Sannat face SK Victoria in Div. One opener

The draws of the GFA Melita Division One league were held during the association's first council meeting of the season in the last week of August.

The 59th Division One championship kicks off on Wednesday, September 17 when Sannat Lions take on newly-promoted SK Victoria Wanderers.

Champions Nadur Youngsters start their title defence against Victoria Hotspurs while Għajnsielem play Qala St Joseph. Kerċem's first match is against Sannat Lions.

The football season in Gozo gets underway on Sunday when the first matches of the Independence Cup are played. Qala were drawn to face Kerċem, Għajnsielem play Victoria while SK Victoria take on Sannat.

It was also announced that the final of the Freedom Day Cup will take place on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 and will be contested by the first two-placed teams in the Division One standings at the end of the first round.

During the meeting, GFA president Alvin Grech announced the immediate proposed projects for the Gozo Stadium.

The main projects consist of the reconstruction of the VIP area and new dressing rooms. These will be held with the aid of the Malta FA, the Malta Sports Council (KMS) and the Ministry for Gozo.

The council members were handed a request by Għarb Rangers to withdraw their team from the GFA competitions this season.

Rangers said that they are facing serious difficulties to field a squad that can compete in the second division.

Grech proposed a motion that authorises the administration to find a solution and extend the opportunity for Rangers to have a longer period to submit their application for participation.

Various clubs said they are willing to loan out players so that Għarb will be in a position to compete.