Michael Sultana – a fine goalkeeper.

Michael Sultana had all the ingredients of a fine goalkeeper.

He was tall, had a safe pair of hands, his interceptions were prompt and his fielding accurate. These qualities made him one of the best goalkeepers of the sixties and early seventies.

Sultana played for four clubs during his chequered career and excelled with all of them.

Born on January 1, 1944, he first signed for Melita FC with whom he served his apprenticeship as a goalkeeper.

In 1963-64, the Amateurs made a return to the First Division after a lapse of 10 seasons, thus providing the opportunity to Sultana to make his debut in the top level of Maltese football.

That year, he played only three league matches but it was enough for him to catch the eye of Sliema Wanderers and at the end of the season he left the Amateurs and signed for the Blues.

Sultana stayed with Sliema for three eventful seasons during which he won the FA Trophy in 1972-73 and the Cassar Cup in 1966-67.

During his stay at Sliema he also won the Independence Cup once and the Christmas Cup twice.

In 1970, Sultana changed clubs once again and this time he signed for Gżira United.

At the time, the Maroons were enjoying a rather successful run in the top division which reached its peak in 1973 when they won the FA Trophy.

Sultana played a big part in this success as he captained the team on that glorious May afternoon against Birkirkara.

The final was a tough affair.

The teams were closely balanced and despite going to extra-time, neither side managed to find a breakthrough.

A curious incident occurred in this game which is rarely seen in a football match.

Referee Paul Bonett pulled a muscle and had to retire 15 minutes from the end. Linesman, Tonio Brigulio took his place and Ritchie Casha, who was a spectator, was called upon to act as linesman.

In the replay, Birkirkara were more adventurous but despite their obvious superiority they could not find a way to goal and the final result was another 0-0 draw.

The Stripes surely will have felt disappointed not to have snatched a late winner as three minutes from time they were denied a winner by Sultana who produced a fine save from an effort by Calleja to force a second replay.

This time it was Gżira United who showed the better ideas and eventually they ran out 2-0 winners to win the coveted Trophy.

It was a great moment for the Maroons, which alas, has never since been repeated.

It was also equally bitter for the Birkirkara clan who once again saw their dream of success being shattered at the last hurdle.

After more than a quarter of a century, the Stripes were still seeking that elusive victory in the final of the FA Trophy.

The 1973 FA Trophy final was the peak of Sultana’s career but he still had more to offer and in 1974 he left Gżira to join Floriana.

With the Greens he went through another two glorious seasons during which he added a championship, an FA Trophy, a Sons of Malta Cup and a Testaferrata cup medal to his bulging collection.

Sultana retired at the end of the 1975-76 season leaving behind him fond memories of a fine and honest goalkeeper.