Hero veterans special guests of MFA as 60th anniversary of Malta-Austria game is celebrated

The veteran heroes who played in Malta’s first ever international match were yesterday the main guests of the Malta Football Association as the 60th anniversary of the Malta-Austria match at the old Gzira Stadium was celebrated at the National Stadium.

It was on 24 February 1957 that Malta played its first full international match, facing Austria and losing 3-2 on a memorable afternoon in front of a packed Gzira stadium.

Malta had gone 3-0 behind but two late goals from Sliema’s Sammy Nicholl and Floriana’s Tony Cauchi made it a closer scoreline and an honourable defeat against a star studded formation.

Victor Scerri, Tony Cauchi, Joe Cini, Lolly Borg and Joe Cilia were all present for the occasion while Sammy Nicholl and Lolly Debattista, both still alive and kicking, did not make it for different reasons. The others – the Bonnici brothers Guzi and Salvu, Salvinu Schembri and Ninu Calleja – have since passed away. George Jones, who was used as a substitute, is in Australia.

Joe Griffiths, coach of that famous side, also passed away. Zarenu Alamango, who had also trained with the squad, was also present yesterday.

Addressing a gathering during a reception , Norman Darmanin Demajo, MFA president, described those who played in that match as hero veterans of Maltese football.

He went on to say that yesterday was not his day.

“But I am enjoying the atmosphere created by the presence of these pioneers of Maltese football. It is a unique occasion as these men made the Maltese nation proud,” he said.

Darmanin Demajo also read out a message for the occasion by FIFA president Gianni Infantino who, amongst other things, praised Malta and its players who have represented the country writing such a nice history for the local game.

At the end, former goalkeeper Victor Scerri, on behalf of those players present, said a prayer for the soul of those who had departed this life.

Later, all the players were presented with a kit which included a souvenir programme of that match, as well as a photo of the team which started that match against Austria and a Malta jersey with their name on it.