Malta waterpolo player Stevie Camilleri to skip European qualifiers tournament

Stevie Camilleri will not be forming part of the Malta waterpolo national team who this week will be in action in the European Championship qualifiers at the National Pool.

The Malta international player had been included in Karl Izzo’s squad for the four-team tournament that will get under way on Friday which will see the Maltese coming up against Romania, Lithuania and Ireland.

However, Camilleri, a prolific goalscorer for the national team, confirmed reports on his social media account that he is forced to skip the upcoming qualifying tournament due to his club commitments with Italian side Muri Antichi.

“It has always been an honour for me to represent my nation and never a point of any sort of discussion,” Camilleri wrote on his facebook account.

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, I will not be able to honour my duties as team captain in the water. Having said that they will definitely have my full support out of the water.

“I believe there is the necessary mix of talent and also experience within the squad to fill any possible void left in my absence and guide us towards the next European Championship. Forza Malta.”

Malta will open their qualifying commitments on Friday when they face Ireland at 6pm.

On Saturday, Karl Izzo’s men will take on Lithuania before they play their final match on Sunday at 10.30am.