Malta v Portugal 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

SOUTH AFRICA 2010 – FIFA WORLD CUP
2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
Malta vs. Portugal

6th September 2008@
20.00 hrs.
National Stadium, Ta` Qali

Game Live on Melita Sports

1. General information
2. Support for National Team
3. Match Officials
4. Press Conferences organised by the Malta Football Association
5. Press Conference organised by the Portugal F.A.
6. Accommodation of Teams
7. Training Sessions
8. The National Squads

1. GENERAL INFORMATION REGARDING THE MATCH
(i) Stadium Admission Prices
West ‘B’ VIP (to be sold from MFA offices only): 75 Euro
West A Upper: 25 Euro
West A Lower: 12 Euro
West C Upper: 25 Euro
West C Lower: 12 Euro
Millennium Stand: 8 Euro
North Stand: 5 Euro

Tickets, except West ‘B’ VIP, are available from the following outlets as from Thursday, 29th August 2008:

Geraldu Kiosk –Valletta
Star Tourism – Bugibba
Eros Stationery – Paceville
Teamsport – Iklin
Gym at the Millennium Stand, Ta Qali
All Vodafone Outlets

Tickets will only be available on Match Day from the Stadium selling points prior to kick-off depending on availibility.

(ii) Public Transport

A Public Transport service will be provided for the supporters from City Gate (outside Valletta), direct to the National Stadium at Ta' Qali, starting at 18:30 hrs. Return service from the National Stadium to Valletta at the end of the match starting at around 21.45 hrs.

(iii) Opening of Stadium Gates
The gates at the National Stadium will be open to the public two (2) hours prior to match kick-off - that is at 18:00Hrs.
(iv) Pre-Match Entertainment
Prior to the match, starting at 18.45 hrs., the MFA will be providing entertainment for the public present at the stadium. Mr. Peter Busuttil will be the Master of Ceremonies whilst Mr. Colin Fitz will be the D.J.
Official Souvenir Programme
The Malta Football Association’s Media Department will produce an official Souvenir Programme containing useful information and statistics as well as colour photos about the Maltese National ‘A’ team and the visiting Portugal National ‘A’ Team. This will be on sale on Match Day. Retail price: €2
2. SUPPORT FOR THE NATIONAL TEAM
The Maltese public is kindly encouraged to continue providing the wonderful support of recent for the National Team, bringing with them Maltese flags, banners, streamers, and scarves to cheer on our National team. Those attending the match are kindly urged to sing the Maltese National Anthem prior to the start of the match. The text of the national anthem will be provided at the Stadium.
Let us all show respect to our opponents with our good behaviour in a maximum display of Fair Play at all times.
3. MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee BLOM Bernie Raymond (FIFA & Netherlands FA)
Asst. Referee 1 SIEBERT Nicholas George (FIFA & Netherlands FA)
Asst. Referee 2 VAN ROEKEL Sander (FIFA & Netherlands FA)
Fourth Official NIJHIUS Hendrikus Sebestiaan H. (FIFA & Netherlands FA)
Referee Assessor LOPEZ Fernandez (FIFA & Spain FA)
Commissioner LAUDI Maurizio (FIFA & Italy FA)

4. PRESS CONFERENCES ORGANISED BY THE MALTA FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
Thursday, 04.09.09 @ 13.30 hrs. @ the Centenary Hall, Ta’ Qali
Saturday, 06.09.08 @ 22:00Hrs @ the MFA Technical Centre, National Stadium.

5. PRESS CONFERENCE ORGANISED BY THE PORTUGAL F.A.
Friday, 05.09.08 @ 16.15 hrs. @ the Conference Hall, MFA Technical Centre, National Stadium, ta’ Qali.

6. ACCOMODATION OF TEAMS
Malta National ‘A’ Team
Corinthia Palace Hotel Attard - Tel: (356) 21440301 Fax: (356) 21465713
Portuguese National ‘A’ Team
Le Meridien Hotel, St. Julian’s - Tel: (356) 23110000 Fax: (356) 23110001
7. TRAINING SESSIONS
04.09.08 Malta @ 17.00 Hrs. - MFA Training Grounds, Ta’ Qali
05.09.08 Malta @ 17.30 Hrs. - MFA Training Grounds, Ta’ Qali
05.09.08 Portugal @ 17.00 Hrs. - National Stadium - This is closed to the public - Open only the Media for 15 mins.
8. THE NATIONAL SQUADS
MALTA NATIONAL ‘A’ TEAM

TECHNICAL STAFF
Mr. Dusan Fitzel - National Coach
Mr. Michael Stritz - Assistant Coach
Mr. Roger Camilleri - Goalkeepers’ Coach
Dr. David Attard - National Team Doctor
Mr. Joseph St. John - Physiotherapist
Mr. Anthony Gambin - Masseur
Mr. Donald Spiteri - Masseur
Mr. Carmelo Gauci - Kit Manager
Mr. Ivan Vella - National Team Secretary

PLAYERS (as on 27.08.08)
Goalkeepers
BORG Omar - Birkirkara
HABER Justin - Sheffield Utd (UK)
HOGG Andrew (Inj.) - Valletta
MUSCAT Mario - Hibernians
Defenders
AZZOPARDI Ian - Sliema Wanderers FC
BRIFFA Roderick - Sliema Wanderers FC
DIMECH Luke - Valletta FC
MIFSUD Josef - Valletta FC
SAID Brian - Sliema Wanderers FC
SCIBERRAS Gareth - Marsaxlokk FC
WELLMAN Stephen - Marsaxlokk FC
SCICLUNA Kenneth - Valletta FC
XUEREB Aaron - Hibernians FC
Midfielders
AGIUS Gilbert - Valletta FC
BAJADA Roderick - Sliema Wanderers FC
BAJADA Shaun - Birkirkara FC
FENECH Ryan - Hamrun Spartans FC
FRENDO Cleven - Valletta FC
MALLIA George - Birkirkara FC
NWOKO Udo - Leixoes (Por.)
PACE Jaime - Marsaxlokk FC
PULLICINO Peter - Marsaxlokk FC
SAMMUT Kevin - Marsaxlokk FC
Forwards
BARBARA Etienne - SC Verl 1924 FC (Ger)
MIFSUD Michael - Coventry FC (UK)
SCERRI Terrence - Hibernians FC
WOODS Ivan - Sliema Wanderers FC
PORTUGAL NATIONAL ‘A’ TEAM

TECHNICAL STAFF
Carlos Godinho – Sports Director
Carlos Queiroz – National Head Coach
Agostinho Oliveira – Coach
José Guilherme – Coach
Fernando Brassard – GK Coach
Onofre Costa – Press Officer
Nuno Campos – Doctor
Henrique Jones – Doctor
Carlos Martinho – Physio
António Gaspar – Physio
Simão Ferreira – Physio
António Gonçalves – Kit Manager
Luis Carrapato – Kit Manager
Bruno Pereira – Kit Manager

PLAYERS (as on 27.08.08)
Goalkeepers
EDUARDO DOS REIS CARVALHO
- SC BRAGA
JOAQUIM MANUEL SAMPAIO SILVA
- SL BENFICA
Defenders
BRUNO EDUARDO REGUFE ALVES
- FC PORTO
FERNANDO JOSÉ SILVA FREITAS MEIRA
- GALATASARAY SK
JOSÉ BOSINGWA DA SILVA
- CHELSEA FC
KEPLER LAVERAN DE LIMA FERREIRA
- REAL MADRID CF
LUIS MIGUEL BRITO GARCIA MONTEIRO
- VALENCIA CF
PAULO RENATO REBOCHO FERREIRA
- CHELSEA FC
RICARDO ALBERTO SILVEIRA DE CARVALHO
- CHELSEA FC
VITORINO GABRIEL PACHECO ANTUNES
- US LECCE SPA
Midfielders
ANDERSON LUIS DE SOUZA
- CHELSEA FC
CARLOS JORGE NETO MARTINS
- SL BENFICA
JOÃO FILIPE IRIA SANTOS MOUTINHO
- SPORTING CP
MANUEL HENRIQUE TAVARES FERNANDES
- VALENCIA CF
RAUL JOSÉ TRINDADE MEIRELES
- FC PORTO
SÉRGIO PAULO BARBOSA VALENTE
- MALAGA CF
Forwards
DANNY MIGUEL ALVES GOMES
- DINAMO MOSCOVO
HUGO MIGUEL PEREIRA ALMEIDA
- SV WERDER BREMEN
LUIS CARLOS ALMEIDA CUNHA
- MANCHESTER UFC
NUNO MIGUEL SOARES PEREIRA RIBEIRO
- SL BENFICA
SIMÃO PEDRO FONSECA SABROSA
- ATLÉTICO MADRID

Call for Nominations: MOC Sports Awards 2008

Call for Nominations: MOC Sports Awards 2008

The MOC Sports Awards 2008 will once again be taking place with a gala event on the 7th December at the Excelsior Grand Hotel. This event recognises Maltese Athletes by way of awarding those athletes who truly deserve and merit recognition for a highly outstanding achievement during the year.

Today the MOC has announced its call for nominations from all National Associations to nominate any person they feel should receive an award for the competition period 1st November 2007 to 31st October 2008. Closing date for nominations is the 1st November 2008.

All sports organisations are encouraged to put in their nominations for this year’s Sport Awards. Athletes/Teams nominated must have obtained a high level technical result in a first class Continental / World or other such high caliber International event organised by the International Federation or a recognised International body of World repute. All entries are to be accompanied by the official result issued by the International Federation of that particular sport or the hosts of the event.

Such events highlight the powerful role that Sports plays; through our athletes attempts, successes and dedication they inspire and show our society how important practicing sport is. Not only this but Sport contributes to the development of young people and the community by promoting positive values, teamwork, respect and fairplay.

Established in 2001, the MOC Sports Awards are the premier recognition event for sporting excellence. The Awards fall into the following categories: Platinum Category, Gold Category, Silver Category, and Bronze Category. Nominees for these awards will be announced by the 23rd November 2008. Winners will be announced at the official gala awards ceremony to be held on the 7th December.

Submissions should be sent to: The Chairman, MOC Sports Awards, Maltese Olympic Committee, National Pool Complex, M.T. Spinelli Street, Gzira.

Futsal Tournament on Melita Sports

The 1st edition of the Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament was launched by Mr. Alex Falzon and Mr. Jonathan Pisani at a Press Conference held on Monday 28th July 2008 at Corradino Sports Pavilion. Mr. Alex Falzon announced that The Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament will start on the 29th August and end on the 31st August. During this three-day event 16 teams will be competing, divided in four groups followed by a knock out stage. The tournament which will be played indoors at the Victoria Sports Complex in Gozo will also be aired on a delayed basis on Melita Sports

A €800 cash price will be awarded to the winning team whilst the runners up will be awarded €200 in cash. Trophies will also be awarded. Prizes will also be given to the Best Player, Top Scorer, Fair play and Best Goalkeeper. The trophies and cash prizes will be presented on Sunday to the winners by Hon. Minister for Gozo Giovanna De Bono.

Mr. Jonathan Pisani, organiser explained how the Futsal game in Malta grew over the past few years with over 90 teams competing in the MFA league divided in 4 divisions and the establishment of the national Futsal team. Mr. Jonathan Pisani also stated that the national team is about to play two friendly matches against England and France. The 1st edition of the Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament will introduce this game on our sister island were five a side football is already very popular. During the three day Sportika Gozo Futsal Tournament, a mini tournament for four female teams, an exhibition game amongst two nursery teams and some fun games between the quarter finals and semi finals will also be held.

The organisers are delighted with the high response from teams received. Mr. Jonathan Pisani mentioned that two of the best Gozitian teams will be participating whilst the strongest Maltese Futsal teams will be taking part, the likes of 2006-2007 1st division champions, 2007-2008 1st division runners up and trophy winners, the strongest foreign Futsal team based in Malta and a good representation from the first and second MFA divisions.

Mr. Mark Muscat from Melita Cable announced that the quarter finals, semi finals and final will be filmed by Melita Sports. Melita Sports will screen these seven games at a later stage. Melita Sports is happy to back such sports giving them exposure. The group stage draws were held whilst every team representative was presented with a free Futsal ball by the main sponsor Sportika of the event Mr. Mario Camilleri.

Finally the organising team thanked the main sponsor Sportika, Melita Sports – Media partner and all other secondary sponsors Enervit, Kyrstal Water, Gutenberg Press, Down Town Hotel, Calypso Hotel, Kelloggs and Gozo Sports Complex, Ministry for Gozo. Event contact number 7901 6016 or email maltafutsal@gmail.com.

Two special guests on Kick Off

The first two guests for Kick Off 10 years ago where invited for the first programme of this season. Captain George Kissaun next to Catherine Mifsud and Mr. Joseph Portelli next to Raquel Camenzuli.

Kick OFF - Returns !!

The big kick off is here and the Barclays Premier League gets on its way this weekend. The challengers are ready, new teams, new players old foes and even clubs who are in the top flight for the first time in their history. The big four are always favorites, but there is always the prospect of a surprise package form teams like Tottenham Hotspur, Everton or Manchester City. Kick Off starts again at 7.00pm on the 17th of August, celebrating 10 years of transmission. The first guests 10 years ago where Captain George Kissaun and Mr. Joseph Portelli who return again to the programme for the occasion.

Hamsik brings Napoli to life.

Naples, the city at the foot of the Vesuvius, is noted to be fanatical about their gastronomy, culture and football squad. The latter had made the headlines once again as for the first time in fourteen years they have returned to European Cup glory. It was no easy feat, as they only succeeded to make it to the preliminary round of the UEFA cup through the back door, by participating in the unpopular Intertoto Cup. In the third round they eliminated Panionos of Greece with an identical score line of 1-0, on home and away soil.

Last Saturday, Napoli’s fans, the partenopei, were on cloud number nine when after 64 minutes of play, substitute Inácio Pià crossed for Argentinian striker Germán Denis whose precise header allowed Slovakian international Hamšík to fire in. Hamšík’s could not have wished for a better birthday present! It’s no wonder that, president Aurelio De Laurentis insists the 20-year-old, who is under contract at the Naples-based club, will not be leaving before the new campaign, for any price.

"Hamsik is not going anywhere," said De Laurentis. "He is non-transferable.

More importantly than the actual result in the 3rd round of the Intertoto Competition is the enthusiasm this team has generated. In spite of the summer heat, when it would be more relaxing to cool off at the bay of Naples or take a trip to the blue lagoons of Capri, 55 000 supporters opted to support their team at the Stadio San Paolo. The spectacle on the stands was a déjà vu from the times of Maradona. In those days Napoli, was the side to beat and managed to win twice the domestic league, the Italian and the UEFA Cup.

Today’s squad is not composed of high waged football stars but of quality youth players that are eager to make their mark on the international scene. With players like Levezzi, Blasi, Denis. Maggio, Hamšík, Rinaudo and Russotto Napoli have a bright future and rival opponents like Juventus, Inter, Milan, Fiorentina and Roma should keep their eyes open.

July a very busy month for Judo

When everybody was looking forward to go swimming and slow down the daily routine, or go on holiday, in the 100 years old buildings, ex services Sergeant’s Mess and Band Room, in Pembroke, every day Sunday included, heavily clad in cotton Judo Suits, Judoka young and old were busy studying their Go Kyu (Syllabus) and practicing their Kata. Others were going through hundreds of repetitions up and down the dojo (Hall), and others sitting down on the Tatami looking at PowerPoint presentations and taking notes.

In fact, the Malta Judo Federation had its National Grading, National Team Technical Training and National Coaching requalification courses.

Thanks to the assistance of the Maltese Olympic Committee, the Federation could invite one of the Life honorary members of the Federation, Maestro Monti, who together with the Federation’s technical people held a marathon of activities.

MJF Starts intensification in preparation for GSSE Cyprus 2009
Only a year away from the Games of the Small States of Europe, the national team, under the leadership of Maestro Monti, started going through a process of technical and endurance preparation. These events are being held daily in the Mornings at Pembroke and in the Federation Clubs in the evening, to give the club members an opportunity to train with the national team.

National Dan Grading,
On Sunday, 6 judoka “sat” for their Dan Grading. The four hour exam was based on the new MJF Syllabus. The Examination Board was:
Maestro Alfredo Monti 7th Dan, Envic Galea 6th Dan. Alex Bezzina 5th Dan, John Zammit 4th Dan
The successful Black Belts were:
Joe Muscat 3rd Dan, Joe Bonello 3rd Dan. Ivan Esposito 2nd Dan, Julien Mozzo 2nd Dan, Domnic Saywell 1st Dan, Rueben Micallef 1st Dan
National Coaching Seminars
34 coaches renewed or qualified for level 2 and level 1 in a week intensive course lasting from Monday to Saturday. This general revision was necessary in order to fulfil the ambitious regeneration plans of the federation in the upgrade of the Judo Clubs and in the qualification to the MOC Clubmark classification. The lectures and practical sessions, based on the Canadian Coaching Programme, were delivered by Course Leaders: Alfredo Monti, 7th Dan ex National Coach Italian Federation (Technical) Envic Galea 6th Dan Masters International Sports Management (Administration & Pedagogical) Alex Bezzina 5th Dan 4th Level EJU High Performance Coach, International Referee (Technical & Sports Science) John Zammit 4th Dan International Referee (Refereeing & Competition rules) and Ivan Esposito 2nd Dan Orthopaedic Surgeon & Sports Medicine (Medical)

These revision courses were also necessary as this month the European Judo Union has launched the 3rd level advanced coaching course and only those who have fulfilled this 2nd level will be able to participate.

Clubs more ambitious
Last October, during the Annual General Meeting, the Federation decided to empower the clubs in the preparation of members of the National Team, thus acquiring experience as personal coaches to members of the National Team and enabling the Federation to improve her International Competition performance and depend less on foreign professional coaches.
HQ inadequate, new facilities indispensable
Although recently the Federation and the Judo Academy, invested a lot of money in the refurbishing of the premises, these intensive activities were not easy to organise as the halls proved to be too small and many times the activities had to be alternated.
The Success of these activities and the new growing enthusiasm in the clubs encouraged the Federation to increase the attention to the building of the International Judo Centre, mainly as they are conscious that further delay only serves to make the building become more expensive, and that in all these years, the Sport of Judo is missing several International opportunities.
Judo – Sport Tourism more than 1,000 visitors in four star hotels
In less than a year, Maltese Judo organised two European Championships successfully, the Cadet European Championships and the Kata European Championship, The Cadet Championship resulted as the largest single sport activity for Malta with 700 visitors from 43 European Countries. This event streamed live on Internet had a staggering 300,000 hits. Most important is that both events received a lot of compliments for the organisation, with the International Judo Centre in operation; Malta and Maltese Judo would surely become a permanent centre of attraction and the visiting Judoka would only benefit in improving their level of Judo
Flag Bearer flies back to join the Maltese Olympic Contingent for Beijing
Marcon Bezzina, who last week was named by the President of the MOC Justice Lino Farrugia Sacco as the Maltese Flag Bearer, flies back from Bath to join the NOC contingent to Beijing, with Beijing, Maltese Judo would have qualified to attend to 6 Olympic Games, un interrupted since Seoul 1988
Good Luck Marcon you make us proud