The Malta FA are planning a fitting tribute for striker Michael Mifsud who is set to earn his 100th cap for the national team in next month’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic at the National Stadium.
Pietro Ghedin’s team will conclude their commitments in Group B when they host the Czechs on October 11 before travelling to Denmark four days later.
Mifsud, who last week joined Australian club Melbourne Heart, is in line to become only the fifth Maltese player to make 100 appearances or more for the national team, following in the footsteps of David Carabott (122), Gilbert Agius (119), Carmel Busuttil (113) and Joe Brincat (103).
“Our upcoming World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic has special significance for Maltese football as our national team captain Michael Mifsud could make his 100th appearance,” Bjorn Vassallo, the Malta FA CEO, told a news conference yesterday.
“It will be a fitting occasion for the football fraternity to celebrate one of the legends of Maltese football.
Prior to the match, Mifsud will receive a commemorative medal from UEFA in recognition of his 100th appearance for his country.
“I hope that the Maltese fans will come to Ta’ Qali to honour Michael who has been a great ambassador for our national team, scoring a record 37 goals.”
Vassallo said that producing top players like Mifsud is crucial for Maltese football to make a leap in quality.
“Grooming players of the calibre of Mifsud, who has spent most of his career playing top-level football abroad, helps our national team to reach higher levels,” he said.
“To this end, the MFA is working relentlessly to provide our youngsters with the best prep-aration.
“We have introduced the football academy which now boasts 100 children aged between 13 and 16.
“Besides upgrading the clubs’ training facilities, we are implementing a number of amendments to our regulations to improve the status of players.
“There is still a lot of work to be done but I’m hopeful that, if all the stakeholders give us their backing, football will continue to flourish.”
Vassallo also revealed that Malta will play a friendly against Iceland at the National Stadium in November.
Iceland have been one of the revelations in World Cup qualifying Group E and are currently second in their section on 13 points, five points adrift of leaders Switzerland and one ahead of Slovenia.
The MFA CEO said that if Iceland finish second in the group and qualify for the play-offs, Malta’s opponents next month will be Faroe Islands.
Meanwhile, MFA marketing manager Norman Saliba gave details about the ticket prices for the Czech Republic qualifier.
West A and C tickets cost €12, Millennium Stand €15 and South Stand €10. The entrance fee for children under 12 years of age is €5 for the Millennium Stand and €3 for the South Stand.
One can buy tickets online from www.mfa.com.mt or from Matrix shops in Valletta, Paola and MIA, Eros Stationers (Paceville), Lion King stationers (Gwardamangia), Star Tourist Services (Buġibba), TeamSport (Iklin) and the MFA offices in Ta’ Qali.