Outgoing Malta coach Cirovic says water polo in Malta deserved more support in the past months

Milan Cirovic said that his decision to step down from his post of Malta water polo national coach and technical director was purely for personal reasons, but emphasised that the local game deserves better support than the one received in the past six or seven months.

Earlier this month, the Aquatic Sports Association announced that Cirovic, who guided the water polo national team to an historic 13th placing in the European Championships in Belgrade and a 10th placing in the World Cup Division II, had tendered his resignation for personal reasons.

His resignation raised a few eyebrows, particularly as it came amid a time when several national team players were put under investigation following revelations of betting activity involving players and individuals connected to the national team and domestic clubs.

The World Aquatics is currently investigating the case, which could see several national players, as well as others in the domestic league, facing betting charges from the world governing body.

Cirovic said that his decision to hand in his resignation didn’t come overnight, but said that Maltese water polo has gone through a lot in the past few months and should have received far bigger support from authorities and the media.

“A few weeks ago, I spoke with the ASA top officials and I decided to hand in my resignation,” Cirovic said.

“The decision didn’t come overnight. Everyone knows what we passed in the past few months.

“I already spoke in January on the need to receive more support,” he added, referring to his comments that said the national team had passed through hell amid the ongoing betting investigation.

“I decided to leave due to personal reasons, and I will be returning to Montenegro. Since January, things haven’t improved here in Malta; if not, the situation has gotten worse.

“As I said before, in this moment there is no space for personal agendas of some people who have political colour in this country, and they hide behind journalists.”

ASA president Karl Izzo reiterated his sadness at seeing Cirovic leave his post and confirmed that the governing body had already started their search to fill his position and he is encouraged by the number of applications received so far.

“In the coming weeks, we will start analyzing the prospective candidates with a view to having a person installed as national coach and technical director by May 1.”

The Malta water polo national team faces a hectic schedule next year, which includes participation in the World Cup in January, as well as the qualifying phases of the European Championships.

The national team will also compete in the Games of the Small States of Europe in Monaco and the Commonwealth Youth Games that will be held in Malta.