New coaches appointed as MBA sets 2010 target

The Malta Basketball Association yesterday revealed a long-term plan for the women's game to continue thriving on the international scene following the 'golden quadrennial' of 2002-2006.

Association president Antonio Mizzi said the main target for the women's national team over the next four years is promotion from the European Championship Division C in 2010.

He was speaking on the same day the MBA and Peugeot signed another sponsorship agreement for women's basketball in domestic competitions and the national team.

This partnership with the French carmakers has now been extended to a third year.

"Peugeot have become a source of inspiration for us these past few years," Magistrate Mizzi told reporters. "Thanks to their support we have established a solid base for women's competitions and we look forward to renewing this sponsorship."

The gold medal in the 2003 GSSE ignited great interest in women's basketball. Reliable surveys, verified by MBA officials, showed that basketball is the top game in Malta for women. Basketball, in general, lies second in the poll behind football.

"That was a great era for the women's game," Mag. Mizzi said.

"Basketball grew in popularity. We won't forget those achievements for sure. Some of the players in that squad are still active and Santino Coppa is still the coach, so, we have to look ahead and seek higher objectives."

With no basketball teams involved in June's GSSE in Monaco, a sound coaching set-up in all areas of the women's game has been among the priorities for the association.

Coppa, who already has his son Salvo training the junior ranks, will now have the added assistance of coaches Sandro Farrugia and Dorianne Galea in the youth and cadet sectors.

"We've agreed with Prof. Coppa on a long-term development project which will culminate in 2010. If everything goes according to plan we should make a quantum leap in four years' time. Our main objective is promotion from Division C," Mag. Mizzi said.

"We took our time to study all options and in Farrugia and Galea we think we've found the right persons to handle the job. They've got basketball in them and look motivated enough to carry out their duties efficiently."

Farrugia has had various stints with local clubs and also at national team level.

Galea needs no introduction as her list of honours at personal and club level, for Hibs and Rabat Depiro as well as the national team, are probably unmatched.

"The legacy left by the national team of 2002-2006 is excellent," Farrugia said.

"This is a tough challenge for both of us but the response has been encouraging so far. We think there's enough talent here to help us reach our goals."

Optimistic Galea

Galea, the national team captain of GSSE 2003, is also optimistic.

"In 22 years of basketball, I've always sought to give my all and rely on my winning mentality.

"I was lucky enough to have had people around me with the same line of thinking.

"Coaching at this level is something new for me but I'm ready to learn more about it and share my experience with the squad."

Mag. Mizzi said Galea and Farrugia will be honing their skills in technique with Prof. Coppa in Italy. They will also get the assistance of the Italian basketball federation and FIBA Europe to acquire recognised licences with courses lasting up to five years.

"This is a crucial stage for our women's game," Mag. Mizzi said.

"FIBA is doing its utmost to help developing countries and we can't lag behind the others. Promotion in 2010 is our top priority now. Division C is not our place."