MalteseFootballStarlets.com is looking for Contributors for this upcoming year 2012!

After 2 years in operation online where we had interviewed upcoming Maltese starlets and also we reported news that concern Maltese local talent to expose him worldwide, now we are looking for you to contribute with MalteseFootballStarlets.com.

With hundreds and hundreds of people looking up for information, scouting and information about Maltese talent which we are giving a platform to be exposed which is something that no other local websites are offering, we are looking for enthusiastic and excited people that love the local football scene and have an interest in writing/contributing in this website. We are giving this opportunity to the chosen candidates so they can have a good platform where their writing can be seen by not just local people but also people from other countries that follow’s MFS.

If you are interested in starting your 2012 with a difference and wishing to contribute with us, do not hesitate to contact us on info@maltesefootballstarlets.com for more information.

Andre’ Schembri grabs a goal and an assist for Panionios in their home win against Aris Saloniki!

No.40 A.Schembri is back in form as he started once again upfront for Panionios. He opened the score to help his club with a 2-1 win.

Maltese international Andre’ Schembri scored his 2nd goal in the league with his club with a great strike and continue to shine with an inch perfect pass to his colleague that sent the Panionios fans in delirium.

Andre’ Schembri received a knock in the abductor but he will be available for the next match.

Joseph Lapira – Another Player with Maltese Roots?!?

MalteseFootballStarlets.com with a collaboration of one of our followers found out another Maltese descendant player; Joseph Lapira. Who is Joseph Lapira? Where does he play?

In 2007 when the Irish National team was in USA one of the players of American Irish descent called to form part of the squad and eventually played a part in a friendly match against Ecaudor was JOSEPH LAPIRA. From the research we had done on the internet we found out that his paternal grandfather was from Malta.

Joseph Lapira was born in August 13, 1986, Rochester, New York was reported that would be joining Scottish Premier League side Aberdeen for a trial at some point during the 2007 summer, although, he eventually went on trial at Rangers instead. Lapira broke down with a calf injury minutes into his first training session with the Ibrox club. In January 2008, Lapira finally joined Aberdeen for a week-long trial after recovering from his calf injury and regaining match fitness. He played for the reserve side in a 1-1 draw with Falkirk reserves but did not do enough to earn a contract with the Dons.

Instead, Lapira was selected in the 3rd Round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC, but never signed a contract with Major League Soccer.

Joseph Lapira signed with Norwegian Adeccoligaen side Nybergsund IL-Trysil, who played in the second tier after being promoted from the third tier in 2007. Lapira scored a brace in his Nybergsund debut, a 3-0 victory.

If you were the next Maltese National Coach, would you consider Joseph Lapira to play with Malta?

Under 21 clash between Malta & Sweden at the Hibs Stadium for the UEFA Under 21 Qualifications  Round Group 2… Bring it On!

The Maltese side led by Ray ‘Zazu’ Farrugia had a flying start of this campaign and are looking to add more points when facing Swedish U21 side at the Hibs Stadium tonight at 7pm.

With last week fixtures in the Maltese Premier League that could have influenced in 2 key Maltese players out injured, coach Ray Farrugia will put his best available side to face Sweden.

Malta Team Selection from…

Goalkeepers

BALZAN Daniel – St. Andrews FC
PARNIS Adrian – Sannat Lions FC
SULTANA Steve – Qormi FC

Defenders

BUGEJA Owen – Floriana FC
CAMILLERI Yessous – Balzan Y FC
CASSAR Cleaven – Pieta Hotspurs FC
GAUCI Matthew Robert – Hamrun Spartans FC
GRECH Ishmael – Pieta Hotspurs FC
MARTINELLI Luca – Mosta  FC
MUSCAT Zach  - Pieta Hotspurs FC
XERRI Jonathan – Marsaxlokk  FC

Midfielders

BORG Clyde – Floriana FC
GRECH Sheldon – Mosta FC
GRIMA Dylan – Balzan Y FC
KRISTENSEN Bjorn – Hibernians FC
MUSCAT Rowen – Birkirkara FC

Forwards

CIANTAR Miguel – Balzan YFC
FARRUGIA Jean Paul – Marsaxlokk FC
MICALLEF Lydon – Balzan Y FC
PISANI Steve – Hibernians  FC
VELLA Terence – Birkirkara  FC

Ryan Dalli a Sliema Wanderers young player that is keen to overcome any obstacles with his determination. Read his Interview!

MalteseFootballStarlets.com caught up with Ryan Dalli a striker that already had his chance to be with the senior squad even scoring goals as his qualities are always improving as the Maltese starlet is looking to work harder on the training pitch to gain more matches under his belt with his club.

Full Name - Ryan Dalli    
Date of Birth - 18-3-1993
Playing Position - Winger/ Striker
Previous Clubs - Sliema
National Team Levels - U10 till U19
Favourite Playing Number – 7
Favourite Football Shoes - Adidas F50
Personal Achievements - Top Scorer U14 & U17
Your Favourite Club - Manchester United

1. Ryan, you are one of the youngest players in the Sliema Wanderers squad that are looking to build on the young generation. Tell us what it means to you wearing the blue vest and about your first experience in the Maltese Premier League?

It is a great honour to wear the Sliema Wanderers shirt. Since I was young, I dreamt of playing for the first team in Ta’ Qali national stadium. It is a great experience training and playing with players that are older and much more experienced. This helps me to mature and learn more daily.

2. Sliema Wanderers are one of the top Maltese clubs on the Island and because of that they have plenty of top Maltese & Foreign players. Do you think that young Maltese players are given enough time to show their talent in the Maltese League?

Since Sliema is a top club and have lot of good players, the chance for young player is less than teams with less quality, but I will keep working harder and then it’s up to the coach to decide who to play.

3. Ryan, you have already played with Malta U17s. What was the match that you will remember with Malta?

The two most memorable matches for me were… the win against the Netherlands 2-1. And the game against England. It is great experience playing against these top nations with amazing talented players.

4. What is your motivation that helps you give your 100% when you play?

Improving and playing abroad are my main motivations.

5. What are your personal goals with your club?

With Sliema, my goals are to work hard to improve and to play first team football.

6. What is Ryan Dalli’s routine before going on the pitch? 

Good rest the night before, and a good meal are the main things. Then I prepare all the things needed and had to the team talk with the coach.

7. If you get an offer from a foreign club right now, what would you do?

My dream was always to play abroad, so if I’ll get an offer from a foreign club, I surely accept it.

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time in your football career?

In 5 years, I would see myself playing first team football preferably with Sliema, or playing abroad.

9. What are you willing to sacrifice to pursue a professional career in football?

I’m ready to sacrifice everything: time, energy.. everything

10. Who was the best player you played against and who is the best player you played/trained with?

The best player I played against was Josh Mc Eachran (Chelsea) and the player I played with is Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza.

11. What are your thoughts about the Nursery development, the coaches and the clubs in Malta?

Everything is improving in local football but we need more, and we should focus on the Nurseries rather than the senior squads. I think coaching level is rising and this helps us developing better players.

12. Every local Nursery needs improvement to raise our football standards. In your opinion what needs to be done to see Malta developing more Maltese Football Starlets?

Good resources are a must. Then I hope that sometime in the future we end up having a football school, where students play football and learn education too like the clubs abroad.

13. What do you think of the new Maltese Premier League format?

I don’t really like it since, it divides the teams, and those who start the season in a negative aspect can’t change it in the second part of the season.

14. What do you say to young Maltese football players like you who want to follow your steps so we can see more young talented players making the grade for our nation and themselves?

Being dedicated is the key. Giving everything even in training and being professional even outside the pitch is essential. And the most important thing, the dream, that you run after your dream.

Watch Ryan Dalli’s Visual CV…

Schembri’s 1st goal in Greece not enough for Panionios to grab the three points! Watch the GOAL!

The Maltese hit-man Andre Schembri scored his first goal with a wonderful header on the 56th minute to open the score of the match and for his new venture in the Greek Super League.

It was a tough match against Atromitos, which they had many chances of score during the match and after the goal from Schembri they managed to pull one back and finally win the game.

Click Here to Watch the best bits of the match and Andre Schembri’s GOAL

Who will be Malta’s new coach? Buttigieg & Busutill axed after they held talks with the MFA that concluded in an unanimous decision.

Just few days after the Euro qualifiers ended in a bottom placed position for Malta, one expected to see what will the MFA thinks for the future of the national team’s progress. The decision came after a meeting with both Maltese professional coaches were they have decided to find other pastures as the MFA will look for a replacement as soon as possible. Who will be Malta’s new coach?

Many are already predicting that it will be a foreign coach that can install the right changes needed to see Malta making slow improvements. Improvements have already been done but in many sectors we are looking to see more improvement that both players, association, can benefit from. If the upcoming foreign coach is of a certain standard, he may have the right contacts to export more Maltese players abroad which we all believe that will raise up the standard of our game and tempo. It is one of the practical systems at this stage to see some improvement as we only have 3-4 players playing professionally abroad. As for the association they will form a team with this particular coach if he brings in his assistant to work with for a period of time to reach the goals for the national team, something that happened in small countries like Cyprus, Estonia & Faroe Islands.

The question if this coach will be a foreigner is, who will that be? or better from which country he will be to be able to suit Malta? We had many foreign coaches in the past… some did bad and some did good, but it was another era of management to mention. We are expecting that the MFA decision will take enough time to find the right person for the job and the right person to help Malta improve, scoring goals & getting points in the next qualifying round of the World Cup 2014.

Which Coach Would You Like to take over Malta National Team?

Top 9 Maltese youngsters to shine in the Maltese First Division… Get to know them before they sparkle!

After we have selected the Top Maltese Young players to shine in the Maltese Premier League this season with their clubs, we are now looking at the Maltese First Division young starlets that are many, ready to kick this season. We have selected the Top 9 Maltese Starlets to shine in the Maltese First Division in the season 2011/12 with ages vary from 17-21 years of age.

With the final stages of the transfer market and final re-touches to their teams the First Division season is ready start. The Maltese First Division is also serving as a platform for the young Maltese starlets to show their talent and to have more playing time as this is an opportunity for these young players to shine. Rather than seating on the bench for years with their mother’s club, many have opted to be loaned out so they can have more playing time and consistency in their performances and we know that this is what Malta U19s and Malta U21s coaches are looking for.

Here are MalteseFootballStarlets.com Top 9 Maltese youngsters to shine in the Maltese First Division…

Zach Muscat (Pieta Hotspurs) Defender/Striker

A very focused player who is very tactically disciplined and we expect great things in the future for this youngster who already plays in the heart of the defence with Malta U21 at 18 years of age.

Opportunity to Shine 9

Clifford Gauchi (Rabat Ajax) Striker

Valletta youth product that won several Youth Cups and he made the right decision to show his showcase and to play in the first division for more playing time. He needs playing time and with Rabat Ajax he can bang in some goals and make his mark as a prolific scorer.

Opportunity to Shine 8.5

Matteo Desira Buttigieg (St.Andrews Luxol) Striker

Already in and around the Malta U19 selection Matteo is a hot prospect in the game and it showed already with his club after scoring some important goals last year. He has been looked by several scouts and also went for trials with Ipswich Town & Plymouth which shows that this youngster has a good future ahead of him if he works hard.

Opportunity to Shine 8.5

Jean Matthias Vella  (Vittoriosa Stars) Goalkeeper

Malta Number 1 Goalkeeper to be Jean Matthias Vella is certainly a prospect to look at between posts. The Vittoriosa Stars keeper has the posture to become one of the best keepers on the island. With several suitors since his tender age from abroad the future looks bright for this young player.

Opportunity to Shine 8

Cleaven Cassar (Pieta Hotspurs) Defender

One of many Pieta Hotspurs Nursery graduates is keen to put his mark this season to help Pieta moving back to the Maltese Premier.

Opportunity to Shine 8.5

Daren Falzon (Naxxar Lions) Striker

Daren Falzon is lethal in front of goal as he proves to be a top goal scorer which have helped him earn early calls with the senior squad of Naxxar Lions.  He has the potential to be in the Top 10 goalscorers list this season.

Opportunity to Shine 9

Yan Cauchi (Rabat Ajax)

Loaned out by Hibernians, Yan Cauchi will get more experience in this division with the historical Rabat Ajax who are ready to rumble this season.

Opportunity to Shine 8.5

Ishmael Grech (Pieta Hotspurs) Defender

Already forms part of Malta U21s the Pieta Hotspurs defender is one to watch as he is ready to help his team to rise up in division One.

Opportunity to Shine 8

Daniel Balzan (St. Andrews Luxol) Goalkeeper

Being called with Malta U21s is just a sign of this hard working goalkeeper, which is ready to showcase his talent with St.Andrews Luxol club.

Opportunity to Shine 8

 Do you agree with the Top 9 Maltese youngsters in the Maltese First Division?

Udo Nwoko to revive career in Egypt after touring half the world!

27 year old lightning paced midfielder of Nigerian origin but with Maltese citizenship has changed air for the 6th time since leaving Malta in 2007. Udo Nwoko started his career with Hibernians Nursery than made the step with the seniors after playing also with Xewkija Tigers, Mosta F.C & Marsaxlokk.

He joined Lexioes S.C in Portugal where Udo scored 2 goals one of them against Benfica which made him a hero with the fans. Then after nearly joining Reading F.C in the English Premiership and the deal did not materialize his football career wasn’t a success. After an unsuccessful spells in Brazil with Nautico, Panthrakikos F.C. in Greece, Doxa Katokopia in Cyprus and Pas Hamedan in Iran, the diminutive fast paced midfielder has moved in Egypt with Telephonat Bani Sweif in the Egyptian Premier League.

Udo Nwoko represented Malta in 9 occasions between 2007-2009.

Udo Nwoko to revive career in Egypt?

Malta U17 collapse against Poland & Spain in the opening two matches of the Uefa U17 Qualifiers.

The maltese youngsters were certainly aware of the potential talent in these teams and in their Group 11 as they have proved in the two encounters in the last days. Malta U17 collapse against Poland & Spain with scores 3-0 and 6-0.

On the 19th October Malta U17 faced Poland in the afternoon where they suffered goals by M. Stępiński 42 (p) , 56 Rabiega 51 in a match that Malta was never a harm throughout the 90mins. In the second match this afternoon Malta U17 were againts one of the top teams to win the whole competition Spain. The Spainiards were at their best as they were constantly creating chances as the Maltese players were defending and never created their chances. Spain scored their 6 goals from Samper 9, Ramírez 30(p), 69, 80, Arguez 56 & Serrano 59.

Sandro Ramirez is the one to watch as he has already scored 5 goals in 2 matches for Spain and is being tipped as a future star for La Rioja.

Malta U17 will end their commitments against host country Montenegro on the 24th October.