Category: News

Wales Veterans Set to Face Malta Veterans in Memorial Match Honouring Gary Speed

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 Crowned VMFA Player of the Year After Stellar Season with Floriana Veterans

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 Clinch VMFA Trophy

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.

MFPA and Gżira United Veterans in the VMFA Trophy Final

It will be the holders MFPA and the champions of the VMFA Cisk Premier League, Gżira United, who will contest the final of the VMFA Trophy after winning their respective semifinals
MFPA recorded the biggest win of the day by defeating Birkirkara St Helen’s 10–2.

Mark Barbara was in top form, scoring four goals, while Michael Galea netted a brace. Alexander Ribic, Gareth Sciberras, George Frendo, and Luke Cauchi also added to the scoreline for the Malta Football Players Association.

Mario Caruana and Ayrton Buhagiar scored Birkirkara’s two goals.

On the other hand, Gżira United won a hard-fought match against Floriana with a score of 5–3.

The Maroons started strong and established a solid lead, although the Greens remained competitive throughout the game. The prolific scorer Ian Zammit stood out with a hat-trick, while Kurt Magro and Jonathan Pearson also found the net.

Floriana reduced the deficit with a brace from Manolito Micallef and another goal from Christian Cassar.
The final between MFPA and Gżira United will be played this Thursday at the St Dorothy’s Ground in Żebbuġa with the kick-off set at 8pm.

Four Teams Book Places in VMFA Trophy Semi-Finals

Four teams are now just one win away from reaching the final of the VMFA Trophy, the second most prestigious honour in the local veterans’ football scene.

Birkirkara St Helen’s, Floriana, Gżira United, and MFPA have all advanced to the semi-finals after winning their respective quarter-final ties.

Gżira United produced a dominant performance to defeat Żurrieq Wolves 8–3, while Birkirkara St Helen’s were even more emphatic, brushing aside Hibernians with a remarkable 15–6 victory.

The most tightly contested match of the round saw Floriana edge past Rabat Veterans 6–4 in an entertaining clash.

The semi-finals will be played tomorrow evening at St Dorothy’s Ground in Żebbuġ.

  • At 8:00 PM, Gżira United will face Floriana
  • At 9:00 PM, MFPA will take on Birkirkara St Helen’s

The VMFA Trophy Final is scheduled for next Thursday at 8:00 PM, also at St Dorothy’s Ground in Żebbuġ.

Dominant Display by Malta Veterans in 9–0 Victory Over Hoya de Manzanares

The Malta national veterans team delivered a commanding performance in their latest international friendly, crushing Spanish side Hoya de Manzanares with a resounding 9–0 win.

The Maltese side asserted their dominance early on, racing to a 7–0 lead by half-time. In the second half, they maintained control of the match, adding two more goals to seal a thoroughly impressive victory.

Manolito Micallef and Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza were the standout performers, both netting hat-tricks, while Gareth Sciberras contributed a brace. Daniel Cremona rounded off the scoring for Malta in a match where the home side never looked threatened.

Referee: Gordon Barbara

Next up for the Malta Veterans is a trip to Wales, where they will take part in the Gary Speed Memorial Cup on June 7, facing off against the Wales Veterans in what promises to be a competitive fixture.

Malta Veterans in friendly match against CF Hoyo de Manzanares

Head Coach Joe Micallef has confirmed the squad for the eagerly anticipated international friendly match between the Malta Veterans and Spanish side CF Hoyo De Manzanares. The match is set to take place tomorrow at the Mellieha Football Ground, with kick-off scheduled for 12:30 PM.

The friendly promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to showcase their skills in a competitive yet friendly atmosphere. Coach Micallef has selected a strong and experienced lineup, blending seasoned veterans who have proudly represented Malta over the years.

Squad List:

  • Justin Spiteri
  • Matthew Camilleri
  • Andre Scicluna
  • Jonathan Pearson
  • Steven Bonnici
  • JP Mifsud Triganza
  • Daniel Cremona
  • Beppe Muscat
  • Beppe Antignolo
  • Daniel Scerri
  • Gareth Sciberras
  • Pio Sciriha
  • Gareth Magri
  • Manolito Micallef
  • Clayton Micallef
  • George Frendo

Coach Joe Micallef will lead the team from the sidelines, hoping to guide his squad to a memorable performance in front of their home crowd.

Fans are encouraged to come down to Mellieha Football Ground next Saturday to support the Malta Veterans in what promises to be a great day of football.

Gżira United Crowned VMFA Cisk Premier League Champions

Gżira United clinched the VMFA Cisk Premier League title after securing a decisive victory over Birkirkara St Helen’s, a win that ensured their place at the top of the table and dashed the hopes of closest rivals Floriana.

Heading into the final matchday, Floriana were still in contention for the title and did their part with a convincing 5-2 win over MFPA. However, they were left hoping for a slip from the Maroons. Gżira, however, had other plans.

From the opening whistle, Gżira displayed their intent. Kurt Magro broke the deadlock early, beating Birkirkara goalkeeper Anthony Micallef to put his side ahead. In the 22nd minute, Arthur Oyama doubled the advantage with a precise free kick, sending Gżira into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead.

Birkirkara showed some fight in the second half and pulled one back through Luke Satariano. Yet Gżira responded instantly, with Magro netting his second of the match to restore the two-goal cushion. Andrew Xuereb then added a fourth to seal the victory and the championship.

At the final whistle, Veterans Malta Football Association President Malcolm Camilleri presented the trophy to Gżira’s captain Jonathan Pearson, officially crowning them the new champions.

Meanwhile, Floriana’s dominant performance against MFPA saw Glenn Bonello score twice, with Donovan Friggieri and Trevor Cilia also finding the net. Despite the impressive display, Floriana finished one point behind Gżira in the final standings.

MFPA’s goals came through a double by Thomas Paris, but it was little consolation as they relinquished the title to this season’s standout performers—Gżira

Gżira United one game away from winning the VMFA Cisk Premier League

Gżira United are one game away from winning the VMFA Cisk Premier League as they secured their 17th win of the season. In fact, they defeated Żurrieq Wolves 7-3 in a game they dominated from start to finish
Sebastian Nayar and Kevin Sammut scored two goals each while Ian Zammit, Justin Grioli and Andrew Cohen added more goals for their team.
Beppe Muscat scored two goals for Żurrieq as Kevin Ellul added another.
The Maroons are enjoying a point advantage over their nearest rivals Floriana who in turn defeated Rabat Veterans 7-4.

Floriana scored their goals through a hat-trick from Mano Micallef and doubles from Glenn Bonello and Malcolm Licari.
Adam Smeir, Gareth Magri, Andre Scicluna and Gilbert Spiteri Lowell kept Rabat in the game.

Finally, Birkirkara St Helen’s defeated Hibernians 10-4.
The Stripes wanted to get a win at all costs as they had Daniel Cremona who scored three goals, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza and Christian Caruana had two goals to their name while Federico Marine, Robert Perkins and Ayrton Caruana combined the score for their team.
For Hibernians Ilia Nazarov scored two goals while Adrian Lanzon and Clayton Micallef Vassallo wrote their names among the scorers list.

STANDINGS – VMFA CISK PREMIER LEAGUE
Gżira United 53, Floriana 52, MFPA 41, Birkirkara St Helen’s 34, Rabat 24, Żurrieq Wolves, Hibernians 15, Żejtun Red Stars 0.

Maltese Veterans outclass Claygate Royal Vets FC

The Maltese Veterans were involved in two friendly matches against Claygate Royal Vets FC as the over 40 and over 50 categories played their respective matches.

The over 40s achieved a big win of 12-0. Manolito Micallef scored a hat-trick while Ian Zammit, Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza and Adam Smeir were the authors of a double.

Beppe Muscat, George Frendo and Andre Scicluna continued to increase the score for the Joe Micallef’s boys.

On the other hand, the over 50s were held to a 2-2 draw against the same category of Claygate Royal Vets FC. The Maltese goals were scored by Mario Camilleri and Brian Said.

The next commitment for the Veterans national team is now on May 24th as they face CF Hoyo de Manzanares from Spain.