Malta’s preparations for the UEFA Under-17 Championship received a boost with the news that promising forward Joseph Mbong has been given the all-clear to represent the country.

Mbong was only two when his family moved to Malta after his father Essien Mbong, who died last year, secured a contract with Premier League club Hibernians.

Widely considered as one of the brightest prospects of Maltese football, Mbong is a key member of the Malta U-17 team but his participation in next month’s tournament had been in the balance as the 16-year-old lad didn’t have a Maltese passport.

That hurdle has since been cleared after Manuel Mallia, the Minister for Home Affairs and National Security, approved Mbong’s application for citizenship in what is being considered a landmark case. The young footballer is the first to be granted citizenship on sporting grounds in recent times.

In an interview last month, Mbong had expressed his willingness to play for his adoptive country, declaring: “Malta has given me a lot and I want to give something back”.

Mbong is understandably de-lighted that the required documents have now been issued.

“I have finally received the certificate of citizenship and I’m very happy,” Mbong said.

“Now, I know I have to work harder to show that I deserve it.

“I believe that those who took this decision have recognised the success enjoyed by my father in Maltese football as well as taking into consideration what I can achieve as a player in the future.”

The Hibs starlet is also relieved that he can focus solely on his preparations for the UEFA tournament, to be played at the National Stadium, Hibs Stadium and Gozo Stadium, now that the doubts over his eligibility have been allayed.

“This has given me a lot of courage, increasing my determination to do well,” Mbong said.

“Now, I can focus only on my preparations for next month’s tournament.”

The line-up for the May 9-21 UEFA U-17 Championship was finalised last week.

The Netherlands, Scotland, Turkey, Portugal, Switzerland, Germany and England will join Malta in the finals draw to be held next Wednesday at St James Cavalier, Valletta.

Mbong is thrilled by the prospect of pitting his wits against some of the most promising youth players on the continent.

“Germany are one of the best footballing nations in Europe and their young players could become famous when they grow up,” Mbong said.

“I also fancy the Netherlands and England. I know it would be very difficult for us if we draw these teams but my dream is to play against the top.”

Mbong is grateful to all those who have championed his bid for Maltese citizenship as well as those who have helped him throughout his burgeoning career.

“I want to thank the Malta FA for doing their best to get me the citizenship,” Mbong said.

“My thanks also go to the Hibs nursery. I’m also indebted to my father because if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have come here and my mother for looking after me and my two brothers.

“A big thanks also to Jesmond Abela (Operations Manager of the MFA Technical Centre), the Prime Minister and all those who were in some way involved in this matter.”

Having kept Mbong in his squad despite the uncertainty over his eligibility, Malta U-17 coach Sergio Soldano has welcomed the an-nouncement that the Nigeria-born forward is now a Maltese citizen.

“I’m very satisfied,” Soldano said.

“Mbong is the son of a former footballer who has done very well in Malta. Joseph will enhance the potential of Maltese football... he will be an asset for the national teams.”

“Apart from possessing some great qualities, Mbong is always willing to learn,” Soldano added.

“I often stay with him after training to discuss tactical issues.

“We’ve been working very hard with these young players. I’m convinced that Mbong and all the U-15 and U-17 players are developing tactically and technically.”

All-round effort

News of Mbong’s naturalisation came as a relief to Soldano.

“I was optimistic because I trusted in the judgment of the authorities,” Soldano said.

“Joseph Mbong has been living here for 15 years. I was also reassured by the fact that Jesmond Abela was handling this matter as I knew he would do everything in his power to push it through.

“It would have complicated matters for me as a coach if they told me that Mbong was not going to be available for the tournament.”

On paper, Malta’s chances of gaining something from their group matches in the UEFA U-17 Championship are at best remote but Soldano believes that Mbong has the capacity to test opponents.

“If he’s fully fit and concentrated, Mbong is one of the few players who can cause problems to the opposing defenders... he has the technical and physical attributes to make an impact,” Soldano said.