final seven minutes. The Birkirkara players were then the guests of Atalanta for the Serie A match between Atalanta and Juventus at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia in Bergamo.
The following day, Birkirkara played another friendly match against Pontirolo. The Birkirkara players were given the opportunity to play with the official kit of Atalanta and the game ended in a goalless draw.
The Maltese contingent, led by chairman Henry Bray, then visited the Centro Bortolotti di Zingonia - the Italian club' official headquarters where they were taken for a short tour by the director of the Atalanta BC Settore Giovanile Mino Favini who explained the club's set-up.
They also visited another club from Bergamo - Serie B side Albinoleffe. The Birkirkara contingent met coach Elio Gustinetti, director general Sandro Turotti, captain Ivan Del Prato and defender Gabriele Perico.
A crew from Replay - Net Television followed the Birkirkara Youth Nursery visit in Bergamo and features will be presented in the coming weeks. This was made possible thanks to Allsports International, Eurosport, Paul Target and Photocity.
- In view of Saturday’s BOV Premier League match between Valletta and Sliema Wanderers, the Stadium Management, in agreement with the police, has allocated the stands for both teams’ supporters as follows: Valletta Supporters – Enclosure West Stand A; Enclosure West Stand C; Millennium Stand Side A; South Stand
Sliema Supporters – Millennium Stand C
The cooperation of all supporters attending for the match is solicited.
Wed 7
- Malta retained the 135th place in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking list which was published on Wednesday.
Among the other European countries, Malta is 47th. Just ahead of Malta is Austria (101), Estonia (115), Kazakhstan (122) and Liechtenstein (130) while lying behind Malta is Azerbaijan (137), Montenegro (150), Luxembourg (157), Andorra (181), Faroe Islands (194) and San Marino (200).
Malta's next commitment is a friendly match against Austria away from home on May 30th. Malta then takes on Estonia in another friendly match away from home in August.
- Six Premier League players are ruled out of this week's matches after being handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
The six players are Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara), Charlo Magro (Marsaxlokk), Carl Pulo and Rumen Angelov Galabov (Pietà), Alex Muscat (Sliema) and Frank Temile (Valletta).
Muscat and Temile are ruled out of next Saturday's clash between champions Valletta and Sliema Wanderers. Pulo and Galabov will be missing Pietà's game against Hibernians on Friday while Joseph Zerafa is out of the game against Floriana on Thursday. Magro will be missing Marsaxlokk's game against his former club Hamrun.
In Division 1, Aloysius Ihebulu (Qormi) was suspended for two matches while Gianluca Calabretta (Mellieha) and Antonio Saliba (Mosta) were banned for one match. Mellieha official Joseph Vella was suspended for two matches.
Rabat Ajax duo Joseph Caruana and Emanuel Muscat were handed a one-match ban in Division 2 while
Edmond Lapira (Gharghur) and Lizio Grech (Xghajra) were suspended for one match. Gozo FC's John Camilleri was suspended for three matches.
In the Youth League, Mauro Busuttil (Hamrun) was suspended fro three matches, Wayne Hamer (Birzebbuga) for two, Leydon Farrugia (Birzebbuga) and Owen Cauchi (Mellieha) for one.
- Local youngster, James Paris, aged 16, has this week signed his Scholarship Contract with Manchester City Football Club Youth Academy. This gives James the opportunity to continue to develop his football skills with this Club.
This is a great achievement in itself for James and very encouraging for Maltese football in general as Manchester City are renowned for their excellent Academy. Only recently their Under 18’s youth team won the Youth F.A. Cup beating Chelsea in the final 4-2 on aggregate. The first leg was played at Stanford Bridge and the score ended 1-1 however in the second leg played in front of 20,000 spectators, City won 3-1.
But just as a spokesman for the academy said, "that’s now when the hard work really begins." James has also been given a rigorous fitness routine that he has to adhere to and has been told of his obligations now as a Manchester City scholar. He is now an ambassador for the club and as such has to behave in the correct way. Plus, James has an extra obligation as he is also an ambassador for Malta just as Michael Mifsud is at Coventry City.
Jon Mottershead of Football Frenzy, who was instrumental in getting James the trial over a year ago, stressed that this achievement is proof that with dedication, sacrifice and hard work everything is possible. He continued that James needs to keep his feet firmly on the ground and to also concentrate on his studies. “This is a great opportunity and a fantastic achievement for James and Maltese Football”.
- Malta international striker Andre Schembri scored his ninth goal with Eintracht Braunschweig as they shared the spoils in a 3-3 draw with DFB Lubeck.
Schembri had put Braunschweig 2-1 ahead on the hour.
They are now eleventh on 46 points, just nine behind leaders Rot Weiss Ahlen.
In after-match comments, the coach expressed his disappointment for the fact that his team failed to claim the three points but praised his players for their performance and especially Schembri who not only scored but was instrumental in the other two goals scored by Braunschweig.
Tue 6
- Gozo - GFA Cup Ghajnsielem vs Qala SJ 2-2 aet (4-5 pen)
Tue 6
- Senglea Mayor, Mr. Joseph Casha and Senglea Athletic FC Youth Nursery President, Mr. Stephen Spiteri signed an agreement regarding the “Tal-Ponta Ground” last week.
For the past two years, youngsters from the Senglea Nursery have been carrying out their training sessions on the roof of the Catholic Institute in Senglea. This was due to the disastrous and dangerous state in which “Tal-Ponta Ground” was. This ground is being renovated, but until then, the only open space where these children can train is that roof. The ground is currently being renovated with new fencing and lighting, and covered with artificial turf. The ground, which is the Local Council’s property, passed on its administration to Senglea Nursery.
Sunday, 4th May 2008 was an important day for Senglea Athletics FC Youth Nursery, with the signing of the administration agreement of “Tal-Ponta Ground”, a 5-a-side Synthetic Football Pitch in Senglea.
Mayor Joseph Casha and Executive Secretary Arthur Perici signed on behalf of the Local Council, while Senglea Nursery President Stephen Spiteri signed on behalf of Senglea Athletic FC Youth Nursery. Thanks to this agreement, Senglea Athletic Nursery, now manages the “Tal-Ponta Ground” administration.
Present for this occasion were many Senglea Nursery youths and their parents.
The Senglea said he believed in this project and had promised Senglea’s younger generation that this ground would not remain just a dream. Due to bureaucratic procedures and mishaps, this dream was delayed but promised that they will try their best to finish the project by the end of May.
Stephen Spiteri, President of Senglea Nursery, asserted that this project was vital for the nursery’s future. While the majority of nurseries in Malta have artificial turf grounds where their youngsters can train and play, Senglea Nursery youngsters train on a roof. This caused many Senglea youngsters to go and train with teams, much more equipped than theirs and this at a detriment to Senglea Athletics, since it will be far too difficult to get these players back to play for Senglea Athletics.
Mr. Stephen Spiteri thanked the Senglea Local Council, Mayor Joseph Casha, all the committee members of Senglea Nursery and all those who worked and persevered to make this project take flight and now be administered by Senglea Athletic FC Youth Nursery.
Sun 4
- Premier League Sliema W. vs Hamrun S. 5-3, Floriana vs Valletta 0-2
- First Division Mellieha vs Senglea A. 1-3, Dingli S. vs St. George's 2-2
- Second Division Lija A. vs Melita 3-2, Sta. Venera L. vs Mgarr U. 3-4
- Third Division Section A Zejtun C. vs Zebbug R. 2-4
- Third Division Section B Pembroke A. vs Kalkara 0-1
- Gozo - Second Division Challenge Cup SK Victoria W. vs Zebbug R. 2-1
Sat 3
- Premier League Pietà H. vs Mqabba 1-0, Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara 0-2
- First Division Marsa vs Vittoriosa S. 1-4, Mosta vs Qormi 2-2
- Third Division Section A Ghaxaq vs Siggiewi 0-7
- Third Division Section B Gzira U. vs Gharghur 0-0
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising another Instructional Meeting for holders of Foundation, YDD and UEFA ‘C’ Licence coaches.
This activity is a practical session and is scheduled for Monday 12th May 2008 at 17. 30 hrs at the Technical Centre.
All coaches are requested to be punctual.
- Paul Shipwright and Martin Davis from Arsenal FC Community Department are returning to Malta to assist the Maltese adjudicating panel at the Emirates Airline Young Footballer Challenge 2008.
Organised by Arsenal Supporters Club and sponsored by Emirates, the Dubai-based international airline, the Challenge will take place on Friday, 16th May 2008 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hamrun.
Paul Shipwright from Arsenal Soccer Schools joined Arsenal’s Community Department in 2003. He is responsible for all partnered soccer schools in the U.K. and overseas. Currently, Paul manages 14 franchise partners in the UK and 12 overseas, who provide more than 20,000 young people with Arsenal coaching and a link with the Club. Paul also organises the annual 'Arsenal International Soccer Festival’, an event which brings together 200 football teams from all over the world in competition. He is a UEFA qualified coach and a member of the Football Association Coaches Association.
Sports Development Officer Martin Davis began his association with Arsenal in the Community in 1994 as a 17 year old Youth Training Scheme Trainee. In 1996, he started working for the department and now spends a lot of his time coaching in England and overseas, including visits to Ukraine, Singapore, Portugal, Cyprus and Egypt amongst others. He is currently managing the YTS Scheme and is responsible for the development of the young community coaches. He also has responsibility for the successful residential soccer school projects. Martin is the face of Arsenal’s 'tricks 'n 'flicks column in the Arsenal magazine, showing young readers how they can learn new skills and tricks.
The visit of Mr Shipwright and Mr Davis has been made possible through the initiative of the Arsenal Malta Supporters Club and they are guests of the Radisson SAS Bay Point Hotel in St. George’s Bay.
In 2004, Emirates signed the biggest sponsorship deal worth £100 million in football history with Arsenal FC. The agreement also included Emirates’ naming rights to Arsenal’s new £357 million, Emirates Stadium, for the following 15 years.
Fri 2
- Third Division Section A Luqa SA vs Gozo 1-2
- Third Division Section B Xghajra T. vs Mdina K. 2-1
Thu 1
- Second Division Rabat A. vs Birzebbuga SP 5-1, Sirens vs Naxxar L. 0-5
- Gozo - GFA Cup Nadur Y. vs Ghajnsielem 1-2, Qala SJ vs SK Victoria W. 3-2
- Following the kick-off of the Gudja Youth Nursery project which will include a brand new full size synthetic pitch, Gudja Youth Nursery is currently searching for interested coaching staff to join the current staff for season 2008/2009.
Over the past few years, Gudja Youth Nursery has established itself as one of the most organized and promising nursery on the island. Currently the nursery caters for more than 100 players with ages varying from 6 to 16 years.
Interested coaches shall send a detailed CV to Kenneth Bonnici, 60 Triq il-Lewz, Gudja GDJ 1712, email on info@gudjayn.com or apply by phone on 79710864