Goalkeepers not always can win matches for their teams, but by saving shots they can keep their sides in the game, helping towards ultimate victory to win honours.

This is exactly what Censu Borg-Bonaci did during his 10-season career with Valletta F.C. (1963/64 – 1971/71).

By time Censu became a perfect example; wisdom of looking after his defenders.

Born in Valletta on 11 December 1943, he became a complete Valletta player winning honours in the Minor and Under-21 competitions.

In 1962/3, he moved to St George’s, making his Division I debut against Floriana F.C. (2-3) in the last league match for St George’s.

In season 1963/63, Censu was back to Valletta F.C., making his league debut against Rabat F.C. (8-0) on 5 May 1964. During the season he was the understudy of Tommy Taylor, the legendary Irish International goalkeeper, who graced their net in the Championship hey-days. The Valletta side was being rebuilding due to the emigration of their star-players.

Between 1963/64 and 1965/66 Censu had only occasional appearances for the Lilywhites but between season 1966/67 and 1971/72 he was Valletta’s regular custodian. When returned he played a total of 113 competitive matches.

Between 1969 and 1972 he was a regular member of the National Team group, playing in three friendly matches (home; vs Australia 1-3, H/A vs Algeria 1-1, 0-1), another three matches in the European Championship 1972 (A: vs Switzerland 0-5) A: vs England (0-5) and Greece Away 0-2) and in two World Cup 1974 matches, home vs Hungary (0-2() and away to Austria (0-4).

Against Switzerland, he came in as a substitute, in the 20th minute, when the Swiss were already leading 5-0.

He also guarded the Malta net in the friendly matches, played at the Stadium: League XI – Russia Under 23 (0-2) played in season 1971/72.

Season 1968/69 was a memorable one for “Censu”. He made superlative saves, suffered the least number of goals and went through 600 minutes without conceding a goal.

He was a protagonist when the Lilywhites defeated Sliema Wanderers (3-1) to win the 19 Cassar-Cup, the only main honour he won with Valletta F.C.

The year 1969 was his best. He was a serious contender for the award of the Footballer of the year 1968/69 and he placed third in the Sportsman of the Year National Contest 1969, organised by “The Sporting Star”, amongst a total of 63 candidates.

Censu Borg-Bonaci is gone, but his remembrance remains in the mind of all those who appreciate the quality of the first-class goalkeeper.