August 2008
Sun 31
- Premier League Qormi vs Hibernians 1-3, Birkirkara vs Floriana 0-1
- Mosta Tournament Mgarr U. vs Lija A. 0-3
Sat 30
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Tarxien R. 1-0, Hamrun S. vs Sliema W. 0-2
- Draws for Under-17 and Under-15 competitions were held during the annual seminar organised by the Youth Football Association.
Forty-two teams are taking part in the APS Bank Under-17 League and forty-five teams will be taking part in the APS Under-15 League. All sections are being played on a two-round basis.
In the Under-17 League, three teams are relegated to Section B and three are promoted from Section B to Section A. Four teams are relegated from Section B to Section C. Section C is divided into two sections with the winners and runners-up of both sections winning promotion to Section B.
In the Under-15 League, three teams are relegated to Section B and three are promoted from Section B to Section A. Three teams are relegated from Section B to Section C. Section C is divided into three sections of seven teams each.
The first round of matches in each section is as follows:
Under-17 APS Bank League Section A: Naxxar L. vs Birkirkara, Valletta vs Sliema W., Paola Hibs vs St. Andrews, Melita vs St. Patrick, Rabat D. vs Pietà H., Floriana vs San Gwann.
Under-17 APS Bank League Section B: Mosta vs Zebbug R., Msida SJ vs Sirens, Balzan Y. vs Lija-Iklin, Qormi vs Mellieha, Tarxien R. vs Pembroke A., Hamrun S. vs Attard.
Under-17 APS Bank League Section C1: Siggiewi vs Kalkara SJ, Gozo vs Marsaxlokk, Ghaxaq vs Dingli S., Senglea A. vs Fgura U., Sta. Venera U. bye.
Under-15 APS Bank League Section C2: Birzebbuga W. vs Gzira U., Gudja U. vs Marsa, Mgarr U. vs Kirkop U., St. George's vs Zurrieq, Vittoriosa S. bye.
Under-15 APS Bank League Section A: Pietà H. vs San Gwann, Naxxar L. vs Mosta, Paola H. vs Hamrun S., St. Andrews vs Floriana, Sliema W. vs Valletta, Birkirkara vs St. Patrick.
Under-15 APS Bank League Section B: Qormi vs Marsa, Melita vs Kirkop U., Rabat D. vs Mellieha, Birzebbuga W. vs Tarxien R., Balzan Y. vs Sirens, Gozo vs Pembroke A.
Under-15 APS Bank League Section C1: Gudja U., Gzira U., Vittoriosa S., Ghaxaq, Zejtun C., Mgarr U., Fgura U.
Under-15 APS Bank League Section C2: Marsaxlokk, Dingli S., Mqabba, Sta. Venera U., Attard, Zebbug R., St. George's.
Under-15 APS Bank League Section C3: Lija-Iklin, Zurrieq, Msida SJ, Senglea A., Siggiewi, Xghajra T., Luqa SA.
- Luxol St. Andrews won the Luxol SC 40th Anniversary nder-19 International Football Tournament which was held at the Luxol Ground between August 24 and 26.
The tournament was sponsored by the Pembroke Local Council.
Luxol were held in a 1-1 draw by Hamrun but then defeated Scottish side Ardrossan Winton Rovers FC and English side St. Andrews with an identical 1-0 score.
Ardrossan placed second beating St. Andrews (England) 2-0 and Hamrun 2-1. Hamrun were held in a goalless draw by St. Andrews (England) in the other match.
Fri 29
- Premier League Valletta vs Marsaxlokk 2-0
- Mosta Tournament Sannat L. vs Mgarr U. 2-0
- The South End Core has just launched new merchandise as the group prepares for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Malta and Portugal in programme on September 6.
The group made its first appearance this time last year for the EURO 2008 qualifier against Turkey. The result on and off the field of play was excellent. Malta held Turkey in a 2-2 draw with the backing of thousands of supporters on the stands. The best attendance for a national team game for several years. The South End Core was then back supporting the team for the games against Moldova and Norway. Support was continuous even despite mishaps such as the heavy rain which hit Ta' Qali during the game against Moldova where there were still around 3,000 supporters from the South End Core.
The group is now launching its merchandise which consists of the now traditional black t-shirts with the eight-pointed cross, scarfs, felted jackets and flags.
This merchandise is available on sale from Teamsport - Iklin at the following prices: t-shirts €5, scarfs €12, flags €10 and felted jackets €35.
Speaking on behalf of the South End Core, Louis Agius said that a new member in the group is the Hamrun Spartans Supporters Club who have now joined the Valletta, Birkirkara, Hibernians and Mosta supporters, the Kavallieri Rugby Football Club and the KSU.
For the game against Portugal, the South End Core will prepare new choreographies which will include the use of hundred paper cannons and fifty-five helium balloons with a circumference of three metres.
He said there is a big demand for South End Core tickets. These are available from Teamsport, Rookies - Bugibba, Ryan's Pub - St. Julian's, Extra-Time - Mosta, Zmerc Pub - Balzan, 47 Summer Nights - Marsascala, Dual Zone - Zabbar, KSU, Malta University Sports Club (mobile no. 79055328)and Cafe Matteo - Valletta. Tickets cost €5.
Pre-parties are being held at Rookies, Ryan's, Extra Time, Zmerc and 47 Summer Nights. The main pre-party will be held at the University on Campus, starting at 16:00. Transport will be avaialble from the University to the Stadium.
Louis Agius said that supporters could make the difference as it was the case in the game against Turkey and the good comeback against Moldova, hoping that the stadium and especially the South End Core will be completely sold out.
As regards the game against Albania, the South End Core is willing to organise a one-day tour. Agius said that although at one point, this seemed to be difficult to organise, fresh talks with Airmalta are leaving a door open.
David Grech said that so far the group has received support from various companies and said similar help from other private enterprises is more than welcome. On the other hand, Mark Muscat appealed to supporters to show greater love towards the national team and wear the national team colours with pride.
Louis Agius thanked the sponsors namely Teamsport, Carlsberg, Rookies, Ryan's, Banif Bank and Bwin and concluded by an appeal to supporters to join the South End Core in backing the national team for what could hopefully be a repeat of the fine performance and result of the game against Turkey.
- Adrian Ciantar is the eleventh new signing for newly-promoted Qormi. Ciantar joins the club from Birkirkara.
A product of Qormi, Ciantar played for St. Patrick in Division 1 before joining Hibernians in season 1997/98. In summer 2003, the former Maltese international joined Birkirkara.
Qormi had earlier secured the services of Massimo Grima, Rennie Forace and Keith Fenech from Valletta, goalkeeper Reuben Gauci and Shawn Tellus from Marsaxlokk, Chucks Nwoko from Sliema, Roderick Sammut from Birkirkara, Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong from Hamrun Spartans and Brazilian duo Josevan Alves De Silva and Ramon Dos Santos.
- Birkirkara will be welcoming back former Malta international midfielder Jonathan Holland.
A product of Floriana, Holland had moved to England in summer 2004 after ten years with the Greens. In England, he played for Bradford Park Avenue. In January 2006, he returned to Malta where he joined Birkirkara. Last summer, he moved to Scotland for a trial with Ross County. He then went for a trial period with Elgin City but suffered an injury which ruined his chance of securing a contract. However in December 2007, he signed for Nairn County who play in the Highland League.
- Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz announced a 23-man squad on Thursday for their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Malta at Ta' Qali on September 6 and Denmark in Lisbon four days later.
Atletico Madrid midfielder Maniche and Rangers' Pedro Mendes are back in squad. Also in the squad is uncapped Sporting winger Yannick Djalo.
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo is ruled out as he is still recovering from ankle surgery.
The players selected by Queiroz, who replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari after the EURO 2008, are:
Goalkeepers Quim (Benfica), Eduardo Carvalho (Braga), Daniel Fernandes (VfL Bochum)
Defenders: Jose Bosingwa (Chelsea), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea), Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea), Fernando Meira (Galatasaray), Bruno Alves (Porto), Pepe (Real Madrid), Vitorino Antunes (Lecce), Miguel (Valencia)
Midfielders: Raul Meireles (Porto), Joao Moutinho (Sporting), Deco (Chelsea), Carlos Martins (Benfica), Danny (Zenit St Petersburg), Maniche (Atletico Madrid), Pedro Mendes (Rangers)
Forwards: Simao Sabrosa (Atletico Madrid), Nuno Gomes (Benfica), Hugo Almeida (Werder Bremen), Nani (Manchester United), Yannick Djalo (Sporting).
- Albania coach Arie Haan named a 22-man squad for the matches against Sweden on September 6 and Malta four days later. Both matches are in programme at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana.
Chievo striker Erjon Bogdani who had missed the friendly against Liechtenstein earlier this month is back in squad.
The players selected by Haan are:
Goalkeepers: Arjan Beqaj (Anorthosis Famagusta), Isli Hidi (Alki Larnaka FC), Ilion Lika (Terek Grozny).
Defenders: Armend Dallku (Vorskla Poltava), Kristi Vangjeli (Aris Thessaloniki), Debatik Curri (Vorskla Poltava), Endri Vrapi (FK Elbasani), Andi Lila (SK Tirana)
Midfielders: Lorik Cana (Olympique Marseille), Altin Lala (Hannover 96), Klodian Duro (AC Omonia), Ervin Skela (Energie Cottbus), Admir Teli (Hecettepespor), Ansi Agolli (SK Tirana), Elis Bakaj (KF Partizani Tirana), Jahmir Hyka (Mainz 05), Ervin Bulku (FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih)
Strikers: Edmond Kapllani (Karlsruhe), Hamdi Salihi (SV Ried), Besart Berisha (Rosenborg), Erjon Bogdani (Chievo Verona).
- Vittoriosa Stars continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of defender Pierre Aquilina from fellow First Division side Pietà Hotspurs.
Aquilina, who signed a three-year contract with the Stars, has been playing Premier League football since season 1996/97 when he made his Premier League debut with the Hotspurs.
This summer, Vittoriosa have already secured the services of Kurt Zammit, Alex Camilleri, Jurgen Micallef, David Gauci, Kenneth Abela and Keith Darmanin.
- Newly-promoted First Division side Rabat Ajax signed Lydon Micallef on loan from Msida.
The 22-year old midfielder is the fourth signing for Rabat after Glenn Magri, Adrian Mifsud and Edward Azzopardi.
Thu 28
- Mosta Tournament Lija A. vs Mosta 0-1
- Valletta FC unveiled their sponsors for the coming season together with their new players during a press conference which was held at the Le Meridien St. Julian's on Thursday.
Mare Blu Tuna Farms Limited will be the main sponsor after a three-year sponsorship agreement was signed.
Other sponsors for the Citizens include Urban Jungle - Nike, Pizza Hut, Heat Bar & Diner, Empire Club, Powerade, Gato Negro, Global Capital and De Robertis Restaurant - Castille Hotel.
While thanking the sponsors, Valletta FC president Victor Sciriha said that these companies together with others sponsoring other clubs, deserve gratitude as these are the only real source of income for clubs.
Victor Sciriha said that with the signing of the new players - namely Luke Dimech, Edmond Agius, Cleavon Frendo, Jamie Pace and foreigners Njongo Priso and Marcelo Tolomeotti, the Citizens are confident that their objectives could be achieved.
As regards the signing of a third foreigner, Sciriha said the club is in no rush to sign one although this could be considered in the coming weeks or months.
Valletta coach Paul Zammit said that after building the basis for the squad, it was now time to add more quality to the squad. He said that although last season, Valletta were not the strongest squad, the hard work enabled the team to reach its objective.
"Now I feel that we ave the strongest squad. There are two or three valid squads who will challenge for honours and other teams who could offer a good challenge," said Zammit.
The Valletta coach said he is expecting each game to be a battle and the key to success is consistency which in his opinion dependendent on the talent at his disposal, his work and the committee.
Zammit said that pre-season started early in June as he wanted the team to be well-prepared for the Champions League qualifiers but fully focussed for the BOV Super Cup final. After that game, he wished to reduce the intensity of training for his players. However no less than thirteen players joined the national teams which were following a different training programme.
He said he expected a slow start for Valletta as the players are now under fatigue. The main objective is that of staying consistent throughout the season and reaching the peak towards the end of the Championship Pool.
Meanwhile president Victor Sciriha revealed that earlier this summer, he had turned down a request to invest in Italian club Messina. Sciriha said he had been approached with regards to this but refused as is fully committed to Valletta.
Messina, who played in the Serie B last season, will be playing in the Serie D as the club went bankrupt.
- The sixth year of the Mario Muscat Goalkeeper School gets under way on Wednesday 3rd September at the San Gwann Football Ground.
Once again all training will be conducted by international goalkeeper Mario Muscat and his experienced staff which includes the likes of Daniel Dengaky, Omar Borg, Matthew Camilleri, Alex Camilleri, Simon Grech and Manuel Bartolo.
With the backing of Powerade, Chevrolet, Errea, Tip-Top and Deluxe Construction Ltd, the school once again will venture new experience abroad like it did in the past.
Those seeking more info may phone 27424373 or 79620045, email muscatgk@di-ve.com or visit www.keeperschool.com
Wed 27
- Details regarding the two 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Portugal and Albania and UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier against France were given during a press conference at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali on Wednesday.
Addressing the press conference, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said this will be another busy season for the association with all national teams.
The Malta 'A' national team will be playing the first eight matches from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying round. The Malta Under-21 side plays France in the final UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier. The Under-19 and Under-17 sides will be taking part in the UEFA mini-tournaments in November and September respectively.
The Malta amateur national team will be taking part in the UEFA Regions Cup early next month while the futsal team will participate in the UEFA Futsal Championship. The women's national team will be taking part in two UEFA mini-tournaments.
Dr Mifsud said that in view of the games against Portugal and Albania, the national squad went for a short training camp in Estonia which included a friendly match which Malta lost narrowly.
As Malta prepares for this World Cup qualifying campaign, national coach Dusan Fitzel admitted that this group is much tougher than that of the EURO 2008 qualifying round. However he is still looking forward towards obtaining positive results.
Fitzel said that except for the injured Andrew Cohen and the suspended, he has the full squad at his disposal.
Captain Gilbert Agius said Malta will be definitely beginning with a difficult match. However the fact that the national team has the same group of players, their objective is that of continuing where they had left in the EURO 2008 campaign.
On behalf of the South End Core, Louis Agius said the group has been preparing for several months ahead of this game and appealed to the public to attend the game and support the national team.
Malta vs Portugal will be played at the National Stadium on Saturday September 6, kick-off at 20:00.
The game will be controlled by referee Bernie Raymond Blom from the Netherlands. He will be assisted by assistant referees Nicholas George Siebert and Sander Van Roekel and fourth official Hendrikus Sebastiaan Nijhius.
Match-ticket prices are as follows:
West A Upper and West C Upper: €25;
West A Lower and West C Lower: €12;
Millennium Stand: €8;
North Stand: €5.
Tickets for Malta vs Portugal will be available as from Thursday from:
Geraldu Kiosk – Valletta;
Star Tourism – Bugibba;
Eros Stationery – Paceville;
Teamsport – Iklin;
MFA Health & Fitness Centre - Ta Qali;
and all Vodafone outlets
On match day, tickets will only be available from the Stadium selling points prior to kick-off depending on availability.
Meanwhile tickets for the West 'B' VIP are only available from the MFA Headquarters at €75.
Public Transport will be available from City Gate, direct to the National Stadium at Ta' Qali, starting at 18:30. Transport from the National Stadium to Valletta at the end of the match starts at around 21:45.
The gates at the National Stadium will be open to the public two hours prior to match kick-off - that is at 18:00.
Prior to the match, starting at 18.45, entertainment will be provided at the stadium with Peter Busuttil as the Master of Ceremonies and Colin Fitz as D.J.
Malta vs Portugal will be controlled by referee Kevin Blom from the Netherlands. He will be assisted by assistant referees Nicholas George Siebert and Sander Van Roekel and fourth official Hendrikus Sebastiaan Nijhius.
Malta vs Portugal will be sponsored by Banif Bank Malta.
Malta will then meet Albania on Wednesday September 10 at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana.
- The Malta Under-21 side will play the last game from Group 10 of the UEFA Under-21 Champions qualifying round against France on Friday September 5 in Boulogne-en-Mer.
Malta Under-21 coach Mark Miller, who will be quitting the Under-21 side to join Hibernians as their new coach, said this will be a very difficult game for his side considering that the French still stand a chance of qualifying. This will therefore put the Maltes under bigger pressure.
He said the team will be doing its best although the players had limited time together, playing just two matches in nine months.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud thanked Miller for the service rendered to the assocation over the past years and wished him success in his new adventure.
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud issued another stiff warning against corruption while addressing a press conference on Wednesday.
Dr Mifsud said that now that the season had started in full swing, he took the opportunty to write to member clubs and member association and also met referees and national team players to stress the importance of rooting out any elements of corruption in the game. He said whoever is aware of any case, or attempted case, of corruption, - whether they are players, officials or referees - is obliged to report the case to the association. Otherwise these individuals will be considered as accomplices.
The MFA president said the association will be doing everything possible to fight corruption in its attempt to leave the game clean. Every case will be reported to the police.
Dr Mifsud reminded that those involved in the game in some way or another - players or officials - cannot bet on local matches. He said that the mother company of Maltco Lotteries - Intralot, has just signed a cooperation agreement with FIFA’s subsidiary Early Warning System GmbH (EWS).
EWS was set up last year by FIFA in order to take all necessary measures for the early detection and prevention of the possible influencing of FIFA football matches for betting purposes.
- Fgura Tournament Qrendi vs Zebbug R. 0-3, Marsa vs Fgura U. 1-2
Due to the incumbent official matches in the KO Competitions, and whatever the outcome of the eventual replayed match between Kirkop and Qrendi, the best the latter can finish is second place due to the fact that they have lost the direct encounter with Zebbug R., the organisers and delegates agreed that Kirkop who were winning with Qrendi before the lights went out, be declared joint winners with Zebbug and Qrendi be awarded second place.
- To mark the beginning of the nursery football season, Luqa St Andrews FC youth nursery organised an Under-19 triangular tournament on Sunday 24th August.
Taking part in this tournament were the Under-19 teams from Luqa, Xghajra Tornados and Kalkara.
Luqa won the torunament winning 1-0 against Kalkara and on penalities against Xghajra after the match had ended on a 1-1 draw. The other match between Kalkara and Xghajra ended 1-0.
The Luqa FC youth nursery is proud to have top class training facilities were children will have the opportunity to make use of the recently inaugurated sports complex. The complex boasts of a synthetic pitch that includes a basketball pitch, changing rooms and bar as well as another 5 a-side synthetic pitch situated at the Luqa primary school and an eleven a side pitch.
The main goal of the Luqa St Andrews FC and Luqa St Andrews FC YN is to have a professional set up, while giving its members the best service possible in a healthy environment which promotes the good values of sport as well as to be able to
produce its own players for the senior squad.
Meanwhile the nursery is inviting all those children, (boys and girls whose age ranges from 5 to 17 years) interested in joining the nursery to either fill in the application form from the recently inaugurated sports complex at Luqa, or phone on 99868730. The same application form can be found on the club's website www.luqasafc.com, or drop us an e-mail on luqayn@gmail.com.
- Two Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off in the first match from the BOV Premier League 2008/09 between Floriana and Hamrun Spartans.
Floriana defender Owen Bugeja and Hamrun striker Gaetan Spiteri were suspended for one match and are therefore ruled out of the games against Birkirkara on Sunday and Sliema on Saturday respectively.
Meanwhile Rabat Ajax goalkeeper Jonathan Azzopardi was suspended for one match after being sent off in a tournament while Shaun D'Amato of Sta. Lucia was suspended for three matches.
- The San Gwann Youth Football Nursery is inviting applications for boys and girls born between the 1st of January 1996 and the 31st December 2003.
Applications can be collected from the San Gwann FC Ground between Monday and Friday from 18.00 till 20.00 from any committee member present at the premises.
Applications can also be collected from Ambrose General Store in Massabielle Street in San Gwann during shop hours, or alternatively it can be downloaded from the Nursery website at www.sangwannfcyfn.com
- Gudja Youth Nursery is currently receiving applications for the registration of boys & girls aged between 5 to 16 years old to join the nursery from the coming season 2008/2009.
Interested children who will be registering for the first time have to come to the Gudja Football Ground (open every day after 5.30pm) accompanied by their parent/s and have to bring with them 4 passport sized photos together with an original birth certificate.
For more information one can contact Gudja Youth Nursery by phone on 79710864, 27099800 or email us on nursery@gudjaunitedfc.com
- Senglea Nursery will be organizing its annual ‘End of Season Presentation’ for the season 2007/2008, for all its players on Thursday 28th August. Apart from rewarding Senglea Nursery’s players, this year we will also be rewarding all participants and winners of the five-week Summer Activities. These activities were open to all Senglea children and youngsters under 16 years of age and not to only to players registered with the nursery.
The presentation will be held at 19:15 in front of Senglea Nursery’s club. Minister for Education Hon. Dolores Cristina and many distinguished guests will be present for the occasion.
Following the Presentation, the evening will continue with the participation of various famous Maltese singers which will entertain our guests. Food and beverages will be offered for free to all attending children and youngsters who form part of Senglea Nursery and those who took part in the summer activities.
Tue 26
- Mosta Tournament Mosta vs Mgarr U. 1-1
- FIFA Referee Joe Attard will be controlling the UEFA Cup match between FK Austria Wien and FC Wit Georgia in Vienna on Thursday 28 August.
This match will determine the winner of the single leg tie between the two teams after the first leg match was cancelled following the recent trouble in Georgia.
During this match the away goal rule will not apply. If the result is a draw after the end of normal time, extra time will be played. If the result is still a draw kicks from the penalty mark will be taken to determine the winner.
FIFA Assistant Referees Charles Micallef and Edward Spiteri will be doing duty on the line, while referee Paul Caruana will be the Fourth Official.
Mon 25
- Premier League Tarxien R. vs Birkirkara 1-3, Sliema W. vs Valletta 1-1
- Fgura Tournament Qrendi vs Fgura U. 4-0, Kirkop U. vs Zebbug R. 5-2
- Mosta Tournament Lija A. vs Sannat L. 2-0
- Michael Mifsud was named in Coventry's starting line-up as they hosted Bristol City - the club Mifsud was on the verge of joining. The Robins won 3-0, inflicting the first defeat on the Sky Blues this season.
The Maltese international player looked lively and dangerous playing on the right-hand side of midfield. He was substituted on 73 minutes.
Coventry are joint-fifth with six points from three matches.
In Germany, Andre Schembri played for Carl Zeiss Jena as they were held in a 1-1 draw by Kickers Emden in the Bundesliga Third Division. Schembri was substitute on 62 minutes.
Jena are currently eleventh with five points from four matches.
In the Regionalliga West, SC Verl held Eintracht Trier in a goalless draw. Etienne Barbara was included as a substitute in the beginning of the second half.
Verl are currently eleventh with two points.
In Bulgaria, Daniel Bogdanovic was included as a substitute on 58 minutes in Lokomotiv Sofia's 1-0 defat at Vihren Sandaski.
Lokomotiv Sofia are currently joint-third on six points from three matches, one point behind leaders Litex Lovech and Cherno More Varna.
- A 5-a-side football tournament is going to be held on the 5th and 7th September at San Gwann artificial grounds at 19:30 onwards.
The group stages will be held on Friday 5th September whilst the Finals will be held on Sunday 7th September.
Entrance fee is €75 and the winning team will win €200 plus a trophy. There are also prizes for the runner-up.
The intention behind this tournament is to raise funds for a newly formed 6-a-side football team that will be taking part in Mosta's Oratory Winter League. This team is formed behind the concept of "Solidarity in Sports" and "Saying NO to racism".
In fact El Aguilas FC have introduced a number of African players who have obtained a refugee status, further emphasizing that in sports everyone is equal.
Any sponsors that might want to help El Aguilas FC in any way are urged to contact Team Manager Mr. Allen Lofaro on 9946 3215. All help and support will be greatly appreciated. El Aguilas F.C. are currently sponsored by Blue Print Grafix and Urban Jungle of B'Kara.
Sun 24
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Qormi 1-1, Hibernians vs Msida SJ 5-1
- Newly-promoted First Division side Rabat Ajax signed three new players - Glenn Magri, Adrian Mifsud and Edward Azzopardi.
Glenn Magri joins Rabat on loan from Naxxar Lions. The 20-year old midfielder was on loan with Msida St. Joseph last season where he also scored one goal in a 1-1 draw with Valletta.
For both Adrian Mifsud and Edward Azzopardi, this is a return to the club as both had played for Rabat earlier on.
Adrian Mifsud played for Rabat between 1995 and 2000. He then moved to Hibernians, joining Sliema in summer 2004. One year later he moved to Floriana. He spent the last five months of season 2007/08 with Hibs.
On the other hand, Edward Azzopardi is a product of the club. He made his Premier League debut in season 1994/95. In summer 1999, he moved to Valletta. He spent a five-month loan spell with Rabat in season 2000/01 and then played for Pietà Hotspurs, Qormi and last year, Birzebbuga St. Peter's.
- The first round of matches from the BOV Premier League comes to an end on Monday with the last two matches. Newly-promoted Tarxien Rainbows take on Birkirkara while Sliema Wanderers face champions Valletta.
First Division champions Tarxien Rainbows are back in the Premier League after ten years.
To make up for the gap between Premier League and First Division football, Tarxien strengthened their squad with eight new players. New signings include two experienced defenders - Pio Sciriha from Msida and Lino Galea from Birkirkara, midfielders Mark Tanti and Kevin Borg from St. Patrick and Hamrun Spartans respectively and Marsa striker Warren Chircop.
Another three important additions are the foreigners - Ivan Carapic in defence, Rodrigo Martin Cariaga in midfield and Daniel Mariano Bueno in attack.
From last season's squad, they lost Essien Mbong, Graham Bencini and Angus Buhagiar while prolific scorer Simon Shead moved to Pietà Hotspurs on loan.
The Rainbows are keeping their feet to the ground with their main objective being that of giving their opponents a hard time and even spring surprises.
After finishing last season on a high, winning the U*BET FA Trophy, Birkirkara continued where they had left, claiming the Euro Challenge Cup in July. However they lost to Valletta in the BOV Super Cup.
This summer, the Stripes signed just two players - Floriana's Angus Buhagiar and Trevor Cilia. However they are yet to sign a third foreigner to replace Ivory Coast striker Amed Davy Sylla.
The arrival of Sylla last January proved to be the turning point for Birkirkara last season as he played an important role in their comeback, eventually finishing their Premier League campaign in third place, on level points with Sliema.
Despite the presence of Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, Michael Galea and Angus Buhagiar, the Stripes still need a strong striker who could make the necessary difference in the team to seriously challenge for the title.
After losing a number of players in summer, for the first time in several years, Sliema Wanderers will be able to focus more than ever on club products rather than on the big-money signings as they did in the past few years.
Considering that the Sliema nursery produced some of the top local talent, unfortunately most of these players failed to get their chances in the senior team and eventually moved elsewhere in past years. Now coach Stephen Azzopardi, who starts his first full season with the Blues will definitely make it a point to give the young players in his squad more chance to shine.
Etienne Barbara moved to Germany after spending just one year with the Blues. Captain Brian Said joined Marsaxlokk while goalkeeper Murphy Akanji was released. Andre Rocha Da Silva, Orosco Anonam and Chucks Nwoko signed for Msida, Floriana and Qormi respectively.
Besides Clifton Ciantar who was on loan with Floriana, the only local signing so far was goalkeeper Simon Agius who will be fighting for the number 1 shirt together with young Henry Bonello.
The three foreigners were replaced by two so far - Serbian striker Kosta Bjedov who played in Slovakia and Australian midfielder Daniel Severino who played for a number of clubs in Europe including Piacenza in Italy and Millwall in England.
Challenging for the title could seem out of reach for the Wanderers but they definitely have what it takes to fight for a place in the UEFA Cup next season after missing out last year.
A second successive championship and the twentieth title in the history of the club is without any doubt the main objective of champions Valletta.
Although they lost their three foreigners - Frank Temile, Sebastian Monesterolo and Heiner Backhaus, the Citizens secured the services of three Malta international players and an Under-21 international - Luke Dimech, Jamie Pace, Cleavon Frendo and Edmond Agius.
As regards foreigners, they signed Cameroon Under-23 international striker Njongo Priso, who had a most impressive season with Msida last year, and have now signed Brazilian forward Marcelo Peabiru. They will probably opt to signing just two foreigners.
Without any doubt, Valletta will aim at a better start than they did last season where they had collected just eight points from the first seven matches. But although they will definitely face a stiff challenge from a number of teams, Paul Zammit's side have what it takes to win the title once again this season.
Sat 23
- Premier League Floriana vs Hamrun S. 0-0
- Newly-promoted Qormi face last season's runners-up Marsaxlokk while Hibernians meet Msida St. Joseph in a clash between two teams who played in the Relegation Pool last season.
With coach Brian Talbot at the helm for the third year running, Marsaxlokk will once again be among the teams challenging for honours.
During the close season, the Southseasiders lost key players like Jamie Pace and Cleavon Frendo but were quick to secure the services of a number of players who will definitely put the team more or less on the same level as they were last season.
Their rear-guard was strengthened with the arrival of goalkeeper Saviour Darmanin, national team vice-captain Brian Said from Sliema Wanderers and St. George's defender Clive Brincat who played for Msida St. Joseph last season. Another defender to join the club is Arnold Buttigieg of St. Patrick.
A most welcome addition in midfield is that of Floriana captain Christian Cassar and he has recently been joined by Claude Mattocks who joined the club earlier this week from Valletta.
Up front Brazilian striker Marcelo Pereira who had a most impressive season with Mqabba will link up with Julio Alcorse who will spend one year on loan with the Southseasiders after another six-month loan spell from Hibernians. Also back on loan with the club is Valletta's Mark Barbara.
Besides Pace and Frendo, other players who are no longer with the club include Reuben Gauci and Shawn Tellus - who both joined Qormi on loan and Aleksandar Madzar.
Marsaxlokk definitely have what it takes to challenge for the title especially if they are consistent throughout the season, unlike last year.
On their return among the elite of Maltese football, Qormi went through a most intensive transfer campaign in which they strengthened their squad with no less than ten players - mostly on loan from other clubs.
They signed Rennie Forace, Massimo Grima and Keith Fenech from Valletta, goalkeeper Reuben Gauci and Shawn Tellus from Marsaxlokk, Roderick Sammut from Birkirkara, Chucks Nwoko from Sliema, Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong from Hamrun Spartans and Brazilian duo Ramon Dos Santos and Josevan Alves De Silva.
On the other hand, a number of players who formed part of the squad last season like Clyde Camoin, Lee Grima, Benoir Fenech, Kurt Zammit, Mario Caruana and Joshua Galea were not retained or returned to the club from where they were on loan.
All the new local signings are players who were struggling to earn a place in the starting line-ups of their respective teams and are therefore eager to show what they are really worth in this new challenge with Qormi.
The arrival of so many new players and a series of positive results in the pre-season has without any doubt raised the expectations of Qormi supporters. The club also aims at a top-six finish but with a number of teams considered to be more or less on the same level, they have to be careful to claim as many points as early as possible in order to avoid playing in the Relegation Pool.
Following one of the most disappointing seasons in decades, Hibernians will be all out to do better this season.
The Paolites parted ways with coach Robert Gatt but as regards their squad, they only had slight changes. Edmond Agius left the club to join Valletta while foreigners Abade Narcisse Fish, Edafe Uzeh and Pablo Doffo were not retained.
So far, Hibs signed three players - Under-21 international Edward Herrera, who spent the last two years on loan with Pietà from Melita, Bulgarian defender Rumen Galabov and former Uruguay international Christian Callejas. They are yet to sign a third foreigner who is expected to be former Cameroon international midfielder Alexis Mbongo Tekumu.
As coach, Hibs will be appointing Mark Miller who however can only take over after the Malta Under-21 side plays the final qualifier against France in September. In the mean time, Edmond Lufi, who had acted as assistant coach to Robert Gatt last season, is in charge of the team.
Although the Paolites will aim at securing a place in the Championship Pool, they need to be much more consistent - hopefully with the foreigners and any other last-minute signings making the whole difference. Otherwise this could be another difficult season for the Paolites.
Like Hibernians, Msida St. Joseph played in the Relegation Pool last season and once again, the Saints' main objective for this Premier League campaign is that of avoiding relegation.
In the close season, Msida lost a number of players including Njongo Priso, Pio Sciriha and Roderick Baldacchino together with Clive Brincat and Patrick Borg who were on loan with the club last year. Brazilian striker Gilberto Dos Santos was not retained.
The Saints signed two new Brazilian players - Andre Rocha Da Silva and Marcos Aurelio who together with Pedro Dos Santos Calcado will form a Brazilian trio. Msida hope that once again the foreigners will make the whole difference as it was the case in the past few years.
However Msida managed to sign some interesting players who will definitely strengthen the squad. They signed Elliott Navarro, Chris Camilleri, Kurt Magro and Lee Grima. Navarro did quite well with Mqabba last season while Camilleri returns to the Premier League after helping Nadur win the title in Gozo. On the other hand, Magro joins the club on loan from Valletta is keen to play more regularly. Grima makes his return to the Premier League after playing with Qormi last season. They also signed goalkeeper Duane Carabott and Jacques Scerri.
The main problem for Msida last season was that they had to change two of their foreigners after just a few matches. This should not be the case this season as Pedrinho proved himself quite well last season and Andre Rocha Da Silva knows the Premier League quite well. As regards Marco Aurelio, he did quite well in the Hibs Tournament turning out to be one of the key players for the Saints.
Therefore once again the foreigners should play a very important role in the team's attempt at maintaining Premier League status for another season.
- Newly-promoted Tarxien Rainbows presented their new players during a press conference on Saturday at the club's premises in Tarxien.
After securing the First Division championship last season, the Rainbows worked hard to strengthen their squad for this season's Premier League campaign, signing no less than eight new players.
Tarxien signed defenders Pio Sciriha and Lino Galea from Msida and Birkirkara respectively, midfielders Mark Tanti and Kevin Borg from St. Patrick and Hamrun Spartans respectively and Marsa striker Warren Chircop.
They also signed three new foreigners - Montenegrin defender Ivan Carapic formerly of champions FK Buduncost Podgorica, Argentinean midfielder Rodrigo Martin Cariaga who played for Atletico Policial and Brazilian striker Daniel Mariano Bueno who played for Sigma Olomouc in the Czech Republic last season.
From last season's squad, Essien Mbong, Graham Bencini and Angus Buhagiar were not retained while Simon Shead moved to Pietà Hotspurs on loan.
Addressing the media, Tarxien Rainbows president Tony Cassar said that after being elected as president twelve years ago, his objective was that of emulating the top teams. However after the team was promoted to the Premier League in 1997, he felt that playing in the top division would be difficult unless the club had a strong foundation.
The club's complex now boasts a newly-built club house next to the training ground which consists of a nine-a-side artificial turf pitch. The club house has offices for the administration and will soon have a gymnasium as well. The nursery operates from a building next to the club house.
The Tarxien president said that the club worked hard to strengthen the squad and is confident that with the new signings, Tarxien could give any team a hard time.
He thanked team manager John Vella and coach Noel Coleiro who led the team to the Premier League last season and will now lead the team in this Premier League campaign.
Cassar concluded by appealing to club members and supporters to give their support to the team in order to give the players the courage necessary.
Coach Noel Coleiro, who starts his second season with the club, thanked the president and the committee for having faith in him to lead the team for this new adventure.
Coleiro said that last season, Tarxien were not among the favourites for promotion but they defied the odds and managed to rise to the occasion and won promotion. Now that the team is ready for the Premier League campaign, he believes the team could give any team a hard time and even spring surprises.
The Tarxien coach admitted that the club had managed to sign the players who were on his wish-list and therefore he would have no excuse should the team fail to perform.
Coleiro concluded by promising supporters that the team will play good football.
Team-manager John Vella finally thanked the sponsors - Cassar Ship Repair, MOOG, kit sponsor Errea, Dolceria Primavera and Rex Rotary.
- Dingli Swallows F.C. Youth Nursery will start receiving applications for the registration of boys & girls, aged between 5 and 16 years.
Interested children registering for the first time have to bring 4 passport-sized photos and an original birth certificate. Furthermore they have to be accompanied by at least one of the parents.
For further information one can contact the Nursery by e-mail on nursery@dingliswallows.com or on mobile 79593521.
Fri 22
- Fgura Tournament Kirkop U. vs Marsa 0-0, Zebbug R. vs Fgura U. 3-1
- The BOV Premier League 2008/09 kicks-off on Saturday with the clash between Floriana and Hamrun Spartans. Another two matches will be played on Sunday and the first round of matches will be completed with another two on Monday.
Following an excellent start and a quite disappointing finish to their Premier League campaign, Floriana went through several changes this summer.
They transferred four of the players who were considered as key players in the team - namely goalkeeper Simon Agius, Manolito Micallef, captain Christian Cassar and Trevor Cilia. Zoran Levnajic moved to Hamrun Spartans, Yala Bolasie returned to England while Darko Krsteski was released. Other players to leave the club were Angus Buhagiar who joined Birkirkara and goalkeeper Jurgen Micallef who joined Vittoriosa. Coach Danilo Doncic also left Malta and moved to Bulgaria.
The committee therefore had a major task in trying to build a strong squad this summer. They signed Dylan Zarb and Marlon Briffa, who both played for Mqabba last season. Briffa, who started his career Floriana, although he never played for the senior side was one of the best players for Mqabba last season.
Roberto Brincat - brother of Mauro Brincat, joined the club from San Gwann. Brincat had an impressive season in Division 2 and is now eager to impress in the top division. Another two young prospects who joined Floriana are Under-21 internationals Steve Bonnici of Melita and goalkeeper Glen Zammit of Gudja United. The Greens also added the experience of Nigerian-born midfielder Orosco Anonam.
As regards foreigners, they secured the services of experienced Serbian goalkeeper Dejan Maksic who used to play for CSKA Sofia and Samsunspor in Turkey. Aleksandar Madzar joined the club after spending the last eighteen months with Sliema first and Marsaxlokk later. A most important signing is that of Argentinean midfielder Pablo Doffo who was one of the most consistent foreigners in the Premier League in the past two years.
Under the guidance of new coach Zoran Popovic, the Greens' main task is that of securing a top six finish. With a number of teams, more or less on the same level, this could be even more difficult than last season but if the new players do not take too much time to link together, they should once again achieve their target.
After finishing in sixth place and reaching the final of the U*BET FA Trophy last season, the main objective of Hamrun Spartans is that of securing a place in the UEFA Cup.
They released their three foreigners - Branislav Timotic, Precious Monye and Alfred Effiong although at one point they were about to confirm the Nigerian striker. These were replaced by Floriana midfielder Zoran Levnajic and Brazilian duo Ronaldo Paulista and Alex Norona. The former is an attacking midfielder, the latter is a central defender. The Spartans have high hopes on Ronaldo Paulista being the player to make the difference.
A midfield which already boasts players like Ryan Fenech and Rupert Mangion was strengthened with Manolito Micallef who joins the club from Floriana. The Spartans also signed young striker Dylan Kokavessis from neighbours Pietà Hotspurs.
The morale is still sky-high after last season and the Hamrun supporters hope the team maintains the momentum which saw the team reach the trophy final and went so close to winning the first major honour in sixteen years. With the guidance of coach Marco Gerada, the Spartans have what it takes to challenge for a top four finish which could put the Spartans in the UEFA Cup draw next summer.
- The first edition of the Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament was launched by Mr. Alex Falzon and Mr. Jonathan Pisani during a press conference at the Corradino Sports Pavilion.
Mr. Alex Falzon announced that The Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament will kick-off on the 29th August and end on the 31st August. During this three-day event 16 teams will be competing, divided in four groups followed by a knock out stage. The tournament will be played indoors at the Sports Complex in Victoria, Gozo.
A €800 cash price will be awarded to the winning team whilst the runners up will be awarded €200 in cash. Trophies will also be awarded. Prizes will also be given to the Best Player, Top Scorer, Fair play and Best Goalkeeper. The trophies and cash prizes will be presented on Sunday to the winners by Hon. Minister for Gozo Giovanna Debono.
Mr. Jonathan Pisani, organiser explained how the Futsal game in Malta grew over the past few years with over 90 teams competing in the MFA league divided in 4 divisions and the establishment of the national Futsal team. Mr. Jonathan Pisani also stated that the national team is about to play two friendly matches against England and France. The 1st edition of the Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament will introduce this game on our sister island were five a side football is already very popular. During the three day Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament, a mini tournament for four female teams, an exhibition game amongst two nursery teams and some fun games between the quarter finals and semi finals will also be held.
The organisers are delighted with the high response from teams received. Mr. Jonathan Pisani mentioned that two of the best Gozitan teams will be participating whilst the strongest Maltese Futsal teams will be taking part, the likes of 2006-2007 1st division champions, 2007-2008 1st division runners up and trophy winners, the strongest foreign Futsal team based in Malta and a good representation from the first and second MFA divisions.
Mr. Mark Muscat from Melita Cable announced that the quarter finals, semi finals and final will be filmed by Melita Sports. Melita Sports will screen these seven games at a later stage. Melita Sports is happy to back such sports giving them exposure. The group stage draws were held whilst every team representative was presented with a free Futsal ball by the main sponsor Sportika of the event Mr. Mario Camilleri.
Finally the organising team thanked the main sponsor Sportika, Melita Sports – Media partner and all other secondary sponsors Enervit, Kristal Water, Gutenberg Press, Down Town Hotel, Calypso Hotel, Kelloggs and Gozo Sports Complex, Ministry for Gozo. Event contact number 7901 6016 or email maltafutsal@gmail.com.
- Pembroke Athleta Football Nursery last month took part in the Welsh Super Cup Tournament in Aberystwyth, Wales.
The Under-10 group obtained a number of good results, reaching the semi-final of the tournament.
On the other hand, the Under-9 group reached the final of the Super Cup tournament, registering a number of excellent results and performances. In the final, they lost to the strong Academy team Barlows.
- Vittoriosa Stars FC is accepting applications of boys between 8 and 19 years which wish to participate in the nursery.
Interested players may send an email to vittoriosafc@hotmail.com or send an sms on 79263565 or 99011731.
All the players who register with the club are going to be given a free training kit.
- Todos F.C. is one of the newcomers in this year’s futsal league. This team has been formed by a group of committed friends who after some years of playing together in one day tournaments and friendlies, decided that they needed a bigger challenge and opted to register the team to play in the official MFA Futsal League. Thus Todos F.C. was set up.
The players that make up this team are mainly ex-club players such as ex-Floriana and ex-Hamrun, who after being plagued by injury, found it difficult to hold up a place in the first squad after their recovery and thus opted for the futsal league instead.
The players, with the help of their newly appointed coach, have set up this committed team and a committee in order to help the team achieve its desired objectives and also assist in event planning. The committee members consist of Daniel Brincat, Luke Agius, Melvin Xuereb and Roderick Attard.
A lot of enthusiasm surrounds this newly formed team as the players look forward to the start of the new league season. This team is open to any new recruits who may help in strengthening the squad even further to be more competitive. Players who may be interested in a trial with Todos F.C. may contact Daniel Brincat on 99875272. The club’s official website is www.todosfc.com.
- Senglea Youth Football Nursery, will start receiving applications for the registration of boys and girls, aged between 5 and 16 years of age on Friday, 22nd August 2008.
Nursery officials will be at Senglea Nursery's Centre, everyday between 6.30pm and 9.00pm.
Children registering for the first time with our nursery, have to bring four passport-sized photos and an original government birth certificate.
All children have to be accompanied by at least one of the parents, who will have to be in possession of an ID card.
Meanwhile a lot of interest has been shown from girls to form part of a girls team in the Under 14 and Under 16 sections. However, we still need more girls to form this team. Those interested, are to apply at Senglea Football Nursery Centre or e-mail us on sengleanursery@hotmail.com.
Senglea Nursery is receiving application from girls aged 6 and over who wish to join the nursery.
Further details may be obtained from our website http://schoolnet.gov.mt/sengleanurseryfc/, by e-mail or directly from our centre, situated in Senglea's Marina.
Thu 21
- Many important world events happened in 1968. Russia invaded Czechoslovakia, Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy were assassinated, the Mexico Olympics took place, and Rod Laver beat Tony Roche in the men's Wimbledon Final. Probably less noticeable during the summer of 1968 were a small group of teenage friends who hung around the Sliema - Ghar id-Dud area and who decided to organise themselves better by forming an official club under which their passion for sports could be further expressed.
Enthusiasm was high and one of the boys even managed to obtain a quantity of T-shirts which the teams could use as kits for their matches. Already printed on the T-shirts was the trade name of a British paint, a product that the company, G&S Falzon Ltd, imported regularly at the time. That name was LUXOL.
Within a year of being formed, Luxol Sports Club was competing in the 2nd Division of the MBA (Malta Basketball Association) and had also joined the SSA (Sliema Sports Association) which at the time organised various competitive sporting events, including senior and youth football, for a number of teams that hailed from the Sliema, St. Julian's area. The Club grew and quickly established itself as an organised unit with a forward-looking mentality that still prevails to this day. In 1982, Luxol relocated their premises to the St. Andrew area and a year later joined the Malta Football Association competing under the St. Andrew's F.C. name. In 2006 the Club achieved an important landmark in their history with the inauguration of the Luxol Stadium.
To commemorate their 40th anniversary, the Directors of Luxol Sports Club are holding a get-together evening and Disco at their Club premises in Pembroke, on Saturday, 23rd August, 2008 between 8pm and midnight. Entrance is free. All past players, coaches, members and friends are invited to attend.
Club Chairman and founder member Mr Paul Falzon expressed his satisfaction at arriving at this important landmark in the Club's history, hinting that the Luxol journey will continue with the same energy and commitment of the first 40 years.
“Our mission is to instil the Club spirit in all those who share the Luxol experience, and to maintain our policy of investing in the Club's infrastructure for the benefit of our members and for the benefit of Maltese sport in general.”
Mr Falzon thanked all those who have contributed to the Club's success during the past 40 years especially fellow founder members, Joseph Falzon, John Tabone, Alfred Pace and Josen Darmanin Demajo, whose commitment, loyalty and service to the Club has been consistent to this very day.
“A special word of thanks and praise must also go to my lifelong friend and fellow Club Director, Norman Darmanin Demajo, with whom I have worked very closely during all this time, and I am looking forward to continuing with this partnership for many years to come. We have shared the same experiences and grown together in more ways than one, and I can guarantee that our energy and commitment to Luxol remains exactly the same as it was 40 years ago. We are now both fully dedicated to the Club because we both understand and live by the philosophy that ‘sport is not an option, it's a way of life!”
- Brazilian striker Marcelo Tolomeotti, known as Marcelo Peabirú, joined Valletta as their second foreigner.
The 29-year old played for Santos, Atlética do Paraná, Coritiba and Oeste in his home country.
The only foreigner so far on the books of Valletta is Cameroon Under-23 international Njongo Lobe Priso Doding.
Meanwhile Claude Mattocks joined Marsaxlokk after being released by Valletta.
Mattocks made his Premier League debut for Floriana in season 1996/97. In summer 2004, he was transferred to Sliema Wanderers. After two years with the Blues, he moved to Valletta on loan for one season. In season 2006/07, he played for Sliema once again but last year, he left the Wanderers after playing one league game.
- Newly-promoted Tarxien Rainbows secured the services of thirty-two year old defender Lino Galea from Birkirkara. The player signed a three-year contract with the club.
A product of Valletta, Galea made his Premier League debut for the Citizens in season 1992/93. In season 1997/98, he was transferred to Sliema where he spent three years and a half before moving to Birkirkara.
Tarxien had earlier signed Warren Chircop from Marsa, Pio Sciriha from Msida, Mark Tanti from St. Patrick, Kevin Borg from Hamrun and foreigners Rodrigo Martin Cariaga and Ivan Carapic.
- Sliema Wanderers will be having two new foreigners - Serbian striker Kosta Bjedov and Australian midfielder Daniel Severino.
Bjedov joins the club from MKF Kosice of Slovakia while Severino joins Sliema from Australian side Bankstown City Lions. Severino had earlier played in Italy with Piacenza, England with Millwall, Iceland with Keflavik and Sweden with Umea FC.
The Wanderers had earlier signed goalkeeper Simon Agius from Floriana on a one-year loan.
- Argentinean midfielder Pablo Doffo joined Floriana as their third foreigner after spending the last two years with Hibernians.
The Greens will have an all-new foreign line-up as they had earlier secured the services of Montenegrin striker Aleksandar Madzar and Serbian goalkeeper Dejan Maksic.
Madzar have been playing in Malta for the past eighteen months, spending one year with Sliema Wanderers and five months with Marsaxlokk. On the other hand, this will be the first experience for Maksic in Malta. Among the clubs he played for is top Bulgarian side CSKA Sofia.
Floriana had earlier signed Dylan Zarb from Valletta, Marlon Briffa from Mqabba, Roberto Brincat from Valletta and Orosco Anonam from Sliema and have now secured the services of Melita defender Steve Bonnici.
- The new season for the Mosta FC Youth Nursery will start with a meeting for all parents at the Mosta Local Council Hall on Monday 25th August at 7.00pm.
Moreover, an important coaches' meeting will be held at the Nursery premises at 9.00am and will be addressed by Head Coach John Holland and Mosta Coach Michael Molzahn.
Training starts gradually according to the following ages listed above:
Tuesday 9th September - Under 13
Wednesday 10th September - Under 12
Saturday 13th September - Under 11
Tuesday 16th September - Under 10
Saturday 20th September - Under 6, 7, 8 and 9.
Wed 20
- A number of referees will be controlling matches abroad in the coming weeks.
Referee Joe Attard will control the second leg of the UEFA Cup second round qualifier between Austria Wien and WIT Georgia due to be played in Vienna on August 28. He will be assisted by asisstnat referees Charles MIcallef and Edward Spiteri and fourth official Paul Caruana.
The UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier between Bulgaria and the Republic of Ireland in programme on September 5 in Sofia will be controlled by referee Marco Borg. He will be assisted by assistant referees Philip Agius and Alan Camilleri and fourth official Alan Mario Sant.
Referee Esther Azzopardi and asssistant referee Malcolm Mercieca will be controlling matches from a UEFA Women's Mini-Tournament next month.
- The 30th edition of the Gammari Muscat Mosta Tournament, organised by Mosta FC, gets underway next week. Taking part in this edition are Lija Athletic and Mgarr United from Division 2, Gozitan side Sannat Lions and hosts Mosta.
The tournament is the oldest club tournament in Malta and was played for the first time in 1978 with Qormi FC winning the first edition. This will be the last time the tournament will be played on hard ground. In fact, by this time next year, a new full-size artificial turf pitch will be installed in Mosta.
The tournament kicks-off on Monday 25th August with the first match between Lija Athletic and Sannat Lions and comes to an end on Monday 1st September with the game between Mosta and Sannat. All matches kick-off at 18:30.
The Mosta FC Under-19 Challenge will not be held this year but will be back next season with the participation of foreign teams.
Tue 19
- Fgura Tournament Fgura vs Kirkop U. 0-1, Qrendi vs Marsa 3-0
- The Malta national team will be facing Estonia in a friendly match at the A. Le Coq Arena in Tallinn on Wednesday as part of the team's preparation ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Malta will be playing its first two matches in a couple of weeks' time. Malta hosts Portugal at Ta' Qali on Saturday 6 and four days later, the national team meets Albania at the Qemal Stafa Stadium in Tirana.
Preparation for this campaign started with a training camp in the Estonian capital. Twenty players travelled to Estonia, including foreign-based ones Justin Haber, Michael Mifsud, Etienne Barbara and Andre Schembri.
The squad in fact includes:
goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Justin Haber (Sheffield United), Omar Borg (Birkirkara);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Marsaxlokk), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Cleaven Frendo (Valletta), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema);
forwards Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Etienne Barbara (Verl), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena).
Estonia brings back memories of Malta's first ever win in a World Cup qualifier - a 1-0 win in Tallinn thanks to a goal by Kris Laferla back in May 1993. The two teams met three times in all with the other two games being played at Ta' Qali - a goalless draw in a World Cup qualifier in 1992 and a 5-2 win for Malta in the Malta International Tournament in 2004.
The squad returns to Malta on Friday at 01:55.
- Malta Under-21 international Edward Herrera joined Hibernians from Melita.
Herrera spent the last two years on loan with Pietà Hotspurs.
Hibernians, who are set to name Mark Miller, as their new coach are yet to make a final decision regarding their foreigners. A number of players were on trial with the club over the past weeks including Bulgarian defender Rumen Galabov, former Uruguay midfielder Christian Callejas, Cameroon midfielder Alexis Mbongo and a Brazilian player.
Argentinean midfielder Pablo Doffo is expected to join Floriana after spending the last two years with the Paolites.
- Headhunters F.C. was formed 10 years ago and has been participating in the first division for the last 8 years. The club is looking to bring into the team the next generation of players.
The players interested must :
1. Be over 16 years of age but less than 24.
2. If you have been registered with an MFA 11-a-side club, you should either have a release from you have been part of.
or
3. alternatively not participated in last season's MFA competition.
4. Have taken part with another club on loan last season and are not part of the plans of the club holding your registration.
5. Must have a status of amateurs.
If you qualify and are interested we will be holding sessions two to three times a week after 8pm where parties interested are welcome to join. Please contact rgaerty@gmail.com for details.
Mon 18
- The Malta Under-21 team will be hosting Liechtenstein in a friendly match at the National Stadium on Tuesday, kick-off at 19:30.
For the Maltese youngsters, the match against Liechtenstein will give coach Mark Miller the opportunity to gauge the level of his players' physical fitness during this early part of the season, as well as experiment with his tactical options prior to the team’s next competitive engagement against France in Boulogne-en-Mer on Friday September 5 in the last UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifier.
Malta collected three points from the seven matches played so far in Group 10, the only three points coming from a 2-1 over Bosnia-Herzegovina in November.
The players selected by Miller are:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Jurgen Micallef (Vittoriosa), Glenn Zammit (Gudja);
defenders Andrei Agius, Edmond Agius (Valletta), Steve Bezzina (Valletta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Be Camilleri (Hibs), Ryan Camilleri (Pietà), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Duncan Pisani (Floriana);
midfielders Matthew Bartolo (Sliema), Warren Chircop (Tarxien), Dyson Falzon (Valletta), Dominic Mifsud (Pietà), John Mintoff (Sliema), Thomas Paris (Birkirkara), Mark Scerri (Sliema), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara);
forwards Angus Buhagiar (Birkirkara), Edward Herrera (Melita), Steve Meilak (Hamrun), Ian Zammit (Valletta), Dylan Zarb (Floriana).
Liechtenstein have already played all their matches in Group 2, ending at the bottom of the table without any points after gaining no points from the group which included the Czech Republic, Turkey, Ukraine and Armenia.
The game between Malta and France will probably be the last one for coach Mark Miller as Under-21 coach. In fact, he is expected to be appointed as coach of Hibernians in the coming weeks.
- After making his return in the Carling Cup clash against Aldershot, Michael Mifsud was once again included in the starting line-up for the Championship game away to Barnsley. Coventry won 2-1 and Mifsud was substituted three minutes from time.
Sheffield United defeated Queen's Park Rangers 3-0 but Justin Haber was not part of the squad.
In Scotland, Jonathan Holland scored the only goal for Nairn County as they defeated Forres Mechanics 1-0 in the North of Scotland Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday while on Saturday, he scored the fourth goal in a 5-0 win over Fort William away from home in the Highland League.
In Germany, Andre Schembri played the whole ninety minutes for Carl Zeiss Jena in the Third Division game away to Rot-Weiss Erfurt. Jena lost 2-1 and are now joint-seventh with four points from three matches.
Etienne Barbara's SC Verl were held in a 2-2 draw by Bayer Leverkusen II in the first game from the Regionalliga West. Barbara was included as a substitute on 55 minutes.
In Bulgaria, Daniel Bogdanovic's Lokomotiv Sofia defeated Pirin Blagoevgrad 1-0 on Sunday.
Sun 17
- Scandals Futsal suffered a narrow 3-4 defeat to St. Patrick Athletic in their third and final game from Group E of the UEFA Futsal Cup Preliminary Round at the Pasila Sport Hall in Helsinki, Finland on Sunday.
Nilton De Santana and Artur Opeldus gave St. Patrick a two-goal lead but Zeljko Anicic pulled one back for Scandals.
Early in the second half, James Ciangura levelled matters and Ismael Aboubakar Achami put the Maltese side 3-2 ahead. However in the final three minutes, St. Patrick turned defeat into victory, levelling the score with a goal by Lloyd Massey and notching the winner thanks to Artur Opeldus.
The Scandals team was made up of goalkeepers Benny Gialanze and Chris Galea and the following players: Jonathan Sammut, James Ciangura, Ran Shalom, Ismael Aboubakar Achami, Jovica Milijic, Nebojsa Mijailovic, Zeljko Anicic, Xavier Saliba, Jeanbert Gatt, John Cutajar.
In the first game on Thursday, Scandals lost 11-0 to Slovenian champions KMN Gorica while on Saturday, they lost 6-2 to hosts Golden Futsal Team.
Sat 16
- Scandals lost 6-2 to hosts Golden Futsal Team in their second game from Group E of the UEFA Futsal Cup Preliminary Round at the Pasila Sport Hall in Helsinki, Finland.
Ironically Jonathan Sammut put Scandals ahead mid-way through the first half but towards the end of the first period, Timo Lumivaara levelled matters. After the break, Teemu Terho made it 2-1 for Golden and three goals by Henrik Henriksson increased to lead to 5-1. Scandals captain Jeanbert Gatt reduced the gap but Ville Spangar made it 6-2.
- Newly-promoted Qormi FC presented their new signings during a press conference at the Portomaso Casino on Saturday. The club signed no less than ten new players, including three foreigners.
Qormi secured the services of Massimo Grima, Rennie Forace and Keith Fenech from Valletta, goalkeeper Reuben Gauci and Shawn Tellus from Marsaxlokk, Chucks Nwoko from Sliema, Roderick Sammut from Birkirkara, Nigerian striker Alfred Effiong from Hamrun Spartans and Brazilian duo Josevan Alves De Silva and Ramon Dos Santos.
Vice-president Redeno Apap said that after winning promotion, the committee, led by president Matthew Fenech, worked hard to strengthen the squad in view of the coming Premier League campaign. He said that although it will not be an easy task, Qormi will be aiming for a top six finish.
Apap said that the squad had been strengthened with no less than ten players. Players who should add the necessary experience to the squad with the main objective being that of securing the Premier League status and eventually help the club establish itself in the Premier League.
The Qormi vice-president thanked the sponsors which are supporting the club. As from this season, the main sponsor will be the Portomaso Casino and the Qormi shirts will be carrying the portomasolive.com brand. Other sponsors include Alfred Gatt Autoparts, Twilight Sound System, Browns Bar, Kia Ceed, Team Sport and Chicken Express.
Portomaso Casino general manager Gianfranco Scordato wished success to the Qormi committee and players and said the company was glad to play an important role in this new adventure for the club.
Qormi coach Jesmond Zerafa, who starts his second season with the club, said the new players who joined the club are well established in the Premier League and should therefore provide the experience necessary to the team.
"Most of these players have been struggling to gain a regular place with their clubs and therefore they have the challenge to show what they are truly worth," said the Qormi coach.
Zerafa admitted that the Premier League is a difficult competition and the first season is always the most difficult. He said that the main objective for this year is that of securing Premier League status for another season.
The fact that Qormi attracted a lot of attention during the close season due to the several new signings and the positive results in friendly matches must have added more pressure on Qormi but Zerafa believes that if the committee, technical staff and players work hand in hand and the team is consistent, their targets could be achieved.
Thu 14
- Scandals Futsal lost 11-0 to Slovenian champions KMN Gorica in the first game from Group E of the UEFA Futsal Cup Preliminary Round at the Pasila Sport Hall in Helsinki, Finland.
Gorica scored six in the first half adding another five goals after the break.
- Seventy-three teams will be taking part in the Futsal League for season 2008/09. Futsal competions will kick-off in the second week of September with the first matches from the First Division and Second Division leagues.
Eleven teams will be playing in the First Division. Sixteen teams divided into two sections of eight teams will play in the Second Division. In the Third Division, there will be two sections of eight teams while there will be three sections of ten teams each in the Fourth Division.
The proposed format for the First Division will see the competition being played in three phases. In Phase 1, all the eleven teams will play on a one-round league basis.
In Phase 2, the teams placing first to sixth in phase 1 will play in the Championship Pool while the teams placing seventh to eleventh will play in the Relegation Pool. Teams will start Phase 2 with half the points won in Phase 1. Both pools will be played on a one-round league basis.
In Phase 3, the teams placing third to sixth will take part in the Championship Play-Offs quarter-finals. The winners will face the teams placing first and second in the semi-finals.
Meanwhile taking part in the Relegation/Promotion Play-offs are the teams placing second and third in the Relegation Pool and the two runners-up of the Second Division. These four teams will take part in a mini-league with the winner playing in the First Division next season. The other three teams together with the teams ending in the bottom two places of the Relegation Pool will play in the Second Division 2009/10.
This means that for season 2009/10, there will be ten teams in the First Division.
The Second Division will consist of two sections of eight teams which will be played on a two-round basis.
The winners of each section will be promoted and will then face each other in a championship decider.
The runners-up in each section will take part in the First Division Relegation/Promotion play-offs.
The teams placing sixth in each section will play a relegation decider. The bottom two teams in each section will be relegated to the Third Division.
- Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery has opened her doors to those children aged 4 to 12 who would like to form part of this organisation for the coming season 2008/09.
For the very first time, the Nursery is also accepting applications from girls aged between 5 to 8.
For more information and details do not hesitate to visit the Nursery during week days from 17:00 to 19:30 or else phone on 21238145. One can also send an email to pietahfc@maltanet.net.
Wed 13
- As part of their preparation for their FIFA World Cup 2010 Qualifying match against Portugal on 6 September at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali, the Malta National team players will be travelling to Estonia on Thursday, where they will be spending eight days on a training camp.
Such preparation is needed as this is the initial part of the season and the players need to be physically in the best possible condition when facing strong opposition from Portugal.
National coach Dusan Fitzel is demanding that his players are fully capable of standing up to the rigours of such a match and will be making use of 20 players in Estonia, including the foreign-based ones, Justin Haber, Michael Mifsud, Etienne Barbara and Andre Schembri.
Malta meets Estonia in a friendly match in Tallinn on Wednesday 20.
The players selected by Fitzel are:
goalkeepers Mario Muscat (Hibernians), Justin Haber (Sheffield United), Omar Borg (Birkirkara);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Sliema), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Josef Mifsud (Valletta), Brian Said (Marsaxlokk), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Steve Wellman (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Bajada (Sliema), Cleaven Frendo (Valletta), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Peter Pullicino (Marsaxlokk), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema);
forwards Michael Mifsud (Coventry), Etienne Barbara (Verl), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena).
The Maltese contingent will be headed by President Dr Joe Mifsud. Accompanying the squad are national coach Dusan Fitzel, assistant coach Michal Striz, goalkeepers' coach Roger Camilleri, team doctor Dr David Attard, physiotherapist Joseph St John, masseurs Anthony Gambin and Donald Spiteri and kit manager Carmelo Gauci.
Haber, Mifsud, Barbara and Schembri will join the team in Tallinn on Sunday 17.
The teams departs from Malta on Thursday at 13:40 on flight no LH4129 to Frankfurt, and returns to Malta on Friday 22 at 01:55.
- A few days before all the national competitions are due to start, MFA President Dr Joe Mifsud, wrote to the association’s member clubs wishing them a successful campaign during season 2008-2009.
In his communication, addressed to the president and secretary of all clubs, Dr Mifsud reminded all those participating in the BOV National League, the Maltco Lotteries First Division Knock-Out Competition, the quick-Keno Second and Third Division Knock-Out Competition, the Youth League, the Women’s National League and the Futsal competitions, to do so in the best sporting spirit possible.
"All those who have a role to play, including players, club officials, referees, supporters, spectators, members of the Media and MFA representatives should seek to show reciprocal respect to uphold the name of the game," he said.
Dr Mifsud stressed that all the efforts put in by the clubs will fizzle out if there is no genuine participation by all those concerned. "Honesty and responsibility should be the guiding principles of all those who have various responsibilities in the game. No one should seek to obtain an unfair advantage through illicit practice. Corruption and abuse of banned substances not only do not help to improve the image of football but, indeed, will inflict severe harm and shame to the individual concerned, to his club and above all to the game we love so much."
The MFA President also reminded that according to regulations "all those directly involved in the game are not only obliged to steer away from corruption but are also in duty bound to report any such malpractice to the MFA as soon is this comes to their knowledge."
"At the same time regulations also prohibit players, clubs officials and referees from indulging in betting on domestic football matches, even through internet."
Dr Mifsud said that while the regulations allow the MFA the right to grant an amnesty to anyone who brings to light acts of corruption once the whole truth is revealed, whoever is found guilty of breaking these regulations, can be severely punished, including suspension for life from all football activities.
While wishing everyone a very good season, the President warned that the MFA "will do everything possible so that football in Malta will be a clean sport from all aspects. For this reason and whenever necessary, the Association will take all disciplinary action, according to the regulations, against all transgressors, even to the extent of reporting to the police every case where the laws of the country are suspected to be broken."
Dr Mifsud ended his appeal by thanking the clubs for their cooperation during the past season, while requesting them to bring all that was said in his communication to the knowledge of everyone in their clubs. In this way, the MFA will be assisted in reaching one of its objectives of protecting football from abuse and its attendant dangers.
- Brazilian striker Marcelo Tolomeotti, better known as Marcelo Peabirú, is set to join Valklletta as their second foreigner after arriving in Malta earlier this week.
The 29-year old played for Santos, Atlética do Paraná, Coritiba and Oeste in his home country.
The only foreigner so far on the books of Valletta is Cameroon Under-23 international Njongo Lobe Priso Doding.
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud made his return for Coventry in a 3-1 win over Aldershot in the first round of the Carling Cup. Mifsud played the whole ninety minutes.
Following the collapse of the £1.5 million transfer to Bristol City, manager Chris Coleman said the Maltese striker was no longer in the club's plans.
However with strikers Leon Best, Jay Tabb, Julian Gray, Leon McKenzie and Kevin Thornton all ruled out, Coleman turned to Mifsud and Robbie Simpson to flank Freddy Eastwood and Clinton Morrison in a 4-4-2 formation.
Speaking to the Coventry Telegraph on Wednesday morning, Coleman said "I have spoken to Michael and he has assured me that he is in the right mood and just wants to get back to playing football. That’s good enough for me."
Tue 12
- Fgura Tournament Marsa vs Zebbug R. 0-2, Kirkop U. vs Qrendi 2-1 abandoned to power failure
- Mtarfa Football Club Youth Nursery is accepting applications from those children that wish to register with the club for season 2008/9.
Registrations will commence from Tuesday 26th August 2008 to Friday 29th August 2008 between 18:30 and 20:00 inside the Gym of Sir Temi Zammit boys secondary school in Mtarfa.
Children registering for the first time with the nursery have to bring four passport-sized photos and an original government certificate. Children have to be accompanied with one of their parents in possession of an ID Card.
In the coming season, all training will be held on a newly installed synthetic pitch.
For further information kindly contact the following nursery administrators: Ian Sansone on 99499924 or Paul Mifsud on 79459391. Alternatively one can send an email on ian.sansone@gmail.com.
- Newly-promoted Qormi announced the signing of defender Roderick Sammut from Birkirkara.
The 24-year old defender made his Premier League debut for the Stripes in season 2001/02 but it was only in the past four years that he was playing on a more regular basis.
Qormi have already strengthened their squad with the signing of Reuben Gauci and Shawn Tellus from Marsaxlokk, Rennie Forace, Massimo Grima and Keith Fenech from Valletta, Chucks Nwoko from Sliema and Alfred Effiong from Hamrun Spartans. Effiong will be one of the club's foreigners along two Brazilian players.
Meanwhile Qormi lost 2-3 to Vittoriosa Stars in a friendly match on Tuesday.
- Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery will be opening applications for the registration of boys and girls aged between 5 and 16 years on Monday 18 August. Nursery officials will be at the Tony Bajada Centre in Alexander Street (next to the Victor Tedesco Stadium) every day between 18:30 and 20:00 as from this date.
Children registering for the first time with the nursery have to bring four passport-sized photos and an original government birth certificate. All children have to be accompanied by at least one of the parents who would have to be in possession of an ID card.
In the coming season, all categories will have the opportunity to train on the newly installed artificial turf pitch (FIFA approved 2 Star) at the Victor Tedesco Stadium. Children will now have the opportunity to train at a venue where top-level Maltese football is played. Notwithstanding the better facilities, the registration fee will be the same as last season - €117. In the case of siblings, the registration fee is of just €129 for both.
For further information, please contact the nursery on 21251483 or 79496363 or on email addresses mariodebattista@onvol.net or info@hamrunnursery.com
- Paola Hibernians Youth Nursery is receiving applications from girls, aged 8 and over, willing to join the nursery.
Details may be obtained by email on victor.a.ellul@gov.mt or by phone on 99449286.
Mon 11
- Hibernians Tournament Msida SJ vs St Patrick 4-1, Hibernians vs Pietà H. 4-1
Msida St. Joseph ended their commitments in the Hibernians Tournament with maximum points after beating St. Patrick 4-1 in the third and final match. A brace by Marcos Aurelio and goals by Paul Chimezie and Adrian Farrugia did the job for Patrick Curmi's side.
In another match, Hibernians defeated Pietà Hotspurs 4-1 to finish second.
- Fixtures for the BOV Premier League were released on Monday. Floriana vs Hamrun Spartans will kick-off this season's campaign on Saturday 23rd August at 18:00.
Two matches are in programme on Sunday 24. At 17:00, Marsaxlokk take on newly-promoted Qormi while Hibernians face Msida St. Joseph at 19:00.
The final two matches for week 1 will be played on Monday 25 with Tarxien Rainbows meeting Birkirkara at 18:00 and Sliema Wanderers facing Valletta in the second match at 20:00.
All BOV Premier League matches until October 19 will be played at the National Stadium. Then from November 15 until March 22, The Hibernians Ground and the Victor Tedesco Stadium will be used as well.
- First Division side Vittoriosa Stars signed defender Kurt Zammit.
Zammit played for Qormi last season. The Valletta player had earlier played for Tarxien Rainbows as well.
- Birkirkara FC Youth Nursery will be organizing a recruitment week, for those already enrolled and those who wish to join this season, between Tuesday 26 and Friday 29 August between 18:30 and 20:00 daily.
During this period, Nursery qualified staff coaches and administration will be available at McDonalds in Birkirkara to welcome boys and girls born between January 1st 1994 and January 1st 2004. Training sessions will commence in September. These will be held at the artificial turf pitches at the Infetti Training Grounds, B. Bontadini Street, Birkirkara.
All children enrolling with payment during the recruitment week will receive: a McDonalds Happy Meal discount voucher, a McDonalds Cap, a free ball, a discount card from Calleja Second Step Stationery and a discount card from Eurosport.
Affiliation fees are as follows:
Boys born in 2003 and 2004 - €110 - two training sessions a week;
Boys born in 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 - €125 - two training sessions a week;
Girls born between 31/12/1993 and 1/1/2000 - €125 - two training sessions a week;
Boys born in 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998 - €145 - three training sessions a week.
All players born between 1997 and 2004 must bring with them four passport size photos and an original government birth certificate.
For more details contact the nursery on 21443422. 21482232, 99468248 or nursery@birkirkarafc.com
- The Mgarr Youth Nursery will be receiving registrations from children already enrolled and those wishing to join the Nursery this season from Monday 11th August to Thursday 14th August and from Tuesday 19th August to Friday 22nd August between 19:00 and 20:30.
During these dates, the Nursery administration will be available at the Mgarr Nursery to welcome boys and girls born between 1st January 1994 and 31st December 2004. Training sessions will commence in mid-September.
The Nursery will be offering two schemes of payment: one in full payment with the registration and the other by two instalments (one with the registration and the other during the first week of February). Those choosing to pay in full with the registration, apart from benefiting from a discount on the Nursery fee, will receive a discount card from the following outlets: Il-Barri Restaurant, Shamba Fruit & Veg, JG Sports, Midway Store, Modern Butcher, Movie Trak, Madonna & MDN (San Gwann Outlet), Eclipse Stationery and Hairaholic Hair Studio. Those registrating more than one child at the Nursery will receive a further deduction on every fee paid.
All children registrating with the Nursery for the first time need to bring four passport-size photos, Public Registry Birth Certificate and a certificate of good health from the doctor.
For more details, please contact the Nursery on 21574209, 99574209 or nursery@mgarrutd.com
Sat 9
- Malta international striker Andre Schembri scored the first goal as Carl Zeiss Jena defeated Second Division side Kaiserslautern 2-1 in the first round of the German Cup.
Schembri put his team ahead ten minutes in the second half and Riemer doubled the score six minutes later. Lakic reduced the gap for Kaiserslautern on 78 minutes but they failed to restore equilibrium.
Also in Germany, Etienne Barbara scored the sixth goal for SC Verl in a 8-0 win over Blomberger SV in the first round of the Westphalia Cup. Barbara was included as a substitute in the beginning of the second half.
In England, both Justin Haber and Michael Mifsud were left out of their respective squads. Justin Haber was not included in the squad for Sheffield United's 1-0 defeat at Birmingham while Mifsud was also left out of the Coventry squad as they defeated Norwich City 2-0 at the Ricoh Arena.
In Bulgaria, Daniel Bogdanovic's Lokomotiv Sofia defeated Minyor Pernik 1-0 away from home.
Andrei Agius was included as a substitute for Rimini in the game against Savignanese in the Memorial Vincenzo Bellavista. Rimini won 4-0.
In Scotland, Jonathan Holland's Nairn County lost 2-3 to Cove Rangers in the Challenge Cup.
- Msida St. Joseph presented their new signings during an event for supporters at Villa Madama, Balzan.
New signings include Kurt Magro, Chris Camilleri, Elliott Navarro and Lee Grima. Magro is a Valletta product who joins the club on loan from Valletta. Gozitan midfielder Chris Camilleri spent last season with Nadur Youngsters but has already played Premier League football with Valletta and Pietà. Navarro, on the other hand, spent the last six months with Mqabba while Grima played for Qormi.
Other new players in squad include Jacques Scerri and goalkeeper Dwayne Carabott.
As regards foreigners, following the departure of Njongo Priso and the release of Gilberto Dos Santos, Pedro Dos Santos Calcado has been confirmed. Andre Rocha Da Silva joined the club from Sliema Wanderers while they are yet to choose their third foreigner among Brazilian striker Marcos Aurelio and Nigerian trio Lateef Tunde, Paul Chimezie and Domnic Matthias. Marcos Aurelio is the favourite to be confirmed.
- Birkirkara defender Roderick Sammut is expected to join newly-promoted Qormi.
Qormi have already strengthened their squad with the signing of Reuben Gauci and Shawn Tellus from Marsaxlokk, Rennie Forace, Massimo Grima and Keith Fenech from Valletta, Chucks Nwoko from Sliema and Alfred Effiong from Hamrun Spartans. Effiong will be one of the club's foreigners along two Brazilian players.
Sammut played for Qormi in a friendly match against Floriana at the Luxol Ground on Friday. Qormi won 2-1 thanks to goals by Alfred Effiong and Carmel Formosa.
Meanwhile Floriana have so far signed two new foreigners - Montenegrin striker Aleksandar Madzar and Serbian goalkeeper Dejan Maksic. Floriana transferred the two goalkeepers in last year's squad. Jurgen Micallef joined First Division side Vittoriosa Stars while Simon Agius joined Sliema Wanderers on a one-year loan.
Agius will be replacing Murphy Akanji whose contract with the Blues was terminated by mutual consent. Sliema will therefore have to search for three new foreigners as they had earlier released Carlos Eduardo Ventura and transferred Andre Rocha Da Silva to Msida St. Joseph.
Also searching for new foreigners are Hibernians. Besides Argentine midfiedler Pablo Doffo, they have Bulgarian defender Rumen Galabov, former Uruguay international Christian Callejas and two Nigerian players on trial.
Fri 8
- Hibernians Tournament Msida SJ vs Pietà H. 3-0, St. Patrick vs Hibernians 0-3
- Five teams will be taking part in the Fgura United FC Pre-Season Tournament which will be held once again at the Corradino Hockey Complex between August 12 and 27.
The five teams are Second Division sides Zebbug Rangers and Marsa and Third Division sides Qrendi, Kirkop United and Fgura United.
The tournament will be played on a one-round league basis.
Thu 7
- Coventry City manager Chris Coleman has hinted there may be a future at the club for striker Michael Mifsud, according to BBC Sport.
The possible transfer to Bristol City fell through last week and the Maltese international ended training with the Coventry City Academy with Coleman saying that Mifsud was no longer in the club's plans.
However Coleman told BBC Coventry & Warwickshire: "If he wants to roll his sleeves up and do his best I won't hold a grudge."
The Coventry Telegraph reported on Wednesday that the Coventry manager could have to turn to Mifsud for the first league match against Norwich on Saturday.
The report claims that with the signing of Republic of Ireland international striker Clinton Morrison yet to be concluded and with Leon Best facing a month on the injury list, options in attack have been reduced. However Morrison has now signed for the Sky Blues.
Wed 6
- Hibernians Tournament Hibernians vs Msida SJ 1-2, Pietà H. vs St. Patrick 1-1
- Malta international striker Daniel Bogdanovic ended a successful trial with Lokomotiv Sofia by signing a two-year contract with the Bulgarian side.
Bogdanovic had joined Lokomotiv a couple of weeks ago during a training camp in Holland and played the second half in a 1-0 win over Maccabi Petah Tikva from Israel. He then played the whole ninety minutes in another friendly match against German side Schalke 04. He skipped the match against Turkish side Ankaraspor but was back in Lokomotiv's last friendly match against Second Division side Sportist-Sloge, scoring the second goal in a 4-2 win. Bogdanovic played the second half.
The Bulgarian league kicks-off on Saturday and Lokomotiv are hoping to register the Maltese striker in time for the first game against newly-promoted Minyor Pernik and also for next week's UEFA Cup match against Serbian side FK Borac-Cacak.
Lokomotiv Sofia have earlier this summer appointed Serbian coach Danilo Doncic as first assistant coach to head coach Dragan Okuka and it was on a request by the former Floriana coach that Bogdanovic joined them for a trial.
This will be the second Bulgarian club for which Bogdanovic played after playing for Cherno More Varna in season 2002/03. He would also be the second Maltese player to play for the club after Stefan Giglio spent a season on loan with the club. Danilo Doncic had also played for the club when he left Valletta in 1997.
Last season, Daniel Bogdanovic played for Italian Serie C2 side Cisco Roma where he scored four goals in sixteen league matches.
- Malta climbed three places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for August and is now 131st. Among the other European countries, Malta is still 47th.
The national team was not in action over the past couple of months and will only play its next game against Estonia on August 20th. In September, Malta hosts Portugal and then travels to Albania for the first two games from the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Among the other European countries, just ahead of Malta is Armenia (94, up 2), Iceland (97, up 1), Albania (101, down 1), Austria (103, up 2), Estonia (121, down 1), Kazakhstan (125, down 1), Liechtenstein (128, up 1). Lying behind Malta is Azerbaijan (138, up 1), Montenegro (143, up 3), Luxembourg (152), Andorra (182, up 1), Faroe Islands (196, down 1) and San Marino (200, down 1).
- Football enthusiasts in Gozo had something to look forward to during the month of July, a month in which football is at a standstill. This is because for the 11th successive year, S.K. Victoria Wanderers organized another edition of the 5-a-side indoor soccer tournament, the only one of its kind in Gozo, at the Gozo Sports Complex.
This year’s edition had an important change in the format of the tournament. After the group stages, all teams progressed to the knock-out phase, with first and second placed teams going to Division One whilst third and fourth ones were placed in Division Two. This was done to give an opportunity to win even to the lesser teams. This change in format was well received by the teams, with a total of 16 teams participating, with a total of 38 games being played.
Both Division One and the Division Two finals were held on 28th July and were tightly contested. In the first final between teams from Division Two, New Team Boys defeated Ninu’s Boys 4-3. In the Division One final, Victoria Red Stars had the better of La Grotta 5-3 and were crowned champions for the second consecutive season.
Division One champions won the prize of €400 while Division Two champions won €200. All finalists were awarded a trophy and a commemorating medal. Additionally, individual honours were awarded to players from both divisions. Top scorer Joseph Portelli (Victoria R.S.), best player Alex Tramboo (Victoria R.S.) and most promising player Dylan Mercieca (La Grotta) claimed the Division One awards, while the winners of Division Two were top scorer Daniel Pace (New Team), best player Justin Falzon (New Team) and most promising player Angelo Brigiones (Ninu’s Boys).
This edition of the tournament was also marked by the introduction of a new technical sponsor: The BodyForge, Gozo’s Biggest Fitness Arena (www.bfgozo.com). As part of the sponsorship, The BodyForge awarded all players of both winning teams a free month of gym membership as well as substantial membership discounts to every player participating in the tournament. This offer will give these footballers a great opportunity to better their game by focusing on sports conditioning. In fact, these players will now have access to a complete range of the latest, custom-designed cardiovascular, plate loaded, and selectorized equipment, as well as a vast range of free weight equipment, comprising the biggest fitness facility in Gozo, all under one roof. Furthermore, they can even make use of the personal training facilities available to design a completely individual, custom made program intended to condition them into top form to improve their game. Another great plus is that all members will also have access to BodyCurves, the first health café in Malta and Gozo, where they will have superior nutrition in the form of the finest supplements and actual meals, right at their fingertips. More information can be obtained by emailing The BodyForge at info@bfgozo.com.
The S.K. Victoria Wanderers committee would like to congratulate all the winners and thank all the participants. Special thanks go to the main sponsor HSBC, technical sponsor BodyForge, Bellusa Daughters, Farsons, Ministry for Gozo and the staff of the Gozo Sports Complex.
Tue 5
- To mark Luxol SC's 40th anniversary St. Andrews FC will be organising a Youth International Tournament at the Luxol Ground between August 24 and 26.
Taking part in the tournament besides Luxol St. Andrews are Hamrun Spartans and two foreign teams - St. Andrews (UK) and Adrossan W.
The scheduled of matches is as follows:
24 August - 18:30 Luxol St. Andrews vs Hamrun; 20:30 St. Andrews UK vs Adrossan W.
25 August - 18:30 St. Andrews U.K. vs Hamrun; 20:30 Adrossan W. vs Luxol St. Andrews
26 August - 18:30 Hamrun vs Adrossan W.; 20:30 Luxol St. Andrews vs St. Andrews UK
The tournament is sponsored By Pembroke Local Council.
Mon 4
- The new artificial turf pitch and new floodlights at the Victor Tedesco Stadium were inaugurated on Monday by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud and Hamrun Spartans president Gaetano Cuschieri.
The artificial turf is of FIFA 2-star standard and could therefore host even matches from UEFA tournaments. The pitch is 105 metres long and 64.4 metres wide and was installed by Three Eight Nine Ltd - OmniTurf. Besides the club's investment, the project has been supported financially by the Malta Football Association and by the government through the Good Causes Fund.
Addressing the distinguished guests, Hamrun Spartans president Gaetano Cuschieri spoke about the stadium's history, mentioning those persons who in one way or another played an important role in the building of the stadium in 1996 and those who involved in this project to upgrade the stadium with an artificial turf pitch and new floodlighting.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud and Minister for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Dolores Cristina also delivered short speeches on this occasion. Dr Mifsud spoke about how the association is working hard in order to support clubs in upgrading their facilities while Ms Cristina spoke about the government's commitment in supporting sports.
A memento was presented to Ms Patricia Calabretta, on behalf of her father Victor Tedesco while certificates were presented to Dun Anton Portelli and John Buttigieg as two of the shareholders of this project.
Dr Mifsud and Mr Cuschieri unveiled a commemorative plaque and the project was blessed by Hamrun parish priest Dun Pawl Fenech.
Meanwhile Hamrun Spartans and Marsaxlokk were the first two teams to use the new pitch when they faced each other in a friendly match. The Spartans won 1-0, courtesy of a Ryan Fenech goal.
- Goalkeeper Justin Haber made his first appearance for Sheffield United when he was included as a second-half substitute in the friendly match against Alfreton on Friday. The game ended in a 2-2 draw with Haber suffering one of the goals.
In Germany, Andre Schembri was included as a substitute in the 3-2 win over FC Erzgebirge Aue. Schembri replaced Felix Holznet after just 33 mintues. He played an important role in the team's comeback as they turned defeat into victory after they were trailing 0-2.
In Italy, Malta Under-21 defender Andrei Agius, who is currently on trial with Serie B side Rimini, was included as a substitute in the beginning of the second half in the friendly game against Padova on Wednesday. The latter won 1-0.
The league in Portugal is yet to kick-off but Malta international striker Udo Nwoko is still doing light training with Leixoes as he is recovering from an injury. Leixoes play their first league game against Braga on August 17.
Michael Mifsud, on the other hand, is currently training with the youth players from the Coventry City Academy after being told by manager Chris Coleman that he is no longer in the club's plans for the coming season.
- After the great experience with its younger age groups that played in Venezia last Easter, Pieta Hotspurs Youth Nursery has participated successfully in this year's Summer Manchester Cup 2008 that was held between the 27th July and 2nd of August. Our nursery participated with 5 teams: two under 9 teams, under 10 team, under 11 and under 13.
One of the Under-9s team won the Challenge Cup after beating Clayton Villa 4-0 in the final while the other team came second in the Cup Final against Urmston Town. The Under-10 side lost the Cup semifinal on penalties, the Under-11 team won the Cup after beating Wythenshawe Town 6-0 in the final while the Under-13 side lost the Cup final on penalties after finishing the game 0-0 with Moston Brook.
Various clubs and schools from different countries participated in this tournament namely: England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
A contingent of over 90 players, coaches and parents visited Manchester. Club Secretary Mr. Frankie Ciantar, Head Coach Mr. Godfrey Grima, Kit Manager Mr. Damian Saliba together with Mr. Jesmond Sultana, Mr. Mark Vella, Mr. Simon Cassar, Mr. Giles Lanzon and Mr. Jesmond Delia accompanied the teams. It was a wonderful experience for the players as they met other players from other countries who play different styles of football.
They had the chance to visit some interesting places, such as the City of Manchester Stadium, Old Trafford and Alton Towers Fun Park.
Sun 3
- Ta' Zirbi United have won the Coca-Cola Zero Beach Soccer Tour 2008 after beating Dry Zone in the final match with the score of 3-2 on penalties.
The match was very intense and the players showed a lot of skill and agility. Within a beach lifestyle atmosphere, those present assisted to an entertaining style of play, with players forced to improvise with moments of spectacular individual flair.
After two goal-less sessions, the Zirbis went ahead from a penalty kick scored by Aldrin Muscat after an infringement of play (Play Hot) between the Dry Zone goalkeeper an a defender left the referee with no other option apart from that of awarding a penalty kick to Ta' Zirbi United.
Dry Zone had a good come back and this was futile to them as an other penalty was whistled this time in their favour, from which they equalized with Jason Attard beating Jonathan Azzopardi from the spot.
The match ended in a 1-1 draw and 3 minutes of extra time were given. No other goal was scored and the issue had to be decided from the penalty spot. Both teams had three opportunities each, with Ta' Zirbi United scoring twice and Dry Zone once. At the end of the penalty shoot-out the Ta' Zirbi United players and supporters cheered for the success whilst the opponents showed disappointment for losing in such way and for missing on the opportunity to represent Malta in an international Beach Soccer Tour to be held in Spain in September.
Earlier during the afternoon and from the ladies' category, Birkirkara defeated the Golden Girls by 6-1 and were crowned champions in their respective category. With such result, the Birkirkara girls managed to end their commitments unbeaten.
The programme also featured the Masters' Match, which included various ex-national team players and current technical staff from the Ta' Qali Technical Centre namely Dusan Fitzel, Michael Stritz, Pierre Brincat, Mark Marlow and Charles Sciberras.
The Tour ended with the presentaton of Awards, awarded as follows and speeches from Davinia Pule (GSD representative), Bertie Muscat (KMS Vice-Chairman), Robert Cutajar (Mellieha Mayor) and Mark Marlow and Bjorn Vassallo from MBA Sports World.
Male Category Awards
Winners: Ta' Zirbi United
Runners-Up: Dry Zone
Third Place: Oasis Melita Boys
Fair Play Award: Betfair
Best Player Award: Rashid Salem Nagim - Ta' Zirbi United
Best Goalkeeper: Roderick Camilleri - Dry Zone
Best Veteran Player: Emmanuel Vella - Beach Warriors
Top Scorer Award: Aldrin Muscat - 12 goals - Ta' Zirbi United
Female Category Awards
Winners: Birkirkara
Runners-Up: Golden Girls
Third Place: Naughty Dolphins
Best Player Award: Rachel Cuschieri - Birkirkara
Best Goalkeeper Award: Michelle Zahra - Birkirkara
Top Scorer Award: Eleonora Agliano - 10 goals - Birkirkara
Apart from Beach Soccer the tour also featured Beach Handball, played on two days, the tournament offered a good level of play. The nine participating teams encourage the Malta Hanball Association to continue promoting this sport both during the winter season and now with the help of the Tour also during the summer season. It is of great pleasure to note that three other national associations have already showed their interest to participate in next year's edition of the Tour. The 3 new sports disciplines are rugby, basketball and volleyball.
MBA Sports World, the organisers of this year's edition of the Tour, would like to thank the Malta Sports Council and the Mellieha Local Council for their contribution in the event, the General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd. as main sponsors of the Tour and all other sponsors and media partners that participated during the three weeks of activities.
MBA Sports World looks forward to offer you another great Summer Tour during the hot months next year.
Sat 2
- The Coca-Cola Beach Soccer Tour 2008 comes to an end with the finals of both the men's and ladies' categories.
Dry Zone and Ta' Zirbi United will be contesting the final after they emerged winners in the two semi-finals. The final kicks-off at 19:00.
On Saturday, in the first semi-final, Dry Zone were determined winners after their opponents White Eagles abandoned the pitch during the dying minutes of the match due to a controversial decision taken by the referee. The result at the time was 2-1 in favour of Dry Zone and therefore the result stands and Dry Zone made it to the final.
During the second match, Ta' Zirbi United defeated Oasis Melita Boys with a comfortable score of 5-2 and once again they managed to reach the final. Due to the mishap following the first match, Oasis Melita Boys were awarded the 3rd place in the males' category.
Before the men's final, there will be the final match from the ladies' category between Birkirkara and Golden Girls, kick-off at 18:00.
- The MFA Technical Centre will be organising a UEFA ‘C’ Diploma Course at Ta’ Qali Technical Centre.
The course will be run in three phases, from the 16th to the 21st September, the 17th to the 19th October and the 1st to the 3rd November 2008.
Each participant will be required to prepare a two-week training log book over six sessions which will have to be presented on the first day of the course.
Application forms are available from the Technical Centre, National Stadium, Ta’ Qali, during office hours.
Prospective applicants are reminded that the closing date for applications will be on Tuesday 9th September 2008.
A passport-size photo, a CYF certificate and a letter of recommendation by the applicant’s club are also required.
Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis as the number of participants will be limited.
- Another edition of the Hibernians Tournament kicks-off on Wednesday at the Hibernians Ground, Corradino.
Taking part in this edition are Premier League sides Hibernians and Msida St. Joseph and First Division sides Pietà Hotspurs and St. Patrick.
- Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery have just ended their commitments at the Manchester International Summer Cup 2008 and will be returning to Malta with one cup and two finalists cups. This is a great achievement when one considers that all three categories taking part - the Under 10s, Under 12s and the Under 14s - managed to reach three finals.
The Under 14 team managed to make all Malta proud and won the Cup after beating Brandon Bees in the final. The boys will be proudly displaying the trophy won during the inauguration of the new pitch at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Monday.
The Under 10 category reached the final and, on their way, they managed to win all the seven matches they had played. In the final, they lost to FC Hyde. On their part, the Under 12s managed to win 4 matches and losing only one on their way to the finals. In the final, they lost by a single goal, which came from a penalty, against CMB, against whom they had won earlier in the competition.
The contingent of 44 players, 8 officials and 33 parents found time to visit Old Trafford and the City of Manchester Stadium during their free time. The whole week was indeed a wonderful experience for all those involved. Sponsors for the trip were MySmoothie, a 100% fruit drink with no added sugars, additives or preservatives.
- Senglea Athletic Youth Nursery is currently organising a series of Summer activities for all children in Senglea.
The objective was that of providing kids the opportunity to enjoy themselves in summer in activities which are of benefit for them, physically and mentally.
Activities include ball-juggling, crossbar challenge, scoring from opposite side, sprints, draughts, chess, mastermind, football Playstation tournament, basketball shoot-outs and swimming - freestyle, backstroke, lilo race and board race.
These activities are being offered for free and there were over fifty applicants. All participants will receive a medal while the winner will be presented with a trophy.
Meanwhile the Senglea Nursery committee for season 2008/2009 will be made up of:
president Stephen Spiteri, vice-president Victor Zarb, secretary Mario Fenech, treasurer Paul Buttigieg and members Joe Caruana, Rita Abela and Rachel Genovese.
- The MFA Technical Centre announced for the coaching courses, instructional meetings and seminar which will be held this season.
UEFA 'C' Diploma Course: 1st Phase 16th to 21st September 2008; 2nd Phase - 17th to 19th October 2008; 3rd Phase - 1st to 3rd November 2008
CYF Coaching Young Footballers: 8th and 9th November 2008
CYF Coaching Young Footballers: 17th and 18th January 2009
Goalkeepers’ Course: 7th and 8th March 2009
UEFA 'B' Diploma Course: 1st Phase - 18th to 26th April 2009; 2nd Phase - 11th to 17th May 2009
Instructional meetings: YDD and UEFA 'C' Diploma coaches - 10th November 2008 and 12th January 2009
Seminar: Saturday 14th March 2009 at 08:30.
All Instructional Meetings will commence at 17:30.
The Instructional Meeting held on the 12th May 2008 will count as the first meeting for Season 2008/2009.
No reminders will be sent personally but press releases will appear in the local media some time before the meeting/seminar takes place. Each coach is expected to attend for at least one Seminar and two Instructional Meetings to have his/her licence renewed the following season.
Fri 1
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud is no longer in Coventry City's plans according to manager Chris Coleman.
Speaking to the Coventry Telegraph, Chris Coleman has spoken of his irritation at the collapse of the Michael Mifsud deal with Bristol City.
"It is a shame because Michael stated very clearly that he didn't want to play for Coventry City any longer and felt his career would progress elsewhere. I was disappointed that he wanted to leave because he's a capable player, but he's his own man."
"Bristol came in and the two clubs agreed but he couldn't agree. Gary Johnson has been quite vocal about that and I can't say I blame him because I obviously know what went on and I am not very happy about it myself. "
"It's up to Michael and the people who work for him, but I only want players who want to play for Coventry City, who want to come along for the ride, fit in with what I want and do their best for the club. I don't care how good a player is - if he doesn't want to play for the club then the team is going to suffer for that. "
"So he is still a Coventry City player and we are still paying his wages - but he's not part of our squad."
- Seven Hajduk Split fans were arraigned in court following the incidents at the National Stadium during the UEFA Cup match between Birkirkara and Hajduk Split.
The men pleaded guilty to assaulting, threatening and slightly injuring police officials, using flares in a public place without a licence issued by the police commissioner, breaching the public peace, disobeying police orders and attempting to use force against police officers and publicly instigating other people to commit a crime and forming a group of people with the intent of committing a crime.
Magistrate Antonio Mizzi handed down a one-year jail term suspended for three years and informed them that, with the exception of one of the fans who hails from Austria, they were being deported and banned from entering Malta again.
- The Annual General Meeting of the GFA held on 28 July 2008 approved the new appointments for its officials.
Joe Bajada, who held the post of PRO of the association for a number of years, was appointed the post of General Secretary. Mr. Bajada is filling the post vacated by Alvin Grech who was elected as President in June following the resignation of Joe Cordina. Mr. Grech had occupies the post of general secretary for the past four years. Joe Bajada will be the 23rd person to occupy the post of General Secretary of the GFA.
Another new appointment was that of George Cini as the Treasurer of the GFA. Mr. Cini, who occupied varius post in different boards of the association in the past years, is filling the post of Anton Camilleri. Mr. Camilleri was the treasurer of the association for the past five years.
The annual general meeting approved a proposal so that the GFA will have three vice-presidents. Following the approval of the amendment, the GFA council elected Anton Camilleri as one of the vice-presidents of the association, and confirmed Charles Calleja and Joe Camilleri for another term in the post of vice-president.
Ms. Yvonne Camilleri is filling the post of Assistant Secretary to help Joe Bajada, while Frankie Grech will be the Assistant Treasurer of the association to help George Cini.
Carmel Attard and Charlie Farrugia were elected as neutral members of the association. The latter was also confirmed as Manager for the facilities of the GFA.
The Executive Committee of the association will include also a representative of the teams from the two divisions of the association. Nadur Joe Camilleri will be representing the teams forming the first division while Emmanuel Cini, of Oratory Youths, will be representing the teams of the second division.
All the posts appointed in the annual general meeting are for a term of three years, following the approval of a proposal to amend the previous regulations.
Meanwhile the officials of the Gozo Football Association recently had a meeting with the Leader of the Malta Labour Party Dr. Joseph Muscat. The GFA delegation was led by the president Mr. Alvin Grech, who was accompanied by Mr. Anton Camilleri, one of the vice-presidents, Mr. Joe Bajada, general secretary and Mr. George Cini the treasurer of the association. This was the first official activity for Joe Bajada and George Cini as officials of the GFA. For the meeting, the MLP Leader was assisted by the two Labour representatives in Parliament Dr. Anton Refalo and Dr. Justine Caruana, together with Dr. Muscat’s personal assistant David Borg.
The meeting, which was cordial, focused around various aspects of the Gozitan association such as the projects which are being prepared by the GFA especially with regards to the improvement and upgrading of the facilities at the Gozo Stadium. During the meeting the parties exchanged their views and ideas for the benefit of football in Gozo.
- The Coca-Cola Beach Soccer Tour 2008 comes to an end this weekend with the final matches from the competition.
The four quarter-finals were held on Friday. In the first game, Group C runners-up White Eagles defeated Group D winners Aluserv Boys 4-1. Oasis Melita - runners-up in Group D, beat Group C winners Outsiders 3-2.
Group A winners Ta' Zirbi United defeated Group B runners-up Muppets 5-4 on penalties while the winners of Group B Dry Zone beat Group A runners-up Export Lions 4-2.