The new football season in Gozo is still to get underway but the pre-liminary round draw of the GFA Cup was held in midweek in Sta Venera during a press conference where sponsors BOV also an-nounced they will be backing the Player of the Month award on the sister island.

Xewkija Tigers, winners of the 2012 GFA Cup, were handed a bye to the quarter-finals and so were the beaten finalists, Xagħra United.

In the last eight, Xewkija will play the winners of the tie between SK Victoria Wanderers and Nadur Youngsters. Xagħra face either Żebbuġ Rovers or Għarb Rangers in the quarter-finals.

The opening matches from the preliminary round, involving the other 12 teams in the First and Second Division in Gozo, are scheduled for November 14. The final will be played on April 28, next year.

GFA president Elvin Grech hailed the bank for their backing to his organisation and football in Gozo in general.

“Bank of Valletta has become synonymous with the GFA Cup and we are delighted that the bank is also extending its support to the monthly best player award,” he said.

“The new sponsorship will surely contribute to keener competition to the delight of the supporters.”

The press conference was also addressed by Victor Denaro, Chief Officer BOV.

“The player of the month award, following an absence of a number of years, will promote a higher level of play and reward those whose performance during a particular period stands out from the rest.”

The Draw

Żebbuġ Rovers vs Għarb Rangers; SK Victoria W. vs Nadur Youngsters; St Lawrence Spurs vs Kerċem Ajax; Qala Saints vs Victoria Hotspurs; Għajn-sielem vs Sannat Lions; Oratory Youths vs Munxar Falcons.