The Annual General Meeting of the Malta Basketball Association was held last week at the association’s headquarters in Ta’ Qali.

The elections of the top officials and the members of the MBA Council were the main items on the AGM agenda.

Paul Sultana and Joseph Muscat were uncontested for the posts of president and secretary general of the MBA, respectively. They were re-elected for another four-year term by acclamation.

Dr Abigail Gauci has been elected as deputy president of the MBA, having previously occupied the role of director, while Melvin Gauci has been confirmed as financial controller.

Elton Sant, Caroline Schiavone and Bernard Vassallo have been confirmed as MBA directors along with Nadia Vella, who has been elected to this post for the first time.

Commenting on his re-election as MBA president, Paul Sultana said: “First and foremost, I wish to express my appreciation to my colleagues within the MBA Council, the officials of our basketball clubs and all the members of the local basketball family for their ongoing contribution and support.

“I’m also thankful for the continued trust in my ability to lead the association but this position also entails great responsibility and commitment to ensure that basketball in Malta continues to flourish at all levels.

“Thanks to our concerted efforts, we have consolidated the progress achieved in recent years, especially in the areas of infrastructure, financial management, youth development, competitions and our relations with local and international stakeholders, but there is always room for improvement.

“Looking ahead, we will be striving to further strengthen the game, from the base right through to the clubs and the national teams.

“Over the past years, we have intensified our efforts to further expand and embellish our facilities in Ta’ Qali while pursuing new revenue streams to further increase our investment in the growth of the game. We are hopeful that this groundwork will lead to tangible results in the coming years.”

The administrative report for season 2024-25, presented by Muscat, showcased the association’s work in various fundamental areas.

The commitments of the national teams across all age-groups are highlighted in the report, including Malta’s participation in the 3×3 basketball competitions at the 2025 GSSE held in Andorra, which saw the women’s national team win silver – the first ever medal in this discipline.

“Both the men’s and women’s teams also competed in the FIBA 3×3 Qualifiers in Kosovo, where the level was even higher compared to the GSSE,” Muscat said. “Our performances in these events reaffirmed the need for increased investment in 3×3 basketball, moving forward.”

With regard to the domestic competitions, the MBA confirmed the sponsorship agreements with its main partners, namely BOV, MAPFRE MSV Life, MLS, and TeamSport.

At the grassroots and youth development level, the association consolidated a number of initiatives aimed at introducing the game of basketball to schoolchildren.

FIBA support

Thanks to the support provided under the FIBA Youth Development Fund, various schools were invited to the MBA Complex in Ta’ Qali to introduce schoolchildren to basketball. This programme, co-ordinated by Leonard Falzon with the collaboration of the Education Department, welcomes approximately 70 students on a weekly basis and has proven highly successful over the years.

Another on-going project is “Her World, Her Rules”, which seeks to promote basketball among girls.

The association expressed its gratitude to Madelaine De Martino for managing this programme on a voluntary basis. The activities include 3×3 Coaching Clinics for PE teachers and coaches, conducted by Italian coach Angela Adamoli, as well as multiple coaching sessions in schools across Malta.

Season 2024-25 also saw the organisation of two interschool 3×3 tournaments, which featured the participation of 160 girls.

Season 2024-25 was a landmark one as the Association celebrated its 60th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the MBA hosted a special event at Xara Lodge, which also honoured the winners and nominees of the 2023-24 Player of the Year awards in various categories.

Special Achievement Awards were presented to a host of former players, coaches, and also serving basketball officials for their outstanding contribution to Maltese basketball throughout the years.

FIBA Secretary General Dr Andreas Zagklis attended this event along with Clifton Grima Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation, David Agius, Shadow Minister for Sports, Maltese Olympic Committee officials, led by president Julian Pace Bonello, SportMalta CEO Mark Cutajar, club presidents and secretaries, former MBA presidents and secretary generals, and MBA Council members.