Courtesy: Times of Malta.com

RBSM... Malta futsal champions 2003/04

Five-a-side team RBSM were recently crowned champions of the Malta FA 2003/04 futsal competition.

The RBSM team was formed in 2001 in conjunction with the Russian Boarding School of Malta. The principal aim was to unite football veterans from Serbia, Russia and Malta.

The team made a steady rise up the ladder of the futsal league. They won the KO competition last year and were crowned champions this season after a thrilling final match against El Mundos, top team in Section A.

RBSM played in Section B, winning six matches from eight and finishing first ahead of Air Malta Cabin Crew.

RBSM beat El Mundos in the championship decider 5-2 in front of a packed Corradino pavilion which included most of the students and teachers from the boarding school.

El Mundos boasted a number of former Malta internationals in their line-up including Ray 'Mundu' Vella, Alex Azzopardi and Edwin Camilleri.

The RBSM team was made up of Charles Zahra, Sergey Troublenkov, Slavko Vukanovic, Branko Pantelic, Dragan Milovanovic, Sinisa Erak, Boban Milovanovic and Alexei Danilin.

Five-a-side football has lately enjoyed a huge upsurge in popularity in Malta. Futsal is the only official version of the game recognised by FIFA and UEFA.

There are currently more than 40 clubs taking part in the MFA organised competitions, divided into three divisions.

RBSM will not be resting on their domestic title. They will be travelling abroad later this year to take part in an international tournament - Malta's first real foray into overseas futsal participation.