The draws for the semi-finals of the MAPFRE MSV Life Women Knock-Out were made this afternoon and pitted rivals Hibernians and Starlites GiG against each other.
In fact the first semi-final, to be played this Sunday at 11am, will feature last year’s KO winners Hibernians against the reigning champions Starlites GiG whilst Luxol and ARMS Depiro were drawn up to play the second semi-final to be played also this Sunday but at 2.30pm.
Mr. Michael Galea, Chief Business Development Officer MAPFRE MSV Life addressed the press conference and said that this was the fifth year that the leading life insurer in Malta was sponsoring the Malta Women League and Knock-Out.
“We are pleased to announce that this year also marks the first in a new three year agreement that MAPFRE MSV Life has entered into with the Malta Basketball Association through which it will be further supporting female basketball,” said Mr. Galea. “Through this sponsorship we are continuing to take an active role in supporting sport development in Malta.”
Mr. Galea said that sport is one of the areas that MAPFRE MSV Life actively supports, as part of its Community programme, in its efforts to play an active role within the communities in which MAPFRE MSV Life operates.
He congratulated the Malta Basketball Association for its efforts to promote the game of basketball in Malta and for its success in upgrading the playing facilities as the latter allow for a much-improved experience for both the players as well as those who follow this popular sport.
The Malta Basketball Association president Paul Sultana also addressed the press conference and thanked MAPFRE MSV Life for their support to women basketball and stated that the women league has already set off and offered some interesting aspects although there might be further important add-ons in certain squads at the turn of the year resulting in a more hard fought campaign.
Sultana added that it is very encouraging to see most of the clubs utilising an increasing number of youngsters in the senior squads. Most of these young players are growing up fast both within their club’s structure and also following their experiences in European competitions with the national team.
In this regard, the MBA president added that talks are in place to engage a foreign coach whose job would be to oversee and direct the programme of the Malta Basketball Academy which however should be now led by a crop of promising young local coaches under the supervision of the same foreign coach.
At the end of the press conference, Mr Michael Galea unveiled the brand new logo, as per of a new branding campaign, for the MAPFRE MSV Life Women League.
Draws: MAPFRE MSV Life Knock Out Women
Sunday 1st December
11am: Hibernians vs Starlites GiG
2.30pm: Luxol vs ARMS Depiro
