Ben Camille delves into the world of taekwondo in Malta during this week’s edition of GAME ON.
Camille met with national coach Sajad Habibi who nurtures young talent in the sport in Malta.
Habibi told Ben Camille that the sport of taekwondo forms part of martial arts and although there is the perception that it’s a violent sport, in reality, the discipline is a great tool to educate children.
“I think that parents should try out taekwondo. It’s true that the sport is part of martial arts but we don’t try to win the fight by violence but we try to win the bout by points,” Habibi said.
“My suggestion to the parents is not just to start kids in football or tennis but try out taekwondo as it is not just a traditional sport but we also educate children.”
Habibi said that with taekwondo, children learn self-discipline and is a sport that is multi-culture.
“I think that with taekwondo you learn discipline and secondly if you look at taekwondo it is very multi-cultural. It’s not just about one country but all over the world – if you look at our club we have athletes from 25 countries.
“Through our sport youngsters learn how to respect their opponents. In our sport, there is competition and everyone wants to win and that is the same in real life. Every person wants to succeed and perform in every job that one wants to do and those are very important values.”
Hottest games predictions
The challenge between Ben Camille and Times of Malta Sports Editor Valhmor Camilleri is heating up, as they continue trying to predict the results of the hottest games happening this weekend.
How did they do last week?
Ben Camille and Valhmor Camilleri managed to predict one correct result each from last weekned’s big matches.
Ben Camille guessed the correct result of the match between Napoli and Milan, which the latter won 1-0, and predicted that Liverpool will have the better of West Ham to gain 50 points.
On the other hand, Valhmor Camilleri predicted that Liverpool would beat West Ham 1-0 and that Manchester City would have the better of Manchester United to also gain 50 points.
Total Scores after week 7
In the overall standings, Valhmor Camilleri still leads the way with 350 points while Ben Camille is trailing with 260 points.
We will keep you updated with a tally of their scores every week. A correct result (picking a win, draw or defeat) is worth 10 points. The exact score earns 40 points.
Manchester United vs Tottenham (Saturday at 18.30)
Manchester United’s aspirations of a top four finish face a decisive test this evening when the Red Devils host rivals Tottenham Hotspurs at Old Trafford.
United head into this clash under huge pressure following last week’s 4-1 derby defeat to Manchester City which saw United leapfrogged by Arsenal into fourth place and with no margin of error if they are to play in the Champions League next season.
Interim manager Ralf Rangnick will be hoping to have some key personnel back in his squad with Luke Shaw, Raphael Varane, and Cristiano Ronaldo all missing last week’s derby against Man. City.
Tottenham Hotspur head into the clash at Old Trafford in high spirits after crushing Everton 5-0 on Monday.
Antonio Conte will be aware that a win at Old Trafford on Saturday would be crucial for his side’s hopes of a return in the Champions League.
Spurs are currently sixth on 45 points, just two adrift of their North London rivals Arsenal.
Ben Camille’s prediction: Man United vs Tottenham 2-0.
Valhmor Camilleri’s prediction: Man. United vs Tottenham 1-0.
Birkirkara vs Valletta (Saturday at 14.00)
Valletta’s hopes of making it into the Championship Pool face a decisive test when the Citizens take on Birkirkara.
Valletta are currently engaged in a four-way fight for the final berth in this season’s Championship Pool but are aware that their hopes of making it into the top six rest on them beating third-placed Birkirkara and hope Sirens fail to overcome Gżira United.
Danilo Doncic, the Valletta coach, will be urging his players to cut out the silly errors in defence that cost them crucial points in recent weeks if they are to have the better of the Stripes.
On the other hand, Birkirkara are also desperate for points to try and bridge the gap on league pacesetters Floriana and Hibernians.
The Stripes have struggled for consistency this season and need to bag all points if they are to stay in the hunt to at least clinch a top three finish and a place in the Europa Conference League qualifiers next summer.
Ben Camille’s prediction: Birkirkara vs Valletta 1-1.
Valhmor Camilleri’s prediction: Birkirkara vs Valletta 0-0.
Floriana vs Hibernians (Saturday at 18.00)
Floriana and Hibernians will go head to head on Saturday, with top spot in the BOV Premier League standings at stake.
The Greens are currently just one point ahead over the Paolites and will be looking for all three points to ensure they start the third and final round of the championship with a commanding four-point lead.
Floriana head into the match bursting with confidence after picking up five successive wins and coach Gianluca Atzori will hope his charges can show the same attacking verve that catapulted them to the top of the standings.
On the other hand, Hibernians will be desperate to regain control in this season’s title race after losing their top status for the first time this season a fortnight ago.
The Paolites come into the match on the back of a hard-fought victory over Balzan and coach Stefano Sanderra will hope his players show the same desire to regain control of this year’s title race.
Ben Camille’s prediction: Floriana v Hibs 1-2.
Valhmor Camilleri’s prediction: Floriana vs Hibernians 1-1.
Do you reckon you can beat Ben and Valhmor? Let us know your predictions for this weekend’s hottest matches in the comments below.
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