When Jonathan Caruana stepped up to take his FA Trophy winners medal from Malta FA president Joe Mifsud last May, there was no one prouder at the National Stadium than his grandfather John Privitera.
Being a grandad myself, I can well imagine the pride and delight Privitera must have felt when his grandson received the distinctive honour after Hibernians beat Sliema Wanderers on penalties.
For him, this was the culmination of years of patience and cultivation he has bestowed on his talented grandson. Jonathan, a product of Hibernians FC, is one of the most talented and promising defenders in Maltese football. He owes all this to his famous grandfather, his coaches and the hardworking committee members of the club's nursery.
Many people have played a part in his development but, of course, none has worked harder than Privitera who has dedicated all his free time to Jonathan.
Although barely out of his teens, Caruana has already established himself in Hibs' first team.
Capped at all youth levels by Malta, it shouldn't be too long before he earns a call-up to the full national team squad, especially at the rate at which he is progressing.
Jonathan only has to look up to his grandfather for guidance. Privitera was one of the best Maltese players of the 1960s. Caruana, however, has a mountain to climb if he aims to emulate and follow the example of his grandfather.
An attacking full-back, Privitera would have fitted excellently in the modern role of wing-back.
One moment he was deep in defence and the next he was working his way up the wing to have a crack at goal or to send inviting crosses to his forwards.
A solid, dependable defender, Privitera was born in 1940 in Sliema. He began his football career at Primary School. At the age of 17 he signed for Sliema Wanderers and played ten matches for them before joining Hibernians in 1959-60.
In his first season with the Paola club he won the U-21 League and finished runner-up in the First Division. In 1960-61, Hibernians won the championship and a year later the FA Trophy and Cassar Cup.
In 1966-67, he won another championship medal, repeating the feat in 1968-69. Privitera played in all of Hibs' fixtures that season including matches against foreign teams.
Between 1959 and 1974, Privitera made 262 competitive appearances for the Paolites, scoring an impressive total of 18 goals from the full-back position.
Winning honours is certainly not a new phenomenon for the Privitera family. In 15 years with Hibernians, John won no fewer than 14 major titles, making him one of the most honoured players in the history of the Paola club.
Among these honours, of course, are three FA Trophy titles in 1961-62, 1969-70 and 1970-71 although he did not play in the 1970-71 final.
Last year it was Jonathan's turn to bring home the famous trophy.
There was also the Footballer of the Year award John won in 1968-69.
At international level, he played seven times for Malta. He also captained the national team in the game against Austria on April 27, 1969.
European encounters
Privitera also played in all European club matches for Hibs including the memorable encounters against Servette, Atletico Madrid, Manchester United and Real Madrid. He also led Hibs to prestigious results in friendly matches against Chelsea, Arsenal, Portsmouth and Milan.
These are all milestones Jonathan now faces if he wishes to emulate his grandfather. It is a formidable task for the youngster but one which I personally feel he can surmount if he keeps his feet on the ground. He certainly has the talent and dedication.
There are other important attributes, however, which Jonathan has inherited from his grandfather which will certainly help him to reach the top in his chosen career. These are honesty, sportsmanship and loyalty to his club and country.
Privitera still frequents and gives a helping hand in Hibs' football nursery. Together with his old Hibs' team-mate Salvu Gatt, he is a permanent fixture at Corradino.
Salvu is another great character who has given a lot to the Paola club. Like John he also has a couple of promising grandsons he is grooming at the nursery.
It is a good omen for a club which relies on its youngsters when former stalwarts bring their offsprings to the club. It is a sign of loyalty and respect. Something that is sadly becoming very scarce in football nowadays.