I mourn in grief and pain. I write with gratitude and nostalgia.

A humble man who dedicated the best part of his life towards the development of sports has gone to meet the Risen Lord.

I crave for the moments when we sat down together discussing past and present sporting events over a cup of coffee.

Guzi, more commonly known in St Paul’s Bay and in waterpolo circles, as Id-Debu, passed away a few days ago.

He was a most popular sporting personality, especially among the football and waterpolo followers, enthusiasts, players and administrators.

He was a man for all seasons. He was the scout, the trainer, the coach and the manager for so many players in St Paul’s Bay – a village he loved so much.

Muscat was one of the founder members of the first official Sirens waterpolo team and the sole founder of Sirens Football Club. He was also a ‘hands on’ most hard-working maintenance manager for over a decade at the Sirens Waterpolo Club.

His voluntary dedication in gathering children of all ages and introducing them to sport has contributed in no small way towards a healthy upbringing while instilling in their character the virtue of self discipline.

I am sure that hundreds will join me in this sad moment to show appreciation for all the time he dedicated to us, then the youths of St Paul’s Bay. Those were the most memorable and most rewarding years of our youth.

A big thank you to a big-hearted humble sports personality that this village has ever produced.

Perhaps the Lord above will entrust him with organising a sporting event in the lush gardens in the Kingdom of Heaven. I surely would.

I take this opportunity to appeal to the band club as well as the football and waterpolo clubs of St Paul’s Bay, and last but not least the Local Council, to organise and come up with something to commemorate this good man.

JOHN MUSCAT

ST Paul’s Bay