The Malta Veterans National Team have written their name in the local football history books after setting two new national records during the Jubilee Cup 2025–26, organized by the Malta Football Association.

The records were officially recognized by The Malta Records and presented at the Charles Abela Stadium in Mosta. The achievements are:

1. The oldest team by average age to feature in an official MFA match.
2. The oldest team by average age to win an official MFA match.

Both records were established during the fixture played on Friday, 29 August 2025, at the Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali. The Veterans defeated M.E.S.A. 2–1 thanks to a brace from Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

The average age of the players used in that match stood at 41 years and 4 months. The line-up included:

• Matthew Camilleri (45)
• Steven Bonnici (36)
• Manolito Micallef (41)
• Jonathan Pearson (38)
• Kurt Magro (39)
• Carlo Mamo (46)
• Brian Said (52)
• Gareth Sciberras (42)
• Thomas Paris (38)
• Kevin Sammut (44)
• Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (43)
• Ian Zammit (38)
• George Frendo (39)
• Giuseppe Muscat (36)

Beyond their record-breaking feat, the Veterans also secured a place in the Jubilee Cup final in the Member Associations’ category. They will face the MAFA Selection after both teams progressed via penalty shootouts in their respective semi-finals.

The Veterans overcame SWAN Selection 5–4 on penalties after a 2–2 draw in regular time. Ian Zammit had given the Veterans the lead after 15 minutes, and they went into half-time 1–0 up. However, SWAN’s forward Auwal Abba turned the match around with two goals between the 47th and 73rd minute. Manolito Micallef then equalised to send the match to penalties.

In the decisive shootout, Micallef, Justin Grioli, Andrew Cohen, Zammit and Frendo converted their spot-kicks for the Veterans. SWAN responded with goals from Abba, Gabriel Felipe, Darrell Baldacchino and Klajdi Qose, but Sean Lee Lanzon failed to convert his attempt, handing the victory to the Maltese side.

The Jubilee Cup final between the Malta Veterans and the MAFA Selection promises to be a historic encounter, especially with the Veterans chasing more silverware to complement their record-setting campaign.

Prolific striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza was the undisputed hero for the Maltese Veterans as he netted a brace to hand his side a 2-1 victory over the Malta Employers Sports Association (MESA) in the opening match of the Jubilee Cup. This competition is being organised by the Malta FA to mark its 125th anniversary.

In the first half, the Veterans dominated possession, while MESA tried to threaten with occasional counterattacks.

Despite the balance of play, it was MESA who broke the deadlock in the 75th minute through Jean Carlos Ibarra Grueso, who made a fine run into the box before beating goalkeeper Matthew Camilleri.

The Maltese Veterans produced an immediate response, equalizing four minutes later when Mifsud Triganza shook off his marker and slotted past Jurgen Cilia with a precise shot into the corner.

That goal spurred Joe Micallef’s team on, and Mifsud Triganza struck again to secure a dramatic winner. Following a corner action, he pounced on a loose ball and fired into an empty net to seal the victory.

Incidentally, this was Mifsud Triganza’s 279th goal in all MFA competitions.

The Maltese Veterans will now face the winners of today’s clash between GIDA and SWAN in the semi-finals.

The referee was Renald Portelli.

The Malta national veterans’ football team delivered a commanding performance on Saturday evening as they secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Middlesex Wanderers AFC in the prestigious Sir Bobby Charlton Memorial Cup.

The match, held at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Ħamrun, paid tribute to the late English football icon while also supporting charitable organisations such as Puttinu Cares.

The atmosphere at the stadium was one of celebration and respect, with the players who were ready to honour Sir Bobby Charlton’s memory — a player whose impact on the global game is immeasurable. The Maltese veterans made sure the occasion was marked with a fitting performance on home soil.

Malta wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Just minutes into the game, George Frendo opened the scoring with a tidy finish to put the home side 1-0 ahead. The tempo remained high, and it wasn’t long before Malta doubled their lead, thanks to a well-placed strike by former national team midfielder Kevin Sammut.

Sammut, who was instrumental throughout the match, produced the standout moment of the first half when he curled in a sublime free-kick, leaving the Middlesex goalkeeper rooted to the spot and giving Malta a 3-0 lead before the break.

Middlesex Wanderers, a well-respected touring team from England with a long tradition of international friendlies, came out stronger in the second half. Their persistence paid off in the 50th minute when Sam Deering pulled one back with a composed finish that gave the visitors a brief glimmer of hope.

However, any thoughts of a comeback were swiftly extinguished by Malta’s continued pressure.

Veteran striker Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza restored Malta’s three-goal cushion shortly after, slotting home from close range to make it 4-1. The scoring was wrapped up when former Malta captain Brian Said stepped up to convert a penalty, sealing a resounding 5-1 win.

The result reflected Malta’s superior organisation, sharpness, and teamwork on the day, and it was a memorable outing for all involved.

Malta starting XI

Justin Spiteri, Steven Bonnici, Brian Said, Jeffrey Chetcuti, George Frendo, Charlo Magro, Dino Cachia, Kevin Sammut, Manolito Micallef, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, Ian Zammit.
Substitutes: Matthew Camilleri, Daniel Scerri, Beppe Muscat, and Gareth Magri.

The Malta national veterans’ football team will be back in action this Saturday as they take on Middlesex Wanderers AFC in the Sir Bobby Charlton Memorial Cup. The friendly encounter is scheduled to take place at the Victor Tedesco Stadium in Ħamrun this Saturday, with kick-off set for 18:00.

This special fixture is being held in honour of the legendary Sir Bobby Charlton and is also being supported by Visit Malta and Puttinu Cares, bringing together football and charitable causes.

Head Coach Joe Micallef has announced a 17-man squad for the occasion, composed of former national team players and local football legends who will be donning the Malta colours once again.

Squad List

Goalkeepers
Justin Spiteri, Matthew Camilleri

Defenders
Brian Said, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Daniel Scerri, Steven Bonnici, Gareth Magri, Charlo Magro

Midfielders
Gareth Sciberras, Kevin Sammut, Kurt Magro, Beppe Muscat, Dino Cachia, George Frendo

Forwards
Ian Zammit, JP Mifsud Triganza, Manolito Micallef

The match is expected to celebrate the legacy of one of football’s greatest icons while giving local fans the opportunity to watch some of Malta’s well-known former players in action once again. Middlesex Wanderers AFC, known for their touring tradition and football diplomacy, will provide a competitive and friendly challenge.

The event is being organized with the dual aim of honouring Sir Bobby Charlton and raising awareness for children battling illness, through the support of Puttinu Cares.

Football enthusiasts are encouraged to attend and enjoy a spirited match with a cause, while reliving memorable moments brought to life by some of the island’s most recognisable football figures.

The Malta national veterans’ team continued with their international fixtures with a convincing 5-1 triumph over Hammersmith FC in a friendly match held on Saturday afternoon at the Mgarr Football Ground.

Guided by coach Joe Micallef, the home side showed balance and control from the outset, blending experience with tactical awareness to dictate proceedings.

Strikers JP Mifsud Triganza and Manolito Micallef both found the net twice, while Gareth Sciberras added another to complete the scoreline for Malta.

Hammersmith FC, a UK-based community side, played with commitment but found it difficult to match the Maltese team’s efficiency in decisive moments.

This friendly was part of a broader international calendar aimed at encouraging lifelong participation in football and celebrating the sport beyond the competitive level.

Backed by Visit Malta, the match attracted a supportive crowd who enjoyed the action in a laid-back and sunny setting at Mgarr.

The Maltese veterans now shift their focus to their next fixture this coming Saturday, when they take on Middlesex Wanderers in the Bobby Charlton Memorial Cup.

The national veterans’ team coach has named a 16-man squad for the upcoming international friendly match against Hammersmith FC, which will be played tomorrow at 4:30pm at the Mgarr Football Ground.

Hammersmith FC is a community-based club that includes both male and female players, regularly organising friendly matches through its veterans’ team.

The Malta Veterans are coming off a positive result, having registered a 1-0 away victory over Wales Veterans to claim the Gary Speed Cup.

Meanwhile, Coach Joe Micallef has named the following squad:

Goalkeepers:
Justin Spiteri, Matthew Camilleri.

Defenders:
Justin Grioli, Jonathan Pearson, Daniel Scerri, Gareth Magri, Andrew Xuereb.

Midfielders:
Gareth Sciberras, Kurt Magro, Dino Cachia, Christian Caruana, Beppe Muscat, George Frendo.

Forwards:
Ian Zammit, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza, Manolito Micallef.

The Maltese national veterans team, led by Joe Micallef, secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Wales Veterans at Jenner Park Stadium in Barry, claiming the Gary Speed Memorial Cup.

The match was highly tactical, particularly in the first half, with defenses prevailing over the attackers.

This game paid tribute to the late Gary Speed, former Wales captain, who passed away in 2011 at the age of 42.

Wales featured striker Lee Trundle, who boasts experience in English football with clubs including Preston North End, Leeds United, Wrexham, and Swansea City.

Despite their efforts, it was Malta who broke the deadlock midway through the second half when Ian Zammit converted a penalty, beating the opposing goalkeeper.

Although Wales pressed hard to find an equalizer, the Maltese defense held firm, securing a well-deserved victory and lifting the Gary Speed Memorial Cup.

Charlo Magro was chosen as the man of the match.

Malta’s starting lineup was:
Justin Spiteri, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Jonathan Pearson, Brian Said, Steven Bonnici, Charlo Magro, Mano Micallef, Adam Smeir, Kevin Sammut, Ian Zammit, and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

Substitutes who featured during the match included Matthew Camilleri, Andre Scicluna, Gareth Magri, George Frendo, Daniel Cremona, and Beppe Muscat.

The Wales Veterans’ Football Association will be hosting the Malta Veterans team at Jenner Park Stadium in Barry on Saturday, 7th June, for a special memorial fixture in honour of the late Gary Speed — former Wales captain and national team manager. Kick-off is set for 2:00 PM.

This commemorative match pays tribute to one of Wales’ most beloved football figures, whose impact on the game continues to be deeply felt across generations. The event is not only a celebration of Speed’s football legacy, but also an opportunity to foster camaraderie and sportsmanship between the two veteran squads.

Head Coach of Malta, Joe Micallef, spoke passionately ahead of the encounter, stating, “We are determined to deliver a memorable performance in this significant fixture, showcasing our talent while paying tribute to one of Wales’ most revered football icons.”

The Malta Veterans are travelling to Wales today, bringing with them a strong and experienced squad, ready to represent their country in this emotional and respectful occasion.

Malta Veterans Team:
Justin Spiteri, Matthew Camilleri, Kevin Sammut, Charlo Magro, Manolito Micallef, Beppe Muscat, Daniel Cremona, George Frendo, Brian Said, Jeffrey Chetcuti, Jonathan Pearson, Steven Bonnici, Andre Scicluna, Gareth Magri, Ian Zammit, Adam Smeir, JP Mifsud Triganza

Wales Veterans Team (o40s – May 2025 Selection):
John Howe, Mark Mears, Lewis Andrews, Brian Camilleri, Alun Williams, Lee Trundle, Lewis James, Adie Evans, Liam Screen, Paul Keddle, Neil Thomas, Sean Jones, Paul Fowler, Lee Stone, James Evans, Matthew Hughes, Sam Brown, Ross Daniels, Cei Mason, Gavin Beddard

Manolito Micallef has been named the Veterans Malta Football Association (VMFA) Player of the Year. At 41 years old, Micallef’s experience and skill proved vital as he led his team to a strong 2nd place finish in the league.

Micallef’s statistics speak volumes — netting 23 goals in just 21 matches, an extraordinary tally for a midfielder. His knack for scoring crucial goals and creating opportunities made him indispensable in several key matches, helping Floriana Veterans maintain their position near the top of the table.

Beyond his club duties, Manolito has been a regular feature in the Veterans Malta national teams, where he continues to bring his leadership and technical ability to the international stage.

This award cements Micallef’s status as one of the most influential veterans players in Maltese football. His performance this season is a testament to his dedication, fitness, and passion for the game.

Floriana Veterans and their fans will surely look forward to more memorable moments from their talismanic midfielder in the coming seasons.

Gżira United Veterans secured the VMFA Trophy with a 4–2 victory over reigning champions MFPA.

It was a thrilling encounter, with the Malta Football Players Association taking an early lead, only for the Maroons to mount a strong comeback and claim the win.

MFPA opened the scoring through George Frendo, but Gżira remained composed and turned the game around with goals from Justin Grioli and Ian Zammit, ending the first half 2–1 in their favor.

In the second half, the Maroons maintained their momentum, adding two more goals courtesy of Kevin Sammut and Ian Zammit. Julian Galea later pulled one back for MFPA, narrowing the gap.

At the final whistle, Veterans Malta Football Association president Malcolm Camilleri presented the trophy to Gżira United captain Jonathan Pearson.

Match officials were Gjorgji Bitri and Ray Tabone.