The national cadet water polo team of Montenegro, consisting of players aged 16 and under, has been drawn into Group F at the World Championship in Malta, alongside Slovenia, South Africa, and Egypt.

The event is set to take place from June 18 to 24.

A total of 32 teams are competing in the championship, divided into eight groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.

“As the World Aquatics Federation aims to promote our sport across all continents, we are looking ahead to the challenges beyond the group stage. We will focus our training accordingly, using our group matches to prepare thoroughly for what lies ahead,” stated coach Nenad Vukanić.

Candidates for the U16 national team will hold training sessions in Nikšić from February 13 to 18, alongside the Serbian team.

“This marks our eighth gathering since the European Championship and the beginning of the new competitive season. We strive to spend as much time together as possible, especially since the World Championship follows shortly after the school year, limiting our summer training opportunities. The boys are incredibly committed, and through joint preparations with Serbia, we will identify areas for improvement in our game and assess our progress since the EP in Podgorica,” Vukanić noted.

He also mentioned that the national teams of Montenegro and Serbia are scheduled to play an official friendly match on Saturday.

“We are highly motivated for both the training sessions and the match against Serbia on Saturday evening. I believe it will be a true celebration of sports for the fans in Nikšić, and I hope they come out to enjoy the water polo,” Vukanić concluded.

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