Justin Haber believes that perseverance and hard work were the cornerstones of his football career’s longevity as the veteran goalkeeper reached another impressive feat in his long career during last week’s 360 Sports Malta Premier match against Sliema Wanderers.
At 43 years, three months and 12 days old, Haber became the oldest player to play a top-flight match since the Malta Premier Division was introduced in 1980 when he started in goal for Gżira United in their 2-2 draw against Sliema Wanderers.
Haber beat the previous record set by Ray Xuereb, who made a substitute appearance for Naxxar Lions against Floriana on the last day of season 1994-95, at 42 years, seven months and 16 days at the time.
The Floriana-born goalkeeper said that he feels proud to have achieved so much longevity in his career that started at the young age of 16 years old.
“I feel really proud to have reached such a milestone,” Haber told the Times of Malta.
“Determination and perseverance have been the hallmarks of my career and I worked hard every day to always prove myself.
“During my long career I had a million excuses to stop as inevitably I had a lot of setbacks.
“Last season was a very disappointing campaign for me as I moved to Marsaxlokk but, unfortunately, I was never allowed to prove myself. Luckily, at the end of the season, coach Andrew Cohen contacted me and gave me the opportunity to join him at Gżira.
“During the summer I have worked really hard to reach my best possible physical fitness and the fact that I was handed a starting berth in last week’s derby against Sliema Wanderers was the reward of long hours of hard work and belief.
“This takes more significance as the last time that I played a match was a year and a half ago when I turned out for Hibs in the final day of the season in April 2023.
“And this is the message I want to pass to young players. Always believe in yourself and not let anyone stop you from doing what you love most.”
Haber is in his second spell at Gżira United after joining them for five years from 2017 till 2022 and says he always felt he was part of a family.
“At Gżira United, there is something special that you don’t find in other clubs. You feel like being part of a big family,” Haber said.
“Every player that comes to the club takes little time to feel at home. I enjoyed some great memories at the club, including historic results in European football like when we knocked out Hajduk Split in the Europa League as well as a number of qualifications in other European competitions.
“I have known Cohen for several years as we were team-mates with the national team and the best thing about him is that he is very frank in his assessment and he has no problem in giving an opportunity to any player, be it Maltese or foreigner.
“He knows that I’m a hard worker and I’m pleased that this summer he brought to the club goalkeepers’ coach Domenic Ellul, with whom I am working really hard to bring my best form to the pitch.”
haber’s appearance against Sliema Wanderers increased his overall tally of appearances in the Premier League to 347 matches and the 43-year-old is keen to keep hold of his place and reach the 350 mark.
“So far, I have collected 347 matches in the Maltese Premier League, but it’s no secret that I’m looking forward to hitting the 350 mark,” Haber said.
“My goal is to keep my place in goal but if the coach decides to play someone else for tactical reasons, I will have no problem with that and will just re-double my efforts during training to reclaim my place.”
On Friday evening, Haber hopes to start in goal against his hometown club Floriana and the veteran goalkeeper is keen to keep to prove himself.
“Floriana will always have a special place in my heart but at the end of the day my club is Gżira United and I will give my 200 per cent to their cause.
“Last year, I had the chance to move to Floriana during the January transfer window, but it didn’t happen and I was very disappointed.
“But now that is in the past and if I am selected I will do my best to show that I deserve to play in the Premier League.
“I am very happy at Gżira United and fully believe that we have what it takes to challenge for the main honours.
“The club president and the committee made a lot of sacrifices to increase the depth of our squad and there is no doubt in my mind that we have more margin for improvement and I’m determined to help the club reach their season’s objectives.”
PROGRAMME
TODAY
National Stadium
Floriana vs Gżira United 18.00
Naxxar L. vs Ħamrun S. 20.30
TOMORROW
TONY BEZZINA STADIUm
Żabbar SP vs Hibernians 18.00
Marsaxlokk vs Balzan 20.15
SUNDAY
TONY BEZZINA STADIUM
Mosta vs Birkirkara 18.00
Sliema W. vs Melita 20.30
