The Hockey Association of Malta (HAM) announced they have appointed Pieter Bregman as national team coach.

The HAM had received various applications for the role but Bregman, who has vast experience both at playing and coaching levels, was chosen to take on the role with immediate effect. He will continue to coach Sliema Hotsticks.

Malta’s first competitive engagement will be in the EHF Euro Championship in Lithuania next summer and Bregman is aiming high.

“We will aim for the top position in the European league in July next year,” he said. “We have to try and move up one level which will make it more interesting for our clubs and the Maltese team.”

This will not be an easy feat, however, but Bregman is already looking to start with his preparations for the competition.

“I will start selecting players with immediate effect and draw up a squad of 26-28 players,” he said.

“They will be invited by the HAM to attend the first central training session in January. Each month we will have a session with this group and by May the selection should be ready for the Euros.”

Bregman wants to lift the profile of the sport on our shores.

“My vision is that we create an awareness campaign and raise the game’s profile,” he said.

“We need more youths to come into our clubs to make hockey more appealing for the sporting public.”