Thirteen teams to compete in the 2025 Enemed Cup, women’s teams to feature for first time

The Enemed Cup is set for an expanded edition next month as 13 teams have registered to take part in the pre-season competition, which for the first time will also feature a women’s tournament.Details of the competition were given by ASA president Karl Izzo during a news conference at the governing body’s headquarters.

The Enemed Cup has been ever-present on the waterpolo calendar since its first edition in 2017 and this year’s competition will see a record ten teams compete in the men’s event while three clubs will feature in the women’s tournament.

 “We are very pleased that we are launching the new season with the Enemed Cup once more,” Izzo said.

“The ASA has been grateful to be working with Enemed for the past ten years, and although our sponsorship agreement is coming to an end, I am looking forward to starting negotiations with them for a new deal, and hopefully we come to an agreement and bring in funds to continue investing in waterpolo.

“This year, we are delighted to be launching a women’s competition. The ASA have been working really hard to develop the women’s game in Malta, and surely this is a step in the right direction.”

Izzo confirmed that ten teams will compete in the men’s tournament and confirmed that the competition will be the perfect preparation for all the players ahead of the new season, and will push for a place in the national team.

 “For the first time, the men’s competition will have a record ten teams taking part,” Izzo said.

“It’s a positive sign as it will provide the perfect platform for many young players to play regularly at a high level. Added to that, this tournament will also be an opportunity for players to push their claim to form part of the national team ahead of our participation in the European Championships that will be played in Belgrade, in January.”

On his part, Karl Loftus, representing Enemed, said that it’s a privilege for his company to be sponsoring the ASA competition and is hoping their relationship will continue for many years to come.

“The Enemed Cup has been held since 2017 and we are pleased that for the first time this year there will be competition for men and women’s teams.

“For us, it has always been a privilege that our competition opens the new season and it has always been a great platform for youngsters to showcase their talent.

“We are proud to be supporting the ASA and we feel part of the excellent progress shown by the national teams in recent years.”