The Misadventure of Saverio “Saviour” Borg u l-First Football Match at the Mdina Moat

An Interview with Saverio “Saviour” Borg: From Fisherman to Football Phenom

In a recent, exclusive interview with ‘Times of Mela,’ local Bormla fisherman, Saverio “Saviour” Borg, made some waves when he revealed his plans to transform the historic Mdina moat into Malta’s premier 5-a-side football pitch. Neighbours hardly believed their ears when Saviour claimed he had a dream in which il-protettur San Lawrenz gave him the idea.

“I was just casting my nets, uwejja, when the idea hit me like a luzzu going full speed! We need to spice up our football, and what better way than having the ball potentially ending up in a moat!” Saviour proclaimed, his eyes sparkling with the reflection of the city walls.

As absurd as it sounded, Saviour had already convinced a squad of Valletta retirees, touting nicknames like “il-Falzon” and “l-Ebli,” to start practising their dribbles and tackles. The promise of post-game ħobż biż-żejt and a pint of Cisk had sealed the deal. Little did they know, their first match was going to be a historic one – in more ways than they could imagine.

The Unpredicted Success – Thanks to a Couple of Gozitan Donkeys

On the day of the match, Saviour’s team was all set up in their mismatched kits looking like the colours of Mdina’s infamous glass, but they were short on one essential item: the ball. As luck would have it, a couple of entrepreneurial Gozitans – Benny and Teo – were visiting with their donkeys, which were carrying a curious cargo: footballs emblazoned with the Mdina cathedral’s iconic dome.

“Mela! Our prayers have been answered!” cried Saviour as he exchanged a tray of pastizzi for a football, amidst cheers and laughter from the locals.

As anticipation grew, all of Mdina seemed to lean in. Rumors about the match had spread through social media, thanks to the hashtag #MdinaMoatMatch, created by Saviour’s tech-savvy niece. Hin u ħin – moment by moment – the audience perched atop the walls grew larger than the crowds at Carnival.

Plot Twist: A Match Interrupted by a Maltese Festa

But it was not to be a simple affair. Just as the whistle blew and the first kicks were taken, the skies above Mdina lit up with fireworks. Unbeknownst to Saviour and his team, the local festa committee, in a classic case of Maltese miscommunication, had scheduled a festa dedicated to il-Furjana’s patron saint on the same day. The footballers found themselves dodging not only defenders but cascades of sparkles and booming petards.

“Between a rock and a hard festa – that’s where we found ourselves today,” lamented Saviour, ducking as a rogue firework zoomed past him.

A Surprise Victory and an Invitation to Għawdex

Despite the pandemonium, the makeshift Mdina team, empowered by the fortuitous festa and the camaraderie only a Maltese football match could foster, managed to win the game. The donkeys, now adorned in team scarves, brayed in approval. It was a pyrotechnic match that none would forget – a perfect blend of tradition and sport.

“Kollox għandu tmiemu, and what a way to end it, ha? Next stop: Għawdex! Those lads have invited us to play in a quarry. Apparently, they want a rematch and, knowing Gozitans, they’ll probably have their goats as goalkeepers!” Saviour chuckled while enjoying his well-deserved ħobż biż-żejt.

So if you’re ever in Gozo and hear about an impromptu football match on the way to Ramla Bay, Saverio “Saviour” Borg’s Moat Marauders just might be taking on the Għawdex Goats in the most thrilling match-up since the Great Siege of Malta. Mela, you better not miss it!