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Table Tennis Players Claim Maltese Athletes Are Being Sidelined By ‘Mercenary’ Foreign Players In GSSE

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Two Maltese table tennis players have claimed that Maltese competitors are being pushed aside to make way for foreign pros who don’t have anything to do with Malta, in light of the ongoing Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE).

Andrew Gambina and David Pace took to social media to lament the state of affairs where investment is made for short-term gains in winning medals instead of in investing in training homegrown youths subsequently into their adulthood for future sustainable performance.

“I was recently left out of the small nation games squad with two other Maltese players and two foreigners (with no connection to Malta) getting the nod to be part of team Malta,” Gambina wrote on social media.  

“I wish nothing but luck to my friends even though my omission was not based on results but rather how close you were to certain ‘decision makers’ within the sport.”

“The foreigners representing Malta, who as I said before, have no connection to the island will be showing up for the games, pocketing a vast sum of money, and leaving thereafter, contributing 0% to Malta and the development of Maltese table tennis.”

“To those that take pride in calling themselves Maltese and wish nothing but the best for their country, the table tennis event at the small nation games is not for you. It is just a show being put on, with foreigners at the center stage, so that MOC and Sports Malta can claim how successful they are when the reality is that very little investment is being made in athletes and facilities locally.”

Pace also had harsh words for the selection process being used for the GSSE. Claiming that he has been blocked from commenting on SportsDesk he took to social media to air his grievances.

“Eight athletes will form the GSSE Table Tennis Squad, only three are native homegrown players to whom I send them my best of luck greetings. The rest are contracted individuals who will vanish from the scene once the competition is over.”

“My personal outlook made simple. I much prefer a native homegrown Maltese winning a Bronze or nearing the medal zone rather than winning a Gold by a mercenary. That way I would know exactly where our level stands and what is needed to improve.”

“I finally conclude by assuring that I respect everyone’s opinion and that it’s not a matter of being controversial but a matter of being proud to be Maltese.”

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READ NEXT: 'Feels Like A Dream': Maltese Double Team Finishes 8th Place In World Championships

Mario enjoys reading, cooking, the art of film and travelling. A man of this world, he believes that the earth needs more equitable distribution of assets and resources - and way more seafood platters. Contact him via email at [email protected]

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