Loss Of A Legend: Sliema Aquatic Sports Club Mourns Death Of Coach Beto Fernandez
The Sliema aquatic sports community is mourning the passing of the former head coach of Sliema Aquatics Sports Club (ASC), Beto Fernandez, who has passed away.
The club announced the heart-wrenching news via social media on Sunday 18th June, which also coincided with Father’s Day, saying that he was “one of a kind”.
The club expressed their deep grief over losing Beto, “the qualities of the man and the coach need no introduction. Beto was one of a kind,” the club mournfully conveyed.
They further asked for respect for his grieving family during such an arduous time, concluding with a heartfelt “Rest in Peace, Coach”.
Fernandez graced the Sliema ASC as head coach from August 2021 until April 2023, before stepping down for personal reasons and subsequently returning to his native Spain.
Despite the short time spent, Fernandez’s leadership made a significant impact. His coaching skills helped Sliema with winning the Enemed Cup and the Winter League, while also attaining a runner-up position in the BOV National League last summer.
Before gracing the Maltese shores, Fernandez honed his expertise with an impressive 11-year stint as Head Coach of CN Mataro in the Spanish top flight.
SportMalta CEO, Mark Cutajar, also paid homage to Fernandez’s legacy, speaking on how Fernandez had been an “inspiration to me and to my kids.” He praised the late coach for his significant contribution to SportMalta and expressed his difficulty coming to terms with the sudden loss.
Mario Cachia, a member of the Sliema club, remembered Fernandez as “A humble man with waterpolo wisdom and academical knowledge of the game that he was happy to share with everyone.” Cachia also reminisced about Fernandez’s gentle nature, “soft-spoken and kind-hearted, never criticizing but always encouraging”.
Rest in Peace Beto