James Carragher Could Play For Malta In World Cup Qualifiers

Feb 19 2025

James Carragher, son of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher, and Swiss-based winger Ilyas Chouaref are set to be available for Malta’s national team in their upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

Both players recently obtained Maltese citizenship through their family heritage, making them eligible for selection by head coach Emilio De Leo.

Carragher, a 22-year-old defender for Wigan Athletic, has made 20 appearances in England’s League One this season, while Chouaref, who plays for FC Sion, has scored six goals and provided two assists in the Swiss top flight.

Their inclusion aligns with efforts by the Malta Football Association (MFA) to strengthen the national squad by identifying players with Maltese roots competing at higher levels abroad.

MFA president Bjorn Vassallo confirmed that the scouting department has been actively working to secure such talent.

Malta begins its World Cup qualifying campaign on March 21 at home against Finland, followed by an away match against Poland on March 24. Coach De Leo, who took over from Michele Marcolini, is expected to announce his first squad on March 13.

The team aims to improve on its previous campaign, where it failed to earn a point, with a broader goal of climbing the FIFA rankings from its current 168th position.

#MaltaDaily

Woman Hospitalised After Armed Thief Robs Birkirkara Lotto Booth

Feb 19 2025

Yesterday, at around 1530hrs, police were informed of a robbery that had taken place at a lotto booth in Triq Dun Karm, Birkirkara.

Police convened immediately on site and preliminary investigations showed that a man allegedly armed with a knife had entered the booth from the window and stole cash from the cashier, a 57 year old woman.

The man fled the scene, with the police currently searching for the culprit.

A medical team assisted the woman and transported her to Mater Dei for observation. An inquiry has been opened and investigations are ongoing.

Times of Malta later reported a second robbery at Burmarrad at around 1800hrs.

The thief had also escaped by the time police arrived on site and was reportedly also wielding a knife.

#MaltaDaily

Launch Of An Innovative Smart Manufacturing Project In Malta

Feb 18 2025

A new smart manufacturing research project has been launched in Malta, announced by Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti at Seifert Systems Ltd in Ħal Far.

The initiative is part of a larger program that includes ten research projects, aiming to enhance Malta’s industrial sector, create jobs, and promote sustainable economic growth. The project is a collaboration between the private sector and the University of Malta.

Azzopardi Tanti highlighted the importance of equipping Malta’s industry with the skills and tools needed to compete globally, stating that smart manufacturing will not only drive economic opportunities but also create high-quality jobs for Maltese workers and graduates.

The project will focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation in production. It will also provide specialised training to help workers adapt to this rapidly evolving sector while supporting local businesses in their global expansion.

Project leader Engineer Emanuel Francalanza from the University of Malta described it as a transformative initiative that will make Malta’s economy more sustainable and competitive. Philip Seifert, General Manager of Seifert Systems, emphasised that Malta offers an ideal business environment, supported by government investment and modern infrastructure.

This project is a key step toward positioning Malta as a leader in smart manufacturing, reflecting strong collaboration between the government, industry, and academia.

#MaltaDaily

Over 30Km Of Cables Completed To Strengthen Power Supply Around Malta

Feb 18 2025

Enemalta installed over 30 kilometers of new cables across Malta as part of its efforts to strengthen the electricity grid.

The upgrades covered Ħal Tarxien, Mellieħa, Gżira, and Birkirkara, with ongoing work in Birżebbuġa, where 2.6 kilometers of cables were laid in consultation with the local council.

During a site visit, Minister for Energy Miriam Dalli and Enemalta Chairman Ryan Fava highlighted the benefits of the project, including a new link between the Freeport distribution centre and Birżebbuġa substations to improve network resilience.

Minister Dalli reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising Malta’s energy infrastructure, while Ing. Fava noted that similar projects are underway in 21 other localities, with a total of 60 kilometers of new cables planned to enhance national electricity reliability.

#MaltaDaily