The Malta Veterans National Team have written a slice of local football history after setting two national age records during the Jubilee Cup 2025–26, organised by the Malta Football Association.
Both marks, the oldest team by average age to feature in an official MFA match and the oldest team by average age to win one, were officially recognised by The Malta Records and presented at Charles Abela Stadium, Mosta. The records were established on Friday, 29 August 2025, when the Veterans beat M.E.S.A. 2–1 at the Centenary Stadium, Ta’ Qali, thanks to a brace from Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza. The average age of the players used in that match was 41 years and four months.
The Veterans’ line up that night included: Matthew Camilleri (45), Steven Bonnici (36), Manolito Micallef (41), Jonathan Pearson (38), Kurt Magro (39), Carlo Mamo (46), Brian Said (52), Gareth Sciberras (42), Thomas Paris (38), Kevin Sammut (44), Jean Pierre Mifsud Triganza (43), Ian Zammit (38), George Frendo (39) and Giuseppe Muscat (36).
Their record-setting run has also carried them into the Jubilee Cup final in the Member Associations’ category, where they will meet the MAFA Selection after both sides progressed via penalty shootouts in their semi-finals.
The Veterans edged SWAN Selection 5–4 on spot kicks after a 2–2 draw in normal time. Ian Zammit put the Veterans ahead on 15 minutes and they led 1–0 at the break, before SWAN forward Auwal Abba turned the contest with goals on 47 and 73 minutes. Manolito Micallef levelled to force penalties, where Micallef, Justin Grioli, Andrew Cohen, Zammit, and Frendo all converted. SWAN replied through Abba, Gabriel Felipe, Darrell Baldacchino and Klajdi Qose, but Sean Lee Lanzon’s miss proved decisive.
With two national records secured and a final to come against the MAFA Selection, the Veterans’ campaign already carries historic significance; the chance of silverware remains firmly in view.
