Stefan Sultana... Spartans stalwart.Ħamrun Spartans will be honouring former players and administrators at a special ceremony next month.
David Farrugia Sacco, the Ħamrun Spartans vice-president, yesterday told a news conference that the present committee has decided to mark its three-year term in office with a tribute to those who contri-buted and left their mark during the club’s golden era back in the 80s.
The event will take place at the Excelsior Hotel on April 9.
Former Malta internationals and team captains Michael Degiorgio, Raymond Vella, Joe Brincat and Stefan Sultana are among those shortlisted for an achievement award after helping the club to an impressive list of honours between 1982 and 1991.
Senior vice-president Gaetano Debattista, involved in the club’s administration for the past 40 years, will also get recognition along with the nursery, an organisation that fostered some of the best talent in the local game.
“We felt that it was the right time to remember those who played a key role in the success story of our club,” Dr Farrugia Sacco said.
“Michael Degiorgio, Joe Brincat and Raymond Vella, all MFA Footballer of the Year award winners, are considered among the best to don our colours. And Stefan Sultana is another legendary figure at Ħamrun… he’s the all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 187 goals.”
The Spartans are having an excellent campaign in Division One this season and currently stand just one point behind leaders Gżira United.
Both teams are within touching distance of securing Premier League football for season 2016/17 after opening a nine-point lead on third-placed Senglea Athletic with only five matches left.
Club administrator Joe Bugeja said he was pleased Ħamrun are close to fulfilling their pre-season expectations and finish the championship in the top two places of the table.
“Nothing is guaranteed yet but it looks like we are set to reach our main goal this season,” Bugeja said.
“Premier League football was top of the agenda when the committee was elected three years ago. Now, we need to complete the job and make sure we have a competitive squad in the top flight.
“The club’s philosophy is clear... we want to establish ourselves among the country’s leading teams once again.”
Premier League proposals
In the last few weeks, the Premier League format and the season ticket scheme were hot topics among fans and club administrators.
Asked for the club’s views, Dr Farrugia Sacco opted to stay cautious on the matter.
“We already discussed the new format and we have our own ideas on this. However, since we are not in the Premier League yet, I prefer not to comment on our position for the time being,” he said.
“As regards the season ticket scheme, Ħamrun Spartans are in favour of such initiatives... steps that can reap financial dividends for football clubs are welcome.
“We will continue to monitor the ongoing discussions with great interest in the coming weeks.”