'Tripolin' passes away

Former Malta kit manager Joseph Schembri, better known in local football circles as 'It-Tripolin' passed away yesterday at St Luke's Hospital.

The amiable 83-year-old was a popular figure in Maltese football, particularly at his favourite club Floriana with whom he spent his entire 60-year career in the game apart from the national team.

The ex-Services employee was a staunch supporter of the Greens and was popular for his 'bugle call' from the Empire Stadium's old stands, particularly during matches against Old-Firm rivals Sliema Wanderers.

In an interview he gave two years ago to the Malta FA's Quarterly Review, Schembri told author Albert Fenech he had served as kit manager for the national team since the post World War Two era. He was offered the job by Major Victor Castillo, a member of the Malta FA at the time.

He had fond memories in football but the most cherished were the ones when he was responsible of Pele's kit and the one of Bobby Charlton in the early 1970s.

"I can't begin to list all the players I've kitted out," he was reported as saying in the interview. "But tell me a name and I'll tell you the size of his boots."

Schembri's long association with the sport was recognised two years ago when he was presented an international award for his sheer dedication and enthusiasm to the game by UEFA president Lennart Johansson during a gala night in Monaco.

On that occasion UEFA introduced Schembri to the distinguished guests present and said: "Ten years ago, at an international match between Malta and Italy, he was presented with a plaque in recognition of 45 years' service as kit manager of the Malta national teams.

"But his idea of 'retirement' has been to go to the National Stadium every day to give the current kit man, Carmelo 'Busby' Gauci, a hand."

In fact, Schembri kept in touch with the national team for several years after passing over his responsibilities in Gauci's safe hands. He only lost contact with the national teams' set-up when his frail health started to impede him from his daily chores.

The funeral will be held tomorrow at 9 a.m. at St Publius Parish Church, Floriana.