639. Charlie Theuma (Lija Athletic, Rabat FC and MFA XI)

Some time ago I was going through some old copies of the Times of Malta when I came across the report of the league game between Valletta and Rabat, played on April 18, 1959.

For Valletta this was a memorable day as their 4-1 victory meant that the Lilywhites were proclaimed champions for 1958-59.

For Rabat, however, it was far from a happy occasion.

The Magpies were not only in deep relegation trouble but they also lost the services of their half-back stalwart and captain, Charlie Theuma.

At the end of the game, the crowd rose to its feet as Theuma was lifted shoulder-high by his team-mates and the City players as he waved goodbye to Maltese football.

This was Theuma's final game in Malta before he emigrated to Canada. It was a tough blow for the Magpies who lost such a fine clubman and captain.

The Rabat club sorely missed Theuma and at the end of the season, after a fierce battle with Birkirkara and Hibernians, they were relegated for the first time after eight seasons in the top flight.

Surely, had Theuma played in those last three matches of the season, things could have been much different for Rabat.

Theuma was born in Sliema on September 19, 1932. An honest and down-to-earth sportsman he set an example to all through his behaviour and performances on the field of play.

His task was far from easy, having to play with a team constantly fighting against relegation.

Like most youngsters of his era he started playing football with his primary school team, in his case in Lija.

He showed early promise, especially in terms of leadership qualities, and was made team captain. From the Lija school team he graduated to youth football, playing for Birkirkara Celtic at a time when the team was the chief challenger to the famous Floriana Ajax.

In 1948, he joined Lija Athletic in the Third Division before moving to Rabat FC in 1951.

His move to the Magpies could not have come at a better time as the Rabat club had just won promotion to the First Division the previous season.

Theuma was quickly in the limelight when, at the end of a hard season, he literally saved his new club from relegation when scoring an equaliser from the penalty spot against St Patrick.

That point kept Rabat in Division One and condemned St Patrick to the second division. This was by far the most important goal Theuma scored in his career.

His best game, however, was against Floriana in 1957-58 when he led Rabat to a famous 2-1 victory over the all-conquering Irish XI.

International matches

Theuma was picked to play for the MFA XI only once but with Rabat he played against Chaux-De-Fonds and FK Sparta in the Christmas Tourney.

Before he moved to Canada, at a time when he was still at the top of his career, he had already played 114 competitive matches for Rabat and scored 24 goals mostly from the inside-forward position.

Theuma was undoubtedly one of the brightest stars in the fine Rabat edition of the 1950s which included such great performers as Joe Cilia, Pawlu Said and Alfie Pearson among others.