The Malta Futsal squad held a six-day training camp at the National Sport School in view of the forthcoming international commitments.
Zeljko Anicic, the national futsal coach, had the chance to watch all the 19 players called for this second training camp just over two months after the one held in late September.
In addition to the training sessions, the Maltese squad played two friendly matches against foreign players engaged with local futsal clubs.
In the first encounter, the FMA selection had to sweat hard to overcome the stiff opposition of Malta 4-3. As Karl Sciortino’s double put Malta ahead, Gia Nikhasvili and Maicon levelled the score. Denzil Pisani scored Malta’s third goal but Nikhasvili and Maicon were on target to give their side the 4-3 win.
In the second match, it was a 5-1 win for the foreigners based in Malta, nonetheless a valuable work-out for this inexperienced Malta side made up of young but promising Futsal players.
During this match, Melvin Borg put Malta ahead but the FMA Foreign selection turned the tables courtesy of an Emil Raducu double with Evandro, Mija Spasic and Denis Di Maio also on the scoresheet.
In the meantime, the FMA committee started a series of meetings with Futsal Clubs starting with Swieqi United FC. The committee’s intention is to communicate its vision whilst at the same time listening to the Clubs’ ideas for the development of the game of futsal.
The FMA is embarking on a plan which is based on Youth Development, Marketing, Infrastructure and Strategy. In collaboration with the MFA Futsal & Beach Soccer Department, the FMA hopes to be in a position to start an Under-19 competition as from the next season. The FMA National Futsal League resumes this week with the following fixtures;
Friday 18th December
19:30 – Ta’ Xbiex vs Ibraġġ Futsal (De La Salle)
20:45 – Luxol vs University of Malta (National Sports School)
Saturday 19th December
14:30 – Naxxar Lions vs Marsaskala Futsal (De La Salle)
16:45 – Valletta vs Żurrieq (National Sports School)
18:45 – Swieqi vs Qormi (National Sports School)