Maltese girls preparing for tests against fellow minnows

The Malta U-16 girls team are putting the final touches to their preparations for the UEFA Girls U-16 Development Mini-Tournament between January 29 and February 2. Malta open their commitments with a match against Andorra on Monday at the Centenary Stadium (kick-off: 11am). They meet Gibraltar two days later (kick-off: 11am) before concluding their campaign against Liechtenstein on Friday (kick-off: 10.30am). The Maltese girls play all their matches at the Centenary Stadium.  Dorianne Theuma, the coach of the Malta U-16 girls team, is relishing the opportunity to lead her team in another international tournament.  The Hibernians and Malta midfielder spoke to www.mfa.com.mt ahead of this tournament which is the first major appointment for any women’s national selection in 2018.  “Two years have passed since our last participation in an international tournament,” Theuma said. “It is difficult to compare the team that took part in that event with the current one but our aim is the same… we want to use this tournament to aid the development of our girls and help them gain more experience at international level. “We are doing a lot of tactical work, especially since most of the players in our squad have little experience of 11-a-side football, due to their young age. “Thus, we have to make sure that our team is competitive and able to compete with their opponents on the field of play. Our main target is for our young players to gain experience.” Malta had also hosted the UEFA U-16 Youth Development Tournament in 2016. In their opening match, Malta beat Liechtenstein 3-1 but lost their next two games against Azerbaijan (0-1) and Austria (0-2).  These development tournaments as part of UEFA’s ongoing efforts to develop football across Europe while providing a platform for the players to showcase their talents at international level.  MALTA U-16 SQUADGoalkeepers: Giulia D’Antuono, Sarah Zarb (both Mosta). Defenders: Tammy Agius, Jessica Lee Dimech (both Tarxien Rainbows), Laura Chetcuti Dimech (Sliema Wanderers), Valentina Rapa (Gozo), Haley Bugeja (Mġarr United), Maria Michaela Cassar (Kirkop United). Midfielders: Michela Bonello Ghio, Maya Lucia (both Raiders), Maia Melaine Debono, Rachela Pace (Mġarr United), Emma Philippa Ciantar (Mosta), Shania Marie Spiteri (Żebbuġ Rangers), Elena Sissons (Tarxien Rainbows), Kaycee Micallef (Birkirkara). Forwards: Shakira Bugeja (Kirkop United), Veronique Mifsud (Birkirkara), Kailey Willis (Tarxien Rainbows), Rebecca Laferla (Mġarr United).