Saviour Darmanin
Saviour Darmanin was born in Pieta’ on February 7, 1977. During his childhood, he formed part of several minor teams’. He played with St. George’s, Luqa St Andrews and Floriana. In 1994 Saviour joined Pieta’ Hotspurs. During his first season with the Hotspurs, he was chosen as Pieta’s Youth Player of the Year.
Pieta’ were relegated in that season and won the First Division championship the following season. Darmanin returned in the Premier in season 1996-1997. During his career with Pieta’ Hotspurs, he was twice recognized as the club’s player of the year in season 2002/03 and 2003/04.
In season 2002-03, he won the Best Goalkeeper in the Westin Football Awards. Midway through season 2004/05 Saviour joined Birkirkara FC on loan till the end of the season. At the end of season 2003-04, Saviour won again the award for the Best Goalkeeper in the Westin Football Awards. He also ended runner up for the Footballer of the Year and won the club’s player of the year organized by Pieta’ Hotspurs FC.
During his stay with the Stripes, Darmanin won the FA Trophy. In season 2005/2006, Saviour moved to England and joined the non-league club, Vauxhall Motors. In 2006, Ghajnsielem FC showed interest in Darmanin to provide coaching for the nursery’s young goalkeepers. Saviour finally reached an agreement and started wearing the number one shirt for the club. At the end of the season Saviour won the Gozo FA Freedom Cup.
During the summer transfer market of 2006, Saviour concluded his transfer and joined Valletta F.C. During his stay with Valletta F.C. Saviour won the championship in season 2007-08. In March 2007, Saviour was chosen as Valletta FC’s player of the month. In January 2008, Valletta played a friendly match for the Betfair Cup against Juventus FC. At the end of the match the result ended 1-1. During a penalty shoot-out, Saviour Darmanin performed an excellent save on Legrotaglie’s shot from the spot and enabled the Citizens to win the Betfair Cup. During his first season with Valletta FC, Saviour won the Outstanding Player Trophy in the Malta Football awards.
In July 2008 Saviour Darmanin joined Marsaxlokk FC. During his short spell with Marsaxlokk FC, Saviour made 9 appearances. Darmanin also made 13 appearances with the Malta U/21 National team and 6 appearances with the National Senior squad. At the end of the season, Saviour retired from football as a goalkeeper and started coaching. Saviour Darmanin holds licence A and B Uefa.
Darmanin celebrates during the Betfair Cup.
Saviour saves Legrotaglie’s shot from the spot
