Football in Malta : 9 : the foreign influx and its influence

Abstract

Public interest was at its lowest ebb during the first part of season 1933-34, due to the many squabbles between clubs, players, and due to several strange decisions taken by the Ruling Body. Then came one of those sparks which not only lit up the game from its semi-obscurity, but roused public interest into a blazing bonfire. Hibernians of Paola - the new team in the arena - entered the Cassar Cup semi-finals and were drawn against the Mediterranean Fleet champions of H. M.S. "Royal Sovereign". It must be remembered that the Floriana players, free to roam as their club had not entered a team in that season's competitions, split up, some like Kaneni Cauchi, Salvu Grima, Paul and Vincent Friggieri, joining the Blues, whilst goalkeeper Gejta Azzopardi, Pisani and Agius had signed on for the Hibs.