MFA officials, coach Pippo Psaila and the players have expressed themselves in favour of developing the idea of having such encounters, possibly every year.
MFA President Darmanin Demajo said he was glad to see the players being reunited after a period of 20 years. “This is an idea which should be developed in future. It is only fair to continue giving recognition to our former players who honoured the country through their participation,” he said.
Coach Pippo Psaila said the family atmosphere which reigned through the last month – since the team started training together at Ta’ Qali – and especially during the stay in Sicily, was unbelievable. “It was just like one big family reunited after so many years. It could not have been better.
“The result of the match was not important. I think the players gave a good account of themselves and although some refereeing decisions were questionable, it was obvious that they really enjoyed themselves playing,” he added.
He added that word is already spreading around that this idea should be developed in future. “In fact, we already have invitations to play against similar teams from England and Spain. But it is still too early to comment,” he said.
Goalkeeper Ernest Barry said he had really looked forward to play in this match. “I was glad and honoured to have formed part of this team. Facing such opposition was always a big challenge for us, but I think we did reasonably well,” he said.
Gilbert Agius, the youngest member of the squad, said: “It was an honour for me to play especially alongside such a stalwart as Ray Vella. In the past, I never had the opportunity to play with him in a Malta side. It was an enjoyable event which should be developed further in future.”
Ray Vella, who captained the side, said: “This was a new experience for us all. We really enjoyed it – so much that we all are of the opinion that something like this should be held regularly.”
Only one player did not agree with such an idea. Goalkeeper Reggie Cini just said that ”this was the first but also the last,” but simply because he was in pain, after having suffered a knee injury. Otherwise he also covered himself with glory with two excellent saves.
Most of the players also said that the side would have definitely done even better than it did had there been Buttigieg and Busuttil as well. Of course, these two stalwarts’ presence would have been more than just appreciated by the other players.
One only hopes that their current dispute with the association comes to an end soon – the quicker the better – in the interest of Maltese soccer. I am sure they can still give a valid contribution at least to club football in the coaching sector.