Tony Calleja
Tony Calleja was born on the 26th of March 1943. Son of Manwel Calleja, ex-President and Co-founder of Valletta FC. He played for all the categories with Valletta FC from Minors, Under 21, Reserves and Senior Team. He also captained every category and won the league championship in each category.
Tony made his 1st Division debut on the 25th of February 1962 versus St.Patricks (6 – 2). He started off playing as a Center Forwarded but was later on converted to an Attacking Midfielder. Between 1961-62 and 1968-69 he played 77 official games and scored 25 goals.
During this period he won the following honours: 1st Division Championship – 1962/63 ; FA Trophy 1962/63 &
1963/64 ; Scicluna Cup 1963/64 ; Cassar Cup 1965/66 & 1967/68. He also played in two different European competitions with the Valetta Shirt, in the European Cup versus Dukla Prague in 1963/64 and against Real Saragoza in the Cup of Cups in 1964/65.
Tony also played for the National Team during his time with Valletta against Austria (3 – 1) on the 27th of April 1969.
His most memorable matches with the Valletta FC shirt remain – 18th March 1962 versus Sliema Wanderers (7 – 0) ; versus Floriana FC (6 – 0) on the 22nd December 1962; and against Rabat Ajax FC (13 – 0) on the 22nd November 1964. In 1969/70 he was transferred to Mosta FC, where he terminated his career after one season.
Tony Calleja with Dukla Prague’s
Josef Masopust on September 29th, 1963.
Tony Calleja wearing the National shirt against Austria in 1969.
(This information was supplied to vallettafc.net by Chris Calleja)
