The Maltese Men’s Handball Team is gearing up for a challenging weekend in the 2028 European Handball Federation (EHF) Qualifiers, taking place in Varna, Bulgaria. The team will face tough competition as they go head-to-head against Great Britain, Bulgaria, and Cyprus.
A strong performance in Varna could bring Malta closer to securing a coveted spot in the 2028 European Handball Championship, a goal that has driven months of preparation and training. The tournament provides a critical platform for the team to showcase their abilities against some of Europe’s emerging handball talents.
The 19-player squad departed for Bulgaria yesterday, brimming with optimism and determination. The Maltese contingent is under the experienced guidance of head coach David Ruch, assistant coach Joseph Tanti, and team manager Oliver Barriot.
The Squad
The selected team represents a blend of seasoned players and emerging talent, each eager to contribute to Malta’s success in the qualifiers. The squad includes:
- Liam Harrison
- Isaac Vella
- Christian McClean
- Luigi Rizzo
- Neil Gruppetta
- Daniel Tanti Farrugia
- Benjamin Spiteri
- Alan Portelli
- Jefferson Borg
- Raoul Ciappara
- Ryan Sciortino
- Carsten Karl Grech
- Jacques Seifert
- Enrique Ciappara
- Clinton Mifsud
- Isaac Ciantar
Fixtures and challenges
The competition kicks off this weekend, with Malta facing Great Britain, Bulgaria, and Cyprus over the coming days. Each match presents a unique challenge, as the Maltese team must navigate a diverse range of playing styles and strategies from their opponents.
With the added support of a passionate coaching team and their recent training efforts, the Maltese squad is determined to put up a strong fight and deliver positive results.
A successful campaign in Varna could mark a significant milestone in Maltese handball history, bringing the national team closer to the 2028 Euros.
