Ebejer also spoke about the national team’s programme and the possible return of the foreign players in Malta.
He made a passionate appeal to all club delegates to reconsider changing the foreign players’ rule (one per club) to allow such players to take part once again in the local competitions. “I am sure that their presence will continue to enhance local levels, especially if the second division clubs had to get one as well,” he said.
He then appealed to the delegates to vote in the interest of the local game when a decision will be taken during the forthcoming annual general meeting. He added that a compromise between the clubs should not be difficult to be reached on this important matter.
He went on to announce that Malta has been invited to take part in a tournament in Holland in early January to inaugurate a new pool. It also had a chance to take part in the Commonwealth Championships in Australia (waterpolo no longer forms part of the
Commonwealth Games). But the ASA president said Malta’s participation had to be cancelled because there was a change of date. “Had it been held as scheduled – in March – it would have been ideal preparation for the team’s participation (7-12 April) in the European A championship (qualification) which we had achieved through our qualification from European Group B after a sixth place last year in Istanbul,” said Ebejer. He said that there were also some players who had offered to fork part of the expenses for the team to take part in the Australia Commonwealth Championship.
KO draws
The draws for the Wilkinson Sword Div. I semi-finals were made yesterday and resulted as follows:
Tomorrow: Neptunes-2X Sirens
Thursday: Marsascala-Sliema.
The final will be played on Sunday.
The Division II KO draws resulted as follows:
Today: 5.30pm Valletta-Exiles; 6.30pm Ta’ Xbiex-Marsaxlokk.
In the semi-finals, to be played on Friday, winners of Valletta/Exiles are to meet San Giljan and the winners of the other match are to face Gozitan side Otters.
The final is also scheduled for Sunday.