Rugby national team coach Graham Richards yesterday had no doubt that Malta is heading for another victory, and possible promotion, on Saturday in the European Championship qualifier against Luxembourg at Marsa.
Speaking at Sliema's TGI Friday, Richards said his squad was in excellent condition and ready to extend their winning streak in the tournament to three games after victories over Lithuania and Austria.
"This team has proved time and again that we can surpass any hurdle in front of us. Since I started coaching rugby I have never met a group of players with so much passion and determination. Each time they don the national team shirt they give everything to get the win," Richards said.
"Few people gave us a chance last November to beat Lithuania and Austria. But the players responded marvellously with two superb performances, especially in Vienna, when the team came from behind to earn an historic first away win.
"Saturday we are up against Luxembourg. That's another crucial match for us. In their two previous outings Luxembourg also beat Lithuania and Austria. Whoever wins the next match will be favourite to qualify. My players will definitely face the challenge with courage, ready to chalk up another famous win."
The national team has been preparing for the Luxembourg clash for the past two weeks now. Richards, from Wales, has included seven new faces in his 25-man squad, namely, Luke McFaydan, David Gasan, Steve Rota, Chris Vassallo, Matthew Mirabelli, Matthew Bonavia and John Webb.
McFaydan is a 20-year-old Maltese/Australian who plies his trade in England with Chobhan RFC. He was selected after a trial match in the UK last month.
Vassallo, on the other hand, is a relative newcomer in rugby circles having only started practising the sport 11 weeks ago after deciding to hang up his soccer boots after a spell with Mosta FC.
After Saturday's match, the national team will travel to Bosnia to play the remaining group qualifier against the former Yugoslav Republic on April 5. For Richards, the Bosnia match is not in his mind yet.
"Our chief priority at the moment is the match versus Luxembourg. We cannot afford to let other matters disrupt our plans. Our philosophy is to think about one game at a time. Winning matches is our main goal and to achieve that we have to focus totally on the task we have in front of us on Saturday," Richards commented.
Malta Rugby Football Union president Kevin Buttigieg said he was looking forward for Saturday's match with great anticipation.
"The national team has given us a lot to cheer about so far. Saturday, I'm sure, will be no different. My wish is for the local sporting public to come at Marsa and give their support to this team."
Prior to Saturday's qualifier, the MRFU will be holding an U-17 match between Stompers and Kavallieri.
Charity 'row' for Uganda children
On Sunday, the national team players will be involved in a charity activity - 73 miles of static row. The event starts at noon near O'Casey's Bar in Paceville. All proceeds on the day will go for the Open Doors Movement which helps poor children in Uganda.
The money collected will be handed over to Open Doors Movement by Richards himself. He will be travelling to Uganda next summer with other foreign coaches to promote rugby in that country.