These days, amateurism in sport has become a taboo. That spirit of fair play and sportsmanship has almost disappeared, particularly in football.

I do not need to dwell too long on this. It is enough to watch a match on television to see the world's superstars faking trips and injuries to gain an unfair advantage. Their theatrics are as good, if not better, than their football skills which is why, of course, they earn thousands of euros per week.

With this in mind, it was indeed sad when news flashed around on December 11 that Ronnie Tabone, a former player and Melita FC official, had passed away. He was a pure amateur in body and spirit and, in over 50 years of service to his club and football in general, he never made a penny out of it all.

Tabone started playing football in the late 1940s as a goalkeeper with the famous Ajax of Floriana. In those days, the Greens were managed by Ronnie's elder brother, Frankie.

Floriana Ajax were very well served in goal with Frankie Busuttil and Ġużi Alamango so, in July 1952, Tabone joined Melita. It was a move made in heaven because it was destined to last a lifetime.

Tabone played for Melita for two years, helping the club win promotion after five seasons in the Second Division. Then, in February 1955, Tabone was elected secretary of the club after serving on the committee for only one year. Careful and serious in everything he did, Tabone occupied this important post for over 40 years after which he was elected president.

During this period, however, Tabone also occupied the roles of vice-president, assistant secretary and team manager as the needs dictated.

For many years, especially during difficult times, he almost led Melita single-handedly. He always resisted the temptation to turn the club professional and contributed in no small way to the fact that Melita always upheld and safeguarded the amateur policies and beliefs of the club's founder, Gianni Bencini.

In 1960, Tabone was joined by Anton Naudi in the administration of the club. Naudi shared Ronnie's principles and love for the amateur game. He very quickly forged an excellent tandem with Tabone and for many years, this two dedicated persons managed this unique club.

Naudi went on to fill various key roles at the club, including that of president. He retired last year.

Tabone was never the type to show off his work at his club. On the contrary, he always tried to avoid the media.

However, he was behind every move, decision, initiative and policy of the club. He never made his work and dedication to the club public.

He was an administrator in and out, and showed interest in the work of all the other posts within his committee. Being a bachelor, he dedicated all his time to the club and considered Melita as his home and virtually lived there all day long.

Tabone also represented the club in the MFA ever since the council was formed in the way it is today. He was a constant and ever present figure within the association and served on many boards of the council.

As Naudi likes to say, Ronnie was the 'factotum' at the club.

'A man for all seasons' he served the club in all aspects, administrative, technical and even hands-on chores which crept up now and then and needed to be done to keep the club going.

Like all human beings, Tabone had his off days but he managed to put the difficult moments behind him thanks to his sincerity and love for his club. No one knew Ronnie better than Naudi and he is the first to admit that he learned a lot from him. Tabone, on his part, accepted Naudi's advice and plans on any move or decision which needed to be taken.

Tabone will always be remembered by all as a gentleman and for the way he gave his services to Melita up to the very end.

Finally, illness overwhelmed him and prevented him from continuing to give service to his one and only love, Melita FC.