Naxxar Victorians began the new season with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Ta’ Giorni Wanderers in the Twanny Agius Cup, despite an encouraging performance under new coach Jake Agius.

The match remained evenly balanced throughout the first half, with Naxxar’s defence showing signs of improvement after last season’s struggles. Ta’ Giorni broke the deadlock in the second half, but the Victorians responded positively, managing three shots on target and staying disciplined at the back.

Coach Agius, who oversaw a number of positive friendlies during preseason, will take heart from the team’s overall performance, particularly their ability to control possession and limit Ta’ Giorni’s scoring opportunities. It was a welcomed change from previous campaigns, where goal-scoring had been a consistent issue.

Naxxar made a series of tactical substitutions in an effort to push for an equaliser. Clivert Burke replaced Nigel Muscat Edwards up front, Nathan Farrugia came on for Andre Camilleri in central midfield, and Christopher Cutajar replaced Giuseppe Dattoli at fullback. Late in the game, Dwayne Cauchi entered the fray, replacing wide midfielder Mahmoud Elousta. Burke, Cauchi, and Elousta all made their official debuts.

The only card of the match was a yellow shown to Dattoli for a technical foul that stopped a potential goal.

While the Twanny Agius Cup result may not have gone in Naxxar’s favour, the early signs point to a season of growth and improvement for the squad under Agius’ leadership.

Check out a few snaps from our Twanny Agius Cup fixture against Ta’ Giorni Wanderers on 14 September 2024. Photo credit goes to Jeremy Busuttil, Christopher Cutajar, and Miguel Zahra.

During the official MAFA draws held on Tuesday morning, Naxxar Victorians were drawn to start the coming MAFA Knockout in the Round of 16.

This will be the second consecutive time the club makes its start in the second round, with play to begin on January 11 2025.

This coming season, the boys will face the winner of the Preliminary Round fixture between Division One side San Giljan Saints and Division Two side Hal Far Titans.

Both opponents have faced the Victorians in the past with San Giljan making their MAFA debut during the 2017 season when Naxxar Victorians joined the association as well. Since then, the two sides have crossed swords on numerous occasions and a re-union with the Saints will be familiar with a number of present and former players of both clubs.

Meanwhile, were the tie to go in Hal Far’s favour, this would be a clash between sides that faced each other in the league last season with Hal Far being one of the three teams that achieved promotion to the second division. While it was Hamrun Amateurs that took the top spot, Hal Far finished second, with Kalkara Flames managing to climb up after Swieqi Braves opted out of the coming season in Division Two.

Further information is set to be available soon…

The new Malta Amateur Football Association (MAFA) season was launched on Tuesday after the association drew all of the competition openers during a live stream on Facebook.

The 2024-25 season, the second consecutive campaign which sees Naxxar Victorians in Division Three pits the team against rivals Mosta Vikings and three new clubs: Qajjenza ACJ, St Paul’s Bay NM FC, and Swieqi United AFC. 

The two clubs relegated from Division Two – Birkirkara St Joseph and Bugibba Club de SWAT – have not opted to take part this coming season, meaning that the division will remain that of five teams. First Division side Swieqi Braves have also opted out this season and so last season’s third-place team Kalkara Flames have been moved up to Division Two. 

From the Naxxar Victorians and www.naxxarvictorians.com teams, we wish the three promoted teams all the best for the coming season in a higher division.

Matchday 1

After last season’s disappointing campaign in Division Three, Naxxar Victorians will be hoping for a better run this year and will begin this fight in the latter part of September and will face debutants St. Paul’s Bay NM FC on September 28.

Last season, the boys finished in fourth place on 12 points as the boys won two matches out of their 12 played, achieving six draws in the process.

Full details of the league’s fixture list will be available soon… 

In a closely contested match, Naxxar Victorians were held to a 1-1 draw against Hal Far Titans in their final fixture of the 2023-24 season. Despite displaying moments of brilliance, the boys failed to secure the win they desired.

Hal Far opened proceedings right after the halftime break with a goal from a corner. The match saw Keith Zammit Tabone shine for Naxxar as he netted the equaliser moments later. Zammit Tabone’s goal, his second of the season, came after an impressive build-up and link-up play from midfielders Nathan Farrugia and Dejan Mijailovic. However, Naxxar’s efforts to clinch victory were thwarted by a resilient Hal Far defence and shots that slammed the post.

Throughout the game, Naxxar Victorians made strategic substitutions to bolster their gameplay. Julian Sultana replaced Christopher Cutajar in defence, Jeremy Busuttil came on for Nigel Muscat Edwards in attack, and Axel Chan substituted Farrugia in midfield.

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Before the game, Naxxar Victorians held the fourth position in the league standings, their position confirmed final after the team’s match against Kalkara Flames. With this being the last match of the season, Naxxar will reflect on their performance and look ahead to the upcoming season with optimism.

In their previous encounters this season, Hal Far Titans secured a 1-0 win, while Naxxar Victorians emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline.

As the season draws to a close, Naxxar Victorians will regroup and focus on their strategies for the next campaign, aiming to build upon their successes and address areas for improvement.

In a tightly contested match against Kalkara Flames, Naxxar Victorians faced a 2-1 defeat at the Qormi FC Grounds on Saturday. Fabrizio Farrugia managed to salvage a late goal for the Victorians in the final minute of the game, but it wasn’t enough to secure a comeback as the Victorians are now confirmed in fourth place ahead of the last game of the season.

From the onset, Naxxar Victorians displayed an offensive approach, creating numerous scoring opportunities. However, their efforts were thwarted by wayward finishing, leaving them unable to capitalize on their chances. On the defensive end, Naxxar struggled with set pieces, conceding both goals to Kalkara Flames from free kicks and corners.

The first half saw Kalkara Flames take the lead with a well-executed header, aided by the wind, off a free kick. The Victorians fought to level the score but found themselves trailing again in the second half when confusion in the box led to Kalkara’s second goal.

Despite the setback, Naxxar Victorians remained resilient, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their efforts paid off in the dying moments of the match when Fabrizio Farrugia found the back of the net after a precise cross from Nathan Farrugia.

Throughout the game, Naxxar Victorians made strategic substitutions to bolster their lineup. Chris Cutajar came on for captain Daniel Agius in defence after an injury, while Andre Camilleri replaced Thomas Cilia in central midfield.

Tempers flared briefly as Thomas Cilia received a yellow card for disputing a referee’s decision.

Before the match, Naxxar Victorians held the fourth position in the league standings, and they maintained their position after the game. With only one match remaining against Hal Far Titans, the Victorians are determined to finish the season on a high note.

Previous encounters between Naxxar Victorians and Kalkara Flames resulted in a 1-1 draw and a 3-1 victory for Kalkara Flames.

Naxxar Victorians vs Kalkara Flames

Naxxar Victorians gear up for a crucial showdown against Kalkara Flames on April 27th at 3:45 PM, at the Qormi Grounds. This encounter holds immense significance as it marks a decisive battle between the third-placed Kalkara Flames and the fourth-placed Naxxar Victorians in the standings, with only one more game remaining after this.

In their previous meetings this season, the competition was fierce, resulting in a 1-1 draw in the first round and a 3-1 victory for Kalkara Flames in the second round. These outcomes set the stage for an electrifying match, as both teams vie for supremacy and vital points.

Naxxar Victorians head into this fixture following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Hamrun Amateurs. Nigel Muscat Edwards showcased remarkable attacking prowess in the last game, coming close to finding the back of the net. His performance will undoubtedly be pivotal in Naxxar’s quest for victory.

However, Naxxar Victorians will have to overcome significant absentees, with key players sidelined due to injuries. Andrew Steve Cassar remains out with injury, while Danijel Vasic, who sustained an injury in the previous game against Hamrun Amateurs, will also be unavailable. Additionally, Julian Micallef, Julian Sultana, Rahael Said, and Owen Agius are all away this weekend, posing a challenge for Naxxar’s lineup.

As the team braces for this crucial encounter, Naxxar Victorians are determined to overcome the odds and secure a vital win against Kalkara Flames. Fans can expect an enthralling display of skill and determination as these two formidable sides battle it out on the field.

In a tense encounter against league leaders Hamrun Amateurs last weekend, Naxxar Victorians managed to take a point in a goalless draw. Following the exhilarating 0-0 parity, goalkeeper Kurt Aquilina spoke to MAFA’s Review programme about the match and Naxxar’s season thus far.

Reflecting on the game, the 29-year-old expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, particularly their display of confidence on the field.

“We held a lot of possession,” he noted, “and I believe we showed much more confidence than usual. It was a really good performance.”

However, despite their dominance in possession, Naxxar struggled to find the cutting edge in front of goal. Aquilina acknowledged this challenge, stating, “We struggled to make that final touch. We had a lot of chances, possibly more than Hamrun, and with a bit more strikeforce in attack, we could have not only gotten this result but also won the game.”

Aquilina shed light on Naxxar’s ongoing scoring woes throughout the season, attributing it to the team’s injury-plagued frontline.

“Even though it was highlighted throughout the season that we don’t score as much, you have to consider the players that you have,” he explained. “Everyone knows how hard it is to find a pure striker.”

The goalkeeper, now in his seventh season as a Victorians player, lamented the loss of what could have been their target man to injury early in the season, forcing the team to readjust their tactics.

“In July, we had our minds at ease that we had found our target man, but he got injured in a friendly against Hamrun, so we had to start from scratch,” Aquilina revealed.

“Even though we have other players who can play in that role, we’ve had a lot of injury problems up top, and that all adds to it.”

Looking ahead, Aquilina remained optimistic about Naxxar’s potential, emphasising the importance of continued hard work and planning for the next season.

“There is a lot of potential,” he affirmed, “and now that we’re planning for next season, we need to continue working on this.”

As Naxxar Victorians currently sit in 4th place in the standings, Aquilina’s words serve as a rallying cry for the team as they aim to overcome their challenges and push for success in the remaining two matches of the season.

Check out a few snaps from our third-round fixture against Hamrun Amateurs on 13 April 2024.

Photo credit: Christopher Cutajar

In a tightly contested battle at the Qormi FC Grounds, Naxxar Victorians showcased their resilience in a goalless draw against Hamrun Amateurs. Despite the lack of goals, the match was filled with intensity and determination from both sides.

Naxxar Victorians started the game with a solid defensive strategy, denying Hamrun Amateurs any clear-cut opportunities. Throughout the match, not an inch of space was left uncovered as the Naxxar defence stood firm against their opponents’ attacks.

Early in the game, Naxxar Victorians were forced into a substitution as Danijel Vasic was replaced by Giuseppe Dattoli due to a suspected pulled ligament.

The second half saw further changes for Naxxar Victorians, with Christopher Cutajar, Eman Agius, and Andre Camilleri coming on for Raphael Said, Owen Agius, and Nigel Muscat Edwards, respectively. These substitutions injected fresh energy into the team, allowing them to maintain their defensive solidity until the final whistle.

With this hard-fought draw, Naxxar Victorians maintain their position in 4th place in the league standings after Kalkara Flames’ victory over Mosta Vikings later in the day. With only two matches left in the season, every point becomes crucial for the team’s ambitions.

Reflecting on previous encounters, Naxxar Victorians’ performance against Hamrun Amateurs marks an improvement from their previous meeting, where they suffered a 3-0 defeat. This draw serves as a testament to the team’s growth and determination throughout the season.

As the season draws to a close, Naxxar Victorians will look to build on this solid performance and finish strong in their remaining matches, particularly the team’s next match against Kalkara Flames.

Naxxar Victorians vs Hamrun Amateurs

Naxxar Victorians are gearing up for a crucial showdown against MAFA Division Two champions-elect Hamrun Amateurs this Saturday, April 13, at 15:45 at the Qormi Grounds. This match holds significant importance for Naxxar Victorians as they aim to climb up the standings and secure a third-place finish ahead of Kalkara Flames, despite the promotion race already concluded with Hamrun and Hal Far Titans confirmed as this season’s promoted teams.

Currently standing in fourth place with 10 points, Naxxar Victorians will be aiming to secure a positive result against the formidable Hamrun Amateurs, who currently lead the standings with 21 points.

Past meetings between the two sides have seen a 0-0 draw and a 3-0 victory in favour of Hamrun Amateurs, highlighting the challenge that Naxxar Victorians will face.

In their previous match against Mosta Vikings, Naxxar Victorians managed a 1-1 draw with Fabrizio Farrugia standing out with a solitary goal in a somewhat lacklustre performance for the team.

However, Naxxar Victorians will have to navigate this crucial fixture without several key players due to injuries and illnesses. Andrew Steve Cassar, Maverick Grech, Joscarl Azzopardi, Fabrizio Farrugia, Dale Cassar, Neil Farrugia, and George Attard are all notable absentees.

With both teams eager to secure points for different reasons, fans can anticipate an intense and thrilling encounter at the Qormi Grounds.

Stay tuned to Naxxar Victorians FC’s official channels for live updates and coverage of this exciting match!

Check out a few snaps from our third-round fixture against Mosta Vikings on 16 March 2024.

Photo credit: Christopher Cutajar

Another match has gone by and Naxxar Victorians have remained unbeaten after a goalless draw against Hamrun Amateurs last weekend.

After the derby win over Mosta Vikings in the first matchday, momentum was with the boys as they looked for another set of three points. However, one was all they could go home with this time around after a balanced encounter that saw Naxxar keep a clean sheet against a Hamrun side that had pounded Kalkara 6-1 in their previous match.

Speaking to the MAFA Review programme after the match, vice-captain Chris Cutajar said the result was fair.

“It was a very good match. I think a draw does justice to the whole match as both sets of teams had their own set of chances,” he said.

“From our end, I think if we could have been a little bit more clinical we could have potentially scored a goal but their keeper made a number of good saves and their defense was also quite strong so yeah it finished a goalless match but overall we should be happy with the match.”

Injury list

With the season now two matches in, coach Connor Muchmore has already had his share of squad rotations due to injury.

While top scorer Fabrizio Farrugia joined the team on the bench, he was not included to further improve his recovery. Danijel Vasic made his debut as a substitute after recovering from his own injury to replace Maverick Grech who was sidelined after Matchday One with a groin injury.

Still unavailable are new signings Ryan Micallef and Raphael Said who suffered strains in between the two matchdays.

“We had a few injured players so moving forward hopefully the injured players will be back with us to continue improving, continue learning, and continue building from this match,” Cutajar admitted.

“We will be aiming for the whole three points for each and every coming match.”

Goalkeeper Kurt Aquilina, who suffered a facial injury during the Hamrun fixture, resulting in him being replaced during the second half, will be back with the team in a week’s time.

Our Matchday 4 fixture against Ta’ Giorni Wanderers was postponed on Saturday after the waterlogged state of the Kordin C grounds pitch ruled the match unplayable by officials on the day.

Naxxar Victorians were hoping to use this match as a way back into the league after two successive defeats against Swieqi Braves and Zabbar Southsiders on Matchdays 2 and 3. However, while the postponement comes as a disappointment, this forced break gives the Victorians more time to deal with injuries and player sickness which have affected the lineups of the past two matches.

The new dates for the match should be announced in due course. Stay tuned!

Unlike the win against Birkirkara St Joseph on opening day, Naxxar Victorians suffered a rough blow on Matchday 2 when they lost 9-2 to promotion hopefuls Swieqi Braves.

It was a day to forget for the boys on the pitch as nothing could go right with the team struggling from the start and early goals did not help the cause at all. To make things worse, injuries to goalkeeper Ayrton Agius, and defenders Jack Azzopardi and Dale Cassar added to coach Connor Muchmore‘s woes.

It was clear before the start of the fixture that the Swieqi team, composed solely of foreign students of its international football academy, would be the toughest nut to crack in the division. The team had cruised through the third division last season in their debut year and look to be on the road to continuing this run in the 2022/23 season as well.

Coach Muchmore set his team in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Azzopardi making his season debut at centreback while new signings Ernesto Hoxha and Antonio Dattoli started their first Victorians game.

Numerous changes were affected due to Fabrizio Farrugia and Nathan Farrugia being out injured and Keith Zammit Tabone being unavailable for this fixture. Jimmy Hare, who started on the bench against Birkirkara, started in midfield instead of Nathan Farrugia as Azzopardi replaced Zammit Tabone.

MATCH REPORT

Swieqi’s strength kicked in early as they scored their first goal after just three minutes after a failed clearance. The Victorians players were stunned but despite conceding again, Hoxha got his first goal for the club to reduce the margin.

While this was motivation for the Victorians, the Braves replied almost instantly and the floodgates opened as they added three more goals to go into halftime at 5-1.

The second half was more of the same as the team looked disjointed. In spite of this, Dattoli produced a moment of brilliance right after the break with his shot from close to the halfway line flying past the Swieqi goalkeeper.

However, this was the last of the Victorians as Swieqi pounded in more goals to finish the game at 9-2.

Naxxar Victorians face Zabbar Soutsiders next in the MAFA Division Two – Check out this fixture here!