The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta (ASA) has officially launched the Enemed Water Polo Cup 2025/26, which is set to get underway tomorrow. This marks the final season under the current sponsorship agreement between the ASA and Enemed, with ASA President Karl Izzo expressing hope that new negotiations will begin soon to secure a fresh deal once the present one expires.

For the first time, this year’s edition will feature both men’s and women’s teams, with three women’s sides joining all the men’s clubs in competition. The tournament will serve as an important platform for Maltese players aiming to earn selection for the European Championships, to be held in Belgrade early next year.

The Women’s Enemed Cup will run from Saturday, November 22 to Wednesday, December 17, while the Men’s competition kicks off tomorrow and will conclude with the final on Saturday, December 6.

A Crucial Season Ahead

President Karl Izzo highlighted the importance of the upcoming season for both the men’s and women’s water polo categories. Each will feature three major international competitions, with the senior men’s team competing in the European Championships, and the women’s team taking part in the World Cup.

Additionally, the Under-16 men’s team and Under-18 women’s team will also compete in the World Cup, while both Under-20 sides (men and women) will feature in the European Championships.

Izzo noted that Maltese water polo continues to earn recognition abroad, with the national men’s team ranked 13th out of 36 nations and the women’s team 17th out of 24 in the 2025 European Aquatics rankings — the country’s highest placement to date.

Maltese Talent Making Waves Abroad

The ASA president credited these achievements to the growing number of Maltese players competing overseas, describing them as the “future of Maltese water polo.”

Among the male players currently plying their trade in Europe are San Gialanze, Jake Tanti, Jake Muscat, Alec Fenech, Louis Pace, Marco Rossi, and Jayden Cutajar. Meanwhile, Jake Bonavia, Matthew Bonello Du Puis, and Gianni Farrugia are pursuing studies and playing in the United States.

On the women’s side, Alexia Amato, Nadya Azzopardi, Maria Bonello, and Yara Bonnett are also studying and playing abroad.

Maltese Clubs in European Action

Four Maltese clubs are set to represent the island in upcoming European competitions.
In the Men’s Challenger Cup, Sliema and San Ġiljan will compete, with matches scheduled at the Cottonera Pool from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 November. Both local teams have been drawn in the same group, raising hopes that they could progress together to the next stage.

In the Women’s Conference Cup, San Ġiljan and Sirens will also be in action at the Cottonera Pool, between Friday 14 and Sunday 16 November.

Marking a Centenary Celebration

These milestones come as the ASA prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary on November 15, marking a century of growth, success, and dedication to Maltese aquatic sport.