Spanish coach to assist men's national team

The Malta Basketball Association (MBA) has reached an agreement with its Spanish counterpart over the appointment of Antonio Ignacio de Torres Moreno to work alongside national coach Joe Galea in preparing the men's team for next June's GSSE in Malta.

Moreno arrived in Malta yesterday for an eight-day visit. He is expected to return to the islands in the first week of May to help Galea in the team's final preparations for the tournament.

Moreno is the author of a book, published by the Spanish Basketball Federation, on fundamental skills for the primary and secondary levels. He also served as vice-president and technical director of the Federation of Gran Canaria from 1988 up to 1992. Moreno's coaching career included spells at Seville in 1985 and Caleta de Fuste between 1994 and 1995.

Meanwhile, a group of players from Malta's women's national team are currently in Priolo, Italy to continue their preparations for the GSSE tournament. The Maltese players are undergoing intensive training under Italian head coach Santino Coppa.

Coppa is expected in Malta in the first week of May to supervise the team's final preparations.