The draws for the 2008 Winter League, as from this year sponsored by Bank of Valletta, were made yesterday at the Aquatic Sports Association's headquarters, at the National Pool Complex, Tal-Qroqq.
Addressing a press conference, ASA president Robert Ebejer thanked the new sponsors and said that the support from Bank of Valletta will guarantee the running of a vast and concentrated programme of activities on the calendar of his association this year.
He revealed that the competition, which comprises five teams, Exiles, Neptunes Vodafone, San Giljan, Sirens Hard Rock Cafe and Sliema McDonald's, is set to start on Saturday, April 5 and finish on Sunday, May 25.
The preliminary round will end on April 26 with almost all the matches scheduled for Saturdays.
An innovation this time will be the play-offs after the preliminary stage which will decide the first four places and the slots for semi-finals.
The first-placed team after the round robin stage will face the fourth-placed, while the second and third teams in the standings will play each other, before the matches to determine the final placings conclude the competition.
Holders Sirens were drawn against Sliema while Neptunes will play San Giljan on the opening day. Exiles will be in action a week later when they face Sliema.
Also addressing the media yesterday was Michael Galea, Executive Head, CEO's Office Bank of Valletta.
He expressed his pleasure that BOV will sponsor waterpolo and said that besides its commercial role the bank is also doing its part to help the community in other social spheres, including sport.
"We are delighted that the first waterpolo competition being supported by BOV will soon be underway and we are looking forward to what promises to be an exciting league," Galea said.
"The bank is now recognised as the official sponsor of all local waterpolo competitions and the main sponsor of local sport, having also taken the main supporting role of the national football leagues and the basketball knock-out competitions."
Finally, he augured that the waterpolo competitions will be better and keener and hoped that the sport will generate more interest among youngsters.
After the draws were made by ASA secretary Remy D'amato, who was assisted by Galea, Robert Ebejer confirmed that coach Sergio Afric will be involved as Technical Director in the waterpolo national team set-up.
Ebejer added that the association will soon be launching a waterpolo nursery so that new talent will be discovered thus ensuring a prosperous future for the sport in Malta.
Schedule
Sat. April 5 Sirens vs Sliema 16.45
Neptunes vs San Giljan 18.00
Sat. April 12 Neptunes vs Sirens 16.45
Exiles vs Sliema 18.00
Sat. April 19 Exiles vs Neptunes 16.45
San Giljan vs Sirens 18.00
Sat. April 26 San Giljan vs Exiles 16.45
Sliema vs Neptunes 18.00
Sat. May 3 Sliema vs San Giljan 16.45
Sirens vs Exiles 18.00
Sat. May 17 A - (1st vs 4th) 16.45
B - (2nd vs 3rd) 18.00
Sun. May 25 Losers A - B 16.45
Winners A - B 18.00