Season 1943-44 was the first full campaign after the Second World War. It was an experimental year for Maltese football.
Although by now the war was virtually over, at least as far as Malta was concerned, many of the leading teams were still in hibernation and most of the pre-war football stars were still in uniform.
The Malta FA realised that a rebuilding plan was needed if the game was to prosper. Opinions were many and diverse over the methods to be used to put the game on a firm footing.
One school of thought favoured the amalgamation of teams from the same district.
The small clubs were vehemently against this idea, realising that they would be signing their own death warrants if they agreed to this idea. Despite the objections, however, the MFA decided to adopt this proposal.
There was no doubt that the 'District Representation Plan' would result in better organisation and an increase in the public's interest.
The association was faced with many problems. Yet, despite the innumerable difficulties, the council still managed to organise four major competitions that season. These competitions made 1943-44 a season to remember.
With all the planning and negotiations needed to set the ball rolling, it was not before January that the civilian football season at last got underway.
It was late in the season but it was a case of better late than never. Mr Scicluna, who during this period seemed to be the heart and soul of the game, announced the programme for the rest of the season.
The major competition organised by the MFA during that season was the Malta Cup which was won by Valletta FC. This competition was open to First Division clubs only, while the Eighth Army Cup was intended for Service teams below battalion strength.
Finally, the Malta Siege Cup was planned for senior civilian and service teams. This competition was not held however, its place taken by the Cassar Cup. It was also planned to hold the Christmas Cup for Second Division clubs and the New Year's Cup for Third Division teams.
City double on Greens
Valletta beat none other than their old rivals from Floriana in the Malta Cup final. And then, as if to prove that this success was no fluke, the Citizens beat Floriana once again in the Cassar Cup final.
Zabbar FC beat Msida United in the final of the Christmas Cup, while Beland City, of Marsaxlokk, beat Floriana Brittania 1-0 in the final of the New Year's Cup.
A large number of teams took part in the Eighth Army Cup making the competition both long and unwieldy. The competition, which dragged into the summer, was won by HMS St Angelo who beat 190 Battery RA 5-1 in the final.
Valletta's successful season vindicated the MFA's policy of district representation. Valletta, for the first time in many years, was represented by a formidable team.
The Malta Cup and Cassar Cup triumphs proved that the merger of the Prestons and St Paul's had paid dividends.
If further proof were needed, this was given by Zabbar, the product of the merger of a number of clubs from the locality. The team capped an excellent season by winning the Christmas Cup after beating Msida United in the final.
This competition was very interesting and drew large crowds to the Stadium on Sunday mornings. The protagonists were Zabbar, Msida United, Luqa St Andrew's and Cospicua Lions.
It was the team from Zabbar, however, which emerged victorious with a tight 1-0 victory over Msida United in the final.