Local Taking UEFA Pro Course Alongside International Names

Sep 25 2024

Local coach and founder at The Player Lab Andrei Agius will be undertaking a new journey in his career as he travels to Italy to undertake the UEFA PRO course.

The course aims to provide participants with professional development to take their coaching career to the next level – and among them are the likes of Marek Hamsik.

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Hamsik is a Slovak football coach and former player who’s helped his country qualify for their first ever FIFA World Up.

He also led his nation to European Championship qualification for the first time in 2016, as well as winning several individual awards.

‘Im constantly striving to learn new things, challenge my ideas and understand where football is heading’, wrote Andrei. ‘Honoured and humbled to have made it once again in the best coaching university in the word for my last coaching licence.’

Good luck Andrei!

#MaltaDaily

Activists Invite Public For Open Discussion On Abortion

Sep 25 2024

A group of pro-choice activists held an open conversation on abortion in Valletta, inviting the public to engage in dialogue on the topic.

They highlighted that more people now support the decriminalisation of abortion but stressed that continued discussions are necessary to challenge the stigma that still lingers in Maltese society.

The event provided an inclusive and welcoming environment where participants could voice their concerns.

The activists urged attendees to move beyond viewing abortion as a strictly black-and-white issue, encouraging empathy by considering each individual story.

To combat the silence surrounding abortion, activists are encouraging people to openly share their experiences. They noted that when personal stories remain untold, abortion is often seen as an uncommon event, despite the reality that more than one person in Malta seeks an abortion daily.

The reluctance to speak out, they argued, limits the potential for meaningful conversations that could foster greater empathy and understanding, especially among those who oppose abortion.

This comes ahead of the Malta Abortion Rights Rally set to take place this Saturday, 28th September at 5pm in Castille Square.

#MaltaDaily

Davide Mazzotta Appointed New Interim Malta National Coach

Sep 25 2024

The Malta Football Association (MFA) has appointed Davide Mazzotta as interim head coach of the national football team following the departure of Michele Marcolini.

Mazzotta, who served as the team’s assistant coach between 2020 and 2023, will take charge for Malta’s remaining four matches this year, including a friendly against Turkmenistan and crucial UEFA Nations League games against Moldova and Andorra.

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Mazzotta, a 54-year-old Italian coach, previously worked under Devis Mangia and briefly led the team to a 2-1 victory over Israel in 2022 before Gilbert Agius was named interim coach. His career includes time with Premier League club Chelsea, where he was part of Antonio Conte’s coaching staff, and more recently with Serie B side Salernitana.

MFA president Bjorn Vassallo expressed confidence in Mazzotta, praising his familiarity with the players and his tactical knowledge. Mazzotta himself said he was honored to return and is motivated to help the squad perform at its best.

Joining Mazzotta as assistant coach is former Uruguay international Ernesto Javier Chevanton, who has notable experience coaching Lecce’s Under-19 team to an Italian championship in 2022.

#MaltaDaily

Diver At Risk Of Dying After Finding Difficulty In Gozo

Sep 25 2024

A 51-year-old Polish diver was hospitalised on Tuesday after encountering difficulties while diving in Gozo.

Authorities were alerted to the situation around 3:30 p.m., when the man was admitted to Gozo General Hospital, where he was later certified to be in serious condition.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the diver ran into trouble while exploring the waters near ix-Xatt l-Aħmar. His companions administered first aid at the scene before transporting him to the hospital for further treatment.

An inquiry has been opened, and police investigations are ongoing.

#MaltaDaily