Owls to play matches during Malta stay

Valhmor Camilleri

Sheffield Wednesday will play in two triangular tournaments during their training camp in Malta later this month. The English championship side are due to arrive today week, one day after city rivals Sheffield United complete their seven-day training camp here.

Louis Agius, a JPL Sport Events representative, gave details of the two mini-tournaments yesterday.

"Sheffield Wednesday will play at the Victor Tedesco Stadium," he told reporters.

"They will face four local teams in the space of a few days as they look to step up their preparation sfor the coming season. We believe that these matches will be a great experience for the public and the players involved.

"We know for sure that some football scouts will be monitoring some players during the tour-naments. So, it will be an ideal opportunity for Maltese players to put themselves in contention for a possible contract abroad."

The first tournament, the JPL Cup, will be played on July 13. The Owls will take on Premier League clubs Floriana and Dingli Swallows.

The Sliema Centenary Cup, also at the Hamrun ground, will be played on July 16.

On this occasion, Sliema Wanderers will be launching their 100th anniversary programme. They play against Wednesday and Valletta, who, however, could drop out if they reach the next round of the Europa League.

Birkirkara, also in contention for a place in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, could fill the void left by the Citizens.

Both triangular tournaments will have the same format - three matches of 45 minutes each. In case of a draw, a penalty shoot-out will determine the winner.

Agius also revealed that the Sliema Centenary Cup will be screened live by Melita Sports, adding that negotiations are also underway with TV stations to broadcast the tournament in the UK.

Warren Zahra, representative of Alpine Travel who attracted Sheffield Wednesday to Malta, said the Owls will be travelling with their senior squad under the guidance of manager Brian Laws.

"Sheffield Wednesday are really looking forward to their training camp in Malta," Zahra said.

"Their officials were satisfied with the facilities here. Such visits by popular foreign teams are a boost to sports tourism as over 260 fans will be travelling with the Sheffield Wednesday team next week."