Basil Tuma Named in Malta's Provisional Squad for UEFA Nations League

Basil Tuma’s remarkable rise continued this week as the Aldershot Town winger was named in Malta’s provisional 29-man squad for their upcoming international window.

The 21-year-old only arrived at the EBB Stadium in the summer, stepping down from Reading to test himself with regular senior football. He has wasted no time making an impression. Eight appearances in, he has helped drive the Shots into eighth place, their 15-point haul underpinned by his direct running and willingness to stretch defences.

For Malta, this is no gamble on potential. Tuma is already part of the furniture.

Born in Uganda, he first pulled on national colours at the 2020 CECAFA Under-17 Championship, representing his country of birth. Two years later, in September 2022, his international path took a decisive turn as he joined up with Malta’s Under-19s, the start of a new chapter that has accelerated quickly.

By October 2024, he had broken into the Malta senior side, coming off the bench at half-time on his debut and immediately changing the game’s rhythm, winning a penalty and announcing himself as a serious option at this level. Seven more caps have followed, underlining the trust placed in him.

Upcoming Fixtures

Now comes another test, and a busy one.

• Malta face three UEFA Nations League fixtures over the next two weeks, a demanding stretch that will shape their campaign.
• They open with a trip to Andorra on 24 September, a cagey assignment where energy from wide areas can tilt fine margins.
• Three days later, on 27 September, they return home to host Liechtenstein in a friendly, a rare chance to tweak, experiment and fine-tune before the competitive grind resumes.
• Then the schedule tightens. Gibraltar visit on 1 October in the Nations League, a fixture that has the feel of a must-take opportunity.
• Andorra then come to Malta on 4 October for the return meeting, closing a run that will test depth, resilience and ambition.

For Tuma, every minute in a Malta shirt now carries extra weight. His club form with Aldershot has put him firmly on the radar; this international window offers the stage to show he belongs there.