Photos:  Domenic Aquilina

 

An atmosphere of solidarity and unity reigned at the Centenary Stadium in Ta' Qali, during the annual Boxing Day Football Tournament organised by the Malta Sports Journalists Association (MSJA) in aid of L-Istrina.  The teams of the organisers themselves, were joined by those from the Malta Football Association, the Malta Foottball Referees Association (MFRA) and the Malta Football Coaches Association (MFCA) who gave way to a very entertaining amicable tournament which eventually saw the MFCA team running out as winners with maximum points from the three matches played.

The main objective as in previous years was that of collecting funds for L-Istrina with the participating players and attendees donating 10 Euros each in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.
Despite the amicable atmosphere, the number of high-profile players at the Centenary Stadium was all there for everyone to see.

Former Malta internationals Brian Said and Alex Azzopardi, ex-Hamrun midfield stalwart Rupert Mangion lined up for the winning team, whilst former "glories" like Ray "Zazu" Farrugia, Edwin Camilleri, Noel Tuner and Silvio Vella all turned out for the Malta FA team.
The Malta Sports' Journalists squad also boasted of former St. Andrews player Matthew Naudi and popular actor Ben Camille, formerly of Hibernians in their ranks.  Malta FA officials Dr. Angelo Chetcuti, Dr. Matthew Paris and Rodney Vassallo also took part within their Association's team.

The winning MFCA selection beat the MFA team 3-0, MSJA 4-1 and MFRA 2-0 to register maximum points.

Zach Tanti finished as the tournament's top marksman with four goals.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro made her presence during the tournament along with Clifton Grima, the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport.  Her Excellency expressed her gratitude to everyone who participated and showing their support towards L-Istrina.

 

resent also were Malta FA President Norman Darmanin Demajo, the head of the MFCA Lolly Aquilina, the MFRA President Alexi Tabone and Sandro Micallef, President of the MSJA who presented the winners' shield to Brian Said, captain of the MFCA side.

 

RESULTS

MFA vs MFCA 0-3
MSJA vs MFRA 2-0
MSJA vs MFCA 1-4
MFA vs MFRA 0-2
MSJA vs MFA 1-4
MFCA vs MFRA 2-0

 

Final Standings: MFCA 9 points; MFA, MFRA, MSJA 3.