¦Henry Brincat

ASA president Joe Caruana Cur- ran promised a bright future for Maltese national teams yesterday while addressing the press at the ASA’s headquarters. Speaking on the recent achievements of the national A and Under 17 teams in the Aberdeen Commonwealth Championship and Brno tournament for youths (Under 17) respectively, Caruana Curran said the two squads and their mentors deserve a lot of praise from everyone for their results, performances and, most of all, the commitment they have been showing throughout.

He went on to say that the ASA has invested a lot of money on its national teams and will be continuing to do so because it feels it is moving on the right track. “These results justify our participation and we will be eager to defend the seniors’ silver medal in four years’ time when the tournament is held in Australia. It will be difficult as it will be much more expensive, but we will do everything within our capabilities to be there.

“In Aberdeen we had a good number of Maltese residents in Scotland who used to come over day after day to support our team. We really thank them for being so strongly in support of the Malta team. “Over there, we had a very good squad of players, who together with coaches Karl Izzo and Anthony Farrugia, are very serious. There was an unbelievably good atmosphere and it was no wonder we got perhaps much more than we expected.

“We had said earlier this year we wanted to get a medal from this tournament, no matter the colour. We won the silver, but having also played for gold was a lot more satisfying. It was a challenge we all took pleasure in contesting. “These results make us look for- ward to getting better and better in future,” he said. Caruana Curran added that the Brno tournament for the youths was another excellent experience for our youngsters.

He said: “It was difficult for the boys, but I am proud on their achievement. They have obtained the respect of physically stronger opponents and their victory augurs well for the game of water- polo in future.” He went on to criticise those who said the teams did not play against strong opponents such as Croatia, Spain, Italy and Hungary, not to mention others. “What I can say is that we have played 19 matches since the start of the year and won 15 of them, losing the remaining four – two against France and two against England. But most of our victories were registered against teams from countries with a much bigger population than others,” he said. It was near the end of his speech that Caruana Curran promised that the ASA will be continuing to work with this rhythm. “Participation in such tournaments is the only way forward for us. The results obtained in the recent tournament, including the earlier one in Limerick, have given us the confidence needed to face future challenges. That is how we can improve our levels and, perhaps in the not too distant future, we might also become a force to be reckoned with,” he added. The ASA president concluded his speech by revealing that discussions are ongoing with the Italian Federation for the national team to play in the A2 league (non competitive). “If this materialises, I think it will be important for our players. We need such matches to gain experience, but at present, nothing has yet been decided,” he said. Coach Karl Izzo went on to ex- plain what happened underlying the fact that in the Aberdeen Commonwealth Championships tournament, Malta had lost the gold medal to a stronger England side.

“I am offering no excuses. They were stronger, but we had slow starts in the two matches against them, and perhaps we were also slightly hit with some controversial refereeing decisions. “However, on the whole, I was satisfied with the performances and results, especially in the matches against strong sides such as New Zealand and South Africa. “It was a pity that Steve Camilleri was unavailable as his club Bogliasco did not release him for international duty on this occasion. I am sure it could have been a different story against England with him among our ranks,” he added. Izzo explained that he was still satisfied with what his boys managed to do in Aberdeen. “I must also congratulate Matthew Zammit, not only for finishing as top scorer with 28 goals, but also for the fact that he has confirmed that he has become an inspiration for this team-mates. He has turned into an excellent player who plays his heart out for the team,” he said. Izzo also praised the other elements in the squad, but made special mention of captain Niki Lanzon.

“He showed he is a true captain. He was instrumental in all the matches. I am sure he will have a place with us till he calls it a day,” said Izzo. As to the Brno tournament for youths, Izzo said the success could be considered greater as the team was mainly an Under 16 one, while the others were all Under 17. Izzo said: “These youngsters con- firmed that waterpolo’s future in Malta looks bright. Their performances and results are a proof of what I’m saying,” he said. He went on to thank everyone, especially his collaborator Anthony Farrugia, and the parents who joined the squad in Brno. Later Izzo revealed that he is planning a training camp in May from where new blood will be recruited to keep replenishing the national teams. ASA general secretary Marco Manara said winning a silver medal was a great satisfaction for the whole Maltese clan in Aberdeen. He praised the whole squad and not least, the fans. “I must really thank the fans who came over from long distances to support us. They came every day – about 50 of them. We could feel as if we were playing at home thanks to them,” he said.