New trophies

New trophies for the four main MFA Leagues were unveiled yesterday during a news briefing at the Centenary Hall.

The trophies, financed by the Malta International Airport (MIA) who are also the sole sponsors of the domestic championships in all divisions, share common features, mirroring the association's drive for uniformity.

The designs of the new trophies were made by Ludovico Micallef, the Malta FA vice-president in collaboration with Charles Cutajar of Cutajar Works Limited who were handed the job of manufacturing the cups.

Although borne out of the same traditional cup-design, the size of the silver trophies differ according to the division. The MIA Premier League Trophy stands out from the rest not only because it is larger in size, but also due to other features like the gold-plated bronze base, bearing the emblem of the MFA, and its elongated flutes.

The victory statue etched on the front is also a dominant feature of the MIA Premier trophy which will be presented to the new champions come May. The miniature trophies, to be kept by the winning clubs, are also modelled on the main cups.

All trophies were manually engraved by Cutajar who said he was extremely satisfied with the end-product.

"The production of these trophies represented a challenge for my company but I am pleased with the result of our work."

"It is our pleasure to be the main sponsors of the Maltese football leagues and these new trophies," Simon Sultana, public relations officer at MIA, said.

"Sponsorships of this kind strengthen the MIA's commitment towards the Maltese society," he added.

FA Trophy, second round draw

Floriana vs Balzan Youths
Pietà Hotspurs vs Marsaxlokk
Mosta vs Lija Athletic
Msida St Joseph vs Hamrun Spartans

Ties to be played on weekend of February 21 and 22.

Quarter-finals - April 3/4. Semi-finals - May 14/15.