In the 1990s, the UEFA Cup was dubbed as the second Coppa Italia. The Italian clubs’ supremacy in this competition was similar to the British clubs’ current supremacy in the latest Champions Leagues.
However something happened to the Italian clubs (and for all intents and purposes to all major clubs) to kind of snub this competition.
Fiorentina and Bayern Munich were an exception this year, they gave their all in all their matches. Unfortunately for them, however they will have to see the final on TV as their respective semi-final opponents, Zenith St. Petersburg and Rangers fight for the cup.
Rangers will hope history is on their side and claim a second European title 36 years after they first did it – though it is the Russian side who start as favourites.
Luxol’s clean sweep
Bupa Luxol have made a clean sweep in local basketball, a first in the history of the sport in Malta.
Luxol won the final game against Compleet IS to secure the men’s championships. Hibs Medsea prevailed in the women’s competition.
There was a time, not long ago, when Basketball went through what we’re now experiencing with Rugby.
The sport was thriving, Maltese teams were participating in leagues abroad and the sport was marketing itself well. In today’s world marketing and communications play a pivotal role in the making of any brand; sport is no exception.
Basketball has the potential to grow but it needs money. It was a pity that not even the thrill of the play-offs attracted people to the Ta’ Qali Pavilion. The lack of aggressive marketing may be one of the reasons why not enough are being attracted to this beautiful game.
Rugby on the other hand is very well marketed. The fact that Malta managed to attain some positive results helped to make this sport popular.
Sport is about participation, but above all it is about results. As a country we have rarely ever adequately invested in sport. Most of the money goes to football. Football yields higher returns to marketers than any other sports.
On Saturday, Malta succumbed to Poland in the Rugby international, but the commitment on the field and the boardroom, if maintained, will continue to encourage the people to follow our national team.