University of Malta Futsal

Cleaven Portelli’s journey started when he joined the first ever trials for the team, way back in 2014, back then still a Podiatry student. He was drafted into the first ever squad, the one iconic white and red striped kit.

Cleaven kicked off as a fast and speedy winger scoring a prolific list of goals, with 51 goals in 52 matches in his initial two seasons. Eventually, Portelli’s game evolved and matured, becoming ever more influential in building up play. He still kept an eye for goal, finishing his career with over 115 goals in almost 200 matches.

Portelli’s performances earned him various Malta national team call-ups, having been on the radar since 2015/16.

Finally, Portelli took helm of his peers, wearing the Captain’s armband for several seasons, having already served as Vice-Captain since the beginning of the club.

Cleaven has been another influential number 9 in the Maltese futsal history. He has now hung up his boots and will serve as an advisor to the UM Futsal committee. Grazzi ta’ kollox, P**i!

A massive heartfelt thank you goes to Zvezdan Vuković.

Zvezdan served as Player and Women’s Coach in 2023/24 , and then as Player-Coach of the Men’s team in 2024/25 and 2025/26.

He has served the club with loyalty, hard work, and dedication. He has been an important pivot for the team, bringing power and fearlessness to the court.

As Coach, he led the inaugural Women’s team, in 2023/24. With regards to Men’s, his results have even produced silverware, as he won the 2024/25 Laferla Knockout Cup, and was also awarded Best Coach (Men’s) of season 2024/25.

Also, it is worth noting under Vuković’s management, UM Futsal finished as Runner-Up of the 2025/26 National League. Such results have been attained while also training and being available as a player on the court.

Hvala, Zvezdan!

We wish to thank Cristian Fernández.

Cristian joined us in January 2025 and never looked back. Match by match, he grew more and more important for the club, as he started showing his qualities as a powerhouse in the game.

A goal machine, Cristian scored the crucial goal in the Laferla Knockout Cup 24/25 Final, to give UM Futsal the lead in the last few seconds of the game.

In season 25/26, Fernández donned the number 10, and produced a barrage of goals, winning the League Top Scorer award by the Futsal Malta Association.

Gracias Campeón!

UM Futsal is hosting trials for students to join UM Men’s Futsal Team.

This is an opportunity to represent the University, compete at a high level, and be part of a team built on commitment, ambition and excellence.

Trials
Date: 19th August
Time: 19:30
Venue: St Martin’s College

📲 Register here: https://forms.gle/VGRU3wnHmYtvYhix5

Step forward. Represent your University.

UM Futsal is inviting students to attend trials for the UM Women’s Futsal Team.

This is an opportunity to represent the University, compete at a high level, and be part of a team built on commitment, ambition and excellence.

Trials
Date: 17th August
Time: 20:00
Venue: De La Salle

📲 Register here: https://forms.gle/udjzdPVkjzWswgot6

Step forward. Represent your University.

We wish to thank some sponsors that were of great assistance at the end of season 25/26. Our commercial partners are part and parcel of what we do.

We hope you had a Happy Father’s Day, dads!

Last week the team enjoyed a relaxed meal while also taking time to recognise the best amongst the best. We thank .lab for the tidy awards.

For our final Player of the Month, the Committee, and Technical Staff, have chosen Roller Cruz, also given the fact that the he was also voted as Players’ Player of the Season. Well done Roller, and well done to all players!