John Consiglio writes:
The news that Joe Cassar Naudi has left this vale of tears for better pastures comes to all sportsmen in Malta as a great shock.
The many who graced the stands at the Empire Stadium, in Gżira in the 1950s and 1960s and even later have this indelible picture of this energetic but steady moustachioed referee who would bound like an antelope (was that where his nickname ‘Iż-żebra’ came from?) from one end of the football field to the other, with a discipline and total control often accompanied by a smile but never taking nonsense from anyone.
The number of delicate matches he handled was indeed big.
Joe gave to football and sports in Malta a lifetime of dedication and the Malta Football Association, or his referees organisation, have the great responsibility now of remembering him in some manner that will forever retain his memory and dedication in Maltese football.
I had the pleasure and honour of working with dear Joe in another capacity. For many long years we worked hard in the St Aloysius College Parent-Teachers Association and, there too, he was always the smiling but effective leader.
In this capacity, Joe did a lot too for education in Malta and he was always creating activities of both an educational and entertainment nature for students, staff and parents. When he eventually passed the baton to me, he told me not to be awed at the task because he was still there in the background ready to help and advice.
And this was typical Joe all through his life. With that intelligent smile as his hallmark, he was always a stayer. He served on either the referees organisation or on various MFA structures for so many years. And for many long years he would continue to turn up at Ta’ Qali, even in inclement weather, often also accompanied by his charming wife, to continue enjoying and sharing in the atmosphere, in the camaraderie that unites all lovers of football.
Joe has etched his name in the history of Maltese football and his family has every reason to be proud of him. What a wonderful person!
May God give solace to his family.