Matthew Zammit back in waterpolo national team after positive talks with ASA

The Aquatic Sports Association of Malta has announced that veteran waterpolo player Matthew Zammit has agreed with the governing body to come out of international retirement and represent the national team in their upcoming commitments.

Zammit had decided to call time on his international career after the 2022 European Championship finals but now the San Ġiljan stalwart has made himself available for the national team after positive talks with the ASA officials.

“The ASA of Malta is delighted to announce that Matthew Zammit has decided to re-join the Malta Seniors Waterpolo National team in its preparation for the upcoming European Aquatic Championship qualifications in June 2025, and thereafter, if Malta succeeds to qualify, in the European Aquatic Championship finals in 2026,” the ASA said in a statement.

“This is bound to be a very important addition to the national team which has recently achieved a very positive 5th place in the World Aquatics World Cup Division 2 in Istanbul, and is working to improve on this result.

“Matthew needs no introduction to the local waterpolo scene. His commitment and positive attitude, vast experience, power and physical ability will surely prove to be an asset within the national team, and his presence will certainly benefit the present young squad.”

Zammit’s inclusion in the national team will bring more experience to Milan Cirovic’s national team ahead of what promises to be another challenging year where our selection is targeting a sixth successive qualification to the European Championships finals.

President Karl Izzo could not hide his delight at the news that Zammit was back in the national team set-up.

“I am really happy to bring Matthew Zammit back in the national team,” ASA president Karl Izzo told the Times of Malta.

“He is another very influential player to return to the national team after Stevie Camilleri came out of international retirement in December and donned the Maltese colours.

“Our goal as president was that for the 2025 European Championship qualifiers, which will be held between June 10 and 12, we will have the strongest possible national team.

“After the fine result achieved in the World Cup Division Two in Istanbul, I am now looking forward to try and improve our placing in the international sphere. We are looking at other players who were not part of the squad in Istanbul to ensure we arrive for the Euro qualifiers with the best possible chance of securing our sixth successive participation in the continental finals.

“I would like to show my gratitude to the work carried out by Chris Sladden, our national team sporting director, who has been instrumental in bringing back players like Stevie Camilleri and Matthew Zammit.”