Malta to play against hosts Kosovo, Georgia, and Cyprus in Group A
The excitement is building as Malta’s women’s national team, under the leadership of newly-appointed coach Charles Bonnici, prepares to compete in the FIBA Women’s European Championship for Small Countries in Kosovo. This prestigious tournament will see Malta face off against formidable opponents in Group A: the host nation Kosovo, Georgia, and Cyprus.
Malta will kick off their campaign against Kosovo on Tuesday, June 25, at 20.30 in Pristina. The team will then face Georgia on Wednesday at 15:30, followed by their final group match against Cyprus on Thursday at 18:00. The semi-finals and classification matches are set for Saturday and Sunday, June 29-30.
This championship marks Bonnici’s first official games since he took the reins of the women’s national basketball team in January. Training began last month with small groups of players, gradually intensifying over the past four weeks. Bonnici has been impressed with the team’s dedication and hard work.
“The players are very dedicated, they give their all in training and I can’t ask for more,” Bonnici stated.
“The preparations are on track. We have worked on the tactical, technical, and physical aspects, and the players’ commitment has been flawless.”
Bonnici’s 12-strong squad for this challenging tournament is ready to take on some strong competitors, starting with their opening game against the hosts, Kosovo.
“Our first game is against Kosovo, the hosts,” Bonnici explained, “Georgia are also strong while we know the level of Cyprus from last year’s GSSE. Gathering information about our opponents is also a challenge but we are doing our utmost to prepare for this tournament in the best way possible.
“We know it’s going to be tough but we have to aim as high as possible… we hope to achieve a top-four finish. The first game is very important for us since it’s the top fixture against the home team on the opening day of the tournament. If we manage to win this game, it would enhance our morale as well as our chances of a top-four placing.”
Bonnici’s optimism and strategic planning are pivotal as the team gears up for these high-stakes matches. His confidence in the squad’s abilities and their preparation efforts are echoed in his selections.
Malta Women’s Squad
- Sophie Abela (Depiro)
- Claire Ciantar (Depiro)
- Kristy Galea (Depiro)
- Mikela Riolo (Starlites)
- Maria Bonett (Starlites)
- Stephanie De Martino (Starlites)
- Michela Zammit Cordina (Starlites)
- Ylenia Bonett (DBB LZ, Austria)
- Marie Buhagiar (Hibernians)
- Josephine Diaby (Luxol)
- Danika Galea (Elite Roma, Italy)
- Amber Melgoza (AE Sedis Basquet, Spain)
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