by Malta’s U17 Women’s National Team will kick-start the first of two back-to-back friendlies within forty-eight hours against Romania at noon today. Clint Tabone discussed the benefits of facing foreign opposition a week before the team meets Lithuania and Sweden in the UEFA WU17 European Championships. Tabone also addressed player selections, a 135-minute cap on players and further fresh faces in the Maltese national team that compound on those seen wearing the shirt with the U19s on Wednesday.
Facing Foreign Opposition In Friendlies
Malta’s U17 Women’s National Team will be led by Clint Tabone in two friendlies against Romania as they prepare for next week’s UEFA Women’s U17 European Championship Round 1 matches.
The team travelled to meet Romania for the first time at noon today, before meeting them again at the same time on Sunday. It marks a change in direction for Malta’s youth team under Tabone’s tenure as they face foreign opposition for a friendly in preparation for competitive matches, albeit the fixtures continue to raise eyebrows in the congestion imposed given the wider international window.
Clint Tabone welcomed the opportunity, “Yes, this will be the first time we’re playing friendlies against foreign opposition instead of local teams since I’ve been with the national team. I think it’s a very positive step, especially in terms of mental preparation. Playing against a strong side like Romania gives us a better idea of the challenges we’ll face in the qualifiers. They’re a solid team with good structure and intensity, which makes a great test for us ahead of playing teams like Sweden and Lithuania.”
The team will be facing Sweden & Lithuania next week, starting against Lithuania on the 3rd November, before facing Sweden on the 9th in the UEFA Women’s U17 European Championship Round 1 matches.
Attributes For Selection & A Growing List Of Foreign Faces For Malta
The U17 squad selection features a variety of players hailing from different clubs, but certainly features a strong group coming from Hibernians, Swieqi ZSP and Birkirkara. A total of fifteen players from twenty announced hail from these three clubs.
Considering the numbers have increased in the Maltese U16 league, which features 8 teams, Clint Tabone was probed about what these clubs have done that sets their players apart in terms of quality to play at international level.
Tabone began, “While it’s true that a number of players were selected from teams you mentioned, we also have players from other clubs in the squad. The selection was based on individual performance, not just club affiliation. The staff and I closely monitored players throughout the season, and we chose those we felt were best prepared to compete at international level.”
He continued, “It’s fair to say that players from those three clubs stood out in terms of consistency, intensity, and understanding of the game but talent can come from anywhere, and we remain open to all players showing the right level and mentality. We know the challenges ahead, but we’ll continue working hard and pushing forward.”
Besides players hailing from these three clubs, the official line-up published by the Malta Football Association also calls two players from Valletta (Kesia Farrugia and Erika Cini). Nina Naudi of Sampdoria continues to make the cut, as well as Alessandra Consoli (Oratory Youths).
The official call-up of the U17 selection published by the Malta Football Association also features a new name in Isabelle Said who hails from the Liverpool International Academy in Canada.
Questioned about the player’s attributes and her meriting a place in Malta’s selection, Tabone replied, “We first observed Isabelle through video footage, and later had the chance to see her in person when she came to Malta and trained with the MÄ¡arr United senior team. I followed her closely during those sessions and in pre-season friendlies, where she showed real quality. Despite her young age (born in 2010), she stood out among senior players with her composure, technical ability, and understanding of the game. I believe she has the potential to be an asset to the team, both now and in the future.”
She becomes the latest player announced to join Malta’s ranks. In fact, the U19 National Women’s Team facing Lebanon on Wednesday featured four additional players in the line-up that were omitted from the original call-up published by Association: Emma Flannery, Rowen Crawshaw, Caitlyn Turner and Alys Wilson.
Contacted for an official statement regarding the omission of these players from the call-up by The Sporting Fan, the Malta Football Association confirmed all players are on trial to join Malta’s national youth selections, together with Isabella Garcia who did not feature in the match. No further information was provided regarding their links to Malta.
Crista Chetcuti Ganado has gained a recurring place within Malta’s U19 selection in recent windows, with the player hailing from Leicester City in England.
Observing 135 Minutes & The Objective
Similar to Malta’s U19 coach, David Attard, Clint Tabone was questioned about the coaching staff’s approach toward the 135-minutes rule that was impressed on Maltese club coaches in their utility of the players playing in Malta and whether he also intends to abide by this philosophy as his team takes on Romania twice in forty-eight hours.
Clint Tabone replied in the affirmative, “For sure, we want to involve every player so we can assess what each one can offer as we prepare for the qualifiers. At the same time, we’re taking into account each player’s load. As a coaching unit, we’ll manage minutes carefully and make sure no player is put at risk. Player welfare remains a top priority.”
Tabone expects these friendlies to improve the understanding between players and also their understanding from the coaching instructions, “A successful window for us would be one where the team continues to build chemistry and understanding on and off the pitch. We have limited time to work together, so our main goal is to use this period to prepare in the best possible way, improve our collective performance, and show positive progress in our games. If we manage to do that and deliver solid performances, it would be a successful window for the team.”
The team will take to the pitch at noon Malta time for their first friendly today. Both matches will be live-streamed on the Romanian FA Youtube Channel. Links hereunder:
Romania WU17 vs Malta WU17 – 24th October
Romania WU17 vs Malta WU17 – 26th October
Malta’s U19 national team also faces Lebanon in their second friendly match this afternoon at 15:00 Malta time. That match will be played at the Centenary Stadium, with free entrance. Those unable to attend can also watch the match live on the Malta FA Youtube Channel.
Lead Image: Azerbaijan FA
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Concerning the Attributes For Selection & A Growing List Of Foreign Faces For Malta. Our girls need to do more than what our clubs and association can offer. No one stops us locally to do more. And having kids with Maltese roots joining us allows us as well to compare ourselves. It is not our genetics that limits us.