Maltese national handball champions Swieqi Yobetit Phoenix will be participating in the EHF Cup in September. The EHF Cup is the second most important handball competition in Europe, equivalent to football's Europa League. This is the first time that a Maltese team is participating in this prestigious handball competition.

Swieqi Yobetit Phoenix have been drawn to play Croatian team RK Dubrava from Zagreb in the competition's first round. Phoenix Sports Club President Orlando Bonnici explained that Croatia "has an impressive handball pedigree, having been world, European and Olympic champion over the past fifteen years." The first round matches will be held in Zagreb on the 7th and 8th of September. The winner will go on to meet Benfica of Portugal, who have already been seeded to take part in the next round of competition.

As regards the local champions' preparations for this challenge, Bonnici said these are already well underway. In the meantime, Swieqi Yobetit Phoenix have also bolstered their team with both local and international signings. "This is an important step for Maltese handball, and we intend to perform well in the double encounter against Croatia's best", said the club president.  

Bonnici thanked all those who were supporting Swieqi Yobetit's venture in the EHF Cup, including SportMalta, the Malta Handball Association, as well as the various sponsors "who have helped make this dream come true."

For more information about Swieqi Phoenix Handball, or to join one of their nursery teams, visit their Facebook page or write to [email protected].