Michael Bugeja had a highly distinguished career in goal for
Ghajnsielem, often singled out for saving the team from
certain defeat. After his retirement he stayed in close
touch with the Club both in terms of administration and
coaching. He was in charge of the team at three different
points in time. In the early sixties, he led the team back
to the top flight after two seasons in the second
division.
In the middle of the
1966/67 season, Michael Bugeja resumed his control of the team. Under his leadership, the team won
the Galea’s Cup in the 1967/68 season. He took the team to within one
win of the league title, however, an unexpected loss to Victoria Hotspurs
meant that Michael and his team had to content themselves with second
place.
Michael Bugeja last coached the Blacks at the beginning
of the 1977/78 season. Early in his tenure, the team was rocked by
internal turmoil, and half the squad refused to report for training and
for club matches. Mr. Bugeja soldiered on, and even managed to win a match
with a team full of players from the minors, the reserves and players back
out of retirement. Four consecutive losses in the league brought with it
the terrible specter of impending relegation. Finally a compromise was
reached and the rebel players returned to the fold. Unfortunately
this meant that Michael's involvement with the senior side
came to an end.
