February 2009
Sat 28
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Msida SJ 2-1, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 3-2
- First Division Mqabba vs Mosta 1-1, Rabat A. vs St. Patrick 2-1
- Second Division Sta. Venera L. vs Balzan Y. 0-3, Birzebbuga SP vs St. Andrews 0-1
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Xaghra U. 1-1
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Sannat L. 0-2
- Second Division side Mgarr United announced that they had accepted the resignation of senior and youths coach Joe Grech in an amicable agreement after he had tendered his resignation earlier this week.
In a statement, the club said that Joe Grech was Mgarr United's most successful coach ever, having led the team to promotion from the Third to the Second Division in 2007, remaining unbeaten all the way, and then the following year, helping the team retain Second Division status for the first time ever in the club's history. Grech also managed to achieve three promotions for the Youth team in 3 years - from Section D to Section A - and in between winning two Knock Out Finals in 2006 and 2008.
"The committee of Mgarr United Football Club would like to thank Joe Grech for the great time he gave to our club. A true gentlemen that always kept the club’s best interest first and foremost. The committee wishes Joe Grech the best of luck in his personal and sportive life," concludes the statement.
Fri 27
- Third Division Section A Gudja U. vs Ghaxaq 2-2, Gharghur vs Fgura U. 2-1
Fri 27
- Qormi Youth Nursery will be holding the eighth edition of the Tumas Fenech Memorial tournament in memory of former Qormi FC president Tumas Fenech, who was also instrumental in the setting-up of the Qormi Youth Nursery.
Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Qormi Youth Nursery co-ordinator Edward Micallef announced that the tournament will be open to children from the Under-7 category to children in the Under-13 category. Fifteen youth nurseries accepted the invitation to take part in the tournament which will be held over three weeks at the Qormi FC training grounds.
A total of 44 teams and 560 young players will be taking part. Micallef thanked the Fenech family and Tumas Group for their support throughout the years.
Qormi Youth Nursery President Victor Camilleri thanked the nurseries which will be taking part. He said this football festival gives children from the Qormi nursery the opportunity to gain more experience while playing against children from other nurseries.
Qormi FC president Matthew Fenech thanked the committee of the Qormi FC youth nursery for holding once again the Tumas Fenech Memorial. He said the Qormi FC committee has taken a more professional approach over the past months, taking a number of new initiatives and is planning to strenghten the nursery. Mr Fenech finally launched an appeal to Qormi fans to support the committee, the team and the nursery.
The Tumas Fenech Memorial will be played on the following days:
28th February: Under-7 and Under-8 (5-a-side)
1st March: Under-9 (7-a-side)
7th March: Under-11 (7-a-side)
8th March: Under-10 (7-a-side)
15th March: Under-12 (9-a-side)
19th March: Under-13 (9-a-side)
Wed 25
- The Executive Committee of the Malta Football Association decided to hold the replay of the BOV First Division match between Vittoriosa Stars and St. George's on Wednesday 4th March at the Hibernians Ground, kick-off at 18:30.
Following a protest by St. George's over the game which was originally played on December 27, the MFA Protests Board declared the game null and ordered a replay.
The December 27 match ended in a 3-2 win for Vittoriosa. However following allegations of bribery, two St. George's players - Andrea Gatt and Lawrence Mizzi and Vittoriosa Stars vice-president Manwel Ancilleri were arraigned in court. Gatt and Mizzi both pleaded guilty while Ancilleri's case is still in court.
In January, the Malta Football Association referred the case to the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices which is still investigating the case and is therefore yet to hand its judgement. In the mean time, Gatt, Mizzi and Ancilleri were suspended temporarily.
- Malta will be hosting a UEFA Women's Mini-Tournament between the 5th and 10th June. Taking part in the tournament, besides Malta, will be Bulgaria, Latvia and Luxembourg.
The women's national team took part in three similar tournaments over the past eighteen months. These tournaments were held in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Estonia and Macedonia respectively.
Malta will host Bulgaria on Friday June 5, Latvia on Sunday June 7 and Luxembourg on Wednesday June 10.
This tournament will be another important test for the team led by Pierre Brincat and his assistant Mark Gatt ahead of the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers - the draws for which will be held on March 17.
The 41 qualifying entrants will be drawn into eight groups, one of six teams and the others with five. There are five seeding pots, based on results in 2007 World Cup and UEFA Women's EURO 2009 qualifying, all containing eight teams except for the fifth, Pot E, which has nine and will provide two nations for Group 1.
Malta was placed in Pot E along Croatia, Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Estonia, F.Y.R. Macedonia, Georgia. This will be the first time that Armenia, Azerbaijan and F.Y.R. Macedonia will be taking part in the World Cup qualfiers.
Fixtures in the qualifying group stage are scheduled to run from 19/20 September 2009 until 25 August 2010, when the eight first-placed teams will go into the play-off draw.
- Four players will be missing the last round of matches from the first phase of the BOV Premier League after being handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner.
The players are Floriana defender Julian Briffa, Valletta midfielder Edmond Agius and Qormi duo Anatole Debono and Massimo Grima.
Briffa is ruled out of the game Tarxien vs Floriana on Saturday, Agius will be missing the game against Hamrun on Monday while Debono and Grima will be unavailable for the game against Sliema on Sunday.
Msida St. Joseph official Martin Micallef was banned for ten matches.
In Division 1, Roderick Briffa (St. Patrick) and Keith Darmanin (Vittoriosa) was suspended for one match.
Aaron Agius and Ivan Zammit (both Balzan), William Borg (Mellieha), William Camilleri (Mgarr) and Andy Bartolo (Naxxar) were banned for one match in Division 2 while Balzan official Peter Cipriott was suspended for two matches. Mark Aquilina (Siggiewi) was suspended for one match in Division 3.
In the Youth League, Jude Bugeja (Attard), Alan Cutajar (Gudja), Mauro Busuttil (Hamrun), Justin Pace (Marsaxlokk), Glenn J. Vella (Mellieha), Clint Farrugia (Qormi), Andrew Camilleri Kamsky (St. Andrews), Iro Curmi (St. George's) were banned for one match, Mellieha coach Kevin Gambin for two matches and Attard kit-manager Eddie Catania for eight matches.
- Senglea Athletic Youth Nursery held a football tournament in aid of the Hospice Movement last week.
This tournament was open to all nurseries around Malta after an invitation was sent to all nurseries where they were cordially invited to take part and informed that all funds raised from the tournament were going to the Hospice Movement - the organisation which helps cancer patients, which also plans to open a small hospital for these patients.
Unfortunately although the Senglea nursery did its very best to promote the event, the only nursery who accepted the invitation was the Dingli Swallows Youth Nursery. However the Senglea Nursery committee still managed to carry on with its plans and raised a good sum of money through this one-day tournament. All participants received a commemorative medal.
The sum of €600 was collected and was then presented to the Chairman of the Hospice Movement, Dr. Vincent Zammit.
Senglea Nursery would like to thank all those who participated in this tournament and managed to make this event a success.
- The MFA will be organising another instructional meeting at the Centenary Hall on Monday 2nd March 2009 for holders of UEFA ‘A’, UEFA ‘B’ and ‘A’ and ‘B’ Licence Coaches.
This meeting, planned to be a theoretical session, will start at 17. 30 hrs and all coaches are kindly asked to be punctual.
Mon 23
- Premier League Birkirkara vs Marsaxlokk 2-3
- Third Division Section A Luqa SA vs Xghajra T. 3-1
- Third Division Section B Siggiewi vs Zejtun C. 3-0
- Pembroke Athleta Youth Nursery will be holding the annual football festival at the Pembroke Athleta Football Ground which has recently been upgraded with artificial turf.
The football festival will be held on Thursday 19th March between 08:30 and 14:00 and is open for three categories: Under-7 (born 2002), Under-10 (born 1999) and Under-13 (born 1996).
The Under-7 tournament will be played on 6-a-side basis, the Under-10 on a 7-a-side basis and the Under-13 on a 9-a-side basis. Twelve players will have to be registered for Under-7 and Under-10 teams and fourteen players for Under-13 teams.
Participation fee is €50 for one team, €90 for two teams and €130 for three teams. The closing date is 28th February. Limited number of applications can be accepted.
Football books will be given to each participating child and two officials of each team as a memento.
- Pietà Hotspurs Youth Nursery organised an Under-10 (born 1999) Carnival Festival at the Pietà Football Ground.
Taking part in the tournament were Sliema Wanderers, Mosta and Hamrun Spartans together with two teams from the Pietà nursery in order to give a chance to each player in the nursery to play.
There was no pressure of winning any trophies or medals during this fun festival and parents supported their children in a positive way. At the end of this festival, various educational material including books were distributed to all players.
On Saturday 7th March, another two festivals will be held at St. Aloysius Football Ground for the Under-11 (born 1998) and Under-12 (born 1997) categories. Hamrun Spartans, Sliema Wanderers and Paola Hibs will take part in both tournaments.
- Mdina Knights are organising a 5 a-side Futsal Tournament on the 31st of March 2009 (public holiday) at De La Salle synthetic pitches. For only €80 per team, winners take home €300 in cash, together with an Alberta package for each player.
For booking, kindly contact us on 99833983 or email us on info@mdinaknightsfc.com
Mdina Knights Futsal Tournament is powered by Alberta Group.
Sun 22
- UEFA Futsal Championship ALBANIA vs GEORGIA 0-3, MALTA vs GREECE 1-5
Malta lost 5-1 to Greece in the third match from Group C of the UEFA Futsal Championship preliminary round which was held at the Corradino Pavilion.
Christos Kolympiris put Greece ahead, Alexandros Sykaras doubled the score and goals by Sok Mourdoukoutas and Ilias Bousmpouras increased the lead to 4-0 by the end of the first half.
Xavier Saliba pulled one back for Malta in the second half but Greece scored a fifth goal thanks to Spyridon Gritzalis.
Greece reach the next stage after winning the tournament on maximum points. Georgia, who finished second after beating Albania 3-0 in their final game, also move to the qualifying round as one of the best runners-up. Albania placed third with 3 points and Malta last without any points.
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Sliema W. 0-3, Tarxien R. vs Hibernians 2-7
- First Division Senglea A. vs St. Patrick 3-0, Dingli S. vs Vittoriosa S. 2-0
- Second Division Lija A. vs Marsa 2-1, Mgarr U. vs Naxxar L. 0-3, Gozo vs Zebbug R. 0-0
- Gozo - First Division Kercem A. vs Ghajnsielem 3-4
Sat 21
- Second Division Balzan Y. vs Melita 0-0, Mellieha vs Birzebbuga SP 0-1
- Gozo - Second Division Xewkija T. vs Munxar F. 0-0, St. Lawrence S. vs Zebbug R. 7-2
- The Committee of the Mqabba FC Youth Nursery is organizing a one-day 5-a-side Football tournament on 31st March 2009 (Public Holiday) on the new synthetic pitches at the Mqabba FC Training Complex.
The following are the tournament conditions:
1. Tournament Fee €70 per team
2. Maximum of 10 players per team
3. Tournament Prizes:
- Winners: Trophy and Refund of participation fee
- Runners Up: Trophy
4. Participation memento to each participating team
Those interested in participating or know a team that may wish to participate just phone or sms on 99827767 or 79051404 or send an email to mqabbanursery@gmail.com.
Fri 20
- UEFA Futsal Championship MALTA vs ALBANIA 2-5, GEORGIA vs GREECE 0-5
Malta lost 2-5 to Albania in another match from Group C of the UEFA Futsal Championship preliminary round which is currently being held at the Corradino Pavilion.
The locals shared the exchanges with their opponents throughout the first half but just before the break Zamir Lumanaj put Albania ahead.
On the restart, the visitors scored four without reply in ten minutes - Arjan Halimi on 22 minutes, Erjon Hoxha on 27, Artan Qopekay on 29 and 30 minutes - to go five goals ahead.
Malta reduced the gap with goals by James Ciangura on 35 minutes and Xavier Saliba on 40 minutes.
- Premier League Qormi vs Hamrun S. 1-4, Floriana vs Valletta 0-1
- Third Division Section A Kalkara vs Mdina K. 0-1
- Third Division Section B Gzira U. vs Attard 2-1
Thu 19
- UEFA Futsal Championship GREECE vs ALBANIA 3-0, MALTA vs GEORGIA 1-3
Malta lost 1-3 to Georgia in the first game from Group C of the UEFA Futsal Championship preliminary round. The mini-tournament is being held at the Corradino Pavilion.
Dato Darchia gave the visitors an early lead. The locals levelled matters in the second half thanks to a goal by Darren Agius. However David Bobokhidze restored the lead for Georgia and George Sozashvili sealed the issue with a third goal.
MALTA Marvin Spiteri, Timothy Ellis, Xavier Saliba, Darren Agius, James Ciangura, Paul Bugeja, Tyron Borg, Robert Magro, JeanBert Gatt, John Cutajar, Brian Baldacchino, Rowen Muscat.
GEORGIA Levan Zakaidze, Lasha Tsnobiladze, Dato Darchia, Archil Bokeria, Avtandal Asatiani, Kakhaber Maisaia, Levan Gabuchia, David Bobokhidze, Irakli Shelegia, Kakhaber Akhaladze, George Sozashvili.
Meanwhile in another match, Greece defeated Albania 3-0. Oratios Iliadis put Greece ahead mid-way through the first half. After the break, Iliadis doubled the score and Antonios Manos scored the third goal.
The tournament continues on Friday with Malta hosting Albania and Georgia taking on Greece. The last two matches will be played on Sunday with Albania facing Georgia and Malta taking on Greece.
The winner of Group C will move on to the qualifying round where they will be playing in Group 5 together with Serbia, Belgium and F.Y.R. Macedonia. The mini-tournament will be played in Antwerp, Belgium.
- Gozo - First Division Qala SJ vs Nadur Y. 1-3
- Sliema Wanderers FC Youth Nursery will be holding the annual Carnival Tournament between February 21 and 24.
A total of thirty teams will be taking part in the different categories. Eight teams will be participating in each of the Under-11, Under-12 and Under-13 categories while six teams will take part in the Under-14 category.
UNDER-11 (born 1998)
Group 1: Sliema Wanderers, Birkirkara, Pietà Hotspurs, Floriana
Group 2: Hamrun Spartans, San Gwann, Mosta, Melita
UNDER-12 (born 1997)
Group 1: Sliema Wanderers, Hamrun Spartans, Pietà Hotspurs, Floriana
Group 2: Paola Hibs, Naxxar Lions, Melita, San Gwann
UNDER-13 (born 1996)
Group 1: Floriana, Melita, Luxol St. Andrews, Mosta
Group 2: Sliema Wanderers, Pietà Hotspurs, Paola Hibs, St. Patrick
UNDER-14 (born 1995)
Sliema Wanderers, Hamrun Spartans, Pietà Hotspurs, Floriana, Birkirkara, Tarxien Rainbows.
Wed 18
- The Malta national futsal team will be hosting Albania, Georgia and Greece in Group C of the UEFA Futsal Championship preliminary round between Thursday 19 and Sunday 22 at the Corradino Pavilion.
This will be the third adventure for the futsal team in a qualifying campaign for one of the major futsal competitions. In 2007, Malta made its international debut, taking part in the qualifying round of the UEFA Futsal Championship, suffering rather heavy defeats to Cyprus, Kazakhstan and Georgia. One year later, Malta hosted a qualifying round mini-tournament for the FIFA Futsal World Cup. The team made remarkable improvement losing 1-2 to both Greece and Albania before suffering a heavy defeat to tournament winners Slovenia in the third game.
This time, Malta aims at obtaining its first positive result considering that the standard of the three visiting teams is more or less the same as that of our team or slightly higher.
In view of this tournament, Malta played a number of friendly matches including two games against France and another two against a Sicilian selection.
Malta futsal coach Michal Striz, whose contract was extended till June, has a number of new players in squad, including two players who play 11-a-side football namely Rowen Muscat of Birkirkara and Randall Refalo of Pietà Hotspurs.
The players selected by Striz are:
goalkeepers Marvin Spiteri and Brian Baldacchino;
defenders Robert Magro, Timothy Ellis, JeanBert Gatt, James Ciangura, Elton Catania, Paul Bugeja;
forwards Tyron Borg, Rowen Muscat, Xavier Saliba, Darren Agius, John Cutajar, Randall Refalo.
On Thursday, Malta faces Georgia, kick-off at 19:00, while on Friday, Malta takes on Albania, kick-off at 17:00. The third and final match is against Greece on Sunday at 19:00.
The other matches are Greece vs Albania on Thursday at 17:00, Georgia vs Greece on Friday at 19:00 and Albania vs Georgia on Sunday at 17:00.
- The Protests Board of the Malta Football Association ordered a replay of the BOV First Division match between Vittoriosa Stars and St. George's.
The match was originally played on December 27 with Vittoriosa claiming the three points thanks to a 3-2 win. However following allegations of bribery, two St. George's players - Andrea Gatt and Lawrence Mizzi and Vittoriosa Stars vice-president Manwel Ancilleri were arraigned in court. Gatt and Mizzi both pleaded guilty while Ancilleri's case is still in court.
The Malta Football Association referred the case to the Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices which is still investigating the case. Gatt, Mizzi and Ancilleri were suspended temporarily.
St. George's had filed a protest against the result.
The new BOV First Division table is now as follows: St. Patrick 18 points, George's 16, Pietà 15, Dingli and Mosta 14, Vittoriosa 13, Mqabba 11, San Gwann 10, Rabat 4 and Senglea 1.
- Four Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after the weekend's matches.
The four players are Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Andrew Decesare and Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Tarxien) and Njongo Doding Priso (Valletta).
Kevin Sammut is ruled out of the game against Birkirkara on Monday 23. Decesare and Gatt Baldacchino will be missing the derby against Hibernians on Sunday while Priso will be missing the clash against rivals Floriana on Friday.
In Division 1, Rabat Ajax goalkeeper Jonathan Azzopardi was suspended for two matches while Emerson Amaira (St. George's) was banned for one match.
Six players were banned for one match in Division 3 namely Albert Caruana, Matthew Axiak and Clayton Xuereb (Ghaxaq), Marco Sultana (Luqa), Edward Zammit Tabona (Pembroke) and Baldassare Borg (Sta. Lucia). Pembroke official Arthur Borg was banned for four matches.
Christopher Vella (Qormi) and Jesrit Angel Camilleri (Xghajra) were banned for one match in the Youth League.
Tue 17
- The Malta Under-21 side lost 0-4 to England C in a friendly match at the Hibs Ground on Tuesday. This game was the second one in a week for Edwin Camilleri's side and formed part of the team's preparation ahead of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers which get underway next month.
The locals disappointed with the opponents' goalkeepers hardly being tested.
Paul Fairclough's side took the lead after just five minutes when a freekick was blocked by the Malta defence and off the rebound, Paul Brown scored with a fine shot which gave Nicky Vella no chance.
Eight minutes in the second half, off a Lee Tomlin freekick, Steve Borg headed the ball past Bonello for an own goal and three minutes later, the visitors scored the third goal with a beautiful try by Sean Newton off a corner from the right.
Lee Tomlin scored from close range in the dying minutes to make it 4-0.
MALTA U-21 Nicky Vella (46' Henry Bonello), Steve Borg, Owen Bugeja (46' Adrian Borg), Steve Bonnici (80' Beppe Muscat), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino, Tyrone Farrugia, John Mintoff (72' Quilin Refalo), Mark Scerri (76' Luke Agius), Warren Chircop, Dylan Kokavessis (55' Terrence Vella), Ben Camilleri.
ENGLAND C Dale Roberts (46' Steven Arnold), Shaun Densmore, Sean Newton, Michael Byron, Nicky Wroe, Martin Riley (46' Ishmael Welsh), Lee Tomlin, Lewis McMahon (46' Tom Shaw), Paul Clayton, Jason Walker (46' Scott Doe), Paul Brown (46' Adam Boyes).
Referee: Chris Lautier
- Sliema Wanderers continued to support Puttinu Cares - Children's Cancer Support Group by donating a number television sets which were installed in the Rainbow Ward at the Mater Dei Hospital.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Sliema Wanderers vice-president Nikky Dimech said that the club was committed in supporting the foundation and following a request by the latter, the club agreed to help them by donating six television sets which have already been installed in each room in the ward and another two television sets which will be installed in other children's wards. He said that these were financed by club sponsors - including Robert Arrigo and president Steve Abela together members of the committee. The players and the technical staff also played their part.
Dimech said that the club's objective was to raise more awareness about Puttinu Cares and help children while fighting these disease.
Puttinu Cares chairperson Dr Victor Calvagna said these flat-screen television sets are being used by children, not only for watching TV but also to watch DVDs and to play game consoles. This was one way of minimizing the children's discomfort while being in hospital.
Dr Calvagna concluded by thanking the committee and the sponsors for their help.
Meanwhile the Blues presented their latest two signings - Romanian defender Lucian Dronca and Italian defender Sam Siro Furfaro.
Dronca is no new face for local football having played for four years with Birkirkara, before moving to Singapore where he spent the last three-and-a-half years. On the other hand, Sam Siro Furfaro is a young Italian player - a product of AS Roma where he was the captain of the Allievi (Under-17) side.
Coach Stephen Azzopardi said that during the early part of the season, the Blues felt the need of defenders with particular characteristics and the signing of these two players has filled this gap.
Azzopardi expressed his disappointment that the team dropped important points which could have put them closer to the teams on top. However he said that Sliema's objective was that of securing a place in European competitions - no matter whether this was achieved through a top-three finish in the Premier League or through the FA Trophy.
Dronca joined the club till the end of the season while Furfaro joined the club as an amateur player and hopes to use Malta as stepping stone towards moving to a bigger club abroad in future.
Finally Sliema Futsal coach Mario Gaffiero spoke about his team's objectives as the team is playing in the Fourth Division League after entering the competition two years ago. He said that Sliema Futsal started as a team made up of Sliema supporters and former players. The team was strengthened each year and after missing out on promotion last year, they are now aiming towards achieving this at the end of this season.
Mon 16
- Premier League Valletta vs Qormi 0-0, Sliema W. vs Birkirkara 2-3
- Third Division Section A Qrendi vs Sirens 0-2
- Third Division Section B Zurrieq vs Mtarfa 1-0
- The Malta Under-21 side will be playing a second friendly match in a week as they host England C on Tuesday at the Hibs Ground, kick-off at 18:30.
In fact, after losing narrowly to Denmark last week, Under-21 coach Edwin Camilleri will be using this game as another test ahead of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers.
Malta will be playing in a tough group against France, Ukraine, Belgium and Slovenia. The Under-21 side was due to host Slovenia in a friendly match on March 31. However the two associations agreed that since the two countries were due to meet in Group 8, the March 31 fixture was changed from a friendly match into a Under-21 Championship qualifier.
Malta then plays Ukraine away from home on June 9. On September 4, Malta hosts Belgium and on October 9, they host France. Another away fixture is on November 13 against Slovenia. The remaining three fixtures will be played in 2010 - 3 March Belgium vs Malta, 29 May Malta vs Ukraine and 7 September France vs Malta.
The players selected by Camilleri and his assistant Charles Scerri are:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Nicky Vella (Valletta);
defenders Steve Bonnici (Floriana), Adrian Borg (Mosta), Steve Borg (Mosta), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Tarxien), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara);
midfielders Luke Agius (Floriana), Josef Buttigieg (Nadur), Dominic Mifsud (Pietà), John Mintoff (Sliema), Beppe Muscat (St. Patrick), Quilin Refalo (Pietà), Mark Scerri (Sliema);
forwards Ben Camilleri (Hibs), Warren Chircop (Tarxien), Dylan Kokavessis (Marsaxlokk), Terence Vella (Pietà).
England C manager Paul Fairclough named an experimental squad for this game. The 16-man squad are all new to the squad and the selection includes six players from outside the Conference National division.
Fairclough intends using this game to try previously uncapped players ahead of the final of the International Challenge Trophy against Belgium scheduled for May.
The players selected by Fairclough are:
Dale Roberts (Rushden & Diamonds), Steven Arnold (Grays Athletic), Michael Byron (Droylsden), Sean Newton (Droylsden), Martin Riley (Kidderminster Harriers), Scott Doe (Weymouth), Ben Purkiss (York City), Lewis McMahon (Gainsborough Trinity), Tom Shaw (Tamworth), Nicky Wroe (Torquay United), Lee Tomlin (Rushden & Diamonds), Lewis Haldane (Oxford United), Ishmael Welsh (Grays Athletic), Paul Clayton (Alfreton Town), Liam Hearn (Alfreton Town), Jason Walker (Barrow).
Sun 15
- Premier League Marsaxlokk vs Tarxien R. 2-1, Hamrun S. vs Msida SJ 1-0
- First Division Mqabba vs Pietà H. 2-2, San Gwann vs St. George's 0-3
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Sta. Venera L. 0-2, St. Andrews vs Mgarr U. 2-2
- Third Division Section A Pembroke A. vs Santa Lucia 1-3
- Third Division Section B Ghaxaq vs Gharghur 2-3
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Sannat L. 1-0
- Gozo - Second Division Oratory Y. vs Gharb R. 0-2
- The two BOV Premier League matches which were due to be played on Saturday but which were postponed due to the condition of the pitch at the National Stadium following the recent heavy rainfall, were now re-scheduled to Monday.
The matches will now be played as follows:
18:00 Valletta vs Qormi; 20:00 Sliema Wanderers vs Birkirkara. Both matches will be played at the National Stadium.
Sat 14
- Premier League Valletta vs Qormi and Sliema W. vs Birkirkara postponed
- First Division Vittoriosa S. vs Mosta 1-1, Rabat A. vs Dingli S. 0-4
- Second Division Birzebbuga SP vs Lija A. 0-1, Naxxar L. vs Gozo 3-1
- The first winner of the prestigious BOV Player of the Month award for the year 2009 went to Hamrun Spartans player Sylvano Comvalius. The honour was the result of his consistency and good performance in his role as one of the Spartans' key players in the attacking line.
Karl Spiteri, Manager Marketing at Bank of Valletta presented the trophy to Mr. Comvalius, who took the occasion to thank his team and team-mates, without whom he would never have achieved this award.
Comvalius' adaptability and scoring technique resulted in netting three goals in two matches against Marsaxlokk and Birkirkara during the month of January. This has provided his team with more scoring punch and a sense of optimism as they seek to salvage their status in the BOV Premier League.
While the Spartans' are hoping that the positive results of the player will continue to reap the desired effects on the team throughout the league, the player selected St Joseph's Home in Hamrun as the beneficiary of the cash donation that is awarded by the Bank in relation to the award.
- Birkirkara striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was handed a one-match ban after being sent off in the U*BET FA Trophy quarter-final against Tarxien Rainbows.
Mifsud Triganza is therefore ruled out of the semi-finals of the competition - the draws for which are yet to be held.
Meanwhile other players to be suspended on Friday include Sam Frank Bajada (Gozo), Demis Grima and Shawn Farrugia (Marsa), Matthew Borg I (Melita), Joseph Mercieca (Naxxar), Jonathan Briscoe White and Nikky Vella Petroni (St. Andrews), Donald Gatt and Marlon Vella (Zebbug) in Division 2. Zebbug coach Charles Borg Sant was banned for two matches.
In Division 3, John Schembri (Gudja), Matthew Cocks (Gzira), Shawn Vella (Kalkara), Ian Sammut (Mdina), Charles Calleja (Mtarfa), Antoine Muscat and Lizio Grech (Xghajra) and Jason Saliba (Zurrieq) were suspended for one match.
In the Youth League, Clyde Borg and Mauro Grioli (Floriana), Matthew Aquilina (Kirkop), Franklin Sultana (Luqa), Christian Bugeja (Marsaxlokk), Ishmael Cutajar (Mosta), Phiram Sakchai (Msida), Jonathan Agius and Jonathan Bilocca (Naxxar), Neil Farrugia (Rabat), Raymond Attard (Sliema) and Daniel Schiavone (Xghajra) were banned for one match. Fabian Baldacchino (Marsaxlokk) was suspended for two matches while Marsaxlokk coach Louis Cutajar was suspended for four matches.
Fri 13
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Luqa SA 2-1
- Third Division Section B Zejtun C. vs Kirkop U. 0-0
- Malta national futsal coach Michal Striz named a fourteen-man squad ahead of next weeks' UEFA Futsal Championship Group C qualifying mini-tournament.
The tournament will be played on Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Sunday 22.
On Thursday, Malta faces Georgia, kick-off at 19:00, while on Friday, Malta takes on Albania, kick-off at 17:00. The third and final match is against Greece on Sunday at 19:00.
The other matches are Greece vs Albania on Thursday at 17:00, Georgia vs Greece on Friday at 19:00 and Albania vs Georgia on Sunday at 17:00.
The players selected by Striz are:
goalkeepers Marvin Spiteri and Brian Baldacchino;
defenders Robert Magro, Timothy Ellis, JeanBert Gatt, James Ciangura, Elton Catania, Paul Bugeja;
forwards Tyron Borg, Rowen Muscat, Xavier Saliba, Darren Agius, John Cutajar, Randall Refalo.
Thu 12
- Malta international midfielder Udochukwu Nwoko joined Chinese Super League side Chengdu Blades after rescinding his contract with Leixões SC. Reports in Portugal state that the Nigerian-born player joined the Chinese club on a one-year contract.
Nwoko had joined Leixoes in summer 2007, signing a three-year contract. However after playing quite regularly during his first season with the club, also scoring on his debut in the game against Benfica, this season, he was included as a substitute in a couple of Liga Sagres matches.
The 24-year old, who was also being linked with Kitchee of Hong Kong, opted to sign for Chengdu - the Chinese club owned by Sheffield United - as they offered better conditions.
Speaking to Matosinhos Hoje, Nwoko said "I was always treated well be the club, I made friends and I am sure that the club will continue to grow. I would really like to return to the club one day."
Nwoko started his career in Malta with the Paola Hibs Youth Nursery and then playing for the senior team, making his Premier League debut in season 2003/04. He then moved to Gozo where he played for Xewkija Tigers. In season 2005/06, he had a successful season with Mosta in the Premier League. Nwoko spent the first part of the following season with Hibernians, joining Marsaxlokk on loan in January. With the Southseasiders he won the BOV Premier League championship.
Udo Nwoko made his debut for the national team in October 13, 2007 in the game against Hungary. He was not included in the squad for the game against Albania, making his last appearance in the game against Hungary last year.
- Ryan Grech of Tarxien Rainbows and Claude Mattocks of Marsaxlokk will have to serve a three-month and eight-month ban following the decision by Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne with regards to the appeals filed by FIFA and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) against three MFA decisions for doping violations involving players Gilbert Martin, Ryan Grech and Claude Mattocks.
The three players were found guilty of doping offences last season and were suspended according to MFA regulations. However FIFA and WADA had appealed against these decisions, asking for these bans to be increased according to FIFA regulations.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport agreed with the Malta Football Association that MFA regulations had to apply. However the tribunal ruled that there were no special circumstances which justified an increase or decrease in the penalties inflicted on the three players. Therefore the three players had to be suspended for one year.
The CAS confirmed the sentence of Gilbert Martin who had been suspended for one year.
In the case of Ryan Grech, the CAS ruled that the one-year ban imposed by the MFA Control and Disciplinary Board was correct while the reduction of the ban to nine months by the Appeals Board was not and therefore the player was suspended for a further three months, starting February 10th.
In the case of Claude Mattocks, the CAS ruled that the four months suspension imposed by the MFA Control and Disciplinary Board was not correct and therefore the suspension had to be increased to a further eight months starting February 10th.
The Malta Football Association was awarded the sum of 8,000 Swiss Francs for expenses incurred.
The case for the MFA was presented by president Dr Joe Mifsud and vice-president Dr Peter Fenech.
- As from next summer, four teams will be taking part in the Euro Cup - the pre-season competition for clubs participating in UEFA competitions. Changes to the competition's regulations were discussed during the meeting of the council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday.
The four clubs will be those participating in the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League - that is the Premier League champions, runners-up and the team placing third and the winners of the FA Trophy.
The competition will be played on a one-round league basis.
One important change to the regulations will be the allowance for clubs to use a maximum of three guest players, as long as they have permission from their clubs. This means that clubs would be able to utilise players who are on trial.
In the case of players registered with foreign clubs, the International Transfer Certificate or written consent by the club and the request by the local club must reach the association before the competition kicks-off.
The Euro Challenge Cup was first held in 1982. This competition replaced the Independence Cup which was transformed from a clash between the champions and FA Trophy winners to a tournament between the teams taking part in UEFA competitions in 1969. In 1993, the Euro Cup was replaced by the Lowenbrau Cup. However with the Lowenbrau sponsorship coming to an end, the competition was known once again as Euro Cup as from 2004.
- Upon instructions by FIFA, the Malta Football Association will be holding an exam for those interested in obtaining a licence to act as Players' Agents on Monday March 30 at 10:00.
Those interested in sitting for this exam should fill in the application form issued by the MFA and submit it to the MFA General Secretary together with the relevant documents. Application forms should reach the MFA headquarters by not later than March 6th.
Application forms and copies of the Players' Agents Regulations may be obtained from the MFA Headquarters, Millennium Stand - 2nd Floor, Ta' Qali.
- Valletta F.C. is organizing a Rally for all Supporters next Monday 16th February at St. Dominic's Hall at 7.30pm. Club President Mr. Victor Sciriha will be addressing all the supporters. All supporters are urged to attend.
Wed 11
- 2010 FIFA World Cup Malta vs Albania 0-0
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel was satisfied with the performance of his players as Malta claimed the first point in the Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup but admitted the result could have been better.
Fitzel said that the first half was very tactical and the Maltese players took some time to adopt to the new tactical plans - that is the 4-1-4-1 system. He said that the Maltese were finding it difficult when Albania started to show progress in the late stages of the first half but after the break, Malta played better.
The Malta coach said he was glad that for the first time in several matches, the team did not concede a goal although he admitted his disappointment at failing not to score.
"We could have scored and so I am a bit disappointed as we could have gained more from the game. However towards the end, I was afraid that we would suffer a goal as luck is not on our side. But all in all, I am happy with the 0-0 score," said Fitzel.
The national coach was satisfied with the performance of Andrei Agius and Alex Muscat who were playing their first competitive match for the national team and said that Andrew Cohen was one of the best players as he not only worked hard in attack but also helped at the back. Fitzel also praised Andre Schembri for doing well in attack when he replaced Terence Scerri, who seemed tired.
Meanwhile Albanian coach Arie Haan was obviously disappointed with the score as his team missed the chance to move on top of the table. He said his team did well throughout the first half but played badly after the break as they allowed Malta to play their game.
- Valletta midfielder Edmond Agius was handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off in the U*BET FA Trophy clash against Floriana last Saturday.
Agius is therefore ruled out of the semi-finals of the competition - the draws for which are yet to be held.
The only other two players to be suspended were youth players Josmar Vassallo (St. George's) and Daniel Muscat (Qormi).
- Malta lost further ground in the Coca-Cola/FIFA World Ranking, losing another six places since last month. Malta is now 154th - the worst ever ranking for the national team.
Among the other European countries, Malta dropped to 50th. Lying just ahead of Malta are Luxembourg (120, up 1), Armenia (121, down 9), Estonia (122, down 4), Azerbaijan (136, down 2), Kazakhstan (140, down 7) and Liechtenstein (151). Malta is just ahead of three countries - Faroe Islands (185), Andorra (195) and San Marino (201).
Tue 10
- Under 21 International Friendly MALTA vs DENMARK 0-1
- Second Division Mgarr U. vs Mellieha 0-3, Marsa vs Balzan Y. 0-3, Gozo vs Sta. Venera L. 0-0
- Third Division Section A Mdina K. vs Gudja U. 3-2
- Third Division Section B Attard vs Siggiewi 1-3
- Gozo - First Division SK Victoria W. vs Kercem A. 1-1
- The new floodlighting system at the Hibernians Football Ground was officially inaugurated by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud and AS Hibernians chairman Tony Bezzina.
This project was co-financed by the MFA, UEFA through the UEFA HatTrick 2 Programme and A.S. Hibernians and is part of the MFA project aimed at improving the facilities of clubs and member associations.
Following short speeches by AS Hibernians chairman Tony Bezzina and UEFA representative Thierry Favre, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud spoke in detail about how this project developed.
Dr Mifsud said that the UEFA congress, which was held in Dusseldorf in January 2007, decided to continue building on the success of the HatTrick Programme by extending it from 2008 until 2012. The Malta Football Association had used the funds from the first UEFA HatTrick Programme to partly-finance the building of the new MFA Headquarters.
Under the HatTrick Programme II, associations are to receive € 2 million plus another € 500,000 which will go to a social project which the association has identified in a National Centre for Grassroots Football which will be set-up at Ta' Qali.
The MFA president said that the association wanted to help clubs and member associations improve their facilities. Discussions on this project started in 2007, before an application was even forwarded to the European body.
Besides the funds received from UEFA, the association obtained another € 2 million from a bank loan in order to be able to help all clubs who were willing to improve their facilities. He said that a total of about € 10-12 million are going to be spent in a few years - also thanks to other funds made available by the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, the Good Causes Fund, local councils and other benefactors.
The first fruit was borne with the installation of the artificial turf at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Melita, St. Patrick and Mqabba and in the coming weeks, works at the football grounds in Pembroke, Marsaxlokk and Sannat will be completed.
As regards the project at the Hibs Ground, Dr Mifsud said that engineer Ronnie Vella and MFA vice-president Ludovico Micallef were entrusted with the preparation of the tender documents and the supervision of the works. The agreement between the MFA and AS Hibernians was that the latter would carry out the civil works.
The tender was awarded to 240 Limited which installed the product by British company Abacus Lighting. The floodlighting system comprises four masts 36 metres tall, each with fifteen reflectors. The system will generate 670 lux and this could be increased to 1,000 lux with the installation of up to a total of 28 reflectors on each mast. The wiring for these is already in place.
The MFA president said that this was a very important development, not only for the Hibernians Ground, but for the local game in general.
He concluded by thanking Tony Bezzina, Ludovico Micallef, Engineer Ronnie Vella, ground manager Saviour Cachia, Desmond Mizzi and Joseph Tabone from 240 Limited and all those involved in the project together with UEFA HatTrick Programme manager Mohamed Ta and Bank of Valletta Chief Executive Officer Tonio Depasquale.
The floodlights project was inaugurated by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud and AS Hibernians chairman Tony Bezzina and was blessed by Archbishop Emeritus Mgr. Joseph Mercieca.
- Malta will be aiming towards obtaining its first point in Group 1 as Dusan Fitzel's side hosts Albania in another match from the 2010 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:30.
In fact, Malta played four matches so far losing them. Following a 0-4 defeat to Portugal, Malta went 3-0 down to Albania in Tirana and 3-0 down to Denmark in Copenhagen before suffering a narrow 0-1 defeat to Hungary at Ta' Qali. Performance in these matches was far from impressive, especially up front where the opponents' goalkeepers were hardly being tested despite the locals sharing the exchanges with the other teams for long stretches, in particular in the games against Albania and Hungary.
Four months had passed since the game against Hungary. Since then Malta played a friendly match against Iceland in November, suffering a narrow 0-1 defeat while last week, the national team, under the name of MFA XI, faced Hungarian second division side Ferencvaros beating them 3-1.
The performance against Ferencvaros was quite satisfactory. Fitzel adopted a 4-1-4-1 system - ironically the same system used by Albania coach Arie Haan - and therefore it would be no surprise were Fitzel used the same system on Wednesday.
The Malta coach could not count on Daniel Bogdanovic, Etienne Barbara, Aaron Xuereb and Jonathan Caruana while Udo Nwoko, Kenneth Scicluna, Cleavon Frendo, George Mallia and Ivan Woods were left out of the squad. Caruana, Xuereb, Barbara, Pace and Woods were part of the starting line-up against Hungary while Nwoko was used as a substitute. Scicluna, Woods and Mallia, on the other hand, had started the game against Iceland.
As usual, Fitzel failed to name his starting line-up ahead of this game but not much changes are expected from the first team which met Ferencvaros last week.
Andrew Hogg will battle with Justin Haber for the number one jersey. Alex Muscat and Ian Azzopardi or Shaun Bajada should play on the flanks with Andrei Agius and Luke Dimech as the two central defenders. Gilbert Agius should take the role of holding-midfielder.
Two of the four midfielders should be Kevin Sammut and Roderick Briffa. Andrew Cohen, Clayton Failla, Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri would be fighting for the other two places in midfield. Terence Scerri would be employed as the sole striker.
The other players at the disposal of Fitzel are Brian Said, Ryan Fenech and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.
Trying to obtain a positive result from this game is however no easy task for Malta. Albania had perhaps the best start ever in a World Cup campaign as they collected five points from the first four matches. After holding Sweden in a goalless draw in Tirana, they defeated Malta 3-0. In Budapest, they lost 2-0 to Hungary but then held Portugal in a goalless draw in Braga. A win over Malta would put Arie Haan's side on top of the group, although current leaders Denmark and Hungary would have two and one game in hand respectively.
Missing from the squad are two of the most experienced players namely Altin Lala of Hannover 96 and Lorik Cana of Marseille and young prodigy Jahmir Hyka of Mainz but the squad still includes no less than thirteen foreign-based players.
Probably a concern for the Dutch coach is the fact that Ukraine-based Dallku, Curri and Bulku are Austria-based Salihi are have not played competitive football for several weeks with their clubs as leagues are yet to kick-off while goalkeeper Arjan Beqaj and striker Erjon Bogdani have just recovered from injuries.
The full squad at the disposal of Arie Haan is made up of:
goalkeepers Arjan Beqaj (Anorthosis Famagusta - CYP), Isli Hidi (Alki Larnaca - CYP), Samir Ujkani (Palermo - ITA);
defenders Andi Lila (KF Tirana), Armend Dallku (Vorskla Poltava - UKR), Debatik Curri (Vorskla Poltava - UKR), Ansi Agolli (KF Tirana), Kristi Vangjeli (Aris Thessaloniki - GRE), Endrit Vrapi (KF Elbasani), Elvin Beqiri (KF Vllaznia);
midfielders Ervin Skela (Energie Cottbus - GER), Gilman Lika (Hacettepe - TUR), Ervin Bulku (Krivbas Kriviy Rig - UKR), Elis Bakaj (KF Dinamo), Klodian Duro (Omonia Nicosia - CYP);
forwards Erjon Bogdani (Chievo - ITA), Hamdi Salihi (SV Ried - AUT), Xhevahir Sukaj (KF Vllaznia), Besart Berisha (AC Horsens - DEN).
This will be the seventh game between the two countries. The first three games were played at Ta' Qali. Following a 2-1 win for Malta in a friendly match in January 1995, Malta hosted Albania twice in the Rothmans Tournament. The two teams shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in February 1998 but two years later, Albania registered a 1-0 win, going on to win the tournament. The next three games were played in Tirana. In November 2000 and once again in August 2007, Albania registered two identical 3-0 wins in friendly matches. Last September, Albania won 3-0 once again.
Malta vs Albania will be controlled by referees from Romania, namely Alexandru Deaconu, assistant referees George Adrian Vidan and Eduard Dumitrescu and fourth official Agustus Constantin.
Tickets will be available from the stadium selling points prior to kick-off depending on availability at the following prices:
West Stand - Sectors A & C: €12
Millennium Stand: €8
North Stand and South Stand: €5
Public Transport will be provided for the supporters from City Gate Valletta, direct to the National Stadium at Ta' Qali, starting at 18:00. Return service from the National Stadium to Valletta at the end of the match starting at around 21:15.
The gates at the National Stadium will be open to the public two hours prior to match kick-off - that is at 17:30.
Prior to the match, starting at 18:15, entertainment will be provided by Chiara and deejay Arthur Caruana. Peter Busuttil will be the Master of Ceremonies.
- Speaking on the eve of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania, Malta national coach Dusan Fitzel says it will not be an easy to get a positive result from this game as some people are expecting but still he is very confident ahead of this clash. Fitzel was speaking to the media during a press conference at the Grand Hotel Excelsior on Tuesday.
"I am very confident myself but it is more a matter of how confident are the players. My job is to transfer my confidence to them," said Fitzel.
"We are in the peak of our league. Last Saturday's game between Valletta and Floriana was one of the best games ever since I came to Malta. If we play that well, we could do well against Albania."
The problem of Maltese players is however the lack of consistency.
"Players in Malta are not consistent. The quality level of the players goes up and down and this is mainly due to the lack of a professional set-up at clubs. That is the only way to improve. In fact, even with just one month of physical training, one could note some difference," said Fitzel.
Italian physical trainer Luca Pagani joined the national team last month and besides preparing work in the gym for the players, he is carrying out tests. When these tests are completed, an individual programme for each and every player will be prepared.
"Fitness is the only thing we could change," said Fitzel. "Technically and tactically there is not much to change, considering our limitations. With better fitness, you would obtain speed which would help us do better."
Another problem of Maltese players is what seems the inability to concentrate.
"When the players are given a long break, I have to start all over again," complained Fitzel.
The Malta coach said that over the past months, he worked hard on teaching the players on how to keep possession and create space for themselves unlike the previous approach where they would chase the ball and therefore spend all the time under pressure.
Fitzel said that by using the 4-1-4-1 system should be beneficial for the team.
"With the 4-2-3-1, you just manage to stop the attack outside the penalty area. You then have to travel seventy metres to reach the opponents' goal. On the other hand, with the 4-1-4-1 system, when you stop an attack, you could be just one pass away from scoring. It is more dangerous for opponents and safer for us."
The Malta coach said Albania were a strong squad with most of their players playing abroad. He said that the fact that two of their most experienced players namely Altin Lala and Lorik Cana are ruled out due to injuries is not necessarily a positive aspect for Malta. Fitzel argued that the players who will replace them will show greater determination in order to show that they deserve to play.
According to Fitzel, the only advantage is the fact that a number of their players were not playing on a regular basis over the past weeks as the leagues in which they play are yet to start or because of injuries.
He said that the test against Ferencvaros was a very good test for our players as this game helped them gain more strength and adapt themselves to the level of the foreign game. He said that even in the case of double-fixtures, the team usually does better in the second game and therefore it would be interesting in having such friendly games ahead of competitive matches, concluded Fitzel.
- The new artificial turf pitch in Mellieha was officially inaugurated on Tuesday by Parliamentary Secretary for Youth and Sport Clyde Puli.
This artificial turf ground, which will be administered by Mellieha Sports Club, was made possible thanks to the government and the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools which funded the artificial turf to the tune of € 270,000. Besides the Mellieha SC senior team and youth nursery, all children attending the Mellieha primary school will benefit from this project as during the day, the school has allotted time for physical education lessons.
Mellieha SC secretary Sunny Abela said that work on the football ground had started in 2005 with levelling works on the pitch being carried out in summer 2006. The latter works were carried out while keeping in mind the possibility of installation of artificial turf. Floodlights were installed a year later.
Mellieha mayor Robert Cutajar said that this project is one from which all the Mellieha community will benefit since it will be used both by Mellieha SC and the Mellieha primary school children.
The council, under the previous administration led by mayor Joe Buttigieg, had set the ball rolling with the levelling works which were carried out on the pitch. Cutajar said that the council had spent about € 100,000 with regards to this project.
He said that this artificial turf ground complements another project situated next to the football ground which consists of a 5-a-side artificial turf pitch and gymnasium which was co-funded by the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, the Good Causes Fund and Mellieha SC.
Robert Cutajar finally spoke about the council's projects with regards to sport which include the building of a multi-purpose court for other sports such as basketball, netball and volleyball and a bicycle track.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that it was of great pleasure for him to witness two projects being inaugurated on the same day - the new artificial turf pitch in Mellieha and the new floodlighting system at the Hibs Ground.
Dr Mifsud thanked the government for its commitment towards improving sports facilities, just like the association is doing its best to improve clubs' facilities around the island. He said that in this way, more children are attracted to sport with the ultimate target being that of leading a healthy lifestyle.
Parliamentary Secretary Clyde Puli said that by investing in sports facilities, the government was investing in children. He pointed out works which will be carried out in the coming months including the completion of works at the sports complex in Kirkop, an open-air sports facility in Ta' Qali and the initial plans for another sports complex in the north of the island.
A commemorative plaque was unveiled by Clyde Puli and the pitch was blessed by the Mellieha parish priest. Mellieha SC president Alfred Vella Borg then presented a symbolic key of the football ground to Ms. Cachia from the Mellieha primary school.
Meanwhile two Manchester United players Gary Neville and Ryan Giggs paid a short visit to the Mellieha ground prior to the official inauguration.
Mon 9
- The Malta Under-21 side will be hosting Denmark in a friendly match on Tuesday at the Hibernians Ground, kick-off at 19:05.
This will be the first of two friendly matches in a week for Edwin Camilleri's side ahead the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers which get underway later this year. Next Tuesday, Malta will host England C in another friendly match at the Hibs Ground.
Malta was handed a tough draw in the qualifying round of the 2011 UEFA Under-21 European Championship after being placed in Group 8 together with France, Ukraine, Belgium and Slovenia.
After guiding the Under-19 side in the past couple of years, Edwin Camilleri replaces Mark Miller at the helm of the Under-21 squad. Camilleri has an almost completely new squad at his disposal as over half of the players in the previous squad are no longer eligible to play for the Under-21 side.
The players selected by coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Charles Scerri are:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema) and Nicky Vella (Valletta); Steve Borg (Mosta), Steve Bonnici (Floriana), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Tarxien), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara), Mark Scerri (Sliema), Tyron Farrugia (Msida), Luke Agius (Floriana), Warren Chircop (Tarxien), John Mintoff (Sliema), Ben Camilleri (Hibs), Quilin Refalo (Pietà), Beppe Muscat (St. Patrick), Josef Buttigieg (Nadur), Adrian Borg (Mosta), Dominic Mifsud (Pietà), Terrence Vella (Pietà), Dylan Kokavessis (Marsaxlokk).
The Danish squad, on the other hand, is made up of:
goalkeepers Frederik Vang Larsen (FC København), Jonas Lössl (FC Midtjylland);
defenders Brian T. Hamalainen (Lyngby BK), Daniel Wass (Brøndby IF), Frederik Krabbe (AGF), Jesper Juelsgaard Kristensen (FC Midtjylland), Rasmus S. Christiansen (Lyngby BK), Simon Kjær (US Città di Palermo), Winston Wiremu Reid (FC Midtjylland);
midfielders Andreas Bjelland (Lyngby BK), Kasper Povlsen (AGF), Martin Svensson (Silkeborg IF), Matti Lund Nielsen (OB), Mike Lindemann Jensen (Brøndby IF), Ricki Olsen (Randers FC);
forwards Andreas Granskov Hansen (SV Werder Bremen), Casper Johansen (AC Horsens), Dennis Høegh (AGF), Emil Lyng (OSC Lille), Nicki Bille Nielsen (FC Nordsjælland), Sebastian Lykke Andersen (Herfølge BK).
Coach: Keld Bordinggaard
Denmark narrowly missed out on a place at this summer's Under-21 Championship in Sweden after they were beaten by Serbia in the play-offs.
Malta vs Denmark will be controlled by four officials from Northern Ireland: referee Malcolm David, assisted by Eamonn Shanks and Andrew Neeson and fourth official Trevor Moutray.
The match will follow the inauguration of the new floodlighting system at the Hibs Ground. This project was co-financed by the MFA, UEFA through the UEFA HatTrick 2 Programme and A.S. Hibernians and is part of the MFA project aimed at improving the facilities of clubs and member associations.
The floodlights project will be inaugurated by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud and AS Hibernians chairman Tony Bezzina. It will be blessed by Archbishop Emeritus Mgr. Joseph Mercieca.
- The protest lodged by Qormi FC regarding the eligibility of player Paolo Rogerio Da Silva who played for Floriana FC in their last BOV Premier League encounter played on Sunday, 25th January was upheld by the MFA Protests Board which was convened again on Monday evening.
Having conferred to a detailed report appointed by a calligraphy expert appointed by the MFA, the Board ruled that Floriana FC made use of 'non bona fide player' in the said match and decided to award a 2-0 win to Qormi FC.
Floriana, who had won the game 3-1, stay in fourth place but now have 22 points, thirteen behind leaders Hibernians. Qormi, on the other hand, leapfrog Tarxien Rainbows and Hamrun Spartans to join Marsaxlokk on 13 points. Tarxien and Hamrun lie two points behind.
Sun 8
- Second Division Naxxar L. vs St. Andrews 3-3, Melita vs Zebbug R. 2-1
- Third Division Section A Qrendi vs Kalkara 1-1
- Third Division Section B Zurrieq vs Gzira U. 0-1
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Qala SJ 1-0, Ghajnsielem vs Victoria H. 3-2
- Malta national coach Dusan Fitzel named the 18-man squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania in programme on Wednesday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:30.
Besides foreign-based Daniel Bogdanovic, Udo Nwoko and Etienne Barbara who were not included in the provisional squad, three Hibernians players - Mario Muscat, Jonathan Caruana, Aaron Xuereb and another three Valletta players - Kenneth Scicluna, Cleavon Frendo and Jamie Pace - together with Birkirkara's George Mallia and Sliema's Ivan Woods were all left out of the squad.
Muscat, Xuereb and Caruana were not included in the game against Ferencvaros last Wednesday while the other five players were all included as substitutes during the second half. This could mean that Fitzel is set to base his starting line-up on the players who started last Wednesday's game with the addition of Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri.
The squad is therefore made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield Utd), Andrew Hogg (Valletta);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Brian Said (Marsaxlokk);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena);
forwards Michael Mifsud (Barnsley), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara), Terence Scerri (Hibs).
- The third in a series of lectures organised by the Committee for Administrators was held on Thursday, 5th Feburary at the Centenary Hall with the attendance of the Secretaries and Assistant Secretaries of the MFA's Member Clubs.
Mr Carmelo Bartolo, Chairman of the Committee for Administrators and Senior V/President of the Association, introduced the topic of the day which dealt upon the 'Role and Responsibilities of the Secretary of a Member Club'.
Mr Bartolo then dwelt in length on the various requirements and qualities which make a good administrator of a Club. He also stressed on the relations with the MFA and the knowledge of the regulations of the Association.
The other speakers were Messrs Stephen Abela (Secretary of Hibernians FC), Michael Cutajar (St. George's) and Stefan Vella (Fgura United) who spoke on their personal experiences and day-to-day problems in running a Football Club.
Sat 7
- FA Trophy Sliema W. vs Hibernians 1-0, Tarxien R. vs Birkirkara 1-2, Hamrun S. vs Marsaxlokk 2-3, Floriana vs Valletta
- Third Division Section A Sirens vs Xghajra T. 0-1
- Third Division Section B Mtarfa vs Pembroke A. 0-1
Fri 6
- Albania coach Arie Haan named a 19-man squad for next Wednesday's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Malta at Ta' Qali, kick-off at 19:30.
Missing from the squad are two of the most experienced players namely Altin Lala of Hannover 96 and Lorik Cana of Marseille but the squad still includes no less than thirteen foreign-based players.
Albania had quite a positive campaign so far in the group. After holding Sweden in a goalless draw in Tirana, they defeated Malta 3-0. In Budapest, they lost 2-0 to Hungary but then held Portugal in a goalless draw in Braga. In their last outing, they drew 1-1 in a friendly match against Azerbaijan away from home.
The players selected by Haan are:
goalkeepers Arjan Beqaj (Anorthosis Famagusta - CYP), Isli Hidi (Alki Larnaca - CYP), Samir Ujkani (Palermo - ITA);
defenders Andi Lila (KF Tirana), Armend Dallku (Vorskla Poltava - UKR), Debatik Curri (Vorskla Poltava - UKR), Ansi Agolli (KF Tirana), Kristi Vangjeli (Aris Thessaloniki - GRE), Endrit Vrapi (KF Elbasani), Elvin Beqiri (KF Vllaznia);
midfielders Ervin Skela (Energie Cottbus - GER), Gilman Lika (Hacettepe - TUR), Ervin Bulku (Krivbas Kriviy Rig - UKR), Elis Bakaj (KF Dinamo), Klodian Duro (Omonia Nicosia - CYP);
forwards Erjon Bogdani (Chievo - ITA), Hamdi Salihi (SV Ried - AUT), Xhevahir Sukaj (KF Vllaznia), Besart Berisha (AC Horsens - DEN).
- First Division Futsal team – Aluserv Cinco Futsal – suffered a narrow defeat, 6-5, in an international friendly game against Sicilian Regional Team last Wednesday at Corradino Pavilion.
An entertaining well balanced first half, saw the Sicilians take the lead after the locals missed a number of open chances in the early stages. The agility of the Sicilian team was well controlled by Aluserv Cinco Futsal, the latter reducing the score margin to just one goal after a late rally in the dying minutes of the game.
Aluserv Cinco Futsal are currently playing in the Championship Pool of the First Division Futsal League after finishing second in the preliminary round.
Thu 5
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 1-1, Munxar F. vs Oratory Y. 4-0
- Malta beat Sicily by 3-2 at the Corradino Sports Pavilion in the second double-header international futsal friendlies.
After a goalless first half, the Sicilians opened the score but Robert Magro soon put Malta in front with two quick strikes. Skipper James Ciangura added a third soon after.
Malta's Jeanbert Gatt was sent off in the 29th minute.
The Sicilians scored a second late in the match but could not deny Michal Striz's side a morale-boosting win ahead of the UEFA Futsal Tournament at the same venue in a forthnight's time.
On Tuesday, the Sicilian Selection won the opening match by three goals to two - Sicily were leading 2-1 at half-time. Captain James Ciangura and debutant Charles Xavier Saliba (pen) scored Malta's goals.
Wed 4
- The Malta national team, under the name of MFA XI, defeated Hungarian side Ferencvaros 3-1 in a friendly match at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali. This was the final test for Dusan Fitzel's side ahead of next week's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania.
Dusan Fitzel used the twenty-one players at his disposal, changing no less than ten players in the beginning of the second half. The only player who played the whole ninety minutes was defender Andrei Agius who is currently playing in Italy for Igea Virtus. Besides Daniel Bogdanovic, Udo Nwoko and Etienne Barbara who are out of the Malta squad for the game against Albania, also missing were foreign-based duo Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri.
Ferencvaros, who were one of the leading teams in Europe a few decades ago but now play in the Hungarian Second Division, are currently in Malta for a one-week training camp. The club is owned by Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe.
The locals took the lead on the 3rd minute when off a good pass by Roderick Briffa for Andrew Cohen, the latter released Terence Scerri inside the area who hit low past Holczer.
On 8 minutes, the Hungarians went close to equalising with Tibor Markus rounding Hogg but his goal-bound effort was blocked by Andrei Agius into a corner. A goal by Tibor Markus off a James Ashmore corner from the left was disallowed for the latter's offside position.
The MFA XI doubled the score on 15 minutes when Clayton Failla served Terence Scerri inside the area, his shot was partially saved by the Hungarian goalkeeper and off the rebound, Kevin Sammut placed the ball at the back of the net.
Hogg performed a good save on a cross from the right, deflected by Andrei Agius, on 19 minutes and a minute later, James Ashmore had a powerful drive ending just wide.
Ferencvaros pulled one back on the half-hour with a diagonal shot from the edge of the area by captain Paul Shaw.
But on 36 minutes, the MFA XI made it 3-1 with Terence Scerri placing the ball at the back of the net following a good assist by Andrew Cohen.
Early in the second half, the locals appealed for a penalty after Cleavon Frendo was apparently brought down inside the area. Then on 57 minutes, Jamie Pace, served by Shaun Bajada, hit high.
The MFA XI went close with a powerful shot by Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza on 65 minutes which was parried by Megyeri and a minute later, on the other side of the pitch, Jordan Robertson was neutralised by Justin Haber. Mifsud Triganza then had a good shot blocked by the Hungarian goalkeeper.
On 73 minutes, Megyeri turned into a corner a great shot by Cleavon Frendo and ten minutes later, Ivan Woods was unlucky not to increase when his fine shot hit the posts following an intelligent cross by George Mallia. Finally a cross shot by Kenneth Scicluna was turned into a corner with particular difficulty by the Hungarian goalkeeper three minutes from time.
MFA XI (1st half) Andrew Hogg, Alex Muscat, Ian Azzopardi, Andrei Agius, Luke Dimech, Gilbert Agius, Roderick Briffa, Andrew Cohen, Terence Scerri, Clayton Failla, Kevin Sammut.
FERENCVAROS (1st half) Adam Holczer, Zoltan Balog, Tibor Baranyai, Igor Szkukalek, Noel Fulop, Imre Deme, Jason Morrison, James Ashmore, Laszlo Fitos, Paul Shaw, Tibor Markus.
MFA XI (2nd half) Justin Haber, Brian Said, Kenneth Scicluna, Andrei Agius, Shaun Bajada, Jamie Pace, Ivan Woods, George Mallia, Cleavon Frendo, Ryan Fenech, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.
FERENCVAROS (2nd half) Balázs Megyeri, Zoltan Balog (Dramane Kamate), Matthew Lowton, Zoltan Csiszar, David Kulcsár, Samuel Wedgbury, Bamba Moussa, Mohamed Lamine, Bence Toth, Péter Pölöskei, Jordan Robertson.
Referee: Anton Zammit; Assistant Referees: Philip Agius, Konrad Borg; Fourth Official: Chris Lautier
- Malta was handed a tough draw in the qualifying round of the 2011 UEFA Under-21 European Championship after being placed in Group 8 together with France, Ukraine, Belgium and Slovenia. The draw was held in Aarhus, Denmark on Wednesday.
Malta had already met France in the last Under-21 qualifying campaign, losing 0-2 at Ta' Qali and 5-0 in Boulogne-sur-Mer.
With Denmark automatically qualifying for the finals in June 2011 as hosts, the remaining 52 teams were drawn into ten groups, eight with five teams and two with six, with the nations allocated to five draw pots in accordance with their coefficient ranking. Group stage matches will be played according to a standard, home-and-away, league system, kicking off on 28/29 March 2009 and concluding with the final matches in all ten groups on 7 September 2010.
The ten group winners and the four best runners-up at the end of the group stage will move on to the play-off for the final tournament, with the winners of those seven two-legged ties joining hosts Denmark in the final tournament.
In view of this qualifying round, the Under-21 side, now under the guidance of coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Charles Scerri, will be playing a number of friendly matches. The first one will be against Denmark on February 10 and the second will be against England C a week later. Both matches will be played at the Hibs Ground.
- Eight Premier League players were handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner following the weekend's matches.
The worst hit were Floriana who had three players sent off - namely Christian Caruana, Joseph Borg and Pablo Doffo. They are ruled out of the next league game against Valletta on Friday 20.
Birkirkara midfielder Jonathan Holland and Sliema Wanderers midfielder Mark Scerri will be missing the clash
between Sliema and Birkirkara on Saturday 14.
Aaron Attard (Hamrun) and Stacey Vella (Msida) are ruled out of the game between Hamrun Spartans and Msida St. Joseph on Sunday 15 while Valletta midfielder Stefan Giglio will be missing the game against Qormi on Saturday 14.
Hibernians coach Mark Miller and kit-manager Emmanuel Abela were both suspended for two matches.
In Division 1, Kurt Formosa (Dingli), Daniel Cosaitis (Senglea) and St. Patrick duo Matthew Fleri Soler and Ilyad Scicluna were both suspended for one match.
David Agius (Balzan), Daniel Cremona (Lija), Joseph Rizzo (Marsa), Stephen Aquilina (Mgarr) and George Saliba (Zebbug) were suspended for one match in Division 2 while Shawn D'Amato and Joel Grima (both Sta. Lucia) were banned for one match in Division 3.
In the Youth League, Charlon Sammut (Birkirkara), Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Luke Fenech (Melita), Ian Vella, Mark Vassallo and Paul Fenech (all Mgarr), Miguel Ciantar (Sliema) and Neil Curmi (Valletta) were suspended for one match.
Tue 3
- Daniel Bogdanovic, Etienne Barbara and Udo Nwoko will not be part of the Malta national team squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Albania in programme on Wednesday 11 at the National Stadium, Ta' Qali. Details about the Malta vs Albania game and the friendly match against Ferencvaros were given during a press conference which was held at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali on Tuesday.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said the game against Albania is one from which the association is hoping to have a positive outcome. Malta had lost the first four matches from Group 1 - losing to Portugal and Hungary at Ta' Qali, Albania and Denmark away from home.
"In football, you can never say but we are looking forward towards obtaining our first point," said Dr Mifsud.
Malta coach Dusan Fitzel will be using the friendly game against Ferencvaros as a good test ahead of the Albania game. He said that since over two months had passed since Malta played the last international game, the players will have this opportunity to show how prepared they are. Fitzel said that most players will be playing a half each.
The Malta coach is hoping no players will suffer injuries in the Ferencvaros game and the U*BET FA Trophy matches which will be played next Saturday.
One player who is ruled out of the Albania game is new Barnsley striker Daniel Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic tore the hamstring and is ruled out for about five weeks, putting at risk his presence for next March's qualifier against Denmark. He had made his return for the national team in the friendly match against Iceland in November.
Fitzel announced that another two foreign-based players are also out of the squad, namely Udo Nwoko and Etienne Barbara. The former is not playing regularly for his club Leixoes while the latter has just undergone an operation.
The Malta squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield Utd), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Brian Said (Marsaxlokk), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta), Aaron Xuereb (Hibs);
midfielders Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), Cleavon Frendo (Valletta), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk), Ivan Woods (Sliema);
forwards Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Michael Mifsud (Barnsley), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara), Terence Scerri (Hibs), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena).
Michael Mifsud and Andre Schembri will not make the trip for the friendly match against Ferencvaros.
The Malta coach admitted that he is glad that Mifsud and Bogdanovic will be playing in the same team because that means that the two players will constantly train and play together. Meanwhile Fitzel revealed that he has been following Nigerian-born Floriana defender Sunday Eboh for over two months and therefore there could be the possibility of him joining the Malta squad in the near future.
Speaking on behalf of the South End Core, Louis Agius said that the group is working hard for the Albania game and is preparing the largest choreography so far. He said that the general feel of the public is that this game is a crucial game and expects a positive result.
Louis Agius said that this could only be achieved with the full commitment of the players together with the full support of the fans.
Finally he revealed that only forty seats are left for the five-day tour to Budapest for the World Cup qualifier against Hungary in programme on April 1.
MFA XI vs Ferencvaros and Malta vs Albania
MFA XI vs Ferencvaros will be played on Wednesday, kick-off at 19:30. Entrance is for free.
Tickets for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier Malta vs Albania, which will be played on Wednesday 11, kick-off at 19:30, will go on sale on Wednesday 4 from Geraldu Kiosk – Valletta, Star Tourism – Bugibba, Eros Stationery – Paceville, Teamsport – Iklin, MFA Gym at the Millennium Stand, Ta Qali and MFA Offices, Ta Qali. Tickets will only be available on Match Day from the stadium selling points prior to kick-off depending on availability.
Ticket prices are as follows:
West Stand - Sectors A & C: €12
Millennium Stand: €8
North Stand and South Stand: €5
A Public Transport service will be provided for the supporters from City Gate Valletta, direct to the National Stadium at Ta' Qali, starting at 18:00 hrs. Return service from the National Stadium to Valletta at the end of the match starting at around 21:15 hrs.
The gates at the National Stadium will be open to the public two hours prior to match kick-off - that is at 17:30.
Prior to the match, starting at 18:15, the MFA will be providing entertainment for the public present at the stadium. Peter Busuttil will be the Master of Ceremonies while the national anthem will be sung by Ivan Grech of Winter Moods.
Malta vs Albania will be controlled by referees from Romania, namely Alexandru Deaconu, assistant referees George Adrian Vidan and Eduard Dumitrescu and fourth official Agustus Constantin.
- MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud announced that the new floodlighting system at the Hibernians Ground will be inaugurated on Tuesday 10 before the Under-21 friendly match against Denmark.
Dr Mifsud said this was one of the several projects the association is doing or supporting thanks to funds of €4 million - half obtained from the UEFA HatTrick Programme and half from a bank loan obtained by the association. He said that through this investment and another €6-7 million raised by clubs, clubs' infrastructure will improve considerably.
The MFA president said that work on these projects is proceeding well with works at some of the facilities already completed and others nearing completion. He said that the association had set the ball rolling towards improving clubs' facilities which would then attract more youngsters to the game.
The floodlights project will be inaugurated by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud and AS Hibernians chairman Tony Bezzina. It will be blessed by Archbishop Emeritus Mgr. Joseph Mercieca.
The inauguration will be followed by a friendly match between the Malta Under-21 side - for the first time under the guidance of coach Edwin Camilleri - and Denmark. This game will serve as a good test for the team ahead of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifiers which could start as early as next June.
The Malta Under-21 national team will also be in action in another friendly match on Tuesday 17 when they host the England C - the England national team for players coming from the lower divisions.
The game against Denmark, which will kick-off at 19:05, will be controlled by four officials from Northern Ireland who are part of a group of twenty referees who are in Malta for a training camp.
The Malta Under-21 squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Jurgen Micallef (Vittoriosa), Nicky Vella (Valletta), Luca Grech (Mgarr);
defenders Steve Borg (Mosta), Ryan Camilleri (Pietà), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Tarxien), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Adrian Borg (Mosta), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), George Gribbon (Melita), Steve Bonnici (Floriana);
midfielders Joseph Buttigieg (Nadur), Dominic Mifsud (Pietà), John Mintoff (Sliema), Chris Pace (Lija), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara), Beppe Muscat (St. Patrick), Karl Pulo (Pietà), Mark Scerri (Sliema), Andrew Caruana Scicluna (Melita);
forwards Ben Camilleri (Hibs), Warren Chircop (Tarxien), Quelin Refalo (Pietà), Julian Galea (Melita), Glanville Goodlip (Pietà), Kane Micallef (Melita), Dylan Kokavessis (Marsaxlokk).
- The Malta Football Association announced changes in the fixtures for the U*BET FA Trophy quarter-finals which are scheduled for next Saturday.
The game between Tarxien Rainbows and Birkirkara which was due to be played at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at 13:00 has now been shifted to the Hibernians Ground, kicking-off at 14:00.
On the other hand, Sliema Wanderers vs Hibernians which was due to kick-off at 15:00 will now kick-off at 13:00. The venue will still be the Victor Tedesco Stadium.
The whole programme for Saturday is therefore as follows:
13:00 Sliema Wanderers vs Hibernians - Victor Tedesco Stadium
14:00 Tarxien Rainbows vs Birkirkara - Hibernians Ground
17:00 Hamrun Spartans vs Marsaxlokk - National Stadium
19:00 Floriana vs Valletta - National Stadium.
- The friendly game between the MFA XI and Ferencvaros, scheduled for Wednesday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 19:30, is the result of the co-operation between the Malta Football Association and Sheffield United.
MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that during the last few months, there was excellent co-operation between the two parties. National coach Dusan Fitzel and other officials had the opportunity to visit Sheffield and witness how they work. He said that they were impressed with the excellent set-up, especially with regards to youths.
The MFA and Sheffield United discussed ways and means how the two parties could co-operate. For example, Sheffield introduced a software system meant for coaches to analyse matches.
Dusan Fitzel said the week he spent in Sheffield was a very fruitful week and that it was only the first step of co-operation between the two parties. He said that from a club like Sheffield Untied, the association could get a lot of help.
The training camp by Ferencvaros is also the result of this co-operation. In fact, the Hungarian club is now owned by Sheffield United.
Sheffield United corporate director Andy Daykin thanked the MFA president, team manager and marketing manager Ivan Vella and national coach Dusan Fitzel for inviting Ferencvaros for this training camp. He said that this training camp arrived at the right time for the Hungarian club as they prepare to resume their league commitments after the winter break.
Andy Daykin said he hopes Sheffield United would welcome the Malta national team for a training camp in Sheffield and enjoy the facilities there.
He went on to say that they are grateful that the Malta Football Association is allowing people to watch the game for free.
This week, Sheffield United officials and two Blades legends - Tony Currie and Alan Hodgkinson - are paying visits to a number of schools while an exhibition of football memorabilia from Sheffield United will be opened on Wednesday.
The Blades are sending some of the most important pieces from their museum, including the original hand written rules of Association Football - the document laid out by Sheffield F.C in 1858 and adopted by the Football Association as the standard in 1863 and the first football trophy ever contested in the world - the Youdan Cup. The exhibition will be held at the Auberge d'Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta between Wednesday 4 and Monday 9.
Asked regards the sponsorship by the Malta Tourism Authority, the Sheffield United corporate director claimed that the two parties are looking forward towards a long relationship between the two parties. Meanwhile as regards a visit to Malta, he said that the club aims at visiting Malta sometime in 2009.
Daykin had words of praise for Malta goalkeeper Justin Haber. He said that the Maltese goalkeeper works hard everyday and everyone at Sheffield United speaks highly of him. After making it to the bench for the last FA Cup game, Haber is now expected to be in squad once again for the next cup game.
Dr Mifsud thanked the Malta Tourism Authority for their support and especially Chief Executive Officer Josef Formosa Gauci and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Dr Mario Demarco.
- The Malta futsal national team lost 2-3 to a Sicilian selection in a friendly match which was played on Tuesday at the Corradino Pavilion.
This game is part of the Malta national futsal team's preparation ahead of the UEFA Futsal Championship qualifying mini-tournament which will be played later this month. Malta will host Georgia, Albania and Greece.
Malta will be facing the Sicilian selection in another friendly game on Thursday, kick-off at 20:30. On Wednesday, the Sicilian selection will be in action once again in a friendly match against local side Aluserv Cinco Futsal, kick-off at 20:15.
Mon 2
- Third Division Section A Gharghur vs Mdina K. 4-1, Luqa SA vs Ghaxaq 0-2
- Malta international striker Michael Mifsud joined Championship side Barnsley FC on loan till the end of the season. Mifsud joins the Tykes just one week after Daniel Bogdanovic joined the club from Lokomotiv Sofia.
The club's official site states that Barnsley had hoped to sign Michael on a three year deal but with the transfer window drawing to a close and the level of interest from rival clubs, the Club decided to change its tack to a loan arrangement.
Mifsud told www.barnsleyfc.co.uk "Barnsley showed non- stop commitment to getting me to join them, including getting Heinz Muller to ring me night and day. I have also spent two days at the club talking to Simon Davey and Don Rowing and looking at the facilities. I had the chance to join other Championship clubs and had strong La Liga interest, but the important thing is to get the chance to play in a direct attacking role."
"I must say that the signing of Daniel Bogdanovic was influential, a very clever ploy indeed. I look forward to playing with my Malta strike partner and getting the chance to play with Heinz again. I was close to signing a permanent deal, but I just needed more time to think it through and time was in short supply. I can't wait to get playing and help the team move forward."
German goalkeeper Heinz Muller used the play for Lillestrom in Norway where Mifsud had spent two-and-a-half years before joining Coventry in January 2007.
Mifsud started his career with Sliema Wanderers, moving to Germany in 2001 where he played for Kaiserslautern. Mid-way through season 2003/04, he returned to Malta to play for the Wanderers once again where he spent six months before moving to Norway.
Barnsley are currently nineteenth in the Championship with 32 points from 30 matches. Mifsud, whose contract with Coventry expires at the end of the season, was on the verge of joining Bristol City in summer and last week was being linked with Derby County.
Sun 1
- Premier League Tarxien R. vs Sliema W. 1-0, Hibernians vs Floriana
- First Division Dingli S. vs Senglea A. 3-1, St. Patrick vs San Gwann 2-0
- Second Division Lija A. vs Mgarr U. 2-0, Balzan Y. vs Birzebbuga SP 1-0
- Third Division Section A Gudja U. vs Qrendi 3-0
- Third Division Section B Santa Lucia vs Zejtun C. 1-1
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Kercem A. 2-3, Nadur Y. vs SK Victoria W. 0-0