Former Birkirkara, Hibernians and Malta international forward Karmenu Micallef, affectionately known as ‘Id-Dunda’, passed away yesterday.

Micallef was one of the most popular footballers of the late 1960s and early 1970s. A bustling type of inside-forward, he used his tremendous speed and skill with the ball to beat his opponent.

His darkish, good looks and fine footwork gave one the impression of seeing a Brazilian player in action.

Born on October 9, 1943, Micallef first started playing football at the age of 16 with St John’s FC before he joined his home town club, Birkirkara FC.

He soon established himself with the Stripes but it was with Hibernians, whom he joined in 1969, that he played his best football.

In all, he played 54 first-team games for the Paolites, winning the FA Trophy in 1969-70 and 1970-71, the Independence Cup in 1970-71, the Sons of Malta Cup in 1969-70 and 1971-72 and the Olympic Cup in 1969-70 before returning to Birkirkara.

Micallef played his first game in the Champions Cup for Hibernians against Spartak Trnava in 1969.

That day he was irresistible, supplying the passes which led to the goals that earned Hibs a prestigious 2-2 draw against the Czech champions.

Micallef was picked to play seven times for Malta.

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