During my career of over 50 years as a sports administrator, I have carried out my work in the ‘backroom’ and was always prepared for that sudden controversy.

For most of us administrators, it is a hobby – sometimes an expensive one, which has many of the snags of a regular job. In short, it can be a pretty tireless task - unless of course you are the kind of person who loves and enjoys your favourite sport.

Dr Emmanuel Bonnici served on the Valletta United WPC committee as president for 27 consecutive seasons. Under his presidency, Valletta United, the pioneers of Maltese waterpolo, won most of their honours – the double four times in seasons 1950, 1951, 1955, and 1956. They were also champions in 1970, 1971, 1973 and 1980 when Bonnici was at the helm.

In season 1986/87, Dr Bonnici was elected president of Valletta FC but after being appointed Minister of Trade, he had to resing. However, he still remained very close to the club.

Later on, Dr Bonnici was also president of the Valletta Basketball Club and the Marsamxett Regatta Club (Valletta).

Naturally, as a lawyer, he knew how to deal with most of the sporting problems but even so, he always insisted that it was hard for any administrator to reach the top.

In life there are people who can never be replaced. Dr Emanuel Bonnici is one of them.

BENNY PACE is President of Valletta WPC