Players unite to raise awareness for organ donation

Former Malta keeper David Cluett, who passed away last month, aged 39, will be honoured tomorrow when a triangular tournament, organised by the Friends of David Cluett Foundation, is held in his memory.

Players from Melita and Floriana, the two clubs Cluett turned out for during his career, and his ex-team mates from the national squad, will face each other in this three-team tournament at the Floriana FC artificial pitches, kicking off at 8.30 p.m.

Among the high-profile players figuring in this tournament are Carmel Busuttil, Ernest Barry, Ray Vella, Joe Brincat, Gilbert Agius, Michael Degiorgio, Kim Wright and Brian Crawley.

Cluett's son, Daniel, and his two nephews Christian and Michael, will also play a part in this triangular tournament.

"My brother David has left a great void in our lives," Carlos Cluett said in a press conference at the Radisson SAS Hotel yesterday. "He was a gentleman and a great sportsman who earned respect from all corners of life. The numerous people who attended his funeral was a clear testimony of this.

"I sincerely hope that all those people who knew my brother and supported him throughout his career will turn up for this triangular tournament. It will be an opportunity not just to remember David Cluett but to help in raising an awareness for the donation of organs. My brother's decision to donate his organs gave a new life to a number of persons."

Carmel Busuttil, the former Malta captain, said that each match of the tournament will last 40 minutes. At the end of the opening game, between Floriana and Melita, the participating players will receive a memento in recognition of their support to this initiative. Afterwards, Cluett's family will be presented with team photos and football kits of the three teams.

The programme concludes with the last two matches of the tournament, both involving present and former Malta internationals who first take on Floriana and then Melita.

During the tournament, commemorative national team shirts emblazoned with the logos of Floriana, Melita and the Malta FA will be on sale in aid of the Friends of David Cluett Foundation.

Edward Refalo, media officer of the Friends of David Cluett Foundation, said: "Originally, our foundation was formed to provide financial assistance to David and his family during the course of his illness. Unfortunately David is no longer with us but his noble decision to donate his organs has saved the lives of four persons. His gesture convinced us that the best way to honour him is to help in promoting the donation of organs.

"This will not be a one-off event. Other fund-raising activities aimed at highlighting our cause are in the pipeline. We hope that our efforts will encourage other people to follow the example of David Cluett."

Those wishing to make a donation to the Friends of David Cluett Foundation may deposit their money in the BoV account no. 400 145 056 58.

Players' list...

National Team
C. Cluett, J. Bonello, A. Zammit, R. Cini, E. Barry, S. Sullivan, C. Busuttil, M. Gregory, D. Carabott, A. Azzopardi, E. Camilleri, J. Camilleri, R. Vella, S. Vella, N. Saliba, M. Woods, J. Galea, C. Scerri, M. Degiorgio, J. Zarb, N. Farrugia, K. Laferla, J. Sant Fournier, G. Agius, H. Suda, M. Schembri, J. Falzon.

Floriana FC
M. Cluett, P. Brincat, D. Cauchi, J. Buttigieg, J. Brincat, A. Busuttil, J. Delia, J. Farrugia, C. Sciberras, C. Formosa, B. Crawley, K. Wright, D. Galea, M. Caruana, M. Marlow, J. Briscoe, I. Buhagiar, D. Brincat, R. Buhagiar, M. Miller, J. Azzopardi, M. Piscopo, M. Greeno.

Melita AFC
D. Cluett, C. Cluett, R. Balani, M. Galea, D. Valenzia, K. Valenzia, R. Psaila, M. Borg Costanzi, G. Amato, P. Delia, P. Galea, Frank Gollcher, Frederick Gollcher, M. Galea, P. Zammit, M. Naudi, G. Selvaggi, E. Camenzuli, T. Camilleri, A. Spiteri, M. Cachia, A. Portelli, S. Micallef, H. von Brockdorff, S. Pandolfino, K. Micallef, M. Griscti.