Malta Under-17 national team coach Jonathan Holland has named a 20-player squad for the upcoming UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying matches against Slovakia, Norway and the Netherlands.
The young Maltese side will face three challenging encounters at the Centenary Stadium as they seek to make their mark in the opening round of the European qualifying competition.
Malta will begin their commitments against Slovakia on Wednesday, November 11, with kick-off scheduled for 2.30pm.
Holland’s side will then take on Norway on November 14, also at 2.30pm, before concluding their qualifying campaign against the Netherlands on Tuesday, November 17, at 2pm.
All three fixtures will be played at the Centenary Stadium, providing Malta’s promising youngsters with an opportunity to compete on home soil against established European opposition.
The qualifying tournament will serve as an important test for Holland’s players, offering valuable international experience as they continue their development at youth level.
The 20-man selection features players from several domestic clubs, with Ħamrun Spartans, Hibernians and St Andrews particularly well represented.
The squad also includes midfielder Sean Farrugia, who plays for Irish club Drogheda United, while unattached forward Lukas Wright has also earned a call-up.
Holland will be hoping his players can produce competitive performances against three technically strong opponents as Malta look to gain valuable experience and build for the future.
Malta U17 squad
Goalkeepers: Deyan Gatt (Valletta), Noah Mulholland (Hibernians).
Defenders: Andrei Agius (St Andrews), Zayden Azzopardi (Ħamrun Spartans), Luke Buttigieg (St Andrews), Giorgio Cristauro (St Andrews), Jerome Gaffiero (Ħamrun Spartans), Liam Gatt (Hibernians), Kaiden Grixti (Hibernians), Matteo Mangion (Ħamrun Spartans), Zack Xiberras (Ħamrun Spartans).
Midfielders: Ayrem Aquilina (Valletta), Nicholas Busuttil (St Andrews), Sean Farrugia (Drogheda United, Republic of Ireland), Jayden Roe (Hibernians), Cole Zerafa (Hibernians).
Forwards: Gianni Camenzuli (Pietà Hotspurs), Matthew Higgans (Ħamrun Spartans), Lukas Wright (unattached), Gianni Zerafa (Hibernians).
Malta U17 fixtures
Wednesday, November 11: Malta vs Slovakia – 2.30pm
Saturday, November 14: Malta vs Norway – 2.30pm
Tuesday, November 17: Malta vs Netherlands – 2pm
Venue: Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali.
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