Successful second edition of the Lotto Goalkeeper Battle

Over 160 goalkeepers took part in the second edition of the Lotto Goalkeeper Battle which was held at Infetti Ground in Birkirkara on the 2nd and 3rd June. This year’s battle was played on two days: the group phase on Saturday and a knock-out on Sunday.

There were seven categories from Under-9 to Seniors with a maximum of 32 goalkeepers in each age group, each game with a duration of 2 minutes each half and all games were controlled by M.F.A referees.

The senior category attracted several goalkeepers ranging from the Premier League to Futsal, including Mario Muscat and Luke Bonnici (Hibernians), Manuel Bartolo (Floriana), Jonathan Debono (Mosta), David Cassar (Tarxien), Christian Cassar (Marsaxlokk), Andrea Cassar (Hamrun), Karl Magri (Birkirkara), Justin Spiteri (Naxxar), Ryan Marmara (St. George’s), Jonathan Grech (St. Patrick) and Claude Carbonaro (San Gwann). Also taking part for the first time was an Italian goalkeeper from Empoli, Stefano Dimitrio.

The winners were the following:
U-9
1st Place – Kalvin Magri (Sliema)
2nd Place – Matthew Barbara (B’Kara)
3rd Place – Luciano Camilleri (B’Kara)

U-11
1st Place – Alan Abdelrahnan (Sta. Lucia)
2nd Place – Andre Spiteri (Melita)
3rd Place – Jake Pisani (San Gwann)

U-13
1st Place – Mario Bartolo (Hibernians)
2nd Place – John Paul Cassar (Gharb – Gozo)
3rd Place – Craig Abdilla (Floriana)

U-15
1st Place – Tyrane Gauci ( Floriana)
2nd Place – Matteo Farrugia (Floriana)
3rd place – Lorjean Xuereb (Xewkija Tigers – Gozo)

U-17
1st Place – Slaven Micallef (Naxxar)
2nd Place – Dylan Galea (Bkara)
3rd Place – Ryan Micallef ( Bkara)

U-19
1st Place – Roberto Vella (Luxol)
2nd Place – Mark Vella (San Gwann)
3rd Place – Nicholas Grima (Hbernians)

Seniors
1st Place – Justin Spiteri (Naxxar)
2nd Place – David Cassar (Tarxien)
3rd Place – Karl Magri (Birkirkara)

The opening cermony kicked-off with a speech from the K.M.S chairman Mr Bernard Vassallo and with the national anthem by Enzo Gusman. Colin Fitz and Ron Briffa presented the event.

The organisers – Mario Muscat and Simon Grech – were really satisfied with the high level of goalkeeping and with Fair Play spirit shown by the participants. This year’s event once again attracted a big crowd which supported the goalkeepers till the end of the battle.

A big thanks goes to all voluntary workers, referees, Birkirkara youth nursery, Birkirkara Local Council, Lotto at the Point, Kunsill Malti Ghall-Isport, Farsons, Tutto Sport, Bonnici Insurance Ltd, Yorkie Clothing, Borg and Aquilina Ltd, Jesmond Micallef Meat Market, StephenGatt.com, Bristow Potteries Ltd, Karl Borg events, Ice-watch, Agenda Book Shop, Carmelo Abela Marketing Ltd, Valerie Micallef – well being coach, Melita Restaurant, Sapori – pizza, pasta & cafe, Mario Muscat Goalkeeper School and Numero 1 Goalkeepers Products.