JOSEPH
BUTTIGIEG
Date of birth: June 4, 1981
Nationality: Maltese
Position: wing-back
Appearances for Club: 99
Goals for Club: 8
Joseph is
one of the most promising young players in the team. He plays in a variety
of positions, in defence, midfield and attack, however, he has shown his best form wide on the right flank.
Joseph made his debut in the 1998/99 season. He has since piled up his appearances
for the Club often coming on as a late substitute and managing to change
the complexion of the game with his quickness, enthusiasm and inventive
play. He is comfortable on the ball and surprisingly good in the air. One of his memorable outings came in the final league match of the
2000/01 season against Nadur Y. With the Youngsters one minute away from a
victory which would have sealed the championship for them, Buttigieg took
possession in midfield and set up the dramatic equalizer. The Youngsters
went on to lose the championship to Xewkija Tigers.
He has won
the Under/16 knockout and the Under/21 championship twice with the Club.
He featured in the team that won promotion and the Super Cup in 1998/99.
He was awarded the Club's most promising player honour for the season. He was part of the treble winning side two years ago. Indeed, he was among
the long list of scorers in the record-breaking 8-0 in the Jum il-Helsien
Cup final and he scored a penalty in the shootout against Kercem Ajax in
the G.F.A. Cup final. Joseph was scintillating against Zebbug R. in
Super Cup victory of 2001/02. He also won the Independence Cup and the
G.F.A. Cup with the Club in the 2002/03 season and the Super Cup in
2003/04.
Joseph had a
terrific 2001/2 season for which he was rewarded by being chosen as the G.F.A.'s
Most Promising Player. He followed this up with a good campaign in
2002/03. Joseph was unlucky not to feature more
prominently in 2003/04 hampered by suspension, injury and
work constraints. He still managed to be among the
protagonists especially in the Blacks' vital third round
2-1 league victory against Xewkija Tigers in which he
created the opening for both our goals.
Joseph
was part of the Blacks' 2004/05 championship winning side
often coming on as a substitute. His most memorable
appearance was when he came in at the start of the second
half of the decisive match against Xewkija Tigers.
