2007-08 Division One league kicks off today

The GFA OnVol Division One championship kicks off today when Qala St Joseph take on Xaghra United at the Gozo Stadium (kick-off: 7.30 p.m.).

Tomorrow, Kercem Ajax square up to Victoria Hotspurs in the second match of the 2007-08 season.

Champions Nadur Youngsters start as favourites to retain the title for the third successive year.

Sannat Lions are widely viewed as Nadur's main rivals for the top honour in Gozitan football with Kercem, Xaghra, Ghajnsielem, Qala and newly-promoted Victoria Hotspurs all capable of springing a surprise throughout the season.

The Division Two championship starts on Saturday when Oratory Youths play Gharb while Zebbug Rovers take on St Lawrence Spurs.

SK Victoria Wanderers, who are eyeing a quick return to the top flight, will not be in action this weekend. This evening at 5.30, the Wanderers face Zebbug Rovers in the Division Two KO final at the Gozo Stadium.

Munxar Falcons will be making a return to competitive football after an absence of six years.

Independence Cup final

Holders Nadur and Qala St Joseph will contest this year's Independence Cup final.

The Youngsters reached the final after a 3-1 win over Sannat Lions in the preliminary round and a 3-1 extra-time victory over Victoria Hotspurs in the semi-final.

For Qala, this will be their first appearance in this cup competition. In the semi-finals, Qala played against Ghajnsielem and after 120 minutes, the score was still locked at 0-0. Penalties were needed to decide the winner with Qala booking their place in the final after winning the shoot-out 4-2.