October 2009
Sat 31
- U*Bet FA Trophy Mosta vs Tarxien R. 1-5, Mqabba vs Qormi 0-3, Msida SJ vs Balzan Y. 0-5, Hamrun S. vs St. George's 3-0
- Gozo - Second Division Gharb R. vs Zebbug R. 2-4
Fri 30
- Third Division Section A Luqa SA vs Mtarfa 3-4, Kalkara vs Siggiewi 0-3
- During this Christmas period, precisely between 26th and 30th December 2009, Italian Serie A team, Atalanta B.C. in collaboration with Birkirkara F.C. Youth Nursery will be organising for the fourth time in Malta, a five day Football Stage at the Infetti Artificial Pitches in Bontadini Street, Birkirkara.
This event is open to all children living in Malta and Gozo aged between 7 and 12 (born in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002) and consists mainly of an hour and a half training session (six in all) delivered by professional Italian youth coaches working at Atalanta B.C. This year's programme will include also goalkeeper's training.
The fee of 90 Euros per participant includes:
* Six training sessions (1.5 hour each) under the guidance of Italian youth coaches
* Full training kit
* Technical report
* Various Atalanta B.C. merchandise
Mr Stefano Bonaccorso, Mr Massimo Biffi and Mr Andrea Pandolfi, all professional coaches who work with youth teams at Atalanta in Zigonia will be amongst the coaches present during this stage, with the former tutor involved also at FIGC Youth sector level.
The number of children participating is on a first come first served basis. Therefore, all those interested in attending may contact Mr Franco Agius (79438515) or Mr Henry Bray (99468248) for further details. It is surely the ideal gift for this Christmas and a memorable experience for all football lovers!
Thu 29
- The Malta Under-17 side secured a place in the Elite Round of the UEFA Under-17 Championship thanks to one of the two places reserved for the best third-ranked teams from the qualifying round.
In Friday's games from Group 9, Malta was counting on the results obtained by Greece, Norway and Italy. Italy led the section prior to today's matches, level on four points with Greece and three ahead of Norway and Moldova. Italy lost 2-0 to Norway, but still would have finished top had Greece not equalised late to draw 2-2 with Moldova. That lifted Greece to first place and took them through to the Elite round, with runners-up Norway pipping Italy on head-to-head record.
To determine the two best third-placed teams from the qualifying round, only the results of the third-placed team against the winners and runners-up in each group were taken into account, with the following criteria applying in the order given:
a) higher number of points obtained in these matches;
b) superior goal difference from these matches;
c) higher number of goals scored in these matches;
d) fair play conduct of the teams in all group matches in the qualifying round;
e) drawing of lots.
The points obtained in clashes with the top two teams in the group were as follows:
Group 1: Azerbaijan 1 point
Group 2: Lithuania 0 points
Group 3: Denmark 0 points
Group 4: Israel 0 points
Group 5: Finland 3 points (1 goal in favour, 2 against)
Group 6: Bulgaria 1 point
Group 7: Estonia 1 point
Group 8: Malta 3 points (2 goals in favour, 3 against)
Group 9: Italy 1 point
Group 10: Cyprus 0 points
Group 11: Luxembourg 1 point
Group 12: Iceland 1 point
Group 13: Belarus 0 points
Malta and Finland therefore reach the next stage together with England and Serbia from Group 1, Spain and Romania from Group 2, Croatia and Belgium from Group 3, Austria and Poland from Group 4, Turkey and Germany from Group 5, Ireland and Sweden from Group 6, France and Ukraine from Group 7, Netherlands and Northern Ireland from Group 8, Greece and Norway from Group 9, Portugal and Georgia from Group 10, Hungary and Slovakia from Group 11, Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina from Group 12, Czech Republic and Switzerland from Group 13.
The Elite Round will be held in March.
In Group 8, Malta lost 0-2 to Northern Ireland in the first match but then bounced back with a 2-1 win over the Netherlands thanks to two penalties by Sacha Borg and Dylan D'Agostino. In the third and final match, the team led by Charles Scerri and his assistant Ramon Zammit was held in a goalless draw by hosts Andorra.
The 18-players who took part in the mini-tournament were:
Yenz Cini (Valletta), Carlos Dimech (Pietà), John Debono (Pietà), Brandon Gatt (Hibs), Christian Grech (Pietà), John Micallef (Hibs), Malcolm Vella (Hibs), Terence Agius (Pietà), Dylan D'Agostino (Valletta), Bjorn Kristensen (Silkeborg FC - DEN), Brandon Muscat (Hibs), Zach Muscat (Pietà), Ian Scerri (Hibs), Sacha Borg (Floriana), Christian Briffa (Hibs), Michael Camilleri (Birkirkara), Ryan Dalli (Sliema), Matthew Hammett (Hibs).
A tally of four points is already the highest-ever for Malta in this tournament. Malta had never before progressed through a round of a UEFA youth competition.
Wed 28
- U*Bet FA Trophy Vittoriosa S. vs Melita 1-0 aet
- Hibernians coach Mark Miller was suspended for four matches by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off during last Friday's BOV Premier League clash with Valletta. Miller will therefore be unable to lead the team from the bench for the games against Msida St. Joseph, Floriana, Tarxien Rainbows and Sliema Wanderers.
For the game against Msida, Hibs will also lack Rumen Galabov who was suspended for one match after collecting fourth yellow card.
In the First Division Knock-Out, Anthony Bonello (St. George's) and Beppe Muscat (Vittoriosa) were suspended for one match.
Swieqi United coach Roberto Debrincat was banned for four matches in Division 3. Dwayne Carabott, Tano Farrugia and Shawn D'Amato (Sta. Lucia) were all suspended for one match.
In the Youth League, Paulseph Cutajar (Kirkop) and Sandro Galea (Rabat) were suspended for one game.
- A 5-a-side tournament is being held on November 21st at the Luxol Grounds between 18:00 and 23:00.
Teams can have a maximum of two subs and all members must be over 16 years of age.
The fee is €100 and prizes include €300 and a trophy.
Closing date is 14th November.
For more info phone 99203574 or 79088274.
Tue 27
- The Malta Under-17 side finished its commitments in the UEFA Under-17 Group 8 mini-tournament in third place following a draw with Andorra and will now have to wait until Sunday to know whether they will make it to the next stage of the competition.
The morale in the Malta clan in Andorra was high following a remarkable 2-1 win over the Netherlands last Saturday. With Northern Ireland leading the way with six points, Malta and the Netherlands following on three, the Maltese needed a win and hope that the Netherlands fail to beat Northern Ireland in the other game.
At the Estadi Comunal in Andorra La Vella, a goal by Jürgen Locadia nine minutes in the second half gave the Netherlands a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland. On the other hand, at the Camp d' Esports del M.I. Consell General, Malta was held in a goalless draw by hosts Andorra who were claiming their first points after losing 0-4 to Netherlands and 0-2 to Northern Ireland.
Netherlands therefore won the group after winning the direct clash with Northern Ireland, who move on to the next stage as runners-up.
Malta will now have to wait till the last matches to know its fate as three groups remain still open - Group 1, 5 and 9. Two third-placed sides with the best record against the top pair in their group from the 13 sections will qualify for the next round. Bulgaria, Estonia and Luxembourg also stand on four points but their wins are against the bottom placed team in their respective group whilst Malta's win is against the Netherlands which topped group 8.
A tally of four points is already the highest-ever in this tournament and Malta have never before progressed through a round of a UEFA youth competition.
MALTA Carlos Dimech, Malcolm Vella, Brandon Gatt, Zach Muscat, Matthew Hammett (59' Ryan Dalli), Bjorn Kristensen, Sacha Borg, Christian Briffa, Ian Scerri (79' Terence Agius), Dylan D'Agostino (41' John Debono), Christian Grech.
Mon 26
- Third Division Section B Santa Lucia vs Naxxar L. 2-4, Kirkop U. vs Sirens 0-1
- Hamrun Spartans secured the services of Angolan striker Joao Batista Mawete Jr.
The 28-year old player, who also holds a Portuguese passport, played for Benfica's second team, Sporting Braga and Ol. Moscavide in Portugal before moving to Walsall in England. In 2007, he moved to Geel in Belgium but the following season, he signed for Chalkanoras Idaliou.
Mawete Junior is expected to make his debut in the U*BET FA Trophy clash against St. George's next Saturday.
- First Division side Vittoriosa Stars signed Nigerian striker Henry Makinwa. The 31-year old striker also holds a Portuguese passport.
He started his career with Iwuanyanwu Nationale, before playing for Concord and Udoji United. He then moved to Spain where he played for Rayo Vallecano and then Portugal, playing for FC Penafiel, Vitoria Setubal, Gil Vicente FC and S.C. Farense. In 2003, Makinwa joined Rapid Bucharest but the following season, he returned to Portugal to play for C.D. Feirense.
Makinwa then played for Maccabi Petah Tikva in Israel, Egyptian side Al-Ahly, AEP Paphos in Cyprus, Tianjin Teda in China, Gretna in Scotland and finally PSMS Medan in Indonesia.
Sun 25
- FIFA Women's World Cup ENGLAND vs MALTA
- Premier League Dingli S. vs Sliema W. 0-2, Tarxien R. vs Qormi 1-2
- Second Division Birzebbuga SP vs Sta. Venera L. 0-2, Gzira U. vs Gharghur 3-2
- Third Division Section A Fgura U. vs Mdina K. 0-3, Mgarr U. vs Marsa 3-1
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Victoria H. 0-3, Kercem A. vs Ghajnsielem 2-3
- The Hamrun Spartans FC Youth Nursery will be organizing the twelfth edition of the Christmas Football Festival on the 8th and 12th of December 2009 at the Victor Tedesco Stadium at Hamrun. This Football Festival is being organized with the permission of the Amateur, Youth and Grassroots Committee.
The four Categories for this year's Edition will be:
Class A: Boys born after January 2002
Class B: Boys born after January 2000
Class C: Boys born after January 1998
Class D: Girls born after January 1997
Classes A and D will be played on 5 vs 5 basis, where each team can register not more than 10 players.
Class B will be played on 7 vs 7 basis, where each team can register not more than 12 players.
Class C will be played on 9 vs 9 basis, where each team can register not more than 14.
Each player will be presented with a sport and educational memento at the end of the festival. Another award will be for Fair Play Overall.
This edition's Slogan is: "Let The Coaches Coach, Let The Children Play"
The fee for participants taking part in the Festival is €50 for Class A, €60 for Class B and D, and €70 for Class C. More details, such as draws and regulations, will be given during the press conference which is going to be held in late November at Tony Bajada Centre.
Interested Nurseries are to fill in the application form received and send it to the secretary, Centru Tony Bajada, Hamrun Sports Complex, Alexander Street, Hamrun, e-mail mariodebattista@onvol.net or call on 21251483, 79478302, 99492976, 79496363, by not later than Monday 16 th November.
Sat 24
- UEFA Under-17 Championship NETHERLANDS vs MALTA 1-2
The Malta Under-17 side defeated the Netherlands 2-1 in the second match from the UEFA Under-17 mini-tournament which is being held in Andorra.
Following a goalless first half, Malta was awarded a penalty seven minutes in the second half which was converted by Sacha Borg. On 70 minutes, the Maltese doubled the score as substitute Dylan D'Agostino converted another penalty awarded by Vital Sevastsyanik.
Jürgen Locadia pulled one back for the Netherlands three minutes in added time.
Malta now shares the second place with the Netherlands with three points from two matches, three points behind leaders Northern Ireland. Malta would secure the runner-up position with a win over Andorra in the last game on Tuesday and the Netherlands fail to beat the Irish.
In the first game on Thursday, Malta lost 2-0 to Northern Ireland in the first match on Thursday from the
MALTA Carlos Dimech, John Debono, Malcolm Vella, Brandon Gatt, Zach Muscat, Terence Agius (64' Dylan D'Agostino), Michael Camilleri (68' Ryan Dalli), Bjorn Kristensen, Sacha Borg, Christian Briffa (42' Brandon Muscat), Christian Grech.
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Msida SJ 1-0, Birkirkara vs Floriana 0-1
- First Division Knock-Out Marsaxlokk vs Melita 4-2, Vittoriosa S. vs St. George's 1-0
- Second Division Zurrieq vs St. Andrews 1-3, Zebbug R. vs Senglea A. 1-1
- Gozo - First Division Xewkija T. vs Sannat L. 1-2
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Qala SJ 3-0
- The women's national team will be playing the second game from the 6th FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers on Sunday as they take on England at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool in what probably is the most difficult game played ever by Pierre Brincat's side. The game kicks-off at 18:30 CET.
The English side were the losing finalists in the Women's EURO which was held less than two months ago. They are currently ranked eighth in the world and fourth in Europe.
In their first outing, the Maltese team lost heavily to Spain, suffering a 0-13 defeat. Brincat's main objective for Sunday's game is therefore to limit the damages as much as possible.
Kathleen Saliba, Marisa Deguara and Catherine Camilleri will be back after missing the first game.
The players selected by Brincat and his assistant Mark Gatt are:
goalkeepers Sharon Costantino, Michelle Zahra;
defenders Rebecca D'Agostino, Rebecca Chircop, Mandy Debono, Marisa Deguara, Chantal Fenech, Natasha Pace, Kimberly Parnis, Corissa Vella White, Charlene Zammit;
midfielders Maria Azzopardi, Catherine Camilleri, Rachael Cuschieri, Kathleen Saliba, Dorianne Theuma, Emma Xuereb;
forwards Ylenia Carabott.
The match will be controlled by French referee Florence Guillemin.
- Young players and committee members of the Senglea nursery recently took part in a cleaning up activity at a historical cave situated in Senglea.
The cave, known as Villa Davis' Cave and which used to be part of the residence of Grand Master De Homedes, is currently in an abandoned state.
The Senglea Nursery decided to participate in the Clean Localities Campaign organised by the Senglea Local Council, as part of the campaign organised by the Parliamentary Secretariat for Public Dialogue and Information, and took this opportunity to clean up this cave, paint its gate and embellish its surroundings.
Representatives from Wirt Artna paid a visit to the players and committee members of Senglea Nursery during this activity and remained impressed with the beauty and the size of this cave.
Nursery President Stephen Spiteri said he intends to ask the Senglea Mayor to allow the Nursery to take care of the cave so that it remains in the well-kept state it deserves. The nursery will be asking the authorities to carry out professional restoration of the cave.
Apart from the cleaning of the cave, the Senglea youths also cleaned and removed weeds all along Sirene Street, Marina Street from the Macina to the Ponta and the area surrounding the Ponta Ground.
The objective of this activity was for Senglea youngsters to learn to appreciate more the city they live in and be proud of the historical sites Senglea has to offer.
Fri 23
- Premier League Valletta vs Hibernians 0-1
- Third Division Section B Swieqi U. vs Qrendi 1-2, Zejtun C. vs Attard 0-0
Thu 22
- Champions Hibernians will be facing Qormi in the third round of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup. The draw was held on Thursday during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash Television.
This was one of two clashes between two Premier League clubs. The other is Msida St. Joseph vs Tarxien Rainbows.
Valletta were paired with Second Division side Gozo while the other five teams were drawn with First Division clubs - Sliema Wanderers vs San Gwann, Floriana vs Mqabba, Hamrun vs St. George's, Dingli Swallows vs Vittoriosa Stars and Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara.
There is one clash between First Division clubs - Melita vs Pietà Hotspurs. The remaining First Division clubs will be meeting opposition from lower divisions - St. Patrick vs Zebbug Rangers, Balzan Youths vs Qrendi and Mosta vs Siggiewi.
Three third round matches will be between two Second Division clubs - Zurrieq vs Mellieha, Lija Athletic vs Birzebbuga St. Peter's and St. Andrews vs Gharghur.
The other two teams in the draw are Third Division clubs Naxxar Lions and Zejtun Corinthians who were drawn against each other.
Third round matches will be played between Friday 6th and Monday 9th November.
Msida SJ vs Tarxien R.
Zurrieq vs Mellieha
Valletta vs Gozo
Balzan Y. vs Qrendi
Sliema W. vs San Gwann
St. Patrick vs Zebbug R.
Lija A. vs Birzebbuga SP
Floriana vs Mqabba
Hamrun S. vs St. George's
Hibernians vs Qormi
Naxxar L. vs Zejtun C.
Dingli S. vs Vittoriosa S.
Melita vs Pietà H.
St. Andrews vs Gharghur
Marsaxlokk vs Birkirkara
Siggiewi vs Mosta
- The Malta Under-17 side lost 2-0 to Northern Ireland in the first match on Thursday from the UEFA Under-17 mini-tournament which is being held in Andorra.
Playing at the Estadi Comunal in Andorra La Vella, the Irish took the lead on 13 minutes through Carson. McLellan doubled the score one minute from the end of the first half.
On Saturday, Malta faces the Netherlands at 16:00 while the third and final match is against Andorra on Tuesday 27.
MALTA Yenz Cini, Malcolm Vella, Brandon Gatt, Zach Muscat, Matthew Hammett, Bjorn Kristensen (66' Brandon Muscat), Sacha Borg, Christian Briffa (64' Michael Camilleri), Ian Scerri, Dylan D'Agostino, Christian Grech.
- The Manchester United Supporters Club of Malta (MUSC) proudly announces the visit of the Manchester United Academy in Malta for a one-week training camp. This event forms part of the MUSC’s 50th Anniversary celebrations.
A squad of 20 players accompanied by four members of the Academy’s coaching staff will arrive in Malta on Sunday 25th October 2009. The contingent will return to England on Friday 30th October. The provisional squad list includes promising players like Paul Pogba, Michele Fornasier, Alberto Massacci, Davide Petrucci, Paul (Sean) McGinty and Nicky Ajose, among others.
The Manchester United Academy, led by manager Paul McGuinness, is known around the world for its excellence in nurturing young football players, some of whom frequently progress to the first team not only at Manchester United but with other notable football clubs around Europe.
During their stay in Malta, the Academy will undergo an intensive training programme and will also play a friendly match against Hibernians. A total of six training sessions will be held. There will be a daily morning session from Monday until Thursday between 10 a.m. and noon. The United players will also train on Monday evenng from 5.30 p.m. till 6.30 p.m. and on Tuesday afternoon between 3.30 p.m. and 5.00 p.m.
After their Monday evening session, the coaches and players from the United Academy will hold a special training exercise with the nursery teams of Hibernians. All these sessions will be held at the Hibernians Stadium in Corradino. The stands at the stadium will be open for the general public during all sessions and entrance is free.
On Tuesday evening, the members of the MUSC Malta will have the opportunity to meet the coaches and the players at the Club house in Msida during the League Cup match which Manchester United will play against Barnsley. This event is reserved exclusively for Club members only. On Wednesday afternoon, the Academy will be in Gozo to meet the Gozitan members of MUSC Malta. The event will be held at Grand Hotel in Ghajnsielem.
The highlight of the visit by the Manchester United Academy will be the friendly match played against the Hibernians U-18 team at the Hibs Stadium on Thursday at 7 p.m. Gates will open at 6 p.m. Tickets are available from MUSC Malta and from Hibernians.
For more details please visit www.manutd-malta.com.
During all the above-mentioned activities, MUSC Malta will be promoting the club’s bumper lottery which will mark the end of the 50th Anniversary celebrations. Anyone who participates in this lottery could be the lucky winner of a brand new Toyota IQ which is to be drawn at the Clubhouse on the 20th December during the members’ Xmas party. Tickets are available from all local main stationeries in Malta or by emailing info@manutd-malta.com
- The first winner of the BOV Player of Month award for the 2009/2010 league season is Terence Scerri. The Malta international player, who joined high-flying Valletta before the start of the current league season, was in top goal-scoring form as he donned the Lilywhites colours.
Mario Gouder, branch manager at BOV’s Republic Street Branch presented the BOV Player of the Month Trophy for September 2009 to Scerri.
Terence Scerri’s five goals netted against Birkirkara, Floriana and Sliema Wanderers during August and September confirmed the faith shown in him by Valletta. Agile on the ground and strong in the air, Scerri has an uncanny eye for goal, assets which make him a prized possession for any side. His contribution to the City team has helped the league leaders towards making a very impressive lift-off in their bid to regain the BOV Premier League title.
Terence Scerri requested that the donation associated with this monthly award be given to Dar tal-Providenza.
Wed 21
- Birkirkara defender Thomas Paris was handed a one-match ban by the MFA Disciplinary Commissioner after being sent off in the 2-2 draw to Hibernians on Saturday.
Paris is ruled out of the game against Floriana on Saturday.
Meanwhile Keith Bonello (Gzira) was banned for one match in the National League 100 Anniversary Cup.
In the Youth League, Naxxar Lions coach Alex Delia was banned for two matches while Daniel Grima (Siggiewi) was suspended for one match.
- The Malta national futsal team lost 4-2 to Romania Under-21 in a second friendly match at the Hibs Pavilion in Corradino on Wednesday.
Malta took the lead thanks to a goal by Tyron Borg four minutes from the end of the first half.
On the restart, captain Xavier Saliba doubled the score. The visitors pulled one back to Szabolcs and then levelled matters thanks to Brasoveanu.
The same player made it 3-2 and Szabolcs sealed the issue with a fourth goal.
Meanwhile playing their first international match under the helm of new Dutch coach Victor Hermans, Malta lost 1-2 to the same Romanian side on Tuesday. The Maltese opened the score through a brilliant goal by skipper John Cutajar in the seventh minute.
The Romanians drew level in the 16th minute thanks to well-taken Costantin Danut goal and went ahead one minute before the interval as a result of a rare defensive mistake by the locals which the opportunist Szabo Szolt converted.
- Sliema Futsal is again gearing up for the hot new season, this year in the 3rd division. Our campaign will kick off this coming Friday against the modest team of Classics.
After a brilliant season in the Fourth division where we managed to win all points and finished on top of the league table plus finishing runners up in the Third and Fourth Division Knock-Out, we feel that we are now all geared up for the coming season where we will be striving again to get the maximum points in this division as well. Obviously the competition will get tougher since all teams are now eligible to get amateur players from their top club teams. This will make the Futsal competition much interesting and challenging at the same time.
Sliema Futsal is being managed by the Sliema Wanderers supporters club, coached by Mario Gaffiero and assisted by Kevin Bugeja. Our aim is to give a very hard challenge to all teams in our section. This year we have improved our team by the signing of some other very good players. This team has a mixture of strong, fast, and skillful players together with two very good goalkeepers. All this mixture will help us to be strong until the very end of the season. We will surely be doing our best to respect the Sliema Wanderers badge on our shirt.
A big thank you goes to all our sponsors, to the Sliema Wanderers Committee and to our dearest and hard worker Mr. Steve Abela, the President of Sliema Wanderers FC.
- FIFA Referee Esther Azzopardi has been appointed to officiate in a FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 Qualifying Round Group 7 match between Slovenia and Finland, to be played on Saturday, 24th October at the Matija Gubec Stadium, Krsko (Slovenia).
Messrs Edward Spiteri and Paul Apap will be her Assistant Referees.
Tue 20
- Four Third Division clubs - Naxxar Lions, Qrendi, Zejtun and Siggiewi - are among the twelve teams who reached the third round of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup.
Naxxar Lions beat Second Division side Senglea Athletic 2-0, Zejtun Corinthians defeated Attard 3-0, Siggiewi beat Luqa St. Andrew's 3-1 while Qrendi beat Kalkara 4-2 on penalties following a goalless draw at the end of the ninety minutes.
Mellieha registered the most impressive win in the second round as they defeated Mdina Knights 8-0. In another four clashes between teams from Second Division and others from the Third Division, Gozo beat Marsa 2-1, St. Andrews defeated Mgarr United 3-1, Gharghur beat Kirkop United 2-0 while Zurrieq beat Xghajra Tornados 3-0 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
The other three second round matches put against each other teams from Division 2 against each other. Lija Athletic and Zebbug Rangers registered narrow wins over Gzira United 2-1 and St. Venera Lightnings 1-0 respectively. On the other hand, Birzebbuga St. Peter's beat Rabat Ajax 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw.
Gozo, St. Andrews, Birzebbuga, Zebbug, Naxxar, Lija, Zurrieq, Gharghur, Qrendi, Zejtun, Siggiewi and Mellieha join the ten Premier League clubs and the ten First Division clubs in the third round of the competition. Third round matches will be played between Friday 6th and Monday 9th November.
- The Malta Futsal team lost the opening match in a double-header encounter against the visiting young Romania side by the odd goal in three.
Playing their first international match under the helm of new Dutch coach Victor Hermans, the Maltese opened the score through a brilliant goal by skipper John Cutajar in the seventh minute.
The Romanians drew level in the 16th minute thanks to well-taken Costantin Danut goal and went ahead one minute before the interval (19') as a result of a rare defensive mistake by the locals which the opportunist Szabo Szolt converted. (HT 1-2)
The Maltese played a good match and should be well satisfied with their overall disciplined performance despite the introduction of new elements in the side. Darren Agius, Xavier Saliba and Carlos Scicluna went close to equalise in the second half but were thwarted by the alert Romanian custodian.
MALTA Matthew Mifsud (Brian Baldacchino), Frank Scerri, Elton Catania, Darren Agius, Clint Cope, Paul Bugeja, Tyron Borg, Robert Magro, Jean Bert Gatt, Xavier Saliba, John Cutajar (c), Nicola De Re, Carlos Scicluna.
Referees: Gjergji Bitri, Norman Vella
- Two Sheffield United coaches will be leading training sessions at the Qormi FC Youth Nursery between October 30th and November 4th. Besides sessions for children attending the nursery, another one will be open for other children who are not members of the Qormi nursery.
The two coaches are Marcus Brameld and Rob Poulter.
Marcus Brameld, who is a former player of Manchester United, holds an FA Level 3 diploma and a FA Youth Coaches Award and is currently studying to obtain the FA Level 4 diploma. He is one of the leading coaches at Sheffield Wednesday FC.
Rob Poulter is a former England Under-17 international and had played for Sheffield Wednesday and Gretna FC in Scotland. He is an FA Goalkeepers' Coach (Level 2), holds an FA Level 2 diploma and is currently preparing for the FA Level 3 diploma. Poulter is one of the goalkeepers' coaches at Sheffield Wednesday.
The other session open for children who are not members of the Qormi nursery will be held on November 3rd. There will be a session for children aged 6 to 8 at 10:00 and another for children aged 9 to 11 at 14:30 and 16:30. This session will also be held at the Qormi FC Grounds.
For more information and applications visit www.qorminursery.com, email bd.secretary@gmail.com, visit the Qormi Youth Nursery Premises or phone 21485620.
Closing Date is 30th October.
Meanwhile the sessions for young players attending the Qormi nursery will be held as follows:
Saturday 31 October: Under-7 at 10:00, Under-8 at 14:30 and goalkeepers at 16:30
Sunday 1 November: Under-9 at 10:00, Under-10 at 14:30 and Under-11 at 16:30
Monday 2 November: Under-12 at 10:00, Under-13 at 14:30 and Under-14 and 15 at 16:30
- Zejtun Corinthians Youth Nursery will be organizing a Friday Night Soccer Tournament on the 20th November from 20:00 onwards as a fund-raising activity for the Nursery.
The tournament will be held at Gebel San Martin, Zejtun.
For more info phone 9924 1201 or 7905 1866.
Mon 19
- Premier League Qormi vs Valletta 0-2
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Siggiewi vs Luqa SA 3-1, Mellieha vs Mdina K. 8-0
- First Division Knock-Out San Gwann vs Mosta 0-4, Melita vs St. Patrick 1-4
- The Malta Under-17 side leaves Malta on Tuesday, destination Andorra, where the team led by coach Charles Scerri and assistant coach Ramon Zammit, will be taking part in the UEFA Under-17 mini-tournament.
Malta takes on Northern Ireland on Thursday 22 at 16:00 in the first game. On Saturday 24, Malta faces the Netherlands at 16:00 while the third and final match is against Andorra on Tuesday 27.
The 18-man squad is made up of:
goalkeepers Yenz Cini (Valletta), Carlos Dimech (Pietà);
defenders John Debono (Pietà), Brandon Gatt (Hibs), Christian Grech (Pietà), John Micallef (Hibs), Malcolm Vella (Hibs);
midfielder Terence Agius (Pietà), Dylan D'Agostino (Valletta), Bjorn Kristensen (Seabrok FC - DEN), Brandon Muscat (Hibs), Zach Muscat (Pietà), Ian Scerri (Hibs);
forwards Sacha Borg (Floriana), Christian Briffa (Hibs), Michael Camilleri (Birkirkara), Ryan Dalli (Sliema), Matthew Hammett (Hibs).
Sun 18
- Premier League Floriana vs Dingli S. 1-2, Hibernians vs Birkirkara 2-2
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Zurrieq vs Xghajra T. 1-1 (3-0 pen), Gharghur vs Kirkop U. 2-0, Qrendi vs Kalkara 0-0 (4-2 pen), Zejtun C. vs Attard 3-0
- New Malta Futsal coach Vic Hermans will be making his debut on Tuesday as the Malta futsal national team takes on Romania Under-21 in a friendly match at the Hibernians Pavilion, Corradino.
Dutch coach Vic Hermans took over the team last August, replacing Czech coach Michal Striz.
Tuesday's game which kicks-off at 20:00, will be controlled by referees Gjergji Bitri and Norman Vella. Stephen Mallia will be the time-keeper.
The two teams will be meeting in another friendly match on Wednesday at the same time and venue. The game will be controlled by Alex Arena and Gjergji Bitri. Adrian Caruana will be the time-keeper.
The players selected by Hermans and his assistants Bert Kessen and Jonathan Pisani are:
goalkeepers Brian Baldacchino (Pentagon Properties BFC), Matthew Mifsud (Naxxar Motors);
players Darren Agius (Paola Stars), Tyron Borg (Pentagon Properties BFC), Paul Bugeja (Paola Downtowns), Clint Cope (Southenders), John Cutajar (Naxxar Motors), Nicola Del Re (Pentagon Properties BFC), Jeanbert Gatt (Luxol Amazon Cinco), Robert Magro (Naxxar Motors), Craig Pickard (Pentagon Properties BFC), Carlo Scicluna (Naxxar Motors), Xavier Saliba (Paola Downtown), Frank Xerri (Pentagon Properties BFC).
- Gozo - First Division Ghajnsielem vs Nadur Y. 3-4, S.K. Victoria W. vs Kercem A. 0-1
- During a committee meeting of Valletta FC, president Victor Sciriha presented a memento to Anthony Caruana who has served as Valletta Kit Manager for the past 40 years.
It was an emotional night as Caruana thanked all those present and promised to Mr Sciriha that he will still continue give his support to the club especially to the new Kit Manager Clint Mizzi.
Committee member Paul Spiteri - associated with Valletta FC for thirty years - went through the years with Anthony to bring back the nostalgia throughout the years. Anthony couldn't hold back the tears!
The last match for Anthony Caruana on the bench was against Sliema which was played on September 28.
Sat 17
- Premier League Msida SJ vs Tarxien R. 1-1, Sliema W. vs Hamrun S. 5-0
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Naxxar L. vs Senglea A. 2-0, Gzira U. vs Lija A. 1-2
- First Division Knock-Out St. George's vs Balzan Y. 3-2, Mqabba vs Pieta' H. 1-1
- Gozo - First Division Sannat L. vs Victoria H. 0-2
- Gozo - Second Division Munxar F. vs Xaghra U. 0-1
- Following defeats to Angola and Portugal, Malta moved down six places in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking and is now 146th.
Among the other European countries, Malta is now 51st, that is third from bottom, just ahead of Andorra (201, down 6) and San Marino (203). In fact, Armenia climbed 25 places to 100th, Estonia eleven places to 103rd, Kazakhstan fifteen places to 121st, Faroe Islands forty one place to 122nd, Azerbaijan fourteen places to 125th and Liechtenstein eight places to 143rd.
Malta does not have any scheduled fixtures for the time being but friendly matches are expected to be played in the coming months. The draws for EURO 2012 will be held on February 7.
Meanwhile despite a total of 192 matches which were played since the last edition of the World Ranking, 147 of which were qualifying matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, there were no changes at the very top, with Brazil retaining a narrow lead over Spain, the Netherlands and Italy. England remain in seventh place, whereas Germany (5th, down 1) and Russia (12th, down 6) have both lost ground. Besides Argentina (6th, up 2), Croatia (8th, up 1) and France (9th, up 1), this month's big winners are Portugal (10th, up 7), who are back in the top 10 after a successful run of World Cup qualifying games.
- Birkirkara FC presented their new signings during a press conference which was held at Teamsport, Iklin on Friday. The club's new players are foreigners Nikola Vukanac, Sylvano Comvalius and Jorge Mora together with Under-21 international Carl Pulo.
President Karm Galea thanked his predecessor Victor Zammit under whose guidance Birkirkara won seventeen major honours, including two championships and thirteen successive participations in European competitions. He said that matching his predecessor's record was a difficult task but said that with a collective effort by the committee members, he will aiming at having Birkirkara retaining its high profile within the Premier League.
Galea said that a stronger effort should be done to increase the number of members in the Supporters Club considering that the locality has a population of over 25,000. He stressed on the importance of the nursery as the club's future depended on it. For this reason, there should be more co-ordination and communication between the management of the club and the nursery coaches.
He said that the committee worked hand in hand with coach Paul Zammit although it never interfered with his plans. A meeting between the two parties is being held once a month in order to maintain constant communication.
The Birkirkara president concluded by speaking about the committee's work, saying that a number of sub-committees facilitated this work. He stressed that decisions are taken in collective manner by committee members and not by individuals.
Coach Paul Zammit thanked the committee for having faith in him. He said that he had accepted this appointment because he was ready for this challenge which arrives at a period of transition at the club.
For Zammit, the squad is not large enough to challenge for honours considering that there are only eighteen players in the squad including Rowen Muscat and Keith Fenech who were promoted from the Youth team. Half of the members of the squad are aged 23 or younger. He said that this meant that there is the right material to build strong foundations for the future.
The Birkirkara coach revealed the squad will be strengthened in January.
Zammit praised assistant coach and youth team coach Branko Nisevic, saying that his vast experience is an asset for the cub. He said that thanks to Nisevic, Under-19 and Under-17 players are being prepared in order to be able to make the grade in the Premier League.
Paul Zammit said that for the good of the local game, a solution had to be found regarding the current situation of national team players. He said that as club coach, he had difficulties in preparing for league games due to the unavailability of national team players while they are training at Ta' Qali. He appealed for discussions between coaches and MFA officials with the main objective being that of finding a solution which would help improve the level of the local game.
Present for the press conference, besides Galea and Zammit, were vice-presidents John Borg, Emanuel Bezzina and Joseph Gauci together with Joanne Ellis from McDonald’s. The club's other main sponsors are Teamsport and Powerade.
Fri 16
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Birzebbuga SP vs Rabat A. 1-1 (4-2 pen), Sta. Venera L. vs Zebbug R. 0-1
- The Malta Under-19 side lost two friendly matches against Switzerland which were held on Tuesday and Thursday respectively. The team managed by coach Silvio Vella is currently preparing for the UEFA Under-19 mini-tournament which will be held in Malta next month. Malta will host the Czech Republic, Netherlands and Cyprus.
In the first match, Switzerland won 4-0. The visitors scored two in each half thanks to Rodriguez and Xhaka in the first half, Buff and Seferovic in the second.
In the second match, Malta suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat, ending with ten men after having a player sent off. Kasami scored the only goal for Switzerland.
The players who took part in these friendly matches were:
goalkeepers Noel Attard, Daniel Balzan;
defenders Quincy Bregman, Ansil Briffa, Yessous Camilleri, Elkien Cauchi, Yan Cauchi, Keith Fedele, Clifford Gauci, Ismael Grech, Amadeo Mercieca;
midfielders Joseph Aquilina, Clyde Borg, Tristan Caruana, Rowen Muscat, Matthew Tabone, Ryan Sammut;
forwards Sami Cassar Kadri, Lyden Micallef, Steve Pisani.
Thu 15
- Under 19 International Friendly MALTA vs SWITZERLAND 0-1
- Gozo - GFA Cup Preliminary Round Zebbug R. vs Gharb R. 2-1
- The draw for the preliminary round and first round of the U*BET FA Trophy were held on Thursday during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash Television.
Taking part in the draw were six Premier League clubs, the ten First Division teams and the Gozo FA First Division champions. In fact, following changes to the competition's regulations, as from this season, the Gozitan champions have the right to take part in the FA Trophy unless Gozo FC are playing in the Premier League or First Division and therefore have the right to participate in the competition as well.
The draw resulted as follows:
Preliminary Round
Vittoriosa Stars vs Melita
First Round
Msida St. Joseph vs Balzan Youths
Vittoriosa S./Melita vs Dingli Swallows
Hamrun Spartans vs St. George's
Mqabba vs Qormi
Floriana vs San Gwann
Mosta vs Tarxien Rainbows
Sannat Lions vs St. Patrick
Marsaxlokk vs Pietà Hotspurs
The Preliminary Round match is expected to be played in the coming days as First Round matches are scheduled for Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November.
Last season's U*BET FA Trophy winners, Sliema Wanderers, together with Premier League champions Hibernians, runners-up Valletta and third-placed Birkirkara were awarded a bye and will enter the competition in the quarter-finals which will be played in April.
- "The committee will continue working hard to establish Qormi FC among the leading clubs on the island while working in a most professional manner." Qormi FC president Matthew Fenech was speaking during the launching of the new club website at an event for club sponsors.
Mr Fenech thanked Portomaso Casino Live, Kia Motors, Jesper's Bakery, Express Trailers Limited, Twilight Sound System, Alfred Gatt Autoparts, Team Sport, Ta' Dernis Properties, Snow White Laundry and Dry Cleaners and General Soft Drinks for their continuous support. He said that through their financial support, these companies are helping the club in reaching its objectives.
The Qormi president said that the team led by Jesmond Zerafa and Vince Carbonaro had a most positive start to their Premier League campaign as they are currently sharing the top spot. The club has at its disposal several dedicated players who are loyal to the club. He praised Camilo Da Silva Sanvezzo, Ramon Dos Santos and Alfred Effiong who are considered among the best foreigners in the Premier League.
As regards the new website, Mr Fenech thanked Warren Sammut for his hard work in revamping the website in a short period of time. He said this was also a sign of the serious and professional way the club was working. The website will complement the monthly newsletter which the club publishes for members and supporters.
Meanwhile team manager Jesmond Zerafa emphasised on the dedication being shown by his players and thanked coach Vince Carbonaro and the committee for their work. Captain Joseph Farrugia stressed that he and the players are glad to form part of the squad and they are all giving their hundred per cent.
A presentation by Warren Sammut followed during which he gave details about the information which is available on the website - www.qormifc.net
Meanwhile in view of the top-of-the-table clash against Valletta, Qormi Football Club will be holding a social activity and a rally on Sunday morning in front of the club premises in Pjazza San Frangisk at 10:15.
President Matthew Fenech, vice-president Redino Apap and captain Joseph Farrugia will be addressing those present. Club officials, players and the technical staff will be present.
Wed 14
- FIFA World Cup PORTUGAL vs MALTA 4-0
- National League 100 Anniversary CupTM Marsa vs Gozo 1-2, St. Andrews vs Mgarr U. 3-1
Tue 13
LI type="disc">Under 19 International Friendly MALTA vs SWITZERLAND 0-4
- The Malta national team faces a most difficult task on Wednesday night as the boys in red take on Portugal in one of the matches from the final round of Group 1 in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The game will be played at the Estádio D. Afonso Henriques in Guimarães, kick-off at 20:45 CET.
A most important game for the team led by Carlos Queiroz as they need the three points in order to make sure of the runner-up position in the group. In fact, following a 3-0 win over Hungary, Portugal managed to leapfrog Sweden into second place as the latter were beaten 1-0 by Denmark. The Danish won Group 1 to secure a place in South Africa.
Following a fine performance in the EURO 2008 qualifying campaign where Malta obtained five points from twelve matches, scoring ten goals, Malta's performance in these qualifiers was quite disappointing. In nine matches, Malta claimed just one point in a goalless draw with Albania earlier this year. Even worse is the scoring record as Malta is the only European country who failed to score a goal in this campaign.
Against Sweden last month, Malta was unlucky to lose narrowly with an unfortunate own goal giving the visitors the three points. The team's performance was quite positive and a similar performance is necessary for Malta to limit the damages against the Portuguese.
Malta suffered a narrow 1-2 defeat to Angola in a friendly in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal last Saturday. A game in which the Maltese managed to take the lead but soon had to succumb to the African side whose main qualities were the fast movement and physical strength.
From the team which faced Angola, John Buttigieg is expected to make a few changes. Goalkeeper Andrew Hogg will guard the posts. In defence, Emanuel Muscat should be confirmed on the right flank with Clayton Failla and Ian Azzopardi fighting for the other place on the left. Should Brian Said recover fully, he will start as one of the two central defenders together with Kenneth Scicluna. Otherwise Jonathan Caruana would make it to the starting line-up as well.
Jamie Pace should make way for Gilbert Agius who would join John Hutchinson in front of defence. Roderick Briffa, Andrew Cohen and Shaun Bajada should be confirmed in midfield with Michael Mifsud once again taking the role of the only striker in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
Other players at the disposal of Buttigieg are Mario Muscat, Ryan Fenech, Kevin Sammut and George Mallia.
On Sunday, the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo has been ruled out of the game against Malta after limping off the pitch in the 3-0 win over Hungary on Saturday. Ironically, the Real Madrid striker had also missed the clash between Malta vs Portugal in the first group match.
That was the ninth clash between Malta and Portugal. The only positive result for Malta was the 2-2 draw in Madeira in March 1987 in a match from the EURO 88 qualifiers. The first two clashes were part of the 1986 World Cup qualifiers with Portugal winning 3-1 at Ta' Qali and 3-2 at home. Despite the draw in Madeira, Portugal won 1-0 at Ta' Qali in the other match from the EURO 88 qualifiers. Portugal won 1-0 at Ta' Qali and 5-0 at home in the EURO 92 qualifiers and then in the 1994 World Cup qualifiers, they won 1-0 at Ta' Qali and 4-0 at home.
Speaking on Tuesday, Queiroz appealed for responsibility and commitment ahead of this game.
"There is anxiety but the same motivation and desire to do well and obtain the three points. We must fight for victory right from the first to the last minute. So far, the players have been fantastic on the commitment and faith, fighting in several games from beginning to end. At this point, we have three more points to take in order to move another step forward," he stressed.
Queiroz said there was no easy games and that "the points do not fall from heaven. We need to work hard, with better concentration and from the first to the last minute. Play to win and show the strength of our team, exposing the weaknesses of another. Otherwise things do not work."
The Portuguese coach is not expected to rest Duda, Raul Meireles, Nani and Liedson although they risk missing the first leg of the play-offs should they get a yellow card.
With Nani being the favourite to replace Ronaldo, the starting line-up is expected to be: Eduardo, Bruno Alves, Bosingwa, Duda, Ricardo Carvalho, Nani, Pedro Mendes, Liedson, Deco, Simao, Raul Meireles.
Only a win would do for Portugal. Sweden, on the other hand, pin their hopes on Malta holding Portugal in a draw and they beat Albania at home.
The match will be controlled by Irish referee Alan Kelly, who will be assisted by assistant referees Marc Douglas and Kenneth Hennessy and fourth official Anthony Buttimer.
- FIFA Referee Clayton Pisani has been appointed to officiate in a UEFA Under-17 Qualifying Round Group 2 mini-tournament in Romania from the 16th to the 21st of October 2009.
He will be accompanied by FIFA Assistant Referee Joseph Camilleri.
The other teams taking part with the hosts Romania will be Spain, Lithuania and Faroe Islands.
- Second Division side Rabat Ajax re-launched their official website www.rabatajaxsc.com
The website includes various information about the club together with the latest news, match reports and photo gallery.
- The 2009/2010 Futsal season is out to start in a few days and AC Trampi are set to be up and running for a positive season, following an intensive pre-season under coach Renzo Kerr Cumbo and assistant coach Duncan Caruana.
In view of this, AC Trampi held a presentation night at the Waterline restaurant, Marsascala, where the 2009/10 squad and coaching staff were presented. This occasion also served for the club to unveil the new kits and the new website www.actrampi.com
Mon 12
- First Division Knock-Out Mosta vs Melita 4-2, St. Patrick vs Marsaxlokk 0-1
Sun 11
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Qrendi vs Pembroke A. 1-0, Swieqi U. vs Luqa SA 0-4
- Second Division Sta. Venera L. vs Gzira U. 0-1, Rabat A. vs Lija A. 0-2, Gozo vs Mellieha 1-4
- Third Division Section B Sirens vs Santa Lucia 1-3, Gudja U. vs Xghajra T. 4-0
- Gozo - First Division Nadur Y. vs Kercem A. 5-1
Sat 10
- First Division Knock-Out Pietà H. vs St. George's 1-6, Balzan Y. vs Vittoriosa S. 4-1
- Second Division Zebbug R. vs Zurrieq 1-1, Senglea A. vs Birzebbuga SP 1-3
- Gozo - Second Division Xaghra U. vs Qala SJ 2-1, Zebbug R. vs Oratory Y. 1-2
- Qormi goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri was suspended till the end of January by the MFA Control & Disciplinary Board.
The former Msida goalkeeper Camilleri was charged for failing to report the alleged attempted bribery case before last year's Premier League match between Msida St. Joseph and Marsaxlokk within the stipulated time.
- A contingent of 42 males and females, all members of the Malta Police Force, leave Malta on Sunday, destination Groenlo, Netherlands to participate in the 27th World Police Indoor Soccer Tournament.
Between Monday 12th and Friday 16th, this year’s edition will take place in four different sports halls; the Pickerhal in Eibergen, The Elshof in Groenlo, The Marveld Resort and Sourcy Center in Zieuwent.
One hundred and sixty teams - men / women / 35+ men - from over 30 countries will compete. This year’s participants are from Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, North and South America.
There will be a:
• Men’s tournament (88 teams)
• Women’s tournament (36 teams)
• Men’s 35+ tournament (36 teams)
The Tournament is going to be played over three days (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday).
The floor of the playing area is synthetic. All matches are played according to the UEFA futsal rules and UEFA futsal regulations. Matches are lead by international and KNVB (Dutch soccer union) referees in cooperation with the tournament’s sportive management.
Fri 9
- Malta takes on Angola in a friendly match at the Municipal Stadium in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal on Saturday, kick-off at 20:30 local time (21:30 CET).
This game will serve as preparation for the national team ahead of Wednesday's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Portugal.
When national coach John Buttigieg named the eighteen-man squad for the trip to Portugal, foreign-based trio Justin Haber, Andrei Agius and Andre Schembri were not included. Alex Muscat and Ivan Woods also failed to make the trip as they are nursing injuries.
The only players based abroad are Maltese-Australian duo - Manny Muscat and John Hutchinson. The latter will be making his return after missing the last three games against Georgia, Cape Verde and Sweden respectively. His last appearance for Malta was in June's World Cup qualifier against Sweden in Gothenburg.
Hutchinson is expected to make it to the starting line-up on Saturday and eventually on Wednesday. In fact, Buttigieg is expected to make two changes from the team which played Sweden with Hutchinson and Roderick Briffa replacing Alex Muscat and Jamie Pace.
The starting line-up would therefore be: Andrew Hogg - Manny Muscat, Kenneth Scicluna, Brian Said, Ian Azzopardi - Gilbert Agius, John Hutchinson - Roderick Briffa, Andrew Cohen, Shaun Bajada - Michael Mifsud.
The 18 players selected by Buttigieg are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Emmanuel Muscat (Wellington Phoenix), Brian Said (Floriana), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Clayton Failla (Sliema), Ryan Fenech (Sliema), John Hutchnson (Central Coast Mariners), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Valletta);
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibs) and Michael Mifsud (unattached).
Angola are currently ranked 92nd in the FIFA World Ranking. They were among the World Cup finalists in 2006 but have already been eliminated from the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
Their squad includes players who ply their trade in France, Portugal and Spain.
The Angolan squad selected by coach Manuel Jose is made up of:
Lamá, Mabina, Chara, David, Job and Asha (Petro Atlético de Luanda), Mario and Joel (Interclub), Jonhson Macaba (Recreativo de Libolo), Enoque (Santos FC), Wilson (Recreativo de Caála), Kikas (Benfica de Luanda), Dias Caires (Sagrada Esperanza), Gilberto (Al Ahly), Flavio (El Shabad), André Makanga (Kuwait FC), Kali (Arles-Avignon), Mateus (Nacional Madeira), Manucho (Real Valladolid), Mantorras (Benfica), Dominiqui Kivuvu (NEC), Djalma (Marítimo), Dedé (Arles-Avignon), Zé Kalanga (Dínamo Bucharest), Hernani (Santa Clara), Stelvio (Unión de Leiria).
Angola, who will face Cameroon in another friendly match on Wednesday, are currently preparing for the African Nations Cup which they will be hosting between January 10th and 31st.
- Malta will be taking part in the second edition of the International Challenge Trophy - a competition reserved for players under the age of twenty-three.
Taking part in the competition are eleven teams which were divided into three groups. Malta was drawn in Group A together with Italy, Belgium and Romania. England, Republic of Ireland and Estonia will play in Group B while Portugal, Poland, Wales and Northern Ireland were drawn in Group C. Group matches are played either home or away.
The Malta Football Association plans to use this team to give players who are no longer eligible to play for the Under-21 side but who are yet to make it to the senior squad an opportunity to play international football.
Malta will be playing Italy in the first match on December 2 at home. The second game is against Belgium on March 31, 2010, away from home while the third and final match is against Romania on April 24 at home.
Eight teams took part in the first edition of the International Challenge Trophy, namely England, Finland, Italy, Wales, Belgium, Republic of Ireland, Slovakia and Northern Ireland. Belgium won the final, defeating England 1-0 last May.
- The Under-21, Under-19, Under-17, women's and futsal national teams will all be in action in the coming days in a most busy month for the national team sector.
The Malta Under-21 side, under the guidance of coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Emmanuel Farrugia, will be facing France on Friday in another match from the qualifying round of the UEFA Under-21 Championships at the National Stadium, kick-off at 20:50.
So far the team played three matches, suffering narrow defeats to Slovenia at the Hibs Ground, Ukraine away from home and Belgium at Ta' Qali. France, on the other hand, defeated Slovenia 3-1 away from home but then was held in a 2-2 draw by Ukraine.
Edwin Camilleri admitted this will be another difficult game for his side but said that so far, he was quite satisfied with the performance of his players, saying that they have showed progress since he took over the team earlier this year.
The Under-21 coach will be unable to field his best formation due to the absence of three injured players and suspended duo Mark Scerri and Clifford Gatt Baldacchino.
Tickets will be available on match day from the West Stand ticket-booths. Tickets cost €4.
The match will be controlled by referee Huw Jones, assisted by assistant referees Philip Bates and John Swindley and fourth official Ceri Richards, all from the FA of Wales.
Meanwhile as part of the preparation for the UEFA Under-19 Championship mini-tournament, the Under-19 side, under the guidance of Silvio Vella, assisted by Raymond Schembri, will be playing two friendly matches against Switzerland Under-19 on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 at the Centenary Stadium.
The Malta national Futsal team will also play two friendly matches against Romania Under-21 at the Corradino Pavilion on Tuesday 20 and Wednesday 21. This games will mark the debut of new national coach Vic Hermans.
The Malta Under-17 side will travel to Andorra to take part in the UEFA Under-17 mini-tournament. The team coached by Charles Scerri, assisted by Ramon Zammit, will be facing Netherlands, Northern Ireland and Andorra on Thursday 22, Saturday 24 and Tuesday 27 respectively.
The Malta women's national team, under the guidance of Pierre Brincat, assisted by Mark Falzon, will travel to England for the second match from the FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier. The game will be played on Sunday 25 at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool.
Last month, England reached the final of the UEFA Women's European Championship, losing to Germany.
Thu 8
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Kirkop U. vs Ghaxaq 4-1, Fgura U. vs Naxxar L. 0-2
- The draw for the second round of the National League 100 Anniversary Cup was held on Thursday during the programme MFA Magazine on Smash Television.
Taking part in the draw were eight teams which qualified or which will be qualifying from the first round, together with the four Third Division sides Kalkara, Marsa, Mgarr United and Xghajra Tornados which were awarded a bye and the twelve Second Division sides.
The draw resulted as follows:
St. Andrews vs Mgarr United
Naxxar Lions vs Senglea Athletic
Mellieha vs Mdina Knights
Siggiewi vs Swieqi United/Luqa St. Andrews
Zurrieq vs Xghajra Tornados
Gharghur vs Kirkop United
Gzira United vs Lija Athletic
Zejtun Corinthians vs Attard
Qrendi/Pembroke Athleta vs Kalkara
Birzebbuga St. Peter's vs Rabat Ajax
St. Venera Lightnings vs Zebbug Rangers
Marsa vs Gozo FC
These matches will be played on Wednesday 14, Friday 16, Saturday 17, Sunday 18 and Monday 19 October.
In these games, if, after the end of normal time, the result is still draw, penalty kicks shall be taken in accordance with The Laws of the Game.
The twelve teams which qualify from the second round will join the ten Premier League clubs and the ten First Division teams in the third round of the competition.
- More details were given regarding the MFA project for the improvement and development of facilities of member clubs and member associations during the meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association on Monday and during a press conference on Wednesday.
Funds allocated for this project amount to €4 million. The association obtained €2 million from the UEFA HatTrick 2 Programme and another €2 million thanks to a loan from Bank of Valletta.
Following the completion of works in Pembroke, Marsaxlokk and Sannat with the installation of artificial turf pitches earlier this year, works at the Marsa football ground, also consisting of an artificial turf pitch, were completed this week. Works have now started at the Rabat Ajax ground in Mtarfa, Pietà Hotspurs football ground at De La Salle, Zurrieq, Zebbug and Qrendi.
Tenders for the installation of artificial turf pitches and floodlights were awarded to @240 Ltd and 389 Ltd.
Clubs and member associations also benefit from funds by the Good Causes Fund and/or Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport.
Another important project for the association is the National Grassroots Training Centre which will be built at the MFA Training Grounds. The project will consist of a FIFA Two-Star artificial turf pitch and a partly covered stand for 1,200 spectators together with an indoor pitch for futsal, dressing rooms, conference hall and lecture rooms for the youth national teams and women's national teams underneath the terraces.
Dr Mifsud announced that some changes were made to the original plans and the artificial turf pitch will not be installed on one of the two main pitches of the MFA Training Grounds but behind the goals of these two pitches, that is in the central part of the training grounds.
The National Grassroots Training Centre will cost €1.2 million - €500,000 as part of the UEFA Hat-Trick Assistance Programme 2, another €500,000 from a Bank of Valletta loan and USD400,000 as part of the FIFA Goal 2007-2011 programme.
Meanwhile refurbishment at the National Stadium continues with works on the facade close to completion. Full-height turnstiles are being installed at the West Stand C and will then be installed at the West Stand A. A steel foot-bridge between the West Stand Parking Area and the VIP Area will be built to serve as access to the VIP area - works on which are being done by Steelshape Ltd and should be completed by the end of the year. A CCTV system consisting of over sixty cameras that will also cover the West Stand Parking Area and ticket-booths is in the process of being installed. Two rooms in the VIP area, next to foyer, were converted to facilities for the media. Other works include the replacement of shutters for the North, South and West Stands and eventually the building of new hanging media boxes.
Refurbishment at the National Stadium is being funded with the sum of €447,000 under the project Win in Europe from UEFA and FIFA.
- The Malta Under-21 side, under the guidance of coach Edwin Camilleri and his assistant Emmanuel Farrugia, will be hosting France in another match from the qualifying round of the UEFA Under-21 Championships on Friday at the National Stadium, kick-off at 20:50.
So far, the team played three matches, losing 0-2 to Slovenia at the Hibs Ground in March, 1-0 to Ukraine away from home in June and 0-1 to Belgium at Ta' Qali. France, on the other hand, played two matches so far. They defeated Slovenia 3-1 away from home but were then held in a 2-2 draw by Ukraine at home.
Speaking on Wednesday, Camilleri admitted this will be another difficult game for his side but said that so far, he was quite satisfied with the performance of his players, saying that they have showed progress since he took over the team earlier this year.
The Under-21 coach will be unable to field his best formation due to the absence of three injured players and suspended duo Mark Scerri and Clifford Gatt Baldacchino.
Camilleri will have the following eighteen players at his disposal:
goalkeepers Henry Bonello (Vittoriosa), Nicky Vella (Valletta);
defenders Adrian Borg (Mosta), Steve Borg (Valletta), Ryan Camilleri (Hibs), Tyrone Farrugia (Msida), Owen Bugeja (Floriana), George Gribbon (Melita), Duncan Pisani (Floriana);
midfielders John Mintoff (Sliema), Karl Pulo (Birkirkara), Beppe Muscat (Vittoriosa), Rowen Muscat (Birkirkara), Joseph Zerafa (Birkirkara);
forwards Warren Chircop (Tarxien), Julian Galea (Melita), Dylon Grima (Valletta), Terence Vella (Mosta).
The players at the disposal of French Under-21 coach Erick Mombaerts are:
goalkeepers Kevin Olimpa (Dijon FCO), Johnny Placide (Le Havre AC);
defenders Etienne Capoue (Toulouse FC), Sébastien Corchia (Le Mans UC 72), Jean-Armel Kana-Biyik (Le Havre AC), Cheik M'Bengue (Toulouse FC), Mamadou Sakho (Paris-SG), Samuel Souprayen (Dijon FCO), Mapou Yangambiwa (Montpellier HSC);
midfielders Yann M'Vila (Stade Rennais), Marvin Martin (FC Sochaux), Vincent Nogueira (FC Sochaux), Steven N'Zonzi (Blackburn Rovers), Younousse Sankhare (Paris-SG);
forwards Karim Aït-Fana (Montpellier HSC), Djamel Bakar (AS Nancy-Lorraine), Jonathan Biabiany (Parme AC), Jirès Kembo Ekoko (Stade Rennais), Anthony Modeste (SCO Angers), David N'Gog (Liverpool FC), Franck Tabanou (Toulouse FC).
Tickets will be available on match day from the West Stand ticket-booths. Tickets cost €4.
The match will be controlled by referee Huw Jones, assisted by assistant referees Philip Bates and John Swindley and fourth official Ceri Richards, all from the FA of Wales.
- Italian Serie A side Parma will be visiting Malta for a training camp between December 27 and January 4. News was revealed by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud during a press conference on Wednesday.
This will be the third Italian club to visit Malta for a training camp during the winter break in the last three years. Milan visited Malta in 2007 and Juventus in 2008.
Parma made their Serie A debut in 1990 and quickly established themselves as one of the top Italian teams in the 1990s and early 2000s. They won the Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Cup twice, the European Super Cup, the Coppa Italia twice and the Italian Super Cup.
Following the Parmalat scandal in late 2003, which caused the owning company to collapse, Parma experienced a troubled period. They were relegated to the Serie B at the end of season 2007/08. Last year, they placed second to regain promotion to the Serie A.
Wed 7
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Mtarfa vs Attard 1-1 (4-5 pen), Zejtun C. vs Gudja U. 1-0
- Justin Haber, Andrei Agius and Andre Schembri were left out of the eighteen-man squad named by national coach John Buttigieg ahead of the friendly match against Angola on Saturday and next week's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Portugal. The squad travels to Portugal on Thursday.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud said that the game Portugal vs Malta will be a very important one for our opponents due to their chances of making it to the World Cup in South Africa. He said he believed our team did very well in the last game against Sweden and was quite unlucky to lose by an own goal. The team showed it was prepared and ready to face one of the football giants. Like Sweden, Portugal are also one of the football giants despite a rather quiet start to their World Cup campaign. Dr Mifsud said the team will be aiming for another good performance in order to show that the team is on the road of progress.
National coach John Buttigieg said these games both had their importance. Buttigieg hopes the team will continue building on the good performances in recent outings. He said preparation was not ideal due to mid-week league commitments for Sliema Wanderers and Hibernians players.
Meanwhile Justin Haber, Andrei Agius and Andre Schembri who play for Ferencvaros in Hungary, Cassino in Italy and Karnten in Austria respectively are not the only foreign-based players not to be included. Daniel Bogdanovic, who plays for Barnsley, was overlooked once again.
The only players based abroad are Maltese-Australian duo - Manny Muscat and John Hutchinson. The latter makes his return after missing the last three games against Georgia, Cape Verde and Sweden respectively.
Other players not making it to the squad are injured duo Alex Muscat and Ivan Woods together with strikers Etienne Barbara and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.
The 18 players selected by Buttigieg are:
goalkeepers Andrew Hogg (Valletta), Mario Muscat (Hibs);
defenders Ian Azzopardi (Sliema), Shaun Bajada (Birkirkara), Jonathan Caruana (Hibs), Emmanuel Muscat (Wellington Phoenix), Brian Said (Floriana), Kenneth Scicluna (Valletta);
midfielders Gilbert Agius (Valletta), Roderick Briffa (Valletta), Clayton Failla (Sliema), Ryan Fenech (Sliema), John Hutchnson (Central Coast Mariners), George Mallia (Birkirkara), Jamie Pace (Valletta), Kevin Sammut (Valletta);
forwards Andrew Cohen (Hibs) and Michael Mifsud (unattached).
During the one-week stay in Portugal, the team will be based in Porto. On Saturday, Malta takes on Angola in a friendly match at the Municipal Stadium in Vila Real de Santo Antonio in the southern Portugal. The game will be played at 20:30 local time (21:30 CET). On Wednesday, Malta faces Portugal at the D. Afonso Henriques Stadium in Guimarães.
The game against Portugal, which will kick-off at 19:45 local time (20:45 CET), will be controlled by referee Alan Kelly, assistant referees Marc Douglas and Kenneth Hennessy and fourth official Anthony Buttimer.
- Hamrun Spartans striker Marcelo Pereira was handed a two-match ban after being sent off towards the end of the BOV Premier League match against Floriana on Sunday.
Pereira is therefore ruled out of the games against Sliema Wanderers and Msida St. Joseph.
Tarxien Rainbows defender Ryan Mintoff was banned for one match and will therefore miss the game against Msida.
In Division 2, Xavier Tony Attard (Gozo FC), James Tabone (Gzira) and Howard Hughes (Senglea) were all banned for one match while Mark Farrugia (Kirkop) was suspended for two matches in Division 3.
In the Youth League, Derek Galea (Dingli), Daniel Ian Brookwell (Tarxien) and Owen Grech (Zurrieq) were suspended for one match and Saviour Sammut (Gzira) was banned for two.
Tue 6
- National League 100 Anniversary Cup Sirens vs Mdina K. 1-6, Siggiewi vs Santa Lucia 3-0
- The Board to Investigate Corrupt Practices handed a life-ban to referee Pierre Saliba. He was being charged with regards to an attempt of corruption in a game in which he was not involved, neither as a referee nor as an assistant referee.
In March, the association had announced that the board had suspended Saliba from all football activities as he was being investigated. He was later arraigned in court over the same case.
Meanwhile the board has concluded investigations on a number of Premier League matches following allegations which were carried out in various anonymous letters. The games involved are Tarxien Rainbows vs Hamrun Spartans, Marsaxlokk vs Floriana and Qormi vs Tarxien Rainbows which were played last season. In all of these cases, the board would continue its investigations if there were further developments in the investigation by police.
- Malta risks ending with just three participants in European club competitions in future as Malta went further down in the country ranking based on the UEFA coefficients. This was revealed by MFA president Dr Joe Mifsud during a meeting of the Council of the Malta Football Association which was held on Monday.
Dr Mifsud was speaking about the recent provisional country ranking list published by UEFA which saw Malta go further down in the ranking list.
Malta is currently represented by four teams. The Premier League champions take part in the UEFA Champions League, the runners-up and the team placing third together with the FA Trophy winners take part in the UEFA Europa League.
The basis for the UEFA coefficients is the performance of teams in European competitions during a five-year period. One point is awarded for a win and half a point for a draw. The UEFA coefficients are calculated by taking an average, based on the total number of points divided by the total number of teams of each country. The UEFA country ranking is computed by the sum of 5 coefficients in the last 5 years.
Malta is expected to have a coefficient of 0.916 next season which puts Malta in the 52nd place, just ahead of bottom-placed San Marino. The ranking is based on the coefficient of seasons 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09 and 2009/10.
In summer 2005, Sliema Wanderers, Birkirkara and Hibernians failed to win any points. The following season, Birkirkara earned a point with Faroe Islands champions B36 but Hibs and Sliema failed to claim any points. The Maltese representatives in 2007 (Marsaxlokk, Sliema and Hibs) and 2008 (Valletta, Birkirkara and Marsaxlokk) all suffered defeats but this year, Maltese teams claimed good results thanks to a win and two draws for Valletta, a draw for Birkirkara and another draw for Sliema.
- Todos FC kicked off the new season with an official presentation hosted by their main sponsors Footloose Malta. The event included squad, staff and committee presentations for 2009/2010 and a demonstration of the recently launched club website.
Club President-elect Kenny Roberts said he was looking forward to work actively as the latest valuable addition to the Todos FC committee. He also said he believed in the potential of the squad which he was convinced would do well in the coming season.
Although Todos FC have not brought in any new signings, coach Jermain Brincat said he was confident he had an excellent crop of players which would fight for the top spots in the league. Todos FC have been drawn in Section B of the Futsal Third Division, which many consider to be the tougher of the two groups.
Todos FC wish to thank all the players, staff, committee members and fans and friends alike for their continued support and dedication Special thanks go to our main sponsor Footloose Malta for the invaluable help provided in the organization of the event.
Todos FC also thanks all those who attended the event, helping to make it one to remember.
For more information on the club news, statistics and activities visit www.todosfc.com
Mon 5
- First Division Knock-Out Balzan Y. vs Pieta' H. 1-1, Marsaxlokk vs San Gwann 6-0
- Third Division Section A Marsa vs Fgura U. 1-0, Pembroke A. vs Luqa SA 1-0
Sun 4
- Premier League Hamrun S. vs Floriana 0-1, Qormi vs Hibernians 3-1
- First Division Knock-Out Vittoriosa S. vs Mqabba 0-1, St. Patrick vs Mosta 3-1
- Second Division Mellieha vs Rabat A. 2-2, Gharghur vs Gozo 0-2
- Third Division Section B Qrendi vs Zejtun C. 1-2, Attard vs Kirkop U. 2-2
- Gozo - First Division S.K. Victoria W. vs Xewkija T. 3-1
- Gozo - Second Division St. Lawrence S. vs Gharb R. 6-1
Sat 3
- Premier League Tarxien R. vs Sliema W. 3-1, Valletta vs Msida SJ
- Second Division Gzira U. vs Senglea A. 2-0, Lija A. vs St. Andrews 2-2
- Gozo - Second Division Qala SJ vs Zebbug R. 2-0, Oratory Y. vs Munxar F. 0-2
Fri 2
- Premier League Dingli S. vs Birkirkara 1-3
- Third Division Section A Mtarfa vs Ghaxaq 0-2, Kalkara vs Mgarr U. 1-3
- First Division side San Gwann FC presented their new sponsor during a press conference which was held at the Le Meridien Hotel & SPA in St. Julian’s on Friday.
San Gwann secretary Björn Vassallo said the club has been investing in the youth sector during the past years and emphasized that the club was today reaping the fruit of this investment. He commented that although the past history of the club was not glorious, during the recent past the club had made great improvements and was now a very much respected club within the local football sphere. Evidence that the Club was moving forward and working in the right direction was evidenced by the Club's nursery which continues to improve, evolve and secure its place amongst the leading football nurseries on the island.
Vassallo said that the club's philosophy focused on providing the players with all the tools necessary to improve their skills and reach their maximum potential, in a clean and safe environment, assisted by professional coaches like Joe Brincat, Brian Spiteri and Sandro Zammit Fava.
The Club Secretary also spoke about the squad competing in this year’s First Division Championship and commented that practically all players come through the ranks of the club's youth nursery and he felt confident that this season they will play an important role within the club's first team, as well as in the future of local football.
Technical director Joe Brincat spoke about the progress encountered within the club during these past three years. He commented about the professional and positive attitude the players show towards the game of football and in their commitments towards the club. The former Malta international stalwart said that the main aim for this season is to finish with the top five in the First Division League and although most of the players in the first team squad are still young, he is confident that they all have the potential and the enthusiasm to make this happen.
The new kits were then presented, with the traditional yellow and blue colours representing the home kit, whilst the red and white colours were chosen for the away kit – these colours pay tribute to the old colours of the club before the seventies.
Pieter Bregman, Director of the The Lightshop and the new club’s main sponsor, in a brief speech he said that it was an honour to be amalgamated to such a fresh and active club. “It has been some time now since we decided to find a sporting club to represent our name and carry it in a sportive way. The club has excellent facilities, a great youth nursery setup and many talented players. It is our vision to expand to greater heights and develop a better product. We are confident that The Lightshop can work with San Gwann FC and together achieve more”, concluded Mr. Bregman, Further to his company, he commented that although being part of a multi-national, The Lightshop is a Maltese based company and is now the official Philips Consumer Luminaries representative for Malta and Gozo.
Finally new San Gwann President Leonard Vella, spoke about the new projects the club is embarking on. He thanked former club Presidents, namely Joe Falzon, Louis Agius and Andrew Sullivan for the hard work done within the club during the past years and said that he will continue on their footsteps to continue promoting the sporting activity and develop the club in many aspects, especially when it comes to infrastructure. He explained that the club is working on upgrading the main club house of the club situated in the heart of San Gwann, and the new development and extension of the training centre, which although being at its early stages, a lot of enthusiasm and effort is being put in the approach and thus to ensure a better and more solid tomorrow for the club.
The conference ended with the club Secretary thanking all the club's officials from the youth to the senior level, all the club's members for their commitment and all beneficiaries that support the club financially on a constant basis.
- The Referees Department of the Malta Football Association is organising a course for male and female referees this month. The course is open to all those interested in taking up refereeing as a career. Anyone in the sixteen to thirty five year age group is eligible to attend.
Sessions will be held twice weekly – every Monday and Thursday evening – starting on Monday 12 October.
A course programme will be sent to all applicants.
Applications may be made either by filling in the appropriate form found on the MFA website (www.mfa.com.mt) and clicking onto the word Referees, or by e-mail to the Head of the Referees Department at patrick.fenech@mfa.com.mt
Closing day for applications is Thursday 8 October.
Thu 1
- Third Division Section B Xghajra T. vs Swieqi U. 2-3, Naxxar L. vs Gudja U. 0-2
- Gozo - First Division Victoria H. vs Ghajnsielem 3-5
- Following the successful Futsal Tournament organised last year, Mdina Knights intend repeating themselves with yet another competitive contest, powered by Alberta Group. This is to be played at De La Salle synthetic pitches on Sunday 11th October at 11.30.
Sixteen teams will be contending the final prize of EUR300 cash with an entry fee of only EUR80 per team. No English Premier League and no Serie A on Sunday 11th October?? Don't get desperate! Organise yourselves and earn the chance of winning EUR300 cash…could be worth it!
Kindly contact MK’s Events Co-ordinator, James Vella, on 99833983 or email info@mdinaknightsfc.com for more information regarding the application form and rules/regulations.
- Following an invitation by the Associazione Sportiva Dilettantistica di Messina, Pentagon Properties B.F.C. took part in the 10th Edition of the Memorial “Amico Ale” which was held between the 19th and 20th September.
Most of the participating futsal teams play in the Serie A and B Italian futsal leagues. Over 200 players participated in this tournament which was played in the magnificent indoor pavilion of Messina which has a seating capacity of 3,000 people and incorporates six dressing rooms with showers, as well as a small indoor court which was used for warming up sessions.
Considering the high level of the teams, Pentagon Properties B.F.C., a team which plays in the local M.F.A. Futsal First Division, did relatively well and utilized all the players who travelled to Sicily.
In the first match, Pentagon Properties B.F.C. lost 2-1, with both of the opposing goals coming from free shots and its goal being scored by Nicola Del Re. In the second match against Messina Sporting Peloro, Pentagon Properties B.F.C. lost 3-0. One has to keep in mind that not only was the Messina squad playing at home but they ended up playing the final which they lost against the Serie A team of Augusta. In the last match, Pentagon Prop. B.F.C. played a great game and drew 1-1 with its goal coming from a free kick by Frankie Xerri. This game was played against one of the teams which qualified to the Semi-Final.
The Maltese futsal squad received a lot of positive comments from those present; some of whom highlighted the excellent organization of the club as well as the tactical discipline and organization showed on the pitch.
During their stay, the players were hosted in a four-star hotel in Messina and also had the opportunity to have a two hour training session in the mentioned indoor pavilion, as well as attend tactical sessions in one of the conference rooms of the hotel. They also had some free time touring Messina.
The committee of the team presented the organizing committee with Glass Souvenirs from Malta and mementos of the club, while all the teams who played against Pentagon Proprties B.F.C. were presented with a banner of the club. This first experience in an international futsal tournament was not only a unique opportunity for team-building amongst the players but also a great learning experience for the squad and one augurs that it will not be the last.
Pentagon Properties Futsal Club would like to thank Virtu Ferries Ltd. and its Glass Creations of Ta’ Qali for their great support.