Neighbouring clubs Melita and St Andrew’s have put their rivalry to one side to organise a charity match in aid of L-iStrina.

A selection featuring former Melita and St Andrew’s players will play against a team made up of former Malta internationals in a friendly match at the Luxol Stadium this Saturday, kicking off at 6pm.

All proceeds from the sale of match tickets, priced at €2, will be donated to L-iStrina.

On the field, the ‘golden oldies’ will be vying to turn the clock back to the days when their exploits delighted thousands of fans.

Former stalwarts such as Carmel Busuttil, Raymond Vella, Silvio Vella, Joe Brincat, Martin Gregory, Nicky Saliba and goalkeeper Ernest Barry will face the likes of Alex Busuttil, John Stivala, Peter Gatt, goalkeeper Sean Sullivan and Matthew Naudi, who donned the colours of both Melita and Luxol during his career.

In addition to the friendly, the nurseries of the two Division One clubs will be hosting other activities to raise funds for L-iStrina.

EuroSport will provide the kits for the friendly.

“Two sporting rivals are uniting for a noble cause,” Paul Zammit, the president of Melita, told Times of Malta.

“This is the message we are trying to convey.”

Zammit said this joint initiative between Melita and Luxol could become an annual fixture if Saturday’s charity match turns out to be a success.

Jason Falzon, the president of Luxol St Andrew’s, echoed Zammit’s words.

“L-iStrina representatives encourage clubs to contribute to this annual fund-raising campaign,” Falzon said.

“There is a sporting rivalry between Melita and us but we were both willing to do something together in support of a good cause.

“I’m delighted that Luxol are teaming up with Melita to hold this charity match.”