Borg Bonaci... 600 minutes without conceding a goal
Goalkeepers not always can win matches by themselves but by saving shots they can keep their side in the game, helping towards ultimate victory to win honours. This is exactly what Vincent Borg Bonaci did during his spell with Valletta FC between 1963...
Goalkeepers not always can win matches by themselves but by saving shots they can keep their side in the game, helping towards ultimate victory to win honours.
This is exactly what Vincent Borg Bonaci did during his spell with Valletta FC between 1963 and 1972.
Born in the capital on December 11, 1943, he became a complete Valletta player, winning honours in the minor and U-21 competitions.
In 1962, he moved to St George's, making his debut against Floriana (2-3) in the last league match.
In 1963-64, Borg Bonaci was back to Valletta FC, making his league debut against Rabat FC (8-0) on May 5, 1964.
During the season he was the understudy of the legendary Tommy Taylor who guarded City's net in the club's hey-days (1958-1962). When Borg Bonaci arrived, Valletta were assembling a new side due to the emigration of their star players.
Between 1963 and 1966, Borg Bonaci had only occasional appearances for Valletta but between seasons 1966-67 and 1971-72 he became the regular goalkeeper.
He played a total of 112 competitive matches.
Between 1969 and 1972 he played for the national team in three friendly matches (home vs Austria 1-3, vs Algeria home 1-1, away 0-1); another three matches in the 1972 European Championship (away vs Switzerland 0-5, away vs England 0-5 and away vs Greece 0-2) and in two 1974 World Cup qualifiers (home vs Hungary 0-2 and away vs Austria 0-4).
Against Switzerland he came on as a substitute midway through the first half when the Swiss were already leading 5-0. He also guarded the Malta net in the friendly match at the Stadium - League XI vs Russia U-23 (0-2) in season 1971-72.
Season 1968-69 was a memorable one for Borg Bonaci. He made superb saves, suffered the least number of goals and went through 600 minutes without conceding a goal.
He was a protagonist when the Lilywhites defeated Sliema Wanderers 3-1 and 2-1 to win the Cassar Cup in 1965/6 and 1968-69. These were the main honours he won with Valletta FC.
The year 1969 was his best. He was a serious contender for the Footballer of the Year award and placed third in the Sportsman of the Year national contest, organised by 'The Sporting Star', among a total of 63 candidates.
Borg Bonaci is gone, but his remembrance remains in the mind of all those who appreciate the quality of a first-class goalkeeper.