As the silversmiths at renowned London-based firm Thomas Lyte put the finishing touches on the new cup for the FA Trophy competition, the quest to win the 2016/17 KO begins on September 3 when Division Three side Xgħajra Tornadoes take on Gozitans Għarb Rangers in the only preliminary round tie.
The draws of the first and second rounds of the FA Trophy, featuring clubs in Division One, Two and Three and 12 teams from Gozo – only Sannat Lions and Żebbuġ Rangers have not applied to take part – were made yesterday at the National Stadium.
Bjorn Vassallo, the Malta FA general secretary, said the new trophy, which is partly financed by the English FA, has enhanced the allure of the competition.
“The old FA Trophy was presented for the last time at the end of last season with Sliema Wanderers winning the cup for a record 21st time,” Vassallo said.
“On May 20, we unveiled the design of the new cup which will be handed over to the MFA during a short ceremony before the England-Malta 2018 World Cup qualifier at Wembley on October 8.
“Thus, the participating clubs will also be vying for the honour of becoming the first to inscribe their name on the new trophy.
“From this season, we are restoring the old tradition of presenting the FA Trophy winners with a slightly smaller replica of the original cup for keeps.
Despite winning the FA Trophy after beating Balzan on penalties in last season’s showdown at the National Stadium, Sliema had to pass up the chance of competing in the Europa League after withdrawing their application for a UEFA licence.
Vassallo was not happy with the situation.
“I was disappointed that the FA Trophy winners were unable to take part in the Europa League because they didn’t get a UEFA licence,” Vassallo said.
“Apart from the prestige of lifting the FA Trophy, the winning team also qualify for the Europa League with all the financial benefits this yields.
“On a more positive note, the results obtained by Maltese teams in UEFA competitions this season show that, at club level, we are making progress.”
The draws were overseen by Rodney Pisani, the MFA general deputy secretary. He said the 12 Premier League clubs will enter the fray in the third round.
Last season’s top six-placed teams will be seeded.
The Draws
Preliminary round (Sept. 3): Xgħajra vs Għarb.
First round (Sept. 9-11): Kirkop vs Marsaskala; Mdina vs Victoria Hotspurs; Kalkara vs Għajnsielem; Oratory Youths vs Dingli; Msida vs Luqa St Andrews; Nadur Youngsters vs Xgħajra/Għarb; Mtarfa vs Xagħra United; Ta’ Xbiex vs Munxar Falcons; Sta Luċija vs Kerċem Ajax; Qala Saints vs Xewkija Tigers; Sta Venera Lightnings vs SK Victoria Wanderers; St Lawrence Spurs vs Żurrieq.
Second round (Oct. 21-23): Kirkop/Marsaskala vs Pietà; Msida/Luqa vs Mqabba; Marsaxlokk vs San Ġwann; Qormi vs Qala/Xewkija; Ta’ Xbiex/Munxar vs Għargħur; Mellieħa vs Birżebbuġa; Melita vs Sta Venera/SK Victoria W.; Attard vs Vittoriosa Stars; Żebbuġ Rangers vs Fgura;
Sta Luċija/Kerċem vs Marsa; Lija vs St Lawrence/Żurrieq; Mġarr vs Żabbar SP; Senglea Athletic vs Mtarfa/Xagħra; Naxxar Lions vs Kalkara/Għajnsielem; Qrendi vs Oratory/ Dingli; Rabat Ajax vs Sirens; St George’s vs Siġġiewi; Għaxaq vs Nadur/Xgħajra/Għarb; Swieqi vs Gudja; Mdina/Victoria Hotspurs vs Żejtun Corinthians.