June 2009
Tue 30
- UEFA Champions League Hibernians vs Mogren 0-2
- Birkirkara secured the services of Dutch striker Sylvano Comvalius from Hamrun Spartans. This was announced by the club's official website www.birkirkarafc.com
Comvalius, who signed a two-year contract with the Stripes, will be the club's second foreigner along Dutch defender Ronni Hartvig who was the only foreign player to be confirmed by the club.
The 21-year old Dutch striker played for Diemen, Ajax, FC Omniworld and Quick Boys in Holland before moving to Malta towards the end of the year. In January, he signed for Hamrun where he turned out to be one of the best players in the latter part of the season, scoring nine goals.
After releasing Bulgarians Ivailo Sokolov, Krasen Valkov and Kiril Mihaylov together with Mauro Di Lello who had all joined Birkirkara in January, the Stripes had four Serbian players on trial over the past days, namely Nemanja Kokanovic, Davor Vidosavljevic, Peter Pavlovic and Nikola Vukanac.
- The Hamrun Spartans Youth Nursery is organising the Summer Football School for the second year in a row during the months of June and July. The Summer school training sessions are being conducted by the nursery head coaches Stefan Sultana and Marco Grech, aided by nursery coach James Cutajar.
Training sessions are being held everyday from Monday to Friday according to the different age groups which vary from 4 year olds to 13 year olds. Each week the children are being taught a different basic skill, varying between dribbling, passing, shooting, ball control and other football skills to improve their overall knowledge of the game.
The Summer School was sponsored by Vileda who provided the kit for all the 95 children attending the school and also by Gatorade who is giving a free bottle to every kid for every training session. The school is once again being considered as a great success.
Mon 29
- The Malta Under-20 side suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to France in their final game from Group B of the sixteenth edition of the Mediterranean Games which is being held in Pescara on Monday against France. The match was played at the Stadio Comunale in Teramo.
Malta held the initiative early in the game but conceded a goal on the 9th minute Yohann Lasimant exchanged the ball with Joseph Montrose before the former hit past goalkeeper Thomas Galea. The Maltese replied with a Mark Scerri freekick which was saved with particular difficulty by Maeyens on 25 minutes.
The Maltese players gained confidence throughout the second half. Terence Vella hit just wide off a freekick on 47 minutes and towards the end, Karl Pulo had a good chance to grab the draw when the Maltese were dominating possesion outside the French penalty area.
MALTA Thomas Galea, Steve Bonnici, Timmy Fleri Soler, George Gribbon, Tyrone Farrugia, Terence Vella, Mark Scerri, Kane Micallef, Beppe Muscat, Rowen Muscat, Julian Galea. Subs used: Adrian Borg, Karl Pulo, Ryan Zammit.
FRANCE Willy Maeyens, Jean Christophe Coubronne, Kevin Theophile Catherine, Yoric Ravet, Morgan Schneiderlin, Jeremy Pied, Lamine Kone, Soni Mustivar, Yohann Lasimant, Loic Abenzoar, Steven Joseph Montrose. Subs used: Diallo Guidileye, Dominique Malonga, Djamel Bakar.
Referee: Fernando Teixeira Vitienes (SPA)
- Gozo placed fifth in their first participation in the VIVA World Cup which was held in Northern Italy over the past week.
The first game was against Provence at the Stadio Silvio Piola in Novara.
The Gozitans had the opportunity to take the lead with attempts by Mark Camilleri and Milos Stojanovic but Provence took the lead thanks to a goal by Ennys Hammoud on 36 minutes. John Camilleri levelled matters on 73 but Hammoud restored the lead for the French side four minutes later. Rodney Buttigieg was sent off for Gozo and Provence took full advantage to add another goal through Eddy Hammami.
Gozo: Paul Galea - Mario Azzopardi (90' Josmar Vella), Daniel Faruggia, Mark Buttigieg, Alex Tramboo, Benneth Njoku, Mark Camilleri, Milos Stojanovic, Elton Vella (68' Brian Meilak), Joseph Cefai, John Camillieri (76' Rodney Buttigieg).
Provence: G. Ostacchini, F. Balegh, O. Naffati, D. Zeroual, S. Giordano (M. Menza), B. Bennattar, E. Hammoud, V. Fabri, M. Lopez (Y. Blais) (E. Hammami), D. Mezli, J. Fiala.
Referee: Alessandro Bonanno
In the second game, Gozo faced Sapmi at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti in Brescia.
After losing narrowly to Provence, Sapmi needed a win in order to make it to the semi-finals. Three goals by Svein Ove Thomassen on 12, 16 and 17 minutes put Sapmi three goals ahead. Gozo had the opportunity to reduce the gap when they were awarded a penalty but Milos Stojanovic hit high. Three minutes in the second half, J. Eira made it 4-0 and four mintues later, Daniel Reginiussen scored the fifth goal. Gozo were awarded another penalty but Sapmi goalkeeper Kjetil Thomassen neutralised John Camilleri's effort.
Sapmi scored another goal thanks to Espen Bruer on 78 minutes but substitute Christian Bugeja pulled one back for Gozo. Daniel Reginiussen was again on target for Sapmi but Christian Bugeja scored a second goal for Gozo four minutes from time for a final 7-2 score.
Gozo: Mark Grima - Brian Meilak, Joseph Cefai, Alex Tramboo, Mario Azzopardi, Benneth Njoku, Elton Vella, Mark Buttigieg (73' Daniel Farrugia, 90' Mark Formosa), Milos Stojanovic, Mark Camilleri (62' Christian Bugeja), John Camilleri (71' Mark Muscat).
Sapmi: K. Thomassen, M. Eira, K. Berg, E. Bertelsen, T. Johanssen (E. Blix), P. Pokka, O. Vesterheim (J. Eira), J. Brekke (N. Bueng), I. Igualikinya (D. Reginiussen), S. Thomassen (E. Bruer), T. Mienna.
Referee: Baker Seerwand Salman
The Gozitans, under the guidance of coaches Anthony Grech and Teddy Bajada, therefore ended at the bottom of Group B and had to contest the final for 5th place together with Group A wooden-spoonists Occitanie.
Occitanie took the lead thanks to a goal by Marc Balue. Towards the end of the first half, Decachy hit Christian Bugeja in the face with the Xewkija Tigers player being taken to hospital. Seventeen minutes in the second half, Julien Cantier doubled the score. Ten minutes from time, Gozo reduced the gap with a goal by John Camilleri who beat Veziat from close range when served by Rodney Buttigieg.
After the game, Gozo filed a protest after Occitaine made six substitutions rather than the five as stipulated in the competition rules. Gozo were therefore awarded a 2-0 win.
Gozo: Paul Galea, Brian Meilak, Josmar Vella (Mark Camilleri), Mario Azzopardi, Joseph Cefai, Benneth Njoku, Elton Vella, Christian Bugeja (Rodney Buttigieg), Milos Stojanovic, Mark Formosa, Mark Muscat (John Camilleri).
Occitanie: R. Verziat, F. Nadue (B. Naumcevski), M. Ballue, K. Foussereau (J. Cantier)(A.Amiel), C. Mouysset, N. Cayetano, S. Cayetano, S. Picard, C. Long (B.Bastier), B. Massare, N. Desachy (R. Duchene).
Referee: Alfonso Poggipolini
Hosts Padania won the tournament after beating Iraqi Kurdistan 2-0 at the Stadio Bentegodi in Verona. Sapmi finished third after beating Provence on penalties following a 4-4 draw.
Gozo is set to organise the fourth edition of the VIVA World Cup next year.
- Champions Hibernians will be hosting Montenegro champions FK Mogren in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round at the Centenary Stadium on Tuesday, kick-off at 18:30.
In last week's draw, Hibernians were one of four teams in the first qualifying round and with Andorran champions UE Sant Julià being drawn with SP Tre Fiori of San Marino, the Paolites were paired with Mogren.
The Paolites will be making a return to the top European competition after an absence of seven years. That was a memorable experience for Hibernians as they had eliminated Irish side Shelbourne from the first qualifying round after a 2-2 draw at Ta' Qali and a 1-0 win in Ireland. The Paolites then met Boavista and following a 4-0 defeat in Oporto, they held the Portuguese giants in a 3-3 draw at Ta' Qali.
Repeating such a feat will be no easy task for Mark Miller's side considering local clubs' record against teams from the former Yugoslavia. Clubs from Malta and Montenegro met once when Buducnost Podgorica had eliminated Valletta from the UEFA Intertoto Cup on a 7-2 aggregate score in 2005.
Since last season, Hibs lost two players - Clayton Failla and Guinea-Bissuan striker Zeferino Borges Soares. They were replaced by Pietà Hotspurs defender Ryan Camilleri and Serbian midfielder Milan Cvetic.
Performance in the Euro Cup was quite encouraging as the Paolites won the competition following a 2-0 win over Valletta, a 1-1 draw with Sliema and a 4-0 win over Birkirkara. However preparation for this competition was far from ideal considering that the players hardly had a break since playing last season's decisive league game just five weeks ago.
FK Mogren is a football club based in Budva and has been playing in the top division since 2006. They won the Montenegrin Cup and finished third in the league in season 2007/08. Last year, they won the title as they finished four points ahead of second-placed FK Buducnost Podgorica.
This will only be their second experience in European football. Last season, they took part in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, where they held Israeli side Hapoel Kiryat Shmona in a 1-1 draw away from home but then suffered a 0-3 defeat at home.
The return leg will be played at the Stadion Pod Goricom in Podgorica on Wednesday 8th July. The team which qualifies from this clash will meet Danish champions FC Copenhagen in the second qualifying round. Second round matches will be played on July 14/15 and 21/22.
- Floriana will be appointing Irishman Roddy Collins as their new coach. News was revealed in the Irish media on Monday.
After a short spell with Bangor FC, Collins was appointed as coach of one of the top Irish clubs Bohemian mid-way during season 1998/99, helping them to avoid relegation. The following season, he led the team to third place in 1999/2000 and eventually the championship in 2000/01.
In July 2001, he joined Carlisle United in the then Division 3 in England. He was sacked in April 2002 but three months later, Collins was re-appointed as Carlisle coach after the club was sold to a different owner.
In July 2004, he took over as manager of Dublin City but left in November 2004, three weeks from the end of the season, just hours before a crucial game, to manage Shamrock Rovers. The club had eight points deducted, finishing second from bottom, and his contract was terminated in November 2005 as the club were relegated for the first time ever after losing the play-off to his previous club Dublin City.
Since then, Collins has been out of management, spending his time as an outspoken media pundit with RTE television, Newstalk radio and the Irish Star Sunday. Last year, he was linked with bids to buy Scottish Premier League side Gretna and later English League Two side Rotherham United.
Floriana had started last season under the guidance of Zoran Popovic but following his departure in December, Tony Alamango occupied the post of caretaker coach until the appointment of Brazilian coach Antonio Carlos Vieira. However following a series of disappointing results, Vieira's contract was terminated by mutual consent towards the end of March and Alamango led the team in the remaining couple of months.
Meanwhile as the club searches for new foreigners, one of them could be an attacking midfielder from Namibia - Rudolf Bester.
Bester played for Serbian side FK Cukaricki Stankom last season before returning home as he was feeling home-sick. He is an international player and was part of the Namibian squad in the 2008 African Cup of Nations.
The player reportedly said "I took up the challenge because I want to get exposure in Europe."
- The men's beach soccer tournament in the Coca-Cola Zero Beach Series 2009 kicked-off on Thursday with the first matches from the various groups. The tournament is being held in Golden Bay where a beach soccer stadium was built for this purpose.
Last week's results:
Napoli vs Wiggles 0-4
Fairbet Hamrun vs Radio 101 14-1
Maximuscle vs Jungles 3-0
Napoli vs Outsiders 1-5
New Team FC vs Demons FC 4-0
Maximuscle vs Sao Paolo FC 3-1
Stuzzico Beach Boys vs Calypso Music TV 1-2
Calypso Music TV vs Fairbet Hamrun 2-3
Stuzzico Beach Boys vs Radio 101 11-3
Outsiders vs Wiggles 1-0
Sao Paolo FC vs Jungles 6-1
Demons FC vs African Stars 0-4
New Team FC vs Export Lions 4-2
An activity by the Mellieha Local Council will be held on Tuesday 30th June starting at 17:00 and then the final round of matches from the beach soccer championship resumes on Wednesday.
Wednesday's fixtures:
17:00 Stuzzico Beach Boys vs Fairbet Hamrun
17:30 Calypso Music TV vs Radio 101
18:00 Wiggles vs Outsiders
18:30 Jungles vs Sao Paolo FC
19:00 Napoli vs Wiggles
19:30 African Stars vs Export Lions
20:00 Maximuscle vs Jungles
Thursday's fixtures:
17:00 Napoli vs Outsiders
17:30 New Team FC vs African Stars
18:00 Export Lions vs Demons FC
18:30 Maximuscle vs Sao Paolo FC
The quarter-finals will be played on Friday 3rd while the semi-finals of the men's championship and the second round of the women's tournament will be played on Saturday 4th.
The finals will be played on Sunday.
- Sheffield Wednesday will be taking part in two triangular tournaments as part of the team's pre-season tour in Malta. They will fly to Malta on Saturday 11 and will on July 18.
The Owls will play two 45 minute matches on both of the matchdays - Monday 13th and Thursday 16th July at the Victor Tedesco Stadium, Hamrun.
The opponents for Sheffield Wednesday will be Dingli Swallows and another team, yet to be confirmed, for Monday's tournament; Valletta and Sliema Wanderers in the second.
The mini tournaments will start at 20:00.
Sun 28
- Valletta continued to strengthen their squad ahead of the coming season with the signing of Malta Under-21 international Steve Borg and Dutch striker Geert den Ouden.
Twenty-one year old Steve Borg is a Mosta product and has been a key player in the team for the past years after making his Premier League debut in season 2005/06 when he was still a seventeen-year old.
Borg, who played for all youth national teams - Under-17, Under-19 and Under-21, has been attracting the interest of other Premier League clubs including Sliema Wanderers and Birkirkara.
Meanwhile Valletta's third foreigner is set to be Dutch striker Geert den Ouden. He will join Jordi Cruyff and Njongo Priso who will probably be retained despite earlier reports that he could be transferred to another club abroad.
The tall thirty-two year old striker is a highly experienced player, having played for a number of clubs in the Eredivisie and Eerste Divisie - the Dutch Premier and First Division and later in Sweden. He started his career with Excelsior in season 1998/1999 and after three years, he moved to RBC Roosendaal. In 2003, he joined Djurgardens in the Swedish top division. In season 2004/05 he returned to Holland where he played for Den Haag for two years. den Ouden then spent one year with Willem II, another with Excelsior and last year with De Graafschap.
The two players from the Netherlands Antilles, Sendley Bito and Leon Kantelberg, who were on trial with the club and played in the Euro Cup were not retained.
- Sirens F.C. Youth Nursery is receiving applications from qualified coaches willing to form part of the nursery's coaching staff for season 2009/2010.
Those interested should send a detailed CV to linocamilleri@yahoo.com or godwinm@maltanet.net or send by post to Coaches, Sirens Football Ground, Wileg Street, Qawra - St. Paul's Bay SPB 1923.
Sat 27
- The Malta Under-20 side suffered a 0-5 defeat to Turkey in their first match from Group B of the sixteenth edition of the Mediterranean Games which is being held in Pescara. The match was played at the Stadio Comunale in Teramo.
Sahin Aygunes and Eren Albayrak gave the Turkish side a two-goal lead by the end of the first half. After the break, Albayrak added another together with substitutes Yigit Gokoglan and Baris Basdas. The Maltese side, on the other hand, had attempts by Mark Scerri and Kane Micallef which were neutralised by Turkish goalkeeper Fehmi Mert Gunok.
The next game for Malta is against France on Monday 29. In their first game on Thursday, France defeated Turkey 2-0.
MALTA Thomas Galea, Steve Bonnici, Timothy Fleri Soler, George Gribbon, Tyrone Farrugia, Mark Scerri, Glenville Goodlip, Beppe Muscat, Adrian Borg, Karl Pulo. Subs used: Owen Bugeja, Terence Vella, Julian Galea.
TURKEY Fehmi Mert Gunok, Ridvan Simsek, Serdar Aziz, Serdar Kesimal, Furkan Ozcal, Sahin Aygunes, Necip Uysal, Eren Albayrak, Ozgur Cek, Semih Zorlu, Umut Sozen. Subs used: Yigit Gokoglan, Baris Basdas, Orhan Gulle.
Referee: Vasilios Pamporidis (GRE); Assistant Referees: Bachetti, Galli (ITA); Fourth Official: Mauro Bergonzi (ITA).
- The new committee of First Division side St. George's was elected during the club's Annual General Meeting which was held on Wednesday.
Hon. Chris Agius M.P. was confirmed as President and Mr. George Schembri as vice President.
The other posts were filled up by Mr. Stephen Scicluna as Club Secretary for the first time, Mr. Clyde Agius as Treasurer and Mr. Darren Scicluna and Mr. Kris Scicluna as Assistant Treasurer and Assistant Secretary/PRO respectively.
Other committee members elected were Mr. Ivan Camilleri and Mr. Jason Mifsud as Players/Coach liaison Officers, Mr. Etienne Falzon and Mauro Camilleri as Kit Managers and Ms. Maria Said and Mrs. Tessie Camilleri as Activity Organizers.
Meanwhile following the election, the new committee has confirmed coach Joey Falzon to lead the squad once again for the new season 2009/2010. During 2010, St. George’s F.C. will be celebrating 120 years, being the first football club on the islands.
- Former Malta international player, Joe Brincat, was confirmed as first team coach of First Division side San Gwann for the third consecutive season. After leading the Saints to promotion from second to first division football two seasons ago and securing the team's first division status last season, Brincat will once again manage the team during the coming season.
He will be assisted by Brian Spiteri, formerly of Pietà, who will also be responsible for the Youth team, which will compete in Section A of the Under-18 League. Former San Gwann, Floriana and Birkirkara forward, Mark Psaila, was appointed as Team Manager.
Meanwhile during the club's first committee meeting of the season, Leonard Vella was appointed as the new president.
In his first speech to the members as president, Mr. Vella thanked the outgoing president, Mr. Andrew Sullivan, for his spell at the helm of the club and the new committee for the trust shown in him. He enphazised that the club will continue to invest in its home-grown players, thus to guarantee continuity for the future and a healthy governance.
Björn Vassallo was confirmed as Club Secretary and Council Member within the Malta Football Association. Meanwhile Jason Borg and Wayne Chetcuti will act as Vice-Presidents and Ray Colombo will head the Finance Department.
Fri 26
- A two-day course for club secretaries/administrators, conducted by FIFA lecturer Jorge Soares Baptista, will held at the Centenary Hall on Sunday and Monday.
The event is intended to further enrich club administrators in the skills of running their clubs on modern lines and in the wake of the courses which the MFA has held in recent months for these officials.
On Sunday morning, Mr Baptista will speak on basic general requirements for efficient club management, followed by a lecture on transition from purely amateur to a semi-professional administration. There will be questions and answers sessions after each talk, followed by workshops and presentation of group-work.
The Monday session will deal with Communication with all stakeholders, an item which will also involve matters relating to the work of the media. There will be a general discussion followed by conclusions.
Mr Baptista, a Portuguese is one of FIFA’s main exponents in administrative matters at club level, having also been a FIFA and UEFA Media Officer, work which he had been doing since 1991.
Thu 25
- The Malta Under-20 side left Malta on Wednesday, destination Pescara, to take part in the sixteenth edition of the Mediterranean Games which will be held between June 26th and July 5th.
Malta plays its first game on Saturday against Turkey. On Monday, Malta faces France. Both matches will be played at the Stadio Comunale in Teramo.
Eleven teams are taking part in the tournament, namely:
Group A (L'Aquila): Italy, Greece, Syria.
Group B (Teramo): France, Malta, Turkey.
Group C (Lanciano): Libya, Montenegro.
Group D (Francavilla): Spain, Albania, Tunisia.
Morocco were due to play in Group C but withdrew from the tournament.
The winners of the four groups will play in semi-finals which will be played on July 1. The bronze medal match will be played on July 4 and the gold medal match on July 5.
The players selected for this tournament by coach Edwin Camilleri are:
goalkeepers Thomas Galea (Hibs), Steven Sultana (Gozo);
defenders Steve Bonnici (Floriana), Adrian Borg (Mosta), Owen Bugeja (Floriana), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), George Gribbon (Melita), Timothy Fleri Soler (Hibs);
midfielders Kane Micallef (Melita), Beppe Muscat (Sliema), Karl Pulo (Pietà), Mark Scerri (Sliema), Ryan Zammit (San Gwann);
forwards Julian Galea (Melita), Glenville Goodlip (Pietà), Gary Inguanez (Hibs), Rowen Muscat (Birkirkara), Terence Vella (Pietà).
Four years ago, in the 15th edition of the Mediterranean Games which was held in Almeria, Malta lost 0-2 to hosts Spain and 0-5 to Turkey. Spain and Turkey eventually reached the final of the tournament with Spain claiming the gold medal thanks to a 1-0 win.
In the fourth edition which were held in Naples in 1962, Malta also took part, losing the four matches in Group B against Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and Spain.
- Michael Molzahn was appointed as new coach of Rabat Ajax for the season 2009/2010. This emerged on Tuesday evening during the first meeting of the new committee.
Molzahn succeeds Charles Borg who took over as Rabat coach in January.
Forty-two year old Michael Molzahn, who holds a UEFA A Licence, was the coach of First Division side Mosta for the past three years following a two-year spell with Marsa. Earlier he formed part of the MFA technical staff where he was assistant coach for the Malta Under-21 national team and also for the senior side.
Meanwhile Rabat Ajax Football Club appointed the new Committee for season 2009/2010 during the club's Annual General Meeting on Sunday.
Dr Michael Sciriha LLD was confirmed President. The other members of the committee are:
Vice President: Amadeo Zammit, Secretary: Mario Grima, Financial Secretary: Brian Borg, Assistant Secretary : Etienne Cachia, Assistant Financial Secretary: Glen Joseph Micallef, PRO: Tonio Fenech, Members: Andrew Cachia, Joe Cachia, Victor Sammut, Joe Sant and Marco Buhagiar.
- New club Swieqi United officially elected their first ever committee in the Annual General Meeting which was held on Wednesday.
In an introductory speech, acting president Ralph Agius Fernandez stated the main aim of this new club, being that of giving Swieqi residents a much needed identity. Agius Fernandez also called for more support from the locality's Local Council in their new venture.
Following the approval of the reports, the first Swieqi United statute was put for approval and this was approved unanimously.
Ralph Aguis Fernandez was then confirmed as President. The main posts included Michael Calleja as Secretary, Gavin Ellul as Vice President, Luke Mizzi as PRO and Anthony Christina as Treasurer. Other committee members included Mauro Miceli, Justin Fenech, Nicky Farrugia and Mark Anthony Callus.
Meanwhile Swieqi United announced that they will be conducting trials for players next week.
Wed 24
- Champions Birkirkara were handed a most difficult task in the qualifying round of the UEFA Women's Champions League as they were drawn in a group together with one of last season's quarter-finalists of the UEFA Women's Cup - Danish runners-up Brøndby IF. The other teams in the group, which will be hosted by Brøndby, are Portugal's SU 1° Dezembro and Cardiff City LFC of Wales.
The draw for the relaunched competition was made by UEFA President Michel Platini, UEFA competitions director Giorgio Marchetti and head of national team competitions Mikael Salzer in Nyon on Wednesday.
Replacing the UEFA Women's Cup, which was first contested in 2001/02, the new competition features for the first time the eight runners-up from the top-ranked nations. Twenty-eight teams have been split into four seeding categories based on their coefficients, with all seven groups containing one team from each section.
The seven mini-tournament winners will progress to join the 25 other entrants, including final UEFA Women's Cup holders FCR 2001 Duisburg, in the knockout phase of the competition.
Birkirkara play the first game against 1° Dezembro on July 30, then Brøndby on August 1 and finally Cardiff on August 4.
The complete programme of matches in Group A3 is as follows:
30/07 Brøndby vs Cardiff
30/07 1° Dezembro vs Birkirkara
01/08 Brøndby vs Birkirkara
01/08 Cardiff vs 1° Dezembro
04/08 1° Dezembro vs Brøndby
04/08 Birkirkara vs Cardiff
Birkirkara had already represented Malta in the UEFA Women's Cup in 2007. They suffered humiliating defeats to Spanish champions Athletic Club BFKEB and Italian champions ASD CF Bardolino Verona and then lost 1-5 to ŽNK KRKA Novo Mesto of Slovenia.
Tue 23
- Matthew Fenech was confirmed as president of Qormi during the first meeting of the new committee following the club's annual general meeting. Fenech had led the club to promotion two years ago and retain their Premier League status last season.
As from this season, the club will have three vice-presidents. Silvan Fenech will be the vice-president in charge of projects, Redino Apap will be in charge of administration and is also the club's MFA Council Member while Victor Camilleri is the vice-president responsible for the nursery.
Clint Debono was confirmed as secretary and Anthony Saliba as treasurer. Marco Ciantar and Anthony Thorne are assistant secretary and assistant treasurer respectively. Antoine Schembri is responsible for the club's fund-raisers.
Alan Desira is the kit-manager and is responsible for the Supporters Club. He will be assisted by Gorg Micallef. The PRO is Kenneth Vella, assisted by Reno Micallef. Andrew Vella is the club director while Ludvic Vella will be in charge of social activities.
Meanwhile in the coming days, nineteen year old Nigerian striker Olalekan Junior Alabi will be on trial with the club. The player who holds an English passport formed part of the academy of Millwall.
He arrived in Malta on Sunday and started the pre-season training under the guidance of coach Jesmond Zerafa.
- Colin Calleja confirmed as Sta. Venera Lightnings F.C. president during the first meeting of the new committee following the club's annual general meeting. Rennie Briffa was elected as Vice president.
Johann Mifsud was confirmed as secretary while Jesmond Xuereb was elected for the first time as treasurer. Simon Buhagiar and Mario Muscat are assistant secretary and assistant treasurer respectively.
Jesmond Xuereb is also the kit manager. The PRO is Simon Buhagiar. Johann Vella is the club director, while Alfred Scerri, Raymond Borg, Michael Zammit and Marco Buttigieg are the other members.
Sta. Venera L. also confirmed Patrick Zammit and Marco Buttigieg as their senior coach and Youths coach respectively for another season.
- Simon Grixti was elected president of Second Division side Gzira United.
Tyrone Demanuele will be holding the post of secretary and Brian Borg that of honorary treasurer. Demanuele will also be the club's MFA Council Member.
Matthew Borg and John Muscat are the two vice-presidents with the latter also holding the post of kit-manager. Ryan Blake Borg and Jason Camilleri are assistant honorary secretary and assistant honorary treasurer/team-manger respectively.
The other members of the committee are Anthony P. Scicluna, Marvin Vella, Don Spagnol and Alfred Demanuele.
- Sliema Wanderers supporters will have the opportunity to have a photo taken with the U*BET FA Trophy at the trophy room in the club's premises in Tower Road Sliema on Sunday, starting at 11:30.
Photos will be taken by a professional photographer. Photos cost €3.
Photos could also be taken with the players who will be present and club president Steve Abela.
- The Milan Junior Camp will be back in Malta next month between Monday 6th and Friday 17th July. Milan legend Franco Baresi is due to attend for this junior camp.
The Milan Junior Camp is AC Milan's official summer football programme. It was introduced over ten years ago and is dedicated to providing the highest level of professional instruction in youth football. The MJC is sanctioned by the Italian Youth Football Federation and is staffed with highly qualified coaches who are selected by AC Milan's youth programme. MJC attract over 150,000 youths from all over the world annually who experience quality training in a professional and fun environment.
The MJC will be held at the Melita Football Ground in Pembroke with sessions being held between 09:00 and 12:00.
The fee is €170. The price includes AC Milan Adidas MJC shirts, Adidas shorts, Adidas socks and Adidas AC Milan knapsack.
From this Junior Camp, two kids will be selected and invited to Milan to participate in the MJC Day.
For more information phone 21373789 or email milanjc@esemalta.com
Mon 22
- Champions Hibernians were drawn with the champions of Montenegro - FK Mogren in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The draw was held in Nyon on Monday.
Hibs were one of four teams in the first qualifying round and with Andorran champions UE Sant Julià being drawn with SP Tre Fiori of San Marino, the Paolites were paired with Mogren.
The first leg with be played at home. First qualifying round matches are to be staged on 30 June/1 July and 7/8 July.
The team which qualifies from the clash between Hibernians and Mogren will meet Danish champions FC Copenhagen in the second qualifying round. Second round matches will be played on July 14/15 and 21/22.
FK Mogren is a football club based in Budva and has been playing in the top division since 2006. They won the Montenegrin Cup and finished third in the league in season 2007/08. Last year, they won the title as they finished four points ahead of second-placed FK Buducnost Podgorica.
This will be their second experience in European football. Last season, they took part in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, where they held Israeli side Hapoel Kiryat Shmona in a 1-1 draw away from home but then lost 0-3 at home.
Clubs from Malta and Montenegro met once. In 2005, Buducnost Podgorica had eliminated Valletta from the UEFA Intertoto Cup on a 7-2 aggregate score.
FC Copenhagen had already met a Maltese team in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. In 2003, they defeated Sliema Wanderers 4-1 in Copenhagen and 6-0 at Ta' Qali for a 10-1 aggregate score.
- Croatian side NK Slaven Koprivnica, better known as Slaven Belupo, will be visiting Malta once again after being drawn with Birkirkara while Valletta were paired with Icelandic side Keflavik in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League.
Valletta will be playing the first leg at home while Birkirkara play the first leg in Croatia. First qualifying round matches will be played on July 2 and July 9.
In the second qualifying round, Sliema Wanderers will meet Israeli side Maccabi Netanya. The first leg will be played at Ta' Qali on July 16 with the return leg being played on July 23.
The winner of the clash between Valletta and Keflavik will meet Irish side St. Patrick's Athletic in the second qualifying round - the first leg to be played in Ireland while the winner of the clash between Slaven Koprivnica and Birkirkara will face FK Milano of Macedonia with the latter hosting the first leg.
NK Slaven Koprivnica
NK Slaven Koprivnica will be visiting Malta for the third time. They met Hibernians in the first round of the Intertoto Cup in 2004. The Paolites won the first leg at the Hibs Ground 2-1 but then Slaven won 3-0 at home to move on to the next round on a 4-2 aggregate score. Last year, they eliminated Marsaxlokk from the UEFA Cup, beating them 4-0, both at home and away.
Slaven gained their first promotion to the Prva HNL in 1997 and have been playing in the league ever since. In 2000, they surprisingly finished fifth in the Prva HNL and qualified for the UEFA Intertoto Cup. In their first Intertoto Cup appearance, they managed to reach the third round of the competition before being eliminated by Czech club SK Sigma Olomouc. One year later, they repeated the success and were only stopped by Aston Villa with a 3-2 aggregate defeat. In their next two Intertoto Cup appearances, they were even more successful as they reached the semifinals of the competition on both occasions, only to be eliminated after losing to Stuttgart and Lille respectively. Their last Intertoto Cup appearance in 2005 ended in the third round with a 4-0 aggregate defeat to Spanish club Deportivo La Coruña.
Last season, Slaven Belupo placed fourth in the league with 55 points from 33 matches.
Slaven reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup 2007/08, beating Albanian side KS Teuta Durrës 8-4 on aggregate before being eliminated after a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Turkish club Galatasaray. After beating Marsaxlokk last year, they went on to reach the first round of the UEFA Cup as they eliminated Greek side Aris Thessaloniki from the second qualifying round on a 2-1 aggregate score. In the first round, they were beaten with a 3-1 aggregate score by CSKA Moscow.
Keflavik
Valletta's opponents - Keflavík - are based in the town of Reykjanesbaer in Iceland. They won the championship four times - 1964, 1969, 1971 and 1973 - and the Icelandic Cup another four times - 1975, 1997, 2004, 2006. They played in all the major European competitions, the European Cup, the UEFA Cup, the Cup Winners´ Cup and the Intertoto Cup.
Last season, they placed second in the Iceland Premier League, one point behind champions FH Hafnarfjördur. They are currently fifth in the table with 14 points from eight matches.
Keflavík played their first game in Europe 1965 after winning the title the previous year. They were drawn against Hungarian side Ferencváros in the European Cup. The Hungarians won 9-1 and 4-1 for a 13-2 aggregate win. In the early 70s, Keflavík were lucky to be drawn against some of the top European teams including Everton in 1970, Tottenham Hotspur in 1971 and Real Madrid in 1972.
In season 1979/80, they eliminated Swedish side Kalmar FF in the first round of the UEFA Cup. They lost 2-1 in Sweden but qualified on the away goals rule after winning 1-0 at home. They repeated this success in season 2005/06 where they reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup after eliminating Etzella Ettelbrück of Luxembourg, beating them 4-0 away from home and 2-0 at home.
Maccabi Netanya
Maccabi Netanya are based in the city of Netanya. The team enjoyed its biggest success in the 70s and 80s. They won the championship five times - 1970-71, 1973-74, 1977-78, 1979-80, 1982-83, the State Cup once - 1978, the League Cup/Toto Cup twice - 1982-83, 1983-84 and the Super Cup three times - 1978, 1980, 1983.
Maccabi Netanya took part in the UEFA Cup for the first time two years ago when they were drawn with União de Leiria of Portugal. They drew 0-0 in Portugal but lost 0-1 at home. Last year, they also played in the same competition against Cherno More Varna and following a 1-1 draw at home, they lost 0-2 in Bulgaria. In 2003, they were eliminated from the UEFA Intertoto Cup on the away goals rule by Albanian side KF Partizani.
Last season, Maccabi Netanya placed fourth in the Ligat Ha'Al with 54 points from 33 matches, seven behind champions Maccabi Haifa.
- Second Division side Zebbug Rangers have appointed Joe Gerada as their new coach. He will be assisted by Mark Ciantar who will be the coach of the youths team as well.
This was announced during the club's annual general meeting. The committee was confirmed for another season. Joe Pace will therefore hold the post of president with John Hamilton as secretary and Antoine Grima as finance director. Raymond Farrugia and Malcolm Dimech are the two vice-presidents while Joseph Magro and Jesmond Grima are the assistant secretary and assistant finance director respectively.
The other members of the committee are: Anglu Bantick, Philip Cauchi, Michael Zerafa, Chris Agius, Loreto Abela and Mark Attard.
At the end of his speech during the AGM, president Joe Pace said that the club's objective is to challenge for promotion during the coming season.
George Saliba was congratulated after winning the MFA Best Second Division Player.
- On match day 2 in the Referee Cup in Germay, the MFRA team faced the leaders of Group B. The match was a tight affair as both teams needed a win to obtain a better placing in the overall ranking. It was a balanced match with both sides defending well. The boys in red gave their utmost and had more chances to score, however the goal keeper denied all their efforts. In the dying minutes of the match, the opposing team managed to score from a corner.
At the end of the group stage, the Maltese team managed to obtain 7 points with two losses, one draw and two wins. After the group stage, the reds now had two remaining matches to play. The team had to compete for a placing between the 9th and 12th place in the overall ranking. In the first match the MFRA team lost against Lüneburg I (0 – 3) however, in the second match our referees managed to obtain a positive result against Luxemburg on penalties, after a very positive performance (3 -2). Thus, the MFRA team finished its commitments, in the ‘Referee Cup 2009’, in the 11th place.
Twenty-three teams were taking part in the tournament with a number of the sides playing in amateur leagues even though the team members are referees. Thus, considering that our referees only play half an hour of football during their weekly training sessions, this was a very positive result for both the MFRA and also for Maltese Football in general.
- "I believe that football in Gozo has an important role for the island, not just from the aspect of sport but for also from the social point of view." This was the main message of the GFA President Mr. Alvin Grech during the Gozo Football Association annual end-of-the-season presentation which was held at Hotel Ta’ Cenc in Sannat. Successful individuals and teams in different categories were presented awards. This season, the GFA also introduced some new categories mainly aimed to recognize the contribution of different persons ho left their mark in the history of Gozitan Football.
The speech by the GFA President highlighted the efforts of the Association aimed to improve the level of the players, coaches and all those involved in the game. Mr. Grech also insisted that everyone involved should be cautious to ensure that the teams do not go out of their financial means in an attempt to achieve a target. Otherwise, the efforts will not be beneficiary, and will end up harming the clubs and players. During the season 2008/2009, the GFA organized not less than seventeen competitions, seven championships and ten KO competitions. This resulted in a record number of matches, mainly due to the introduction of the competitions for the Female U/15. The Youth competitions in the Female sector are considered to be important to ensure that the Women’s Football may develop further.
According to the GFA President the increase in the attendance from the supporters at the Gozo Stadium is a clear indicator that overall the Gozitan Football passed a successful season. Mr. Grech stated that this goes to show that the success was a result of hard work and planning from all those involved in the organisation of the matches in the various competitions, especially when considering the difficulties encountered during this season due to the logistics since the GFA only had one full-size pitch as a venue for the matches.
The President also spoke about the priorities which the GFA has established for the immediate future. These consist in the improvement of the facilities of the existing venues, especially those of the Gozo Stadium and the Sannat Ground. However, the Association is also committed to support the member clubs in improving their respective training grounds to provide the best possible facilities for all the players of all categories. In this regard the GFA president announced that the Association has reached a financial agreement with a company that provides synthetic pitches, namely 240 Ltd.; so that Gozitan clubs may purchase the installation of this surface at the same price paid by the Malta Football Association. This scheme will undoubtedly encourage member clubs to invest in the improvement of their respective facilities.
Mr. Grech called everyone to intensify their efforts to consolidate the Youth sector since this is the best investment that one can make to improve the football on the island. These efforts correspond to the mission statement of the GFA which do not aim only to produce good footballers or athletes but the associations feels responsible also for the education and support for all the children involved. Further efforts are also needed to continue the project of consolidation in the administration of the GFA and the member clubs not only from a financial aspect but also in the way that the administration operates. The GFA continuously seeks to support and provide incentives to the clubs because the association believes that good administration leads to more professionalism and at the end to better results.
The GFA President also spoke about competitive football, especially with reference to the participation of Gozitan teams in different categories at the national level. Overall, the participation has been quite satisfactory, particularly the Women’s, Under-15 and Under-17 teams. Almost all the Gozo FC teams reached the projected target. The president congratulated the Women’s team that won all the championship matches and won promotion in its first season. It is encouraging to note that five players from this team were selected to form part of the National team. The U/15 team of the Youth FA won promotion to Section A, so that this team reach the top flight in two seasons; while the U/17 team won the championship in its first season of participation. The Gozo FC managed to retain the Division II status, but everyone expects more from this team and everyone wishes that the team can obtain a more prestigious placing at national level.
As regards the current projects, the president stated that the work on the new dressing rooms for the Gozo Stadium has been taken in hand recently and that more works is taking place to upgrade the facilities of our main Stadium with the aim to qualify for the required standards to host international matches. Mr. Grech also referred to the contribution of the association so that the member clubs may have a second full size-ground and announced that in the next few weeks the refurbishment of the Sannat Ground, which includes a new synthetic pitch and artificial lights, will be officially inaugurated. The Sannat Ground will therefore be in a position to host competitive matches during the evenings. In addition, the GFA recently also managed to attract an international tournament at the same Sannat Ground. These efforts are not only contributing to expose the Gozitan Football but also contribute to the economy of the island.
All this work involves a number of dedicated people and the GFA President thanked particularly those who work close to him. He thanked Mr. Joe Bajada, the General Secretary of the Association, for all the hard work carried out during the seasons and congratulated Mr. Bajada for the honour of the Official of the Year of the GFA. Mr. Grech also thanked Mr. George Cini, the GFA Treasurer, for his continuous efforts especially by finding sponsors to support the organisation. The President also had a word of appreciation to Dr. Joseph Grech, who is not only the legal advisor of the association but also the Chairman of the organising committee for the VIVA World Cup 2010 which will take place in Gozo in a year’s time. The president expressed gratitude to Mr. Joseph Portelli who served as the president of the Gozo FC for the first part of the season and Mr. Charles Calleja for his work at the MFA as a member of the Executive Committee. He also thanked all the members of the Executive Committee of the GFA, Council Members, members of the Gozo FC, the Gozo Youth FA, the various Boards at the GFA and the clubs. Special thanks was given by the president to the Minister for Gozo Hon. Giovanna Debono for her personal interest to give her support in all the needs of the association, to Hon. Clyde Puli for the aids given through the Kunsill Malti ghall-iSport; and to Hon. Tonio Fenech for the support given through the Good Causes Fund.
The GFA President expressed words of appreciation to the Officials from the Malta Football Association for their continuous support, to the main sponsors Melita, General Soft Drinks, Bank of Valletta, Gozo Channel, Sportika and Gozo Express. He also thanked APS Bank as main sponsors of the Gozo Youth FA. Mr. Grech recognized the hard work of the players and coaches in charge of the Gozo FC teams, the regional coaches, all the players and coaches of the Gozitan teams, who are the main protagonists of the activities, the employees, referees, the members of the media, the police and all those who are involved in one way or another with football in Gozo. The GFA president ended his address by expressing a special thanks to the families who support and make sacrifices because of the commitments required by the association.
Other speeches during the activity were delivered by Dr. Joseph Grech, President of the Gozo FC, Mr. Jonathan Dalli, representative of Melita plc on behalf of the sponsors and Mr. Carmelo Bartolo, Vice-president of the MFA. The Minister for Gozo Hon. Giovanna Debono and Parliamentary Secretary responsible for Youth and Sports Clyde Puli, both sent a message to excuse themselves for not attending the activity due to other commitments and congratulated the GFA on this special occasion.
Dr. Joseph Grech started his address by stating that he was called for the post following the resignation en bloc of the previous committee and following an Extraordinary General meeting that appointed a committee for the administration of the Gozo FC. During the meeting a motion to appoint the Gozo FC through the nomination of persons by the Administrative Board of the GFA was approved unanimously. Therefore, the Gozo FC from now falls under the authority of the GFA, which is also responsible for the Gozo Youth FA. The new committee includes representatives of the GFA and also representatives from the clubs that have players forming part of the team. Dr. Grech thanked the teams from the Youth sector, particularly those of the U/15 and U/17; and also the Female teams for the prestigious honour made to the GFA through their respective success. He added that the Gozo FC is aiming that from next season these teams start playing on home and away basis at the new pitch of Sannat ground, as happens in the main team which competes in the national championship of the MFA.
The president stated that the new committee is aiming to build a competitive team for the future, formed by the best players participating at the local level. As the chairman of the organizing committed for the VIVA World Cup 2010, Dr. Grech stated that the GFA will be represented by a selection from Gozitan players and not by the Gozo FC. This selection will be participating for the first time in the VIVA World Cup 2009 that is taking place in Padania during the last week of June. The participation in this year’s edition will be a good experience for the new coaches and players that should be useful for fine tuning in the future. Dr. Grech concluded by pointing out that the GFA is aiming to put Gozitan Football on the international sphere.
He called for collaboration from everyone since every Gozitan who represent Gozo is honoured to make a good name for our island. The president insisted that this is quite just since the final success is not attributed only to the individual but is linked to Gozo. It is therefore of utmost importance to work harder together with optimism to do our best to make a good name for the Gozitan identity.
Mr. Jonathan Dalli, a representative of Melita plc, stated that his company has become synonymous with sport both at national and international level. He said that the Gozitan sport is not an exception. Through the bond that exists between Melita and the GFA, Melita Sports transmits a football match every week from the Melita Division I championship. Mr. Dalli also referred that for the third season in a row his company did live transmission of the GFA Cup Final and he took the opportunity to congratulate SK Victoria Wanderers winners of this competition this season. Mr. Dalli stated that Melita Sports is committed to continue with its support in the forthcoming seasons and wishes the possibility that more matches may be transmitted. He also wished that everyone may continue to give contribution for the benefit of football in Gozo.
MFA vice-president Mr. Carmelo Bartolo stated that his association is grateful for the invitation by the GFA for this annual activity since this activity shows the hard work and improvement registered by this regional association. Mr. Bartolo reminded everyone that two years ago the GFA and its member clubs gained benefit from the project of installation of mini pitches. The GFA and the member club Sannat Lions will once again benefit from financial aid through programmes of the MFA and UEFA for the upgrading of the facilities at the Gozo Stadium and Sannat Ground. The MFA supports these investments and is promising that international matches will take place in Gozo. Mr. Batolo wishes that the GFA maintains its momentum and congratulated the association for its achievements. He also wishes that everyone continues to give the utmost to improve the level of the most popular sports on our islands.
At the end of the presentation of the awards and trophies, Mr. Mario Camilleri, agent of Sportika, presented the full kits to be used by the Gozitan selection during its participation in the VIVA World Cup 2009 to be held in Padania, Italy. After this presentation the GFA introduced the Gozitan Anthem that will be played at the grounds in Italy before the matches of the Gozitan selection. The anthem is composed by Prof. Mro. Joseph Vella, and recorded when played by La Stella Band of La Stella Philharmonic Society of Victoria Gozo.
The activity ended with a surprise presentation to Emma Xuereb on the occasion of her historic debut with the National team. Xuereb scored the second goal in a 4-0 victory by Malta over Latvia; which was also her first whole match with the national jersey, on Friday June 5 2009 in a match from the UEFA Mini-Tournament Grupp D4. The gift consisted in a set of photos by photographer Stephen Gatt and Louis Micallef from the MFA. The GFA president Mr. Alvin Grech and the General Secretary of the GFA Mr Joe Bajada presented the frames with photos to Emma Xuereb.
Sun 21
- Hibernians secured the services of Under-21 international Ryan Camilleri from Pietà Hotspurs. This was announced by president Tony Bezzina during the club's annual general meeting which was held on Friday.
Bezzina said that a number of foreign players will be on trial with the club in the coming days before a final decision regarding the third foreigner, who will replace Zeferino Borges Soares, will be taken.
All members of the committee were unanimously confirmed with Tony Bezzina as president, David Abdilla as vice-president, Stephen Abela as secretary, Jesmond Abela as treasurer, Stefan Zahra as PRO and Victor Ellul as assistant secretary.
The Hibs president explained the club's targets for the coming season and said that they will continue to build on what had been done in the past years by having faith in young players brought up through the nursery. Bezzina said the club will continue to invest in these youngsters. As regards the transfer of Clayton Fallia, he said the committee had made an offer to the player but he opted to move elsewhere, a decision which the club respects. He congratulated the player for winning the MFA Footballer of the Year award.
- Malta will be represented by three teams in the inaugural UEFA Europa League - the draws for which will be held on Monday, starting at 13:00. But while Valletta and Birkirkara will be playing in the first qualifying round, U*BET FA Trophy winners Sliema Wanderers will enter the second qualifying round.
The 46 teams in the first qualifying round have been divided into two groups, seeded and unseeded. Equal numbers of seeded and unseeded teams have been allocated to five groups – three of ten teams and two of eight – for the draw.
Birkirkara were placed in Group 2 and will be facing one of the following teams: Anorthosis Famagusta FC (CYP), NK Slaven Koprivnica (CRO), Sligo Rovers FC (IRL), FC Zimbru Chisinau (MOL) and FC Olimpi Rustavi (GEO). The other unseeded teams in the group are KS Vllaznia (ALB), FC Okzheptes Kokshetau (KAZ), B36 Tórshavn (FRO) and UN Käerjéng 97 (LUX).
Valletta, on the other hand, were placed in Group 3 and will face one of these teams: Helsingborgs IF (SWE), KSP Polonia Warszawa (POL), FC Dinaburg (LVA), Keflavík (ISL) and FC Zestafoni (GEO). The other unseeded teams in the group are JK Nõmme Kalju (EST), FC MIKA (ARM), Lisburn Distillery FC (NIR) and FK Buducnost Podgorica (MNE)
First qualifying round matches will be played on June 30/July 1 and July 7/8.
Possible opponents for Sliema Wanderers are the teams which qualify from the first round together with the following teams which will also enter the second qualifying round:
FC Steaua Bucuresti (ROU), FC Basel 1893 (SUI), Galatasaray AS (TUR), Aalborg BK (DEN), FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB), Brøndby IF (DEN), FC Metalurh Donetsk (UKR), MŠK Žilina (SVK), Tromsø IL (NOR), SK Rapid Wien (AUT), FC Paços de Ferreira (POR), NAC Breda (NED), Larissa FC (GRE), IF Elfsborg (SWE), Falkirk FC (SCO), PFC Cherno More Varna (BUL), KAA Gent (BEL), SK Sigma Olomouc (CZE), Legia Warszawa (POL), SK Sturm Graz (AUT), FC Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO), FK Sevojno (SRB), Maccabi Netanya FC (ISR), AC Omonia (CYP), Saint Patrick's Athletic FC (IRL), Derry City FC (IRL), NK Gorica (SVN), HNK Rijeka (CRO), FK Rabotnicki (MAC), HJK Helsinki (FIN), FC Honka Espoo (FIN).
Second qualifying round matches will be played on July 14/15 and July 21/22.
- On Friday, the Maltese contingent had the opportunity to visit the HSH Nordbank Arena, which is the home stadium of the Bundesliga team of Hamburg SV. It is important to mention that this stadium was also one of the stadia for the 2006 World Cup. The same stadium will also host the the Europa League 2010 Cup Final. After the visit, there was some time for sightseeing in the city of Hamburg.
Match day 1 saw the MFRA team face four German teams in Group B. The first match ended with a disappointing result, as the Maltese team lost with a deficit of two goals, after being in the lead, to Wacker Neustadt (1-3). The next three games awarded the patience of the MFRA, as the team managed to obtain a draw against SR-Vereinigung Hagen (1-1), and two wins against SV Eintracht Lüneburg (1-0) and SR-Gruppe Nürtingen (1-0) respectively. The Maltese team managed to open the scoreline in all the respective matches.
The Maltese team is standing third in Group B with 7 points. The first and second teams have 10 and 9 points respectively. This leaves the team needing a win to possibly top the group, and match day 2 reserves a clash against the top team in the group.
- Birkirkara FC appointed Paul Zammit as their new coach. Zammit replaces John Buttigieg who held the post of Birkirkara coach for the past two-and-a-half years.
Zammit started his coaching career with Mosta in Division 1 with whom he won promotion to the Premier League. He then moved on to Valletta where he won the Premier League title 2007/08.
Paul Zammit will be assisted by former Sliema Wanderers, Hibernians and Pietà Hotspurs defender Branco Nisevic.
- The Coca-Cola Zero Beach Series 2009 got underway on Saturday with the first matches from the ladies' beach soccer tournament. Matches are being played in Golden Bay at a Beach Soccer stadium which was built for this purpose.
Four teams are taking part in the tournament, namely Pembroke, Cheeky Monkeys, Mgarr and Golden Girls.
The results of the first round of matches were:
PEMBROKE vs CHEEKY MONKEYS 1-7
MGARR vs GOLDEN GIRLS 1-4
PEMBROKE vs MGARR 2-4
CHEEKY MONKEYS vs GOLDEN GIRLS 2-1
PEMBROKE vs GOLDEN GIRLS 1-5
CHEEKY MONKEYS vs MGARR 3-1
The second round of matches from the ladies' tournament will be played on July 4th while the final will be played on Sunday 5th.
Besides beach soccer, this year's Coca-Cola Zero Beach Series includes Beach Handball, Beach Tennis and KMS programme Sportsbuzz.
Activities will in fact resume on Sunday morning with Beach Tennis and with the Beach Handball Championship in the afternoon.
Beach Soccer matches will be back next Thursday evening. A total of fourteen teams are taking part. Group matches will be played between June 25th and 28th and between July 1st and 2nd.
The quarter-finals and semi-finals will be held on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July while the final will be held on Sunday 5th.
Sat 20
- Sliema Wanderers continued to strengthen their squad with the signing of Malta international midfielder Ryan Fenech on a one-year loan deal from Hamrun Spartans. Fenech and former Valletta midfielder Josef Mifsud were presented during a press conference which was held at the club premises on Saturday.
Sliema president Steve Abela said that after the signing of Clayton Failla, Josef Mifsud and Ryan Fenech, during the coming days and weeks, the club will continue working hard in order to strengthen further the squad as they aim to challenge for honours.
Abela thanked vice-president Nikky Dimech who was instrumental in the signing of Ryan Fenech thanks to his financial support which made the deal possible. The Sliema president appealed for similar support from others who were willing to support the club in strengthening the team.
Vice-president Nikky Dimech said that although the signing of such players definitely raises one's expectations, it was of utmost importance to keep their feet on the ground.
Josef Mifsud joins Sliema from Valletta where he spent the last two years. However Mifsud is a Sliema product, making his debut in season 2001/02. He joined Lija Athletic on loan while in summer 2003, he moved to Msida St. Joseph where he played for four years.
Mifsud thanked Sliema officials and the technical staff for having faith in him. He said he was glad to return with the Blues and is looking forward to helping the team achieve its targets.
The 24-year old thanked Valletta for the past two years despite not featuring in the team over the past few months as much as he would have expected.
On the other hand, Ryan Fenech will join the club on a one-year loan from Hamrun Spartans after the latter were relegated to Division 1.
Fenech said that he had reached an agreement with the Blues shortly after he was contacted by Sliema president Steve Abela. The 23-year old midfielder said he hopes to be a useful player for the team in their bid to reach the top.
The Wanderers hope to seal the transfer of Birkirkara striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza. After agreeing a deal with the player, an agreement has already been reached between the two clubs but the necessary documents have not been signed yet.
As regards foreigners, Steve Abela admitted the club's interest in Hamrun Spartans striker Sylvano Comvalius. He said that the club is in no hurry to sign new foreigners as there is still time for the deadline ahead of the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round matches. The only foreigner on the club's books so far is Romanian defender Lucian Dronca.
Meanwhile after winning the U*BET FA Trophy last month, Sliema Wanderers have issued a commemorative silver medal. This can be obtained from the club premises for €30 from Sunny Borg.
- Malta international striker Andre Schembri joined Austrian Bundesliga side SK Austria Kärnten. Schembri signed a two-year deal with the Klagenfurt-based side. The news was confirmed by the club's official website.
Schembri was reportedly attracting the interest of other clubs as well but finally opted for the Austrian club. After signing the contract with his new club, Schembri returned to Malta during the weekend and will move back to Austria on Thursday where he will start the pre-season training with his new team-mates on Monday in Bad Bleiberg.
After making his Premier League debut with Hibernians in season 2002/03, Andre Schembri moved to Marsaxlokk in January 2005. With the Southseasiders, he spent two-and-a-half years, winning the Premier League title. In summer 2007, he moved to Eintracht Braunschweig in the German Regionalliga, helping his team to avoid relegation.
Last year, he joined Carl Zeiss Jena in the German Third Division. He scored four in thirty-two league matches and another two in three cup matches.
SK Austria Kärnten were formed just two years ago and took over the license of ASKÖ Pasching to play in the Austrian Football Bundesliga. In their first season, they placed ninth but last year, they finished in the sixth place.
- The selection from the Gozo Football Association will be making its debut in the VIVA World Cup 2009 on Monday 22nd June as they face the selection from Provence - a region in the south-east of France.
The NF Board is organizing this edition of the VIVA World Cup together with the FA of Padania of Italy. Six teams are participating in this third edition of the competition and these were divided into two groups of three teams each.
Gozo were drawn in Group 2 together with Provence and Samiland. The three teams in Group 1 are Occitania, Kurdistan and Padania.
The first match for the Gozitans will be against Provence at the Stadio Piola, Novara, kick-off at 17:00. The second match from the group stage will take place on Wednesday against the Scandinavians of Samiland. The match will also kick-off at 17:00 but the venue will be Stadio Rigamonti, Brescia.
The two semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday 25. The matches will take place at Stadio Franco Ossola in Varese. The matches to determine the fifth and sixth place; and the third and fourth place will be played on Friday at the Stadio Rigamonti while the final will be held on Saturday 27 at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi in Verona.
For this tournament, the coaches of the Gozitan selection - Anthony Grech and Teddy Bajada - selected eighteen players, namely:
Goalkeepers: Mark Grima (Victoria H.) and Paul Galea (Sannat L.);
Defenders: Mario Azzopardi (Zebbug R.), Mark Formosa (Sannat L.), Josmar Vella (Xewkija T.), Daniel Farrugia (Victoria H.), Joseph Cefai (Xewkija T.) and Alex Tramboo (Zebbug R.);
Midfieders: Brian Meilak (Ghajnsielem), Elton Vella (Sannat L.), Milos Stojanovic (Kercem A.), Christian Bugeja (Xewkija T.), Mark Muscat (Sannat L.), Mark Buttigieg (SK Victoria W.) and Benneth Njoku (Sannat L.);
Strikers: Mark Camilleri (Xewkija T.), John Camilleri (Xaghra U.) and Rodney Buttigieg (Xewkija T.).
The Gozitan selection will be wearing a full kit provided by Sportika for this competition. Mr. Mario Camilleri, recognised agent of Sportika, recently presented the full kit for the VIVA World Cup 2009 to Mr. Alvin GFA President, Mr. Joe Bajada General Secretary of the GFA and Dr. Joseph Grech LL.D. Chairman of the VIVA World Cup 2010 that will take place in Gozo.
- UEFA confirmed the seedings for the UEFA Champions League first and second qualifying rounds - the draws for which will be held on Monday at the House of Football in Nyon together with the draws for the first and second qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League.
BOV Premier League champions Hibernians will take part in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League which features the champions of Andorra, Malta, Montenegro and San Marino – UE Sant Julià, Hibernians, FK Mogren and SP Tre Fiori respectively. Hibernians together with Tre Fiori are both unseeded. Therefore the Paolites' opponents will be either Andorran champions Sant Julià or FK Mogren of Montenegro.
First qualifying round matches are to be staged on 30 June/1 July and 7/8 July.
Local clubs have never met clubs from Andorra in European competitions but in 2005, a team from Montenegro - Buducnost Podgorica had eliminated Valletta from the UEFA Intertoto Cup on a 7-2 aggregate score.
Should Hibernians reach the second qualifying round, they would meet one of the following teams:
Seeded teams - FC Copenhagen (DEN), Levski Sofia (BUL), Partizan Belgrade (SRB), Maccabi Haifa (ISR), Dinamo Zagreb (CRO), Wisla Krakow (POL), BATE Borisov (BLR), FC Salzburg (AUT), Kalmar (SWE), APOEL Nicosia (CYP), Stabaek (NOR), Slovan Bratislava (SVK), FK Ventspils (LAT), NK Maribor (SLO), FH Hafnardjardar (ICE), Inter Turku (FIN), Ekranas Panevezys (LIT);
Unseeded teams - Bohemians (IRE), Zrinjski Mostar (BOS), Debrecen (HUN), Georgia Tbilisi (GEO), Sheriff Tiraspol (MOL), Makedonija Skopje (MAC), FK Baku (AZE), Levadia Tallinn (EST), SK Tirana (ALB), FK Aktobe (KAZ), Pyunik Yerevan (ARM), Rhyl (WAL), Glentoran (NIR), EB Streymur (FAR), F91 Dudelange (LUX).
In the UEFA Europa League, Malta will be represented by three teams. But while Valletta and Birkirkara will be playing in the first qualifying round, U*BET FA Trophy winners Sliema Wanderers will enter the second qualifying round.
Valletta and Birkirkara are two of the unseeded teams in the first qualifying round. Their possible opponents are therefore:
Rosenborg BK (NOR), Anorthosis Famagusta FC (CYP), Helsingborgs IF (SWE), Motherwell FC (SCO), Randers FC (DEN), Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv FC (ISR), FC Spartak Trnava (SVK), KSP Polonia Warszawa (POL), NK Slaven Koprivnica (CRO), FC Lahti (FIN), FK Vetra (LIT), Sligo Rovers FC (IRL), FC Dinaburg (LAT), NK Rudar Velenje (SVN), NK Široki Brijeg (BOS), FC Dinamo Minsk (BLR), FC MTZ-RIPO Minsk (BLR), Haladás FC (HUN), FC Zimbru Chisinau (MOL), Keflavík (ISL), Fram Reykjavík (ISL), FC Olimpi Rustavi (GEO), FC Zestafoni (GEO);
The other unseeded teams are FK Renova (MAC), FC Inter Baku (AZE), Simurq PFC (AZE), JK Trans Narva (EST), JK Nõmme Kalju (EST), KS Vllaznia (ALB), KS Dinamo Tirana (ALB), FC Irtysh Pavlodar (KAZ), FC Okzhetpes Kokshetau (KAZ), FC MIKA (ARM), FC Banants (ARM), Llanelli AFC (WAL), The New Saints FC (WAL), Linfield FC (NIR), Lisburn Distillery FC (NIR), B36 Tórshavn (FAR), NSÍ Runavík (FAR), CS Grevenmacher (LUX), UN Käerjéng 97 (LUX), FK Buducnost Podgorica (MON) and FK Sutjeska (MON).
First qualifying round matches will be played on June 30/July 1 and July 7/8.
Possible opponents for Sliema Wanderers are the teams which qualify from the first round together with the following teams which will also enter the second qualifying round:
FC Steaua Bucuresti (ROU), FC Paços de Ferreira (POR), NAC Breda (NED), Falkirk FC (SCO), Galatasaray AS (TUR), FC Metalurh Donetsk (UKR), KAA Gent (BEL), Larissa FC (GRE), SK Sigma Olomouc (CZE), FC Basel 1893 (SUI), PFC Cherno More Varna (BUL), Tromsø IL (NOR), Brøndby IF (DEN), Aalborg BK (DEN), SK Rapid Wien (AUT), SK Sturm Graz (AUT), FK Crvena Zvezda (SRB), FK Sevojno (SRB), Maccabi Netanya FC (ISR), IF Elfsborg (SWE), MŠK Žilina (SVK), Legia Warszawa (POL), Újpest FC (HUN), HNK Rijeka (CRO), AC Omonia (CYP), NK Gorica (SVN), HJK Helsinki (FIN), FC Honka Espoo (FIN), SK Liepajas Metalurgs (LAT), Skonto FC (LAT), FK Slavija Sarajevo (BOS), FK Sarajevo (BOS), FK Suduva (LIT), FBK Kaunas (LIT), FC Dacia Chisinau (MOL), FC Iskra-Stali (MOL), Saint Patrick's Athletic FC (IRL), Derry City FC (IRL), FK Rabotnicki (MAC), FK Milano (MAC), KR Reykjavík (ISL), FC Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO), FC Vaduz (LIE), FC Naftan Novopolotsk (BLR), FC Flora (EST), FK Qarabag (AZE), KS Flamurtari (ALB), FC Gandzasar Kapan (ARM), FC Tobol Kostanay (KAZ), Crusaders FC (NIR), Bangor City FC (WAL), HB Tórshavn (FAR), FC Differdange 03 (LUX), FK Petrovac (MON), FC Santa Coloma (AND), AC Juvenes-Dogana (SMR).
Second qualifying round matches will be played on July 14/15 and July 21/22.
- Edward Darmanin has been officially appointed as the new first team coach of Third Division side Zejtun Corinthians.
With a brilliant career not only as a player but later also as a coach, Darmanin has signed a one-year contract with an automatically extension for the following season if the team wins the promotion to the Second Division.
- Second Division side Mellieha Sports Club also appointed a new coach for the first team and a coach for the Youth team for next season, Kevin Gambin and Raymond Vella respectively.
br />Both are former Mellieha players and Gambin was the Head Coach of the Football Nursery.
The committee would like to thank their previous coach Ronald Vella and technical director Ray Zazu Farrugia for their services during the past year and wish them luck in their future ventures.
Meanwhile during its AGM, the Mellieha Sports Club committee was re-confirmed for the forthcoming season and will be headed by Alfred Vella Borg as President, Sunny Abela as Secretary, Peter Calleya as Director of Finance, Joe Fenech and Joe Cutajar as Vice-Presidents.
Anton Vella, Alfred Vella, Charles Fenech, Micheal Vella, Salvu Vella, Aldo Vella, Joseph Vella, Liz Vella, Jason Gauci and Patrick Cutajar occupy other administrative posts.
Fri 19
- Charles J. Scerri was confirmed as President of Lija Athletic for another year, following a strong vote of confidence in the first meeting of the new committee which was held on Tuesday after the Annual General Meeting that was held on Friday 12th of June. This will be the thirteenth year for Scerri as chairman of Lija Athletic F.C.
The committee is be made up of 15 members. The Vice-President is Emanuel Bezzina while David Formosa is the Senior Vice-President.
Carmel Bonnici and Felix Cuschieri retained the posts of Secretary and Treasurer respectively. Samuel Cutajar will be the Assistant Secretary, also in charge of the club’s website, while Suzette Camilleri B. Com (Gen.) Management & Finance, ACCA was appointed as Assistant Treasurer. She is also the first lady to be elected by Lija Athletic ever since the club’s inception in 1949.
Jeremy A. Dalli was assigned the post of P.R.O.
Sunny Scerri will be the Club’s Delegate, assisted by Saviour Sammut. Charles Scerri is the Club’s Council Member. Lawrence Borg was confirmed as the Club’s director.
The other members are Clinton Bonnici, Carmel Cilia, Martin Falzon, Louis Fenech and William Mintoff.
This year, several sub-committees were formed to increase the effectiveness of the work carried out by the dedicated committee members.
- A new committee was formed to lead Mosta FC for the season 2009/10 during the club's annual general meeting.
The new committee is formed around Mr. George Galea as the new president with Joseph Bonnici taking on the responsibilities of club secretary and Mr. Joseph Gauci retaining his post a s club treasurer.
The new president, whilst paying tribute to his predecessor, Mr. Charles Abela, for many years of service to the club, said that he will spare no effort in making the coming season a successful one for the club and also that he hopes that he will be instrumental in solidifying foundations to ensure a bright future for the Mosta Football Club. Mr. Galea reiterated his belief that since Mosta is one of Malta’s largest towns many avenues of support for the Mosta Football Club will materialise.
The president stressed that there is a lot of work to be done and he expressed the hope that the burden would be shared by many people who have the best interests of the club at heart. In line with this, the first meeting of the new committee was called and during this meeting it was decided that the following committee members should hold the following posts:
George Galea was elected as President while Joseph Gauci will be taking again the post of Treasury while Joseph Bonnici will be the club's Secretary.
Vincent Borg, Chris Grech and Noel Vella are again Mosta FC vice-presidents. Joseph Gauci will be assisted by Sean Grech while new member Colin Zammit will assist Joseph Bonnici as Club Assistant Secretary.
Mosta's MFA Council Member is again Joseph Quattromani while Anthony Deguara was given the post as MFA Delegate and assisted by Rennie Zammit. Stephen Borg is the club delegate on the MFA Standing Committee.
- The Maltese referee contingent left Malta on Thursday morning, landing in Amsterdam. From there they boarded a train to Germany passing through Osnabruck, Hamburg and reaching their final destination, Luneburg, in the evening. The referees had a very warm welcome from the officials of SV Eintracht Luneburg, who are the organisers of the tournament. After settling down in the hotel they were invited to a welcome dinner which was organised at the club’s premises.
Friday is a rest day and the team will have the opportunity to visit the World Cup Stadium in Hamburg. This is the same stadium which will host the Europa League 2010 Cup Final. After there will be some time for a sightseeing tour of the city.
The ‘Referee Cup 2009’ will commence on Saturday and the Maltese team was drawn in Group B, alongside five German teams.
- There will be a continuation of the Annual General Meeting of Vittoriosa Stars F.C. on Wednesday 24th June 2009 at the club, at 19:00. The agenda includes the election of Management committee for season 2009/10
Auditors for next season.
All members are urged to attend this meeting.
- Senglea Athletic will be holding an Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday 26th June at 18:00 at the club premises in Triq il-Vitorja.
Items on the agenda include the approval of the financial report and the club's balance sheet.
- Melita FC will be holding their Annual General Meeting of the Club at the club premises in St. Julians on Tuesday, 23rd June 2009 at 19:15 with the following agenda :-
Reading and approval of minutes of AGM 2008
Address by Club President Anton Naudi
Financial Report
Amendments and/or Additions to the Club Statute
Election of new committee members for season 2009/2010
Election of President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Appointment of an Auditor.
This will be the last appearance for Anton Naudi as President as he will be stepping down after 48 years' involvement in the Club since 1961 - first as a player, then committee member and Vice-President and in 1984 as President for these last 26 years.
All members of the club have been invited to attend and participate in this meeting and they are urged to do so.
Thu 18
- Clayton Failla crowned a successful season by claiming the MFA Footballer of the Year Award. This was announced during a meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association on Thursday.
The Hibernians midfielder placed first with 47.10 points, ahead of Sliema Wanderers defender Alex Muscat (44.58) and Hibernians striker Terence Scerri (44.10). Andrew Cohen (Hibernians) placed fourth with 40.01 and Anthony Curmi (Tarxien) fifth with 29.22.
In Division 1, Dingli Swallows goalkeeper Jeffrey Farrugia was voted Best Player ahead of Martin Deanov of Pietà Hotspurs and Anthony Eviparker of Vittoriosa Stars. Steve Borg (Mosta) and Kurt Formosa (Dingli) placed fourth and fifth respectively.
George Saliba of Zebbug Rangers was voted Best Second Division Player ahead of Mellieha's David Fenech, Neil Chetcuti of St. Andrews, Luke Bonnici of Lija Athletic and Clive Formosa of Birzebbuga St. Peter's.
Mdina Knights striker Ayrton Buhagiar won the Best Third Division Player award. Daniel Said (Fgura) placed second, Fulvio Azzopardi (Santa Lucia) third, Pierre Spiteri (Siggiewi) fourth and Alan Spiteri (Gharghur) fifth.
Miguel Ciantar (Sliema) was voted Best Youth Player ahead of Lija Athletic's Josuel Caruana and Sirens' Alan Xuereb. Cleaven Cassar and Kersten Vella, both of Pietà Hotspurs, placed fourth and fifth respectively.
Dorianne Theuma (Mosta) won the Best Woman Player award. Gabriella Zahra (Melita) placed second, Ylenia Carabott (Sliema Raiders) third, Maria Azzopardi (Hibs) fourth and Tiziana Fenech (Lija/Iklin) fifth.
Robert Magro (Naxxar Motors) was voted Best Futsal Player ahead of Bjorn Vassallo (Aluserv), James Ciangura (Pentagon Properties), Alan Galea (Los Street Boyz) and Nenad Veselji (Sliema Futsal).
Meanwhile Zejtun Corinthians won the overall Fair Play Award ahead of Mdina Knights and St. Venera Lightnings. Birkirkara won the Fair Play award in the Premier League, Mosta in Division 1, St. Venera in Division 2, Zejtun in Division 3, Sirens in the Youth League and Pembroke Athleta in the Women's League.
Best Players' Awards 2008/09
Footballer of the Year 1. Clayton Failla (Hibernians) 47.10; 2. Alex Muscat (Sliema Wanderers) 44.58; 3. Terence Scerri (Hibernians) 44.10; 4. Andrew Cohen (Hibernians) 40.01; 5. Anthony Curmi (Tarxien Rainbows) 29.22
Best First Division Player 1. Jeffrey Farrugia (Dingli S.) 46.54; 2. Martin Deanov (Pietà H.) 42.12; 3. Anthony Eviparker (Vittoriosa S.) 40.57; 4. Steve Borg (Mosta) 37.88; 5. Kurt Formosa (Dingli S.) 32.88
Best Second Division Player 1. George Saliba (Zebbug R.) 44.01; 2. David Fenech (Mellieha) 40.78; Neil Chetcuti (St. Andrews) 39.42; 4. Luke Bonnici (Lija A.) 39.20; 5. Clive Formosa (Birzebbuga S.P.) 36.59
Best Third Division Player 1. Ayrton Buhagiar (Mdina K.) 47.25; 2. Daniel Said (Fgura U.) 40.80; 3. Fulvio Azzopardi (Santa Lucia) 40.33; 4. Pierre Spiteri (Siggiewi) 39.05; 5. Alan Spiteri (Gharghur) 32.57
Best Woman Player 1. Dorianne Theuma (Mosta) 49.13; 2. Gabriella Zahra (Melita) 45.80;3. Ylenia Carabott (Sliema R.) 37.18; 4. Maria Azzopardi (Hibernians) 36.99; 5. Tiziana Fenech (Lija / Iklin) 30.90
Best Youth Player 1. Miguel Ciantar (Sliema Wanderers) 51.39; 2. Josuel Caruana (Lija A.) 44.37; 3. Alan Xuereb (Sirens) 36.70; 4. Cleaven Cassar (Pietà Hotspurs) 34.19; 5. Kersten Vella (Pietà Hotspurs) 33.36
Top Scorers 2008/09
Premier League 1. Scerri Terence (Hibernians) 26 goals;
2. Bueno Daniel Mariano (Tarxien R.) 23 goals;
3. Alcorse Julio (Marsaxlokk) 17 goals;
4. Doding Njongo Priso (Valletta) 15 goals;
5. Dos Santos Calcado Pedro (Msida S.J.) 14 goals.
First Division 1. Eviparker Anthony (Vittoriosa S.) and Shead Simon (Pietà Hotspurs) 15 goals;
3. Uchenna Anyanwu (Dingli S.) 14 goals;
4. Deanov Martin (Pietà Hotspurs) 11 goals;
5. Nwoba John (St. George's) 10 goals.
Second Division 1. Borg Matthew I (Melita) 18 goals;
2. Agius Aaron (Balzan Y.) 13 goals;
3. Celeste Ronnie (Birzebbuga S.P.) 12 goals;
4. Borg St. John Wayne (Mellieha) 11 goals;
5. Coleiro Kurt (Balzan Y.) and Deguara Mark (Naxxar L.) 9 goals.
Third Division 1. Buhagiar Ayrton (Mdina K.), Chetcuti Godfrey (Zurrieq), Zammit Johann (Ghaxaq) 12 goals;
4. Spiteri Pierre (Siggiewi) 9 goals;
5. Cutajar Liam (Sta. Lucia), Gauci Elvin (Gudja U.), Grech Lizio (Xghajra T.) 8 goals.
Women's First Division 1 Theuma Dorianne (Mosta) 10 goals;
2. Agliano Nora (Birkirkara), Cuschieri Rachel (Birkirkara) and D'Agostino Rebecca (Mosta) 8 goals;
5. Camilleri Catherine (Birkirkara) 7 goals.
Women's Second Division 1. Xuereb Emma (Gozo) 50 goals;
2. Gafa Joslene (Gozo) 27 goals;
3. Debono Yanika (Sta. Venera L.) 15 goals;
4. Azzopardi Rita (Gozo) and Sammut Antoinette (Mgarr U.) 13 goals.
- Maltese FIFA International Woman Referee Esther Azzopardi has been chosen to control matches in the 2nd UEFA European Women's Championship 2008/09 Final Tournament which will be played in Nyon, Switzerland from the 20th to the 26th June.
The four teams taking part in the tournament are Norway, Spain, Germany and France.
Ms. Azzopardi, who has recently been promoted to Class 2 on the Women's International List, is one of two referees chosen for the Finals.
Wed 17
- Just twenty-four days after the final of the U*BET FA Trophy between Sliema Wanderers and Valletta brought to an end the past season, season 2009/2010 will be kicking-off with the first two matches from the Euro Cup. In fact, next Monday, Birkirkara take on FA Trophy winners Sliema Wanderers while BOV Premier League champions Hibernians face Valletta.
This will be the first time four teams will taking part in the Euro Cup. However this was necessary as from this season three clubs will be representing Malta in the UEFA Europa League - the former UEFA Cup, besides the champions who take part in the UEFA Champions League. The draws for the first and second qualifying rounds of the two competitions will be held next Monday.
Despite the addition of one team, the competition will still be played on a league basis.
The full programme is:
Monday 22
19:00 Birkirkara vs Sliema W.
21:00 Hibernians vs Valletta
Wednesday 24
19:00 Sliema W. vs Hibernians
21:00 Valletta vs Birkirkara
Friday 26
Birkirkara vs Hibernians
Sliema W. vs Valletta
Monday's and Wednesday's matches will be played at the Centenary Stadium while the venue and kick-off times for Friday's matches are yet to be confirmed.
- The Secretary General of the Malta Football Association is receiving applications from Futsal teams willing to take part in the Futsal National League 2009/10. The closing date is Friday July 3rd. Due to the large number of teams willing to take part, no late applications will be accepted.
The Futsal league is due to start in September 2009 while competitions are due to come to an end towards the end of May.
More information could be obtained from Mario Gauci at the MFA Headquarters.
- A number of Hibernians players visited the Paola Primary Schools as part of the celebrations to mark the tenth championship in the history of the club.
The officials and players were given a warm welcome by the children who were then presented with a signed poster. The players visited each and every class which were all decorated for this occasion.
The Hibs players stressed on the importance of school but explained that they should practice sport in their free time. Teachers thanked the committee members and the players for this initiative as it gave children the opportunity to meet them.
Tue 16
- U*BET FA Trophy winners Sliema Wanderers unveiled what would probably be one of the biggest signings this summer after they secured the services of Malta international midfielder Clayton Failla. The former Hibs midfielder joins the Blues on a five-year deal.
Addressing the media during a press conference at the club premises, Sliema Wanderers president Steve Abela said that after a successful finish to last season, the club started working hard to strengthen the team ahead of the coming season.
Abela said that Sliema have been following Clayton Failla - winner of the award for the Best Player in the Melita Malta Football Awards and front-runner in the MFA Footballer of the Year award - for the past months. He said that despite the interest by other clubs, they had managed to attract Failla with a good package which not only included the financial terms but also the club's structure, the glorious past and plans for the future.
The Sliema president said that the signing of this deal was only made possible thanks to the support of former president and main sponsor Robert Arrigo.
Robert Arrigo said that as a Sliema Wanderers supporter, he looks forward to continue helping the club after his term as club president. He pledged his full support to the current administration which had already led the club to winning another trophy.
Clayton Failla said it was an honour for him to join Sliema and that this was a new challenge he was looking forward to. His main objective is that of winning all major honours with the Blues as he did with Hibernians over the past years.
Failla thanked his former club Hibernians and also Steve Abela and Robert Arrigo for giving him this opportunity.
Twenty-three year old Failla had started his career with St. Patrick with whom he made his Premier League debut during season 2004/05. During the same season, he moved to Hibernians where he had been playing for the past four-and-a-half years.
Meanwhile Steve Abela announced that the club had already secured the services of Valletta defender Josef Mifsud. He signed a five-year contract.
Ironically Mifsud is a product of the Wanderers but after making his debut for the Blues in season 2001/02, he joined Lija Athletic on loan. In summer 2003, he moved to Msida St. Joseph where he played for four years. Two years ago, he joined Valletta. With the Citizens, he played on a regular basis during his first season but first-team chances diminished over the past year.
Birkirkara striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza is also set to join the club in the coming weeks. Mifsud Triganza will be signing a four-year contract.
A product of Floriana, Mifsud Triganza played with Msida St. Joseph on loan in the lower divisions. The twenty-seven year old striker joined Birkirkara mid-way through season 2003/04 where he has been playing for the past five-and-a-half years.
Steve Abela said the club was aiming for six to seven signings in all, including a foreign striker who would join Lucian Dronca - the only foreigner to be confirmed from last season. The club is also hoping to sign Ryan Fenech on a one-year loan from Hamrun Spartans.
He said that last year the team included a blend of veteran players and younger ones. Some of the veteran players could move elsewhere while as regards the younger players, he said that there is still space for them although not as much as last season. Abela revealed that some of the younger players could be loaned to other clubs in order to enable them gain more experience. However the club will still keep a watchful eye on them.
- Two Zurrieq FC players were granted bail on Tuesday after pleading not guilty to trying to bribe two Santa Lucia FC players during the final of the Third Division Play-Offs which was held at the Centenary Stadium on May 24. Zurrieq won the final on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
Josef Briffa and Jeffrey Camilleri were charged before Magistrate Doreen Clarke with attempting to bribe respectively Melvin Agius and Brian Chetcuti, offering them €2,000 and €1,000 respectively.
The two players were granted bail against a deposit of €500 and a personal guarantee of €3,000 each. However Magistrate Doreen Clarke granted them bail on condition they do not attend any activity connected in any way to football.
Police Inspector Angelo Gafà prosecuted while lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Charmaine Cherrett appeared for the accused.
- The draws for the Beach Soccer tournament and other activities forming part of the Coca-Cola Beach Series 2009 including Beach Handball championship, KMS programme Sportsbuzz and Beach Tennis were held on Monday at the Le Meridien Hotel, St. Julian's. This year's event will be on from the 20th June to the 5th July in Golden Bay at a Beach Soccer stadium which is being built for this purpose.
Mark Marlow, one of the first to introduce Beach Soccer in Malta and also promoter of the event, said that last year's winners in the male category were Zirbi United whilst Birkirkara won the female section. A total of fourteen teams will participate in the male category and four teams in the female category.
The teams were divided as follows:
Group A: Stuzzico Beach Boys, Oasis Melita Boys, Fairbet Hamrun, Radio 101.
Group B: New Team FC, Demons FC, African Stars, Export Lions.
Group C: Napoli, Outsiders, Wiggles.
Group D: Maximuscle, Sao Paolo FC, Jungles.
Group matches will be played between June 25th and 28th and between July 1st and 2nd.
The four teams in the female category are Pembroke, Cheeky Monkeys, Mgarr and Golden Girls. Matches will be played on June 20th and July 4th.
The quarter-finals and semi-finals of the male category will be held on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th July while the final of both the male and female categories will be held on Sunday 5th.
Björn Vassallo, one of the promoters, explained that apart from the Beach Soccer tournament, the event will also hold a Beach Handball championship, Beach Tennis and KMS programme Sportsbuzz.
Beach tennis activities and Beach Handball competitions will be held on Sunday 21 and Sunday 28 while Sportsbuzz activities will be held on Saturdays. A total of 8 teams are registered in the male section and 6 in the female section.
Sports Buzz is a recently launched sports programme, intended to target children from the Cottonera area, with the intention of including them in a 'sport social world'. One hopes that these children will be more social, less aggressive, respect others and make new friends while learning new skills, experiencing a variety of sport activities and develop a positive attitude towards life.
The Mellieha Local Council will also take this opportunity to once again organise an event for Mellieha residents on Tuesday 30th June. The activities will be coordinated by Mr. Hilary Fenech, a councillor within the Mellieha Local Council.
Mr. Edward Borg from General Soft Drinks Co. Ltd, said "This is the second year round for us to sponsor this popular event. It is a pleasure for us to partner with such sport organizations, thus enhancing more participation in sports and physical activity. Our aim is to develop further the role of sports in education and boost sports participation."
This edition will be organised by MBA Sports World in collaboration with the Malta Sports Council and the Mellieha Local Council. The event is being sponsored by Coca-Cola Zero, Budweiser, J20, Eurosport, Le Meridien St.Julians Hotel & SPA, Union Print, Big Exhibits, Melita Sports, Radio 101, Munchies Beach Café, One Sport and stephengatt.com.
The organisers, MBA Sports World, can be contacted on 9944 7297 or emailed at beachsoccermalta@yahoo.com
Mon 15
- The BOV Player of the Month award for the last month of the 2008/2009 season went to the Hibernians player Clayton Failla, whose impressive performances for his side during the league cemented the Paolites' credentials as the team worthy of winning the BOV Premier League honour this year.
Failla, a versatile left-sided player, has won this coveted honour for the third time this season after having hit this target in August and October 2008. The trophy was presented to Failla by Emily Grech, manager at BOV’s Paola Branch.
Although not a striker, the Hibernians player's assets as a potential goal scorer were not to be ignored, as his seven goals during the season showed. He may not have found the net during May, but he undoubtedly helped his side with his foraging and probing on the flank which provided his team-mates with many goal-scoring opportunities.
Failla chose SANDS - Stillborn and Neo-Natal Death Society (Malta) as the beneficiary of the donation associated with this award.
- Hibernians will be holding its Annual General Meeting on Friday 19th June. The meeting will be held at the Hibernians Football Club in Pjazza Antoine De Paule Paola and will commence at 19:30.
- Melita FC will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 23rd June at the club premises in St. Julians at 19:15.
Items on the agenda include approval of last year`s AGM minutes together with the financial and administrative reports for season 2008/09.
The President will address the meeting followed by the election of the new committee and officials for season 2009/10.
- Msida SJ would like to announce that they are going to hold their Annual General Meeting at their club in Church Street Msida on Wednesday 24th June 2009 at 19:00.
- The Annual General Meeting of the Malta Football Association will be held on Wednesday 24th June at the Centenary Hall, Ta' Qali at 18:30.
Items on the agenda include a speech by the YFA President, approval of minutes of the last AGM, the approval of the administrative and financial reports, elections for five members to represent the nurseries for season 2009/2010 and amendments to the statute.
There were eight nominations for the five members to represent the nurseries, namely John Agius (St. Andrews), Mark Agius (Vittoriosa), Godwin Aquilina (St. Venera), Henry Bray (Birkirkara), Charles Cassar (Rabat Depiro), Mario DeBattista (Hamrun), Joseph Hili (Zebbug) and Louis Zammit (Tarxien).
Delegated approved by the Council of the Youth FA are eligible to attend and vote during the meeting.
- Zebbug Rangers FC will be holding their annual general meeting on Sunday 21st June at the club premises in Misrah San Filep, Zebbug at at 09:30.
Items on the agenda include the approval of minutes of the last AGM, the administrative and financial reports of the season 2008-2009, an address by President Joe Pace, elections for the President and committee for season 2009/2010.
Nominations for members of the committee will be received up to 17 th June.
All members are urged to participate.
- The annual general meeting of Marsaxlokk FC will be held on Thursday 25th June at the club premises at 18:30.
Items on the agenda include a speech by the club president the administrative and financial reports of the club and the nursery, amendments to the statute and the election of the members of the committee.
Amendments to the statute and nominations for members of the committee will be received up to Wednesday 24th June.
- Fgura United FC will be holding their annual general meeting on Sunday 21st June at the club premises in Triq San Tumas, Fgura.
Items on the agenda include the approval of minutes of the last AGM and the last EGM, the administrative report and financial report, an address by President Lawrence Bugeja, election for the committee, appointment of Auditors and Legal Advisor and amendments to the statute.
Nominations for members of the committee and amendments to the statute will be received by Saturday 13th June.
All paid members and any interested supporters interested to become members and active players over the age of sixteen are invited to attend.
- Gzira United will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday 19th June at the Centru ta' Attivitajiet ghal-Komunita, Triq San Albert, Gzira, at 19:45.
Items on the agenda include the approval of minutes of the last AGM, the financial report, possible amendments to the statute, motions by members and the election for the committee for the coming season.
Nominations for members of the committee will be received on the same day of the Annual General Meeting.
- Floriana FC will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Sunday 21st June at the Vilhena Band Club at 09:00.
Members are urged to attend.
- Qormi FC will be holding their annual general meeting on Wednesday 17th June at the club premises in 345, Triq il-Kbira, Qormi.
Items on the agenda include the approval of minutes of the last AGM, the administrative report and financial report, amendments to the statute, a speech by president Matthew Fenech and an election for the committee, if necessary.
Nominations for members of the committee will be received up to Monday 15th June.
All members, and those willing to become members, are invited to attend.
- Mqabba FC will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 23rd June at the club's premises at 19:30.
- The Annual General Meeting of St. George's FC will be held on Wednesday 24th June at the club premises in Centru 1890, Triq il-Pellegrinagg, Bormla at 18:30.
Among the items on the agenda are the approval of minutes, the administrative and financial reports and the election for the members of the committee.
Those interested in contesting for one of the posts should apply by Monday 22nd June at 19:00.
- Sta. Venera Lightnings will be holding their Annual General Meeting on the 21st June 2009 at the Sta. Venera L. FC at 10am.
Among the items on the agenda are the approval of minutes, the administrative and financial reports and the election for the members of the executive committee.
Nominations for members of the committee are received up to two days before the meeting.
All members are urged to attend and participate.
For more info call 99442660 or send an email on svlfc@svlfc.com.
- Mdina Knights will be holding their Annual General Meeting on the 25th June 2009 at Corte Capitanale, Misrah il-Kunsill Mdina at 19:00.
Among the items on the agenda are the approval of minutes, the administrative and financial reports and the election for the members of the executive committee.
Nominations for members of the committee are received up to two days before the meeting. Amendments to the statute should be sent a week before the Annual General Meeting.
Sat 13
- Winning the major honours and progressing in UEFA competitions are the main aims of Valletta FC as the club will go through a transition to a semi-professional and eventually a professional basis. Valletta president Victor Sciriha was speaking during the presentation of new Valletta coach Ton Caanen and new signing Jordi Cruyff at the Le Meridien St. Julian's on Saturday.
The Valletta president said the club will be operating on a semi-professional basis as from this season and that it was planned to have the squad training on a professional basis in the coming years. Therefore the appointment of a professional coach was necessary.
Sciriha said he has known Ton Caanen for the last couple of months and believes he is the right man for the job after seeing his working methods. He said the Dutch coach will supervise work in the nursery as well as they believe improvement in the grassroots' sector is one of the keys to success.
"I think we went for the right choice and I am sure time will prove me right," said Sciriha.
Ton Caanen, who holds a UEFA Pro Licence, started his coaching career with Metalurg Donetsk in Ukraine in season 2003 and after taking a sabbatical, he resumed coaching in Israel with Beitar Jerusalem. He then coached Maccabi Tel Aviv. In 2006, he moved to Ukraine once again where he coached Stal Alchevsk.
Caanen started by thanking Victor Sciriha and team manager Nicky Saliba for putting their trust in him.
The 43-year old Dutch coach said that before he eventually agreeing a three-year agreement with the club, he visited Malta three times and had the opportunity to watch all teams in action. He believes the standard of the Maltese game is growing and that Maltese players are becoming more professional.
Caanen said that although his job is that of coaching the senior team, he will be working hard to help the club's nursery as well.
The Dutch coach revealed his main objective in football - "Go only for one aim ... win the title with nice football." He said he looks forward to having his team entertaining fans, and not only Valletta supporters, with beautiful football.
Under his guidance, Metalurh Donetsk qualified for UEFA Cup where they met Parma and Lazio. On the other hand, Stal Alchevsk ended relegated but most of their players finished playing in the top division the following season. Ton Caanen compared the Valletta supporters with those of Israeli fans where they are very emotional. He said that wherever he coached, he had a good relationship with supporters.
Before joining Valletta, he was considering the offer to join the technical staff of the Russian Football Union.
Ton Caanen is concerned by the fact that national team players spend three days a week training with the national team. He said that once he is here, he has to deal with the problem but is looking forward to having discussions with other clubs who provide players for the national team and the national coach over the matter. The Dutch coach said that although he respects this system, this was not the way forward for local clubs.
He concluded by demanding "respect, trust and honesty."
President Victor Sciriha admitted the club's weakness over the past season were the foreign players in squad. He said they were not up to standard with two of them, constantly starting games on the bench. Ton Caanen agreed and said that even if Njongo Priso scored fifteen goals, if Valletta had strikers who could score more easily, they would have definitely secured the title.
Following the signing of Jordi Cruyff, another two Dutch players will be arriving in Malta on Sunday with the possibility of joining the club.
These two Dutch players are strikers - one was based in Ukraine and the other was playing for one of the newly-promoted sides to the Dutch Eredivisie.
Jordi Cruyff, son of the legendary Johan Cruyff is the club's first signing. He started his career with the youth team of Ajax and when his father was appointed coach of Barcelona, he joined the Spanish club's youth team. In 1992, Jordi made his debut for FC Barcelona B in the second division, and two years later joined the senior team. In August 1996, Jordi signed with Manchester United for a fee of £1.4 million.
A knee injury in his first season and an ankle injury in 1998 limited the amount of appearances he made and saw him lose his place in the team. In January 1999, he returned to Spain, loaned to Celta Vigo. Cruyff rejoined United for 1999-2000, and helped them win the league once again. However, he failed to establish himself as a first team regular and played his final game for the club on May 14, 2000.
After leaving United, Jordi joined Deportivo Alavés and then played for one season with RCD Espanyol in 2003/04. Cruyff spent the 2007/08 season playing with FC Metalurg Donetsk.
Victor Sciriha said that although Jordi is now 35 years old, he will prove to be one of the best players ever to play in the Premier League.
Cruyff said he has already obtained a UEFA A Licence in coaching and in this new adventure in Malta, he will try to identify what should be his role in future after quitting as a player - whether to take up a coaching or take an administrative role.
Jordi Cruyff said that the appointment of Caanen as coach played an important role in his decision to play here since he knows Caanen as a coach who has excellent man-management skills and someone you could learn from.
Meanwhile Valletta and Time International - local representatives of Nike sportswear announced a new three-year agreement. Nike have been kit-sponsors for the Citizens for the past ten years.
Team manager Nicky Saliba and President Victor Sciriha thanked the sponsors with Sciriha revealing that two of the sponsors - Giovanni Cappitta of Mare Blu and Ottavio Suda of Heat will be running in the election for members of the committee during the club's Annual General Meeting on Sunday.
- The official website of the Netherlands Football Association (KNVB) announced that Dutch coach Vic Hermans will be appointed as new coach of the Maltese Futsal national team as from August 1st. It is claimed that the Dutch coach signed a three-year contract with an option for another two years.
Vic Hermans has been coaching the Netherlands for the past eight years but decided not to renew his contract with the Dutch FA after missing out on the 2010 UEFA European Futsal Championship.
As a player, he played 45 times and scored 23 goals for his country. He went on to coach Hong Kong, Malaysia and Iran as well as Lommel SK's football team, before joining the Royal Netherlands Football Association where he has been involved with the Under-21, Under-19 and women's futsal teams.
Speaking to the KNVB website, Hermans said that his objective will be that of putting the game on a more professional basis by building on what Michal Striz has done over the past years.
"It is always a challenge for me to start at zero and leave something tangible at the end of the trip," said Vic Hermans.
Hermans will replace former Malta coach Michael Striz who has been in charge of the team for the past three years. Under his guidance, Malta played in two UEFA Championship qualifying mini-tournaments and one FIFA World Cup qualifying mini-tournament. The team failed to win any of these matches but did quite well in some friendly matches.
- Naxxar Lions Youth Football Nursery is accepting applications from interested coaches to form part of its coaching staff for season 2009/2010.
Those interested are kindly requested to contact Mr Dione Drago on 79497769 or to forward their details on email address taxfree@maltanet.net.
Applications are also being accepted from parents of children born on and before 2003 interested to join the nursery. Those parents wishing to register their child are kindly requested to call on the above number for further details.
- A 5-a-side Football Summer Tournament will be held at the Pietà Football Pitches during the months of June and July.
This summer tournament, which is probably the first of its kind as it is one month long, will be held from Mondays to Fridays between 20:00 and 23:00. There will be around 250 players taking part, including Maltese and foreign Premier League players. MFA referees will be controlling the games.
Participation fee is €200. Each team should have a maximum of ten players, including just one Premier League player. Matches will be played on a 2 X 20 minutes basis.
Prizes include €700 plus trophy and medals for the winners and &200 voucher from Sportika plus medals for the runners-up.
For those interested to participate in this tournament, a meeting will be held on Monday 22nd June 2009. During this meeting, the organisers will explain the set-up of this tournament, collection of fees, and any other queries that may arise. Those who are yet to decide whether to participate or not should also attend this important meeting which will be held at the Pietà Grounds at 19:00.
For further information contact the organisers on 9999 8887 or email grounds@maltanet.net or pietafootballground@onvol.net
Sat 13
- Daniel Sullivan is the new president of Hamrun Spartans. This was announced following the club's Annual General Meeting and the first meeting of the new committee.
Sean Anthony Scicluna was confirmed as secretary while Victor Cassar is now the Vice-President. Cassar will also hold the post of MFA Council Member.
Jean Pierre Busuttil is the new treasurer. Joe Borg and Jason Cristina are assistant secretary and assistant treasurer respectively. Joe Borg is also the media officer.
The other members of the committee are: Marco Mallia - Club Administrator, Alan Cutajar - Kit Manager and Iggy Zammit - Team Liason Officer.
- Birkirkara FC chairman Victor Zammit announced that he will be stepping down from his post during the club's Annual General Meeting which was held on Friday.
Zammit has been holding the post of chairman for thirteen years. Throughout this period, he helped the Stripes will all major honours at stake including the Premier League championship 1999/2000 and 2005/06, the FA Trophy in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2008, the Super Cup in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006, the Super 5 Competition in 1998/99, 2002/03, 2004/05, the Euro Challenge Cup in 2008 and the Lowenbrau Cup in 1998 and 2003.
- The Nigerian national team is expected to arrive in Malta on Sunday for a short training camp ahead of a crucial 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tunisia on June 20. The players gathered in Lagos on Friday before flying to Malta.
Nigeria coach Shuaibu Amodu has omitted five players from the squad, namely John Utaka of Portsmouth, Yusuf Ayila of Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kiev, Chidi Odiah of CSKA Moscow, Sone Aluko of Aberdeen and Chibuzo Okonkwo of Bayelsa United.
Everton's Yakubu Aiygbeni is ruled out injured while Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi should make the trip despite being left out of the last game against Kenya.
After a goalless draw in Mozambique in March, Nigeria registered their first win in Group B as they defeated Kenya 3-0 in Abuja last Sunday thanks to a goal by Ikechukwu Uche and a brace by Inter's Victor Obinna. They are currently second behind leaders Tunisia who won their first two matches, beating Kenya 2-1 in Nairobi and Mozambique 2-0 at home.
Therefore Nigeria must get at least a draw from the Tunisia game scheduled for the November 7 Stadium, Rades, to keep in step with their North African rivals.
The contingent will depart Nigeria aboard a Lufthansa flight on Sunday and fly through Frankfurt to Malta where the team will stay at the Corinthia Palace Hotel.
Fri 12
- Hibernians midfielder Clayton Failla is leading the way in the race to claim the MFA Footballer of the Year award. Failla leads by four votes ahead of another two Hibs players and Sliema's Alex Muscat.
Clayton Failla obtained 39 points, four ahead of Andrew Cohen and Terence Scerri and Alex Muscat, who all obtained 35 points. Tarxien Rainbows goalkeeper Anthony Curmi obtained 21 points.
Among those eligible to vote were the ten Council Members representing the Clubs in the Premier Division, ten other Members of the Council and ten journalists who are members of the Ghaqda Kittieba Sport.
These players shall now be awarded points for appearances and penalised with points for misconduct. Points for appearances shall be awarded in connection with matches in the BOV Premier League, the U*BET FA Trophy and World Cup qualifiers with the national team. Players shall be awarded three points for having taken part in a match even if the player is substituted and two points for having taken part in a match as a substitute while they be penalised with one point for each yellow card and four points for each red card. Another point is deducted if the player was found guilty of misconduct before or after a match.
The total number of votes obtained by each of the five finalists from the Committee and the points awarded for appearances after demerit points are deducted for misconduct are then converted into a percentage of the total number of votes obtained by all the five players.
The new total would also include an extra point for each player for every time he won the Footballer of the Month Award.
- The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) have just hosted the first edition on the island of the CISM International Military Football Tournament, with teams participating from the Malta Police Corps, Greece and Cyprus.
The tournament was organized as a quadrangular military football competition. The International Military Sports Council (CISM - the Conseil International du Sport Militaire) is the largest authority for military sports activity in the world.
In May 2008, the AFM became the 132nd nation to join CISM. Just over a year later, precisely last week, the Maltese military were able to organise the first ever competition here in Malta under the CISM banner.
CISM is composed of the armed forces of member nations and is open to the militaries of all nations. The aims of CISM are to develop friendly relations between the Armed Forces of member nations, promote physical education and sports activities, provide mutual technical assistance, support less privileged members in the name of friendship and solidarity, contribute towards the balanced and harmonious development of military personnel, and contribute to the international effort for universal peace.
The Malta competition saw the Greek and Cypriot teams bringing over their very best elements in their respective soccer teams for this international tournament. These teams were composed of personnel whose job in the military is simply 'football' on a near 24/7 basis. Locally, the AFM soccer team is composed of soldiers who perform pure military duties on their daily jobs, whilst training on a part-time basis with local soccer clubs in the evening, right after a full hard day's work. The Malta Police Force soccer team boasts a couple of well-seasoned players, but remains by and large amateur.
The 3-day tournament was played on a round-robin basis, with two matches being played on each day, and each team playing all of the other three teams. In the inaugural match, the AFM beat the Police 3-0 in what was an entertaining match. The Malta Police team's goalkeeper, Simon Agius, was undoubtedly the man of the match as he saved several attempts by the AFM to secure more goals. In the following match, Greek experience and strength won over the Cypriots counter-attacking speed and technique with a score of 2-0.
On the following day, the AFM upped their level of play in order to be competitive against a Cypriot team which was determined to obtain the three points that would get them moving in the tournament. A cohesive AFM effort saw them come back from a 1-0 deficit in the final fifteen minutes of the match, to turn it around against ten-men Cyprus, and win 2-1. The day's second match then saw the Greeks overcome the Malta Police with 7-1. To their credit, the Malta Police sorely missed in this game the capable services of their goalie Agius.
The final match on day three of the tournament so had the AFM squad facing the strong Greek side, who had a better goal average than the local hosts. The Greeks only needed a draw to lay their hands on the Winners' Cup. In what was described by many spectators as one of the best performances ever by an AFM soccer team, the Maltese soldiers managed to recover from an early one-goal deficit, only to lose the match (2-1) following an unfortunate error in the match's last minutes. This landed the AFM in a creditable second place. The Cypriot team, which prior to the Greece vs AFM match ran riot with the Malta Police, had to be content with third place.
Lieutenant Colonel Gerald DeGaetano, Chief of the Maltese delegation to CISM, said that "the tournament was a great success in that four of the six matches played were hard fought and had everyone on edge." He added that despite the fact that AFM's soccer players are not full-time players on the Service's team, they showed they could hold their own against foreign full-timers through the talent, commitment and discipline shown by the Maltese soldiers. Tournament organizer, Captain Mark Mallia, commented that "it is certain that with better incentives and more cohesion through regular training as a team, the AFM soccer players could most certainly give even better performances when playing against overseas teams."
With this excellent performance, the AFM hopes to be able to field next year a team for the 2010 European Football Military Championships.
Thu 11
- Following the amalgamation between Zejtun Corinthians and Zejtun Red Stars, Zejtun Corinthians held their Annual General Meeting and elected their new committee for the season 2009/10.
In the newly-elected committee, John Bugeja holds the post of president while Saviour Bonnici and Emanuel Cassar are General Secretary and Financial Administrator respectively. Albert Mifsud is Vice President.
Albert Mifsud, Alan Mifsud, Kevin Mifsud, Mario Ellul, Matthew Grech, Moses Mercieca, Richard Curmi, Ryan Biggerstaff, Saviour Caruana, and Stephen Grixti were elected as Executive Committee Members.
The new committee, described such agreement between the two clubs as a key milestone for the game of football in Zejtun.
Zejtun Corinthians have also launched their official website www.zejtuncorinthians.com
Wed 10
- Malta placed second in Group D4 of the UEFA Women's Friendly Mini-Tournament after losing 0-1 to Bulgaria in the third and final match.
Both teams had won their first two games. Malta defeated Latvia 4-0 and Luxembourg 1-0 while Bulgaria beat Luxembourg 5-0 and Latvia 4-0.
Bulgaria scored the all-important goal through Lilyana Kostova on 24 minutes.
MALTA Sharon Costantino, Rebecca Chircop, Chantal Fenech, Natasha Pace, Mandy Debono, Maria Azzopardi, Rachel Cuschieri (77' Catherine Camilleri), Ylenia Carabott, Rebecca D'Agostino (82' Charlene Zammit), Dorianne Theuma, Kathleen Saliba (56' Emma Xuereb).
Tue 9
- The Malta national team takes on Sweden in another match from Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg on Wednesday, kick-off at 19:00.
Having lost ten out of the last eleven matches, this will be another uphill task for Dusan Fitzel's side. The team in fact lies at the bottom of the table in Group 1 with just one point from seven matches.
Malta is coming from a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Czech Republic at the Chance Arena in Jablonec nad Nisou on Friday. A good performance by Dusan Fitzel's side and it was only a goal thirteen minutes from time which denied the boys in red a positive result away from home.
Facing teams from Scandinavia always proved to be a tough task for Malta and therefore the main objective will be that of giving our opponents a hard time and make their life as difficult as possible.
The same twenty players which made up the squad in the Czech Republic, travelled to Sweden. A squad which lacks out-of-contract striker Michael Mifsud, Valletta captain Gilbert Agius, Etienne Barbara, Birkirkara's George Mallia together with Hibernians duo Terence Scerri and Clayton Failla. Michael Mifsud is ruled out of the game as he serves a one-match ban after he collected two yellow cards while Failla was left out of the squad before the departure to Prague as he was injured.
Fitzel is only expected to make slight changes from the team which met the Czech Republic.
Justin Haber should return in goal but in defence central defenders Jonathan Caruana and Luke Dimech should be confirmed together with flank defenders Alex Muscat and Shaun Bajada.
Maltese-Australian Manny Muscat, Roderick Briffa and Ryan Fenech will fight for two places in midfield while John Hutchinson, Andrew Cohen and Andre Schembri should all make it to the starting line-up together with Daniel Bogdanovic as the only striker.
The players at the disposal of Dusan Fitzel are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield United - ENG), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus - ITA), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Manny Muscat (Wellington Phoenix - AUS), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta);
midfielders Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), John Hutchinson (Central Coast Mariners - AUS), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley - ENG), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena - GER).
For Sweden, this game is a must-win after they suffered a shock 0-1 defeat to group leaders Denmark at the Rasunda Stadium in Solna on Saturday. This leaves Sweden ten points behind Denmark, seven behind Hungary and three behind Portugal.
Therefore nothing except for a win would satisfy Sweden in their bid to secure a place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals.
Star striker Henrik Larsson withdrew from the squad following news that his brother had died. The 37-year-old was informed of the sad news as he was leaving the pitch after the game against Denmark. Meanwhile a shoulder injury forced Bolton striker Johan Elmander out of the squad as well.
With Markus Rosenberg also missing, Lagerback called up Swedish league top scorer Tobias Hysen of IFK Goteborg, son of former PSV, Fiorentina and Liverpool defender Glenn Hysen. Defender Mikael Nilsson is doubtful because of a hamstring injury.
Swedish coach Lars Lagerback is therefore expected to make some changes to the team which faced Denmark and the starting line-up should be: Andreas Isaksson, Adam Johansson, Behrang Safari, Olaf Melberg, Daniel Majstorovic, Rasmus Elm, Kim Kallstrom, Anders Svensson, Christian Wilheimsson, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Berg.
Malta and Sweden met nine times with the Swedish winning all games. In the last two clashes played in Setember 2004 and June 2005, Malta suffered heavy defeats - 0-7 at Ta' Qali and 6-0 in Gothenburg.
The match will be controlled by Scottish officials, namely referee Callum Murray, assistant referees Graham Chambers and William Conquer and fourth official Alan James Muir.
Sweden vs Malta will be broadcast live on Melita Sports on Wednesday 18:50 with live commentary from Gothenburg by Sandro Micallef.
- Speaking at a lengthy Press Conference organised by the Swedish FA ahead of Wednesday's qualifier against Malta, FC Inter's Zlatan Ibrahimovic admitted that the Swedes are under pressure due to the their worrying position in Group 1 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
"We have lost against Denmark last Saturday and I have to admit that we do feel a lot of pressure on the eve of this game against Malta."
Ibrahimovic added that although Sweden has a very positive record against Malta, his team mates and himself are fully concentrated and willing to make up for yet another upset in this group.
"We absolutely need to win the three points against Malta and we will go out to score as early as possible as otherwise we will be adding extra pressure in due course of the game" said the Sweden stalwart.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic and national coach Lars Lagerback were answering questions by the Swedish and Maltese Press just minutes after Tuesday's morning session that was scheduled at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg.
Ibrahimovic and Lagerback both admitted that obtaining the first place in this group is unrealistic. However both believe that Sweden can still make it to the South African World Cup through the second place. Sweden's remaining game in this group are the following: Sweden v Malta 10/6, Hungary v Sweden 5/9, Malta v Sweden 9/9, Denmark v Sweden10/10, Sweden v Albania 14/10
Lars Lagerback is believed to field a 4-4-2 tactical line up with the following players for Wednesday's match v Malta:
Andreas Isaksson, Adam Johansson, Behrang Safari, Olaf Melberg, Daniel Majstorovic, Rasmus Elm, Kim Kallstrom, Anders Svensson, Christian Wilheimsson, Slatan Ibrahimovic, Marcus Berg.
In the meantime, the Malta National Team held another training session on Wednesday 19:00 at the Ullevi Stadium. Dusan Fitzel is yet to confirm his starting line up after he has yet to confirm the physical condition of some of his key players after last Friday's encounter against the Czech Republic.
Sweden vs Malta will be broadcast live on Melita Sports on Wednesday 18:50 with live commentary from Gothenburg by Sandro Micallef.
- The Malta Under-21 side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ukraine in another match from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying round at the Borex Special Football Complex in Borodinka on Tuesday.
Playing in a humid 26 degrees, Edwin Camilleri adopted a defensive approach against a very fast Ukrainian side who just managed to beat the Maltese young starlets with a well taken free kick on 68 minutes executed by Yevhen Konoplianka.
In the first half, the Maltese were erratic and nervous getting two yellow cards, one in the eight minute, for Mark Scerri and another silly foul in midfield procured another for Warren Chircop in the 26th minute.
The home side had various corners but in the end, it had to be an excellent free kick which sealed the issue for the hosts.
Coach Edwin Camilleri seemed to have inspired his team during the break as the Maltese side was much better in the second half when the lads managed to create some rapid counter attacks.
MALTA Henry Bonello, Duncan Pisani, Joseph Zerafa, Steve Borg, Ryan Camilleri, Tyrone Farrugia, John Mintoff, Mark Scerri, Warren Chircop (86' Glanville Goodlip), Ben Camilleri (63' Julian Galea), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (80' Beppe Muscat).
- A group of sixteen referees will be travelling to Lueneburg in German between the 18th and 22nd June in order to participate in a football tournament open for referees coming from different countries all over Europe. Among the participants, there are Austria, Finland, Holland, Luxembourg and several teams coming from different cities in Germany. This tournament started way back in 1985 and its last edition was held in 2003.
Malta will be represented in the tournament for the first time. This happens to be the second occasion in which Maltese referees will be representing our country away from our shores. Way back in 2003, a group of Maltese referees travelled to Sofia to play two friendly matches against Bulgarian referees.
The Malta Football Referees Association wish to thank Air Malta for offering special flight fares and TeamSport for offering free sports apparel to the MFRA and its members.
- Mosta FC will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Sunday 14th June at the club's premises in Eucharistic Congress Road, bringing season 2008-09 to an end and kicking-off the new one.
Apart from the usual comprehensive Administrative and Financial reports, thoroughly covering the fortunes of all sections of the club throughout the past season, an election for Club President, Secretary and Treasurer will be held. Officials will serve for seasons 2009-10 & 2010-11.
On the other hand, an election for ordinary members to serve on the club’s Executive Committee for season 2009-10 shall also take place. Applications from individuals interested to contest any position on the club’s Executive Committee, as stated above, are to reach the club at 38/40, Eucharistic Congress Road, Mosta by Saturday 13th June.
Only paid-up members will be allowed for the club’s AGM, which shall start at 09.30am.
All Mosta FC supporters are encouraged and expected to turn up and actively participate in this important annual event.
- Zurrieq FC will be holding its Annual General Meeting at the club premises situated in 53, Triq il-Kbira, Zurrieq on Sunday 14th June at 09:30. If there is no quorum the general meeting will start 30 minutes later.
Items on the Agenda include a speech by the president, the administrative and financial reports and the election of Committe Members for season 2009-2010
As part of the celebrations for the promotion to the MFA 2nd Division, Zurrieq FC are organising a Thanksgiving Mass on Saturday 13th June at Zurrieq Parish Church at 18.30. Afterwards a reception for other Zurrieq societies’ delegations and club members is being held at the club. Donations are also being collected in aid of the ‘Sorijiet tal-Qalb ta’ Gesu’ – Nigret Home’.
- Senglea Athletic FC will hold their AGM on Sunday 14th June at 10.00am at the Nursery premises.
Items on the agenda include the approval of minutes, administrative and financial reports and the election of the committee.
- The Malta Football Coaches Association Committee will be holding the Annual General Meeting on Sunday 14th June, 2009 at 9.30 a.m. at the Juventus Club Vero Amore, Madre Maria Teresa Spinelli Street, Birkirkara.
Among the items on the agenda are the approval of minutes, the administrative and financial reports, and the election for the members of the committee.
Coaches members of the Association and new members can renew the membership before the meeting.
The members interested to contest the election can do so during the General Meeting.
All members are urged to attend.
- Marsa F.C will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Sunday 14th June at the Marsa Football Club, 54, Balbi Street Marsa at 09:30.
Those interested in contesting for a post in the committee should obtain the necessary application from the club.
Mon 8
- The national team held its first training session on Swedish soil after the arrival from the Czech Republic where Malta suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Chance Arena on Friday.
Malta takes on Sweden on Wednesday at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg, kick-off at 19:00.
Sweden are currently joint-fourth in the group with six points from five matches after they suffered a shock 0-1 defeat to Denmark at the Rasunda Stadium in Solna on Saturday. Denmark lead the way in Group 1 with 16 points, followed by Hungary on 13, Portugal 9, Sweden and Albania 6 and Malta 1.
Sweden lined-up as follows: Andreas Isaksson - Mikael Nilsson (80' Sebastian Larsson), Olof Mellberg, Daniel Majstorovic, Adam Johansson - Rasmus Elm, Daniel Andersson (68' Viktor Elm), Kim Källström, Christian Wilhelmsson (58' Johan Elmander) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson.
Malta's twenty-man squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield United - ENG), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus - ITA), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Manny Muscat (Wellington Phoenix - AUS), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta);
midfielders Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), John Hutchinson (Central Coast Mariners - AUS), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley - ENG), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena - GER).
Sun 7
- The Malta Under-21 side left Malta, destination Kiev, where Edwin Camilleri's side takes on Ukraine in another match from Group 8 of the UEFA Under-21 Championship qualifying round at the Borex Special Football Complex in Borodinka on Tuesday.
This will be the second game for the Under-21 side after losing 0-2 to Slovenia on March 31.
For this game, Malta coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Charles Scerri have recovered a number of players who were ruled out injured for the first game.
The 18-man squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Sliema), Nicky Vella (Valletta);
defenders Steve Bonnici (Floriana), Steve Borg (Mosta), Tyron Farrugia (Msida), Clifford Gatt Baldacchino (Sliema), Duncan Pisani (Floriana), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara);
midfielders Luke Agius (Floriana), Joseph Buttigieg (Nadur), Ryan Camilleri (Pietà), John Mintoff (Sliema), Beppe Muscat (Sliema), Mark Scerri (Sliema);
forwards Benjamin Camilleri (Hibernians), Warren Chircop (Tarxien), Julian Galea (Melita), Glenville Goodlip (Pietà)
The bulk of the players in the squad will also form part of the Under-20 squad which will take part in the XVI Mediterranean Games which will be held in Pescara between June 26th and July 5th.
Malta is scheduled to play in Group B against Turkey on Saturday 27 and against France on Monday 29. Both matches will be played at the Stadio Comunale in Teramo.
- Hamrun Spartans F.C. would like to inform their members that during today's Annual General Meeting a resolution was unanimously approved which allows voting for the Executive Committee 2009/10 to continue next Tuesday 9th June between 18:00 and 20:00 at the Club's premises.
- Birkirkara FC will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday 12th June at the club premises on top of McDonald's in Valley Road at 19:30.
Items on the agenda include the approval of minutes of the last AGM, the administrative and financial reports and the board of director's nominations for the season 2009-2010.
- The Annual General Meeting of Tarxien FC will be held on Thursday 11th June at the club premises in St. Francis Street at 18:30.
Items on the agenda include the approval of last year's AGM, the approval of the financial report and a speech by the club president.
Nominations for members of the committee will be received up to Monday 8th June.
- San Gwann FC will be holding their Annual General meeting on Friday 12 June at the club premises. The meeting will start at 19:00.
Items on the agenda will include the approval of minutes, administrative and financial reports. An election will be held to elect committee members for the coming season.
Members are urged to attend.
- Sirens will be holding their Annual General Meeting on Friday 12th June at the Sirens Football Ground at 19:00.
The AGM will be held in accordance to the club statute, and the venue will be at the Sirens football ground.
Items on the agenda include the approval of minutes of the last Annual General Meeting, the Administrative and Financial reports, amendments to the Statute and the election of committee members.
- The Lija Athletic FC Committee announces that it shall be holding its Annual General Meeting on Friday 12th June 2009 at the newly refurbished club premises in Bakery Street, Lija.
The Agenda includes the approval of minutes, an address from the Club President, Administrative and Financial Reports by the Secretary, Amendments to the Statute, the village feast and the election for a new committee for the forthcoming Season 2009/2010.
The Secretary will be receiving nominations for President, Secretary, Treasurer and committee members until Tuesday 9th June 2009.
All members are urged to attend and participate.
- AC Trampi - a futsal third division founded in 2003 - is organising a friendly 5-a-side football tournament.
For details, please email actrampi@gmail.com or leave a message on their Facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/group.php?gid=76278910423&ref=ts
Meanwhile the club is accepting applications for a prospective coach for season 2009/2010.
Sun 7
- The Malta girls registered their second win in Group D4 of the UEFA Women's Friendly Mini-Tournament as they beat Luxembourg 1-0.
The visitors held the initiative but the locals created the better chances. However shots were usually off target except for an attempt which was cleared off the goalline by Carina Nogueira Alves towards the end of the first half.
Malta finally managed to break the deadlock on 78 minutes when referee Mayte Porroaraico ordered a penalty after Ylenia Carabott was brought down inside the area. From the penalty spot, Dorianne Theuma converted.
MALTA Sharon Costantino, Maria Azzopardi, Charlene Zammit, Chantal Fenech, Rebecca Chircop, Mandy Debono, Rebecca D'Agostino, Ylenia Carabott, Rachael Cuschieri (Catherine Camilleri), Dorianne Theuma, Emma Xuereb (Kathleen Saliba).
LUXEMBOURG Linda Oe, Martine Kraus, Cristina Da Silva Correia, Joelle Leuchter, Carina Nogueira Alves, Ma Janine Hansen, Rosangela Settanni, Pia Berscheld (Anne Lyse Dick), Noemie Raths, Tessy Bamberg-Schitter.
On Friday, Malta defeated Latvia 4-0. Malta took the lead on the 8th minute, thanks to Natasha Pace. Emma Xuereb doubled the score four minutes in the second half and Dorianne Theuma added another three minutes later. Ylenia Carabott missed a penalty on 65 minutes but Rachel Cuschieri sealed the issue on the 82nd minute, making the score a notable 4-0.
Meanwhile after beating Luxembourg 5-0 on Friday, Bulgaria also registered their second win defeating Latvia 4-0 thanks to goals by Angelina Ignatjeva, Laila Beiere (2) and Olga Dubroska.
The tournament comes to an end on Wednesday as Malta faces Bulgaria at 17:30 while Luxembourg meet Latvia at 19:45. The winner of the clash between Malta and Bulgaria will win the tournament. In case of a draw, Bulgaria will finish first due to a better goal-difference.
Sat 6
- During the past season, Qormi FC Youth Nursery has worked very hard like every year to enhance the level of the children with dedicated coaches who love the football game.
For the third consecutive year, the Qormi nursery is going to organise Summer School 2009, which this year is going to be different from the past years. It is going to be divided into three different types of sessions which involves: co-ordination, skills and goalkeeping.
Goalkeepers' sessions will be held on Mondays between 18:30 and 19:30 under the guidance of Mark Vella. Co-ordination sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 18:30 and 19:30 and between 19:30 and 20:30 under the guidance of Edward Micallef, Josef Mansueto and Matthew. Skills' session will be held on Wednesdays between 18:00 and 19:00 and between 19:00 and 20:00 under the guidance of co-ordinators Emanuel Fabri and Eric Schembri and coaches Chris Cutajar, Stephen Vella, Jason, Jonathan Bugeja, Noel and Ishmael Micallef.
Sessions are six weeks' long, starting in the first week of July - with a session a week. The prices are: one session €25, two sessions €40 and three sessions €60.
Interested applicants are invited to phone on 21485620, or contact the Head Coach on 79450552 or the Secretary on 99871985. Closing date is 27th June 2009.
Fri 5
- Malta registered a comfortable 4-0 win over Latvia in the first game from the UEFA Women's Friendly Group D4 Mini-Tournament which is being held in Malta between June 5 and 10. The tournament will be played at the Centenary Stadium.
Malta was in the lead by the 8th minute, thanks to Natasha Pace who opened the score. On the 18th minute, Dorianne Thuema was unlucky not to score when she hit the crossbar with her fine shot.
Emma Xuereb doubled the score four minutes in the second half and Dorianne Theuma followed suit just three minutes later. Ylenia Carabott missed a penalty on 65 minutes but Rachel Cuschieri sealed the issue on the 82nd minute, making the score a notable 4-0.
For this mini-tournament, women's national team coach Pierre Brincat and his assistant Mark Gatt named a 20-strong squad. The players are:
goalkeepers Sharon Costantino (Birkirkara), Michelle Zahra (Birkirkara);
defenders Maria Azzopardi (Hibs), Rebecca Chircop (Mosta), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Stefania Farugia (Birkirkara), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkara), Natasha Pace (Mosta), Charlene Zammit (Hibs);
midfielders Melania Bajada (Gozo), Orianna Bedingfield (Melita), Catherine Camileri (Birkirkara), Ylenia Carabott (Sliema Raiders), Rachael Cuschieri (Birkirkara), Rebecca D'Agostino (Mosta), Mandy Debono (Hibs), Dorianne Theuma (Mosta);
forwards Kathleen Saliba (Hibs), Emma Xuereb (Gozo), Gabriella Zahra (Melita).
The tournament continues on Sunday with the games Malta vs Luxembourg and Latvia vs Bulgaria, kick-off at 17:30 and 19:45 respectively.
The final two matches will be played on Wednesday 10: 17:30 Bulgaria vs Malta and 19:45 Luxembourg vs Latvia
Referees for these games will be Zuzana Kovacova from Slovakia, Marcia Monteiropejapes (Portugal) and Mayte Porroaraico (Spain) while the assistant referees are Lenka Frontova (Slovakia), O. Martins Dealmeida (Portugal), Malcolm Mercieca (Malta), Rocio Puentepino (Spain). Fourth officials are Paul Apap and Esther Azzopardi.
- Hamrun Spartans will be holding an Under-19 7-a-Side One Day Tournament at the Victor Tedesco Stadium on Friday 10th July from 19:30.
Each team may register up to twelve players. Registration fee is €120 per team. Trophies and medals will be presented to the winner and runner-up teams.
Registration forms are available from the Hamrun Spartans Youth Nursery. The closing date is Friday 3rd July and the draws will be held on Tuesday 7.
- The committee of Mosta FC Youth Nursery is accepting applications from interested coaches to form part of the coaching staff for the season 2009-2010.
Those interested can contact club official on 79415953 or 21415943 or ask for information at the Nursery premises which can be found at Mosta ground.
Thu 4
- Malta will be facing the Czech Republic in a friendly match this evening at the Baumit Jablonec's Chance Arena, kick off at 17:20. This match is part of the national team's preparation ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sweden in programme next Wednesday.
This game will mark the debut of Maltese-Australian duo Manny Muscat and John Hutchinson. Two players who will hopefully strengthen the Maltese side ahead of the forthcoming commitments. Both players ply their trade in Australia's A-League. Twenty-four year old defender Manny Muscat plays for Wellington Phoenix while twenty-nine year old midfielder John Hutchinson plays for Central Coast Mariners.
Out-of-contract Michael Mifsud, was left out of the squad for this friendly game as he is ruled out of the Sweden qualifier as he serves a one-match ban, having collected two yellow cards. Fitzel also opted to leave out Valletta captain Gilbert Agius, Birkirkara midfielder George Mallia and strikers Terence Scerri of champions Hibernians and Etienne Barbara of SC Verl.
Malta suffered two 3-0 defeats in the last two outings against Denmark at home and Hungary in Budapest. The team's record over the past twelve months was highly disappointing with no wins and just one draw in nine matches.
The players selected by Fitzel are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield United - ENG), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus - ITA), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Manny Muscat (Wellington Phoenix - AUS), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta);
midfielders Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), John Hutchinson (Central Coast Mariners - AUS), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley - ENG), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena - GER).
Meanwhile the game against Malta will mark the debut of new Czech national team coach Frantisek Straka. He named a rather unfamiliar squad for this game. With Milan Baros, Radoslav Kovac, Martin Fenin, Marek Matejovsky and Vaclav Sverkos are all suspended by the Czech FA, Tomas Ujfalusi retired from international football and many other regular starters recovering from a long club season, Straka has opted for an experimental team. Only nine foreign-based players have been called up, with the remaining eleven places going to players based in the Czech Republic. There are eleven uncapped players in the squad.
The players selected are:
goalkeepers Tomas Grigar (Teplice), Zdenek Zlamal (Slovan Liberec);
defenders Erich Brabec (Slavia Praha), Roman Hubnik (Sparta Praha), Michal Kadlec (Bayer Leverkusen), David Limbersky (Viktoria Plzen), Martin Klein (Teplice), Zdenek Pospech (FC Kobenhavn), Jan Simunek (Wolfsburg);
midfielders Petr Benat (Dynamo Ceske Budejovice), Jaroslav Cerny (Slavia Praha), Martin Fillo (Viking), Tomas Hubschman (Shakhtar Donetsk), Daniel Kolar (Viktoria Plzen), Daniel Pudil (Racing Genk), Radek Sirl (Zenit St. Petersburg);
forwards David Lafata (Baumit Jablonec), Lukas Magera (Timisoara), Tomas Necid (CSKA Moskva), Michal Papadopulos (Mlada Boleslav).
The Czech Republic are currently fourth in Group 3 of the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with just eight points from six matches. They registered wins over Slovenia at home and San Marino away from home, drew with Northern Ireland and Slovenia both away from home, losing to Poland and neighbours Slovakia.
The two countries met six times with Malta holding the Czech Republic in two goalless draws while the remaining matches ending in wins for the Czech Republic.
Following a 6-1 win for the Czech Republic in September 1994 in a European Championship qualifier, the two teams shared the spoils in a goalless draw one month later at Ta' Qali. In September 1996, the Czechs registered a 6-0 at home in a World Cup qualifier while at Ta' Qali, they registered a narrow 1-0 win. Following a goalless draw at Ta' Qali in October 2000 in another World Cup qualifier, the Czech Republic defeated Malta 3-2 in the return match in September 2001. This will be the first time the two teams will meet in a friendly match.
Wed 3
- Dutch coach Ton Kaanen is the new coach of Valletta FC. He will be replacing Paul Zammit who has been coaching Valletta for the past three-and-a-half years.
Although he has never played professional football, Ton Kaanen started his coaching career in Ukraine when he joined Metalurh Donetsk in 2003. He then moved to Beitar Jerusalem in Israel and then Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Netanya also in Israel. In 2006, he returned to Ukraine where he coached Stal Alchevsk.
Ton Kaanen is the second Dutchman to join Valletta after president Victor Sciriha revealed that Jordi Cruyff, the son of the legendary Johan Cruyff, will be playing for the Citizens next season.
After starting his career as a youth player with Ajax and then Barcelona, Jordi played for Barcelona B and then the senior side. In 1996, he moved to Manchester United where he stayed for four years, including a short loan spell with Celta Vigo in Spain in 1999. In summer 2000, he moved back to Spain where he played for Alaves and eventually Espanol and Barcelona B. Jordi Cruyff spent season 2007/08 in Ukraine, playing for Metalurh Donetsk.
Last year, the 35-year old was not playing for any club as he was focussing on his own clothing brand.
- Malta will be hosting the UEFA Women's Friendly Group D4 Mini-Tournament between June 5 and 10. The tournament will be played at the Centenary Stadium. Taking part besides Malta are Bulgaria, Latvia and Luxembourg.
Women's national team coach Pierre Brincat and his assistant Mark Gatt named a 20-strong squad for this tournament. The players are:
goalkeepers Sharon Costantino (Birkirkara), Michelle Zahra (Birkirkara);
defenders Maria Azzoaprdi (Hibs), Rebecca Chircop (Mosta), Marisa Deguara (Mosta), Stefania Farugia (Birkirkara), Chantal Fenech (Birkirkra), Natasha Pace (Mosta), Charlene Zammit (Hibs);
midfielders Melania Bajada (Gozo), Orianna Bedingfield (Melita), Catherine Camileri (Birkirkara), Ylenia Carabott (Sliema Raiders), Rachael Cuschieri (Birkirkara), Rebecca D'Agostino (Mosta), Mandy Debono (Hibs), Dorianne Theuma (Mosta);
forwards Kathleen Saliba (Hibs), Emma Xuereb (Gozo), Gabriella Zahra (Melita).
The tournament gets underway on Friday with the games Malta vs Latvia and Bulgaria vs Luxembourg, kicking-off at 17:30 and 19:45 respectively.
The programme for Days 2 and 3 are as follows:
Sunday 7th June
17:30 Malta vs Luxembourg
19:45 Latvia vs Bulgaria
Wednesday 10th June
17:30 Bulgaria vs Malta
19:45 Luxembourg vs Latvia
Referees for these games will be Zuzana Kovacova from Slovakia, Marcia Monteiropejapes (Portugal) and Mayte Porroaraico (Spain) while the assistant referees are Lenka Frontova (Slovakia), O. Martins Dealmeida (Portugal), Malcolm Mercieca (Malta), Rocio Puentepino (Spain). Fourth officials are Paul Apap and Esther Azzopardi.
- Malta retained the 150th place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking list which was published on Wednesday.
Among the other European countries, Malta is 49th. Lying just ahead of Malta is Luxembourg (120, up 6), Armenia (131, down 6), Kazakhstan (132, up 5) and Azerbaijan (140, up 2). Liechtenstein are 50th (156), followed by Faroe Islands (166, down 1, Andorra (196) and San Marino (202).
- Third Division champions Gzira United issued a statement after one of their players was arraigned in court on Monday.
"The committee disassociates itself from the player's act and will take all necessary measures so that the player will no longer be registered or involved in any way with the club."
"The Committee will ask the Malta Football Association to take the measures contemplated in the association's regulations so that the club's name will be cleared."
Tue 2
- Champions Hibernians claimed seven of the awards at stake in the eighth edition of the Melita Malta Football Awards. The gala event was held at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Floriana on Tuesday.
Midfielder Clayton Failla was voted Best Midfielder and Best Local Player, Terence Scerri secured award for the Best Forward while Jean Paul Farrugia was voted Most Promising Youngster. Mark Miller won the award for Best Coach.
Goalkeeper Mario Muscat won the Public's Favourite Player award while the goal by Adrian Pulis on May 18 in the game against Birkirkara earned the Hibs defender the award for the Best Goal of the Season.
Tarxien Rainbows won two awards as goalkeeper Anthony Curmi was voted Best Goalkeeper while Daniel Mariano Bueno was voted Best Foreign Player. Another two awards went to Valletta as Luke Dimech claimed the award for Best Defender and Gilbert Agius won the award for the Best Veteran Player.
Vittoriosa Stars striker Anthony Eviparker was voted Best First Division Player while Melita's Matthew Borg won the award for the Best Second Division Player. Ayrton Buhagiar was voted Best Third Division Player - a new award in this eighth edition of the Melita Malta Football Awards.
Birkirkara's Rachel Cuschieri won the award for the Best Female Player while Alex Ribic was voted Best Futsal Player. Sannat Lions striker John Camilleri claimed the award for the Best Player in the GFA First Division.
Special awards were presented to the Malta Football Coaches Association and the Malta Football Referees Association who celebrated their fiftieth and sixtieth anniversaries respectively while former Malta international player Joe Cini who also played for Queen's Park Rangers and Leyton Orient in England won a special award for his career.
The winners:
Best Goalkeeper: Anthony Curmi (Tarxien R.)
Best Defender: Luke Dimech (Valletta)
Best Midfielder: Clayton Failla (Hibernians)
Best Forward: Terrence Scerri (Hibernians)
Best Coach: Mark Miller (Hibernians)
Most Promising Youngster: Jean Paul Farrugia (Hibernians)
Best Local Player: Clayton Failla (Hibernians)
Best Foreign Player: Daniel Mariano Bueno (Tarxien)
Best Veteran Player: Gilbert Agius (Valletta)
Best Goal of the Season: Adrian Pulis (Hibernians vs Birkirkara 18-May)
Best Female Player: Rachel Cuschieri (Birkirkara)
Best Futsal First Division Player: Alexander Ribic (White Eagles)
Best GFA First Division Player: John Camilleri (Sannat)
Best First Division Player: Anthony Eviparker (Vittoriosa)
Best Second Division Player: Matthew Borg (Melita)
Best Third Division Player: Ayrton Buhagiar (Mdina)
Career Award: Joe Cini
Public's Favourite Player: Mario Muscat (Hibernians)
Special Awards: Malta Football Coaches Association and Malta Football Referees Association
The gala night was presented by Catherine Xuereb and Clinton Buhagiar while the various awards were presented by several personalities.
- Gzira United player Clyde Grech was charged in court on Monday with attempting to bribe Sta. Lucia player Anthony Brignone before the BOV Third Division Section B game between Gzira United and Sta. Lucia on December 8, 2008.
Clyde Grech pleaded guilty and was give a four-month jail term suspended for one year. He was also fined €500.
This is the fourth case of alleged corruption in football to end in court this year.
- The committee of the Mellieha SC Football Nursery would be accepting applications from qualified coaches having the YDD up to the MFA/UEFA Diploma to form part of our coaching staff for the season 2009/2010.
All those interested are requested to send a detailed CV to the Secretary Mr Chris Borg at 160 Triq V.Ciappara, Mellieha MLH1807. Or email to chrisborg47@gmail.com or call on 79208472.
Closing date by not later than the 15th of June 2009.
- The committee of Msida St. Joseph FC is holding a meeting for all members and all those who have the best interest for the future of the club close to their heart. This meeting will be held at the club premises on Wednesday 3rd June at 19:00.
The committee is going to present a clear picture of what is going to happen at the club due to financial difficulties as the club is trying its best in order not to lose its premises. On the other hand, the future looks promising and not all dark and gloomy.
Donations will be collected during the meeting. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
- Valletta FC issued a statement to thank their supporters for their backing over the last games.
In the statement signed by Valletta FC general secretary Joe Attard thanks City fans for their exceptional behaviour although the results of the games against Hibernians and Sliema Wanderers were not what they had desired, saying their support was "unique".
"Valletta FC have every reason to be proud of you: all you fans did a great job to enhance not only the club's reputation but also your own. Well Done!"
Mon 1
- A total of twenty awards will be presented tonight in the eighth edition of the Melita Malta Football Awards. The gala event will be held at the Grand Hotel Excelsior at 20:30.
Awards include those for the different roles - best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward in the Premier League, best coach, best local and foreign player, most promising youngster, best veteran player and best coach. The best players in Divisions 1, 2 and 3, the women's league, the Futsal First Division and the GFA First Division will also be awarded.
The finalists in the various categories are:
Best Goalkeeper
Anthony Curmi (Tarxien R.), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibernians);
Best Defender
Luke Dimech (Valletta), Ronni Hartvig (Birkirkara), Alex Muscat (Sliema);
Best Midfielder
Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Clayton Failla (Hibernians);
Best Forward
Daniel Mariano Bueno (Tarxien), Njongo Priso Doding (Valletta), Terrence Scerri (Hibernians);
Best Coach
John Buttigieg (Birkirkara), Mark Miller (Hibernians), Paul Zammit (Valletta);
Most Promising Youngster
Miguel Ciantar (Sliema), Jean Paul Farrugia (Hibernians), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida SJ);
Best Local Player
Andrew Cohen (Hibernians), Clayton Failla (Hibernians), Terrence Scerri (Hibernians);
Best Foreign Player
Daniel Mariano Bueno (Tarxien), Christian Callejas (Hibernians), Sylvano Comvalius (Hamrun);
Best Female Player
Eleonora Agliano (Birkirkara), Ylenia Carabott (Sliema Raiders), Rachel Cuschieri (Birkirkara), Sonia Farrugia (Sliema Raiders);
Best Veteran Player
Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Jeffrey Chetcuti (Sliema), Brian Said (Marsaxlokk);
Best Futsal First Division Player First Division
Zeljko Anicic (Jeepers), Nicholas Bilocca (Aluserv), Alexander Ribic (White Eagles), Bjorn Vassallo (Aluserv);
Best GFA First Division Player
Mario Azzopardi (Sannat), John Camilleri (Sannat), Mark Muscat (Sannat);
Best First Division Player
Steve Borg (Mosta), Martin Deanov (Pieta), Anthony Eviparker (Vittoriosa);
Best Second Division Player
Aaron Agius (Balzan), Matthew Borg (Melita), Michael Martin (Melita);
Best Third Division Player
Ayrton Buhagiar (Mdina), Mark Camilleri (Siggiewi), Alan Spiteri (Gharghur).
One or more special awards will also be presented during the gala event.
This year, Events Services is also awarding The Favourite Player Award where the general public can vote via SMS 50614914 with the name of his favourite player this season. The SMS voting will be closed forty five minutes from the end of the event which will be broadcast LIVE on Melita Sports and the Weather & Info Channel, with a repeat on Wednesday 3rd June on Favourite Channel at 8.45pm.
The 8th Edition of the Melita Malta Football Awards will be hosted by sports journalists Catherine Xuereb and Clinton Buhagiar, presenters of Kontrattakk and L-Argument respectively.
Events Services would like to thank the following sponsors for their support during this year's edition: Grand Hotel Excelsior, Melita, Powerade, Camilleri Wines, Firetech, Victor Azzopardi Jewellers, MFCC, ESS, Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport, Bank of Valletta, ETC, Titan, Hamilton Travel, Aristocrat, Sports Experience Trophies & Awards & John's Garage.
- Malta national coach Dusan Fitzel named a provisional twenty-one man squad ahead of the friendly match against the Czech Republic and the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Sweden. Maltese-Australians Manny Muscat and John Hutchinson are part of the squad but Michael Mifsud is ruled out through suspension.
Besides Mifsud, who picked a second yellow card in the 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign game against Hungary, also missing from the Malta squad are Valletta captain Gilbert Agius and strikers Terence Scerri of champions Hibernians and Etienne Barbara of SC Verl.
Muscat and Hutchinson are set to make their debut for the Malta national team in the game against the Czech Republic with the possibility of earning a place in the starting line-up for the game against Sweden. Both players play in the Australian A-League for Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners respectively.
The friendly match against Czech Republic is scheduled for Friday 5th at 16:30 at the Chance Arena in Jablonec nad Nisou while the World Cup qualifier match against Sweden is on Wednesday 10th June at 19:00 at the Ullevi Stadium in Gothenburg.
The players selected by Fitzel are:
goalkeepers Justin Haber (Sheffield United - ENG), Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Andrei Agius (Igea Virtus - ITA), Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Luke Dimech (Valletta), Alex Muscat (Sliema), Manny Muscat (Wellington Phoenix - AUS), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta);
midfielders Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Andrew Cohen (Hibs), Clayton Failla (Hibs), Ryan Fenech (Hamrun), John Hutchinson (Central Coast Mariners), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Marsaxlokk);
forwards Daniel Bogdanovic (Barnsley - ENG), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (Birkirkara), Andre Schembri (Carl Zeiss Jena - GER).
- Club captain and 23 year old midfielder Francoise Galea won the award as the Club's Best Player for season 2008/9 in the first edition of the Ghaxaq Football Club Awards which was held at the Club's premises on Thursday, 28th May 2009.
Other Awards were presented as follows :-
Johann Zammit - Club's Top Scorer
Elton Dimech - Most Promising Player
Jonathan Agius - Best Performance for the game vs Mdina (1st Leg)
Best Goal - Matthew Axiak for his goal vs Qrendi (2nd Leg)
Most Dedicated Player - Clayton Xuereb
A memento was also presented to all players as a recognition for their hardworking commitment and positive placing achieved in season 2008-9.
Ghaxaq Youth Nursery FC presented their awards as follows :-
Best Player Youths - Elton Dimech
Most Dedicated Youth - Aaron Agius
Most Promising Youth - Justin Cilia
Under 17 Best Player - Kerstin Borg
Under 17 Most Dedicated Player - Nathan Abela
Under 17 Most Promising Youngster - Ryan Baldacchino
Ghaxaq Football Club presented also a special memento to youngster Alessandro Salerno for his commitment shown to the Club.
Ghaxaq Football Club would like to take the opportunity to show its appreciation to the Ghaxaq Local Council, and to the sponsors which supported the club during last season, particularly to the Main Sponsor - Aurelia Asset Protection Ltd.