Francis Camilleri, of Sliema, writes:

Ninu Calleja, that great-hearted player of the 1949-59 Sliema Wanderers era, passed away on August 14. He had joined the Wanderers in 1949 and was a product of the Sliema Boys Brigade.

Before joining Sliema, Calleja played for Naxxar Lions in 1942/43. He spent nine seasons with Naxxar, helping them to win promotion to the First Division in 1945-46.

Calleja was also a member of the Lions' side that reached the Second Division Cup final in 1946.

As soon as he joined Sliema Wanderers, he made the inside, or half-back, position his. Calleja was strong, athletic and a dashing player. He was the livewire of the team in those days.

During his career with Sliema, Calleja won three championships, four FA Trophy medals, eight times the Scicluna Cup and three times the Cassar Cup.

His most notable achievements came in 1956/57 when Sliema Wanderers won their second Quadruple Crown which consisted of the League, FA Trophy, Scicluna Cup and Cassar Cup.

He was also selected for Malta's first international match in 1957 against Austria which the latter just managed to win 3-2.

Calleja is gone but surely old-timers, particularly Sliema supporters, will remember him forever.