Galea confirmed Pembroke coach

Joe Galea has been confirmed as head coach of Pembroke Athleta, Malta's basketball champions, for next season.

In a statement, Ronnie Naudi, the Pembroke secretary, described the club's success in retaining Galea's services for another year as "a major coup".

Pembroke's efforts to ensure that their squad remains competitive for next season have lured two new players to their fold, Nathan Farrugia from Siggiewi and veteran Don Ross from Luxol. Julian Naudi has also agreed to re-sign for the club.

"The committee of double winners Pembroke Athleta are also looking to improve the standard of the local game by sending two of their players for pre-season training with a top Italian club," the statement said.

"Negotiations on this initiative have already started."

The coach of Italian Serie A2 side Trapani has expressed interest in one of the Athleta stalwarts, namely Michael Naudi, who may be invited for a trial period in Italy, the statement added.

Pembroke also thanked their sponsors Tumas Group for their valuable financial support.