Another FIBA Europe Championship is on the way for the women’s national team – the current champions in this category after the successes in 2008 in Albania and 2010 in Armenia.

The European Championship of the small countries will be held in Struga, Macedonia between 10 and 15 July.

The Maltese national team, once again under the guidance of Santino Coppa and Sandro Farrugia, will be aiming for the treble in this competition although some different teams will be taking part.

In fact hosts Macedonia will be returning to this competition after 12 years, having won it in the year 2000. Azerbaijan are also returning to the competition after their last participation in 2008. Austria made their last appearance in 1998 when they ended up as winners.

In this championship Malta will be playing in Group A together with Moldova, Scotland and Azerbaijan. Austria, Wales, Macedonia and Gibraltar will be competing in Group B. Malta will start with the first game on Tuesday against Moldova at 6.45pm. The rest of the games will be played as follows:

Wednesday – Malta vs Scotland at 4.30pm

Thursday – Malta vs Azerbaijan at 6.45pm

There will be no games on 13 July and the semi finals and finals will be played on Saturday and Sunday.

The following players have been called by national coach Santino Coppa and assistant coach Sandro Farrugia:

Rebecca Brincat Thoresen, Maria Desira, Ashleigh Vella, Elena Cassar, Kirsten Baldacchino, Leanne Sciberras, Christina Grima, Steffi De Martino, Josephine Grima, Lindsey Pirotta, Joselle Cardona, Bever-Lee Zammit.