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Former Malta goalkeeper and coach Victor Scerri passes away

Published: 04-08-2019 10:15
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Maltese football is mourning the death of one of its stalwarts after former national team goalkeeper and coach Victor Scerri passed away. He was 91. Born on July 17, 1928, Scerri is regarded as a legend of Maltese football and a Sliema Wanderers icon, serving the club as a player (goalkeeper), coach and also chairman of its youth nursery. Scerri, who began his senior career in 1946/47 with Melita, was in the Malta team named by late coach Joe Griffiths for the friendly against Austria at the Empire Stadium on February 24, 1957 – Malta’s first official international match. Austria won the match 3-2. He made two other appearances for the national team. At club level, Scerri spent more than 12 years with Sliema Wanderers. His playing career was cut short in 1963 when he suffered a serious injury. Scerri went on to make a name for himself as a coach. At club level, he led Sliema Wanderers to a number of league titles, and also had coaching spells with Gżira United and Msida St Joseph. Scerri was appointed national coach for the first time in 1973 and returned for a second spell in 1978, staying in the post until 1983. He was in charge of the Malta team that held West Germany to a goalless draw in a European Championship qualifier, played at the Empire Stadium on February 25, 1979. Scerri also presided over Malta’s 2-1 victory over Iceland in Messina on June 5, 1982. Malta Football Association President Bjorn Vassallo paid tribute to Scerri. “Victor Scerri will forever be remembered as a legend of Maltese football, a man for all seasons as he served the game as player, coach and administrator in a career spanning several decades,” Vassallo said. “Victor also holds the distinction of being part of the Malta team that played Austria in our country’s first official international match at the Empire Stadium on February 24, 1957. “His lifelong contribution to football is an inspiration to us and all those who have Maltese football at heart. “My thoughts are with Victor Scerri’s family and friends at this sad time.” The Malta Football Association extends its profound condolences to the family and friends of Victor Scerri. Scerri's funeral will take place on Tuesday, August 6 at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church, Balluta. Mass starts at 8.30am.