The Malta Under-16 boys’ squad were hosted by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Thursday afternoon following their positive participation in the recently-held UEFA Youth Development Mini-Tournament, played at the Centenary Stadium.
Wins over Andorra (on penalties), Gibraltar and Liechtenstein ensured that the Maltese youngsters, under the guidance of coach Noel Turner and his assistant Ronald Vella, finished top of the group to replicate the success achieved by their female counterparts in a similar tournament a few weeks earlier. Their efforts drew praise from the Prime Minister who appealed to the young players to keep looking forward and aiming higher. “You have achieved these results because you worked hard, prepared well and your coaches made sure that you approached the matches with the right attitude and strategy,” Dr Muscat said. “This country is very eager for success in the sporting scene. You must have realised this last week as everyone was talking about your results. “I hope that this is the first of many visits.” Norman Darmanin Demajo, the Malta FA President who led the delegation, thanked the government for its constant support towards Maltese football. “I have always said that we are lucky to have a prime minister who loves football,” Darmanin Demajo said. “We are grateful to the Prime Minister and the Parliamentary Secretary for Sport for their on-going backing.” Addressing the young players, Darmanin Demajo said that their success in the development tournament reinforced his conviction that, at this level, our players can compete well. “Tougher challenges lie ahead of you,” Darmanin Demajo said. “You will have to make important choices in your life and I’m not here to judge you. “You have the talent but if you want to succeed in football, you need to be very dedicated, focused and be prepared to make sacrifices, especially if you have ambitions to play overseas.” Dr Clifton Grima, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations, echoed Darmanin Demajo’s sentiments, telling the young players to dream big and be prepared to step out of the comfort zone. “If you have the opportunity to play abroad, go for it,” Dr Grima said. “You are our future football ambassadors.” Praising the work of the Malta FA, Dr Grima said he holds regular meetings with Darmanin Demajo to discuss projects and initiatives for the good of Maltese football. All the members of the Malta U-16 squad, technical staff and MFA officials were presented with a commemorative gift by the Prime Minister. Dr Muscat received a framed photo of the Malta U-16 squad from the Malta FA President and a signed Malta shirt from team captain Karl Mohnani.