Training camps – Mlada Boleslav win TipSport Malta Cup

The training-camp season in Malta is in full swing with MFA SportsPlus Limited hosting several clubs and national teams since the beginning of the year. In the last few days, the second edition of the TipSport Malta Cup was also played at the National Stadium with Czech team Mlada Boleslav emerging winners. Bundesliga team FC Augsburg and Belgian outfit Cercle Brugge were the first clubs to hold training camps in Malta earlier this month. The German side played two friendly matches, against local side Hibernians and Belgian outfit Cercle Brugge before returning home to resume their duties in the Bundesliga. The women’s national teams of Switzerland and Turkey also held training camps in Malta during January. The Malta women’s team played friendly matches against them, drawing 2-2 against Switzerland and losing 2-1 against Turkey. TIPSPORT MALTA CUPThe 2020 TipSport Malta Cup, which is supported by the Malta Tourism Authority, was the culmination of a busy period at Malta FA’s facilities in Ta’ Qali with three teams from the Czech Republic and one from Slovakia taking part. Zbrojovka Brno progressed to the final after beating Banik Ostrava 3-2 while FK Mladá Boleslav defeated DAC Dunajska Streda with a 5-0 scoreline in the other semi-final. Both the final and third-place matches were decided by penalties following 1-1 draws after 90 minutes. FK Mladá Boleslav edged Zbrojovka Brno 4-3 on penalties, while DAC Dunajska Streda had the better of Banik Ostrava 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out. The presentation of trophies was held at the Dolmen Hotel on Monday in the presence of Julia Farrugia Portelli, the Minister for Tourism. FRIENDLY MATCHESThe visiting teams are playing friendly matches against Maltese sides. On Wednesday, Hibernians featured in a goalless draw against Mladá Boleslav, the winers of the TipSport Malta Cup. On Thursday, Zbrojovka Brno are due to meet Balzan (18.00) followed by the friendly match between Banik Ostrava and Birkirkara (20.00). Next Tuesday, Norwegian side Stabaek, who will also be holding a training camp here, will play two friendly matches, the first against Banik Ostrava on Tuesday and the second against side FAC the following Friday.