With the Euro 2012 Preliminary Tournament fast approaching, national futsal coach Vic Hermans is hopeful that Malta will show progress as they pursue a psychological tonic in their friendlies against Norway at the Cottonera Sports Complex today and tomorrow (kick-off 8 p.m.).
The warm-up games against Norway are part of Malta’s build-up for their Group D commitments against Bulgaria, France and Lithuania from January 21-24.
“I hope that these games (against Norway) show that we’re growing as a team,” Hermans told reporters.
“We know our squad. We have some little problems as some players have to take leave from work (to train and play). But, overall we’re ready.”
Flanked by newly-appointed Malta FA technical director Robert Gatt and Mark Borg, the tournament co-ordinator, Hermans voiced his appreciation for the improved level of interest and organisation surrounding the national futsal team.
“When I came here a year ago, my first aim was to try and put futsal on the map,” Hermans said.
“The next step is the UEFA tournament which we host this month.”
Malta’s futsal team achieved its first official win when beating Palestine 2-1 in the Mediterranean Tournament, played in Libya recently.
Describing Malta’s participation in the Libya event as useful, Hermans renewed his call for more support for the futsal players, especially from their employers.
The experienced Dutch coach is keen to lead Malta to a maiden win in a competitive game but stressed that his foremost priority is to enhance his players’ self-belief.
“We must be realistic,” he said.
“The most important thing is that the players stay positive and don’t allow their heads to drop during matches.”
Gatt pledged the Malta FA technical centre’s full support.
“We are behind the national futsal team,” Gatt said.
“We will be doing our utmost to continue strengthening our backing for futsal in the future.
“Vic Hermans is doing a lot to promote the sport and I hope his hard work will bear the desired fruit.”
There was praise for the Malta FA’s increased efforts to boost futsal from co-ordinator Borg.
“I want to thank the MFA for showing trust in my personal capacities,” Borg, who oversaw ZC Excess’s hosting of a UEFA Futsal Cup tournament last year, said.
“I’m happy to be sharing my experience with the MFA. This shows that there is a strong synergy between the MFA and the futsal clubs.”
Euro 2012 Preliminary Tournament (Group D) fixtures:
Jan. 21 – 16.30 Lithuania vs Bulgaria; 20.00 France vs Malta.
Jan. 22 – 18.00 France vs Lithuania; 20.00 Malta vs Bulgaria.
Jan. 24 – 18.00 Bulgaria vs France; 20.00 Lithuania vs Malta.