## Nicosia Football Legends Honored at Stadium Inauguration
The recently renovated Stefano La Motta stadium in Nicosia was the setting for a special event honoring some of the city’s most celebrated football players. The event, organized by Salvatore Leonardi and Liborio lo Monte, took place on December 22nd and saw the bestowal of awards on numerous individuals who have left an indelible mark on Nicosian football.
Gaetano La Jacona, widely regarded as the greatest Nicosian footballer of all time [1], was the centerpiece of the celebration. La Jacona,a gifted midfielder who later became an adopted citizen of Enna for work reasons,enjoyed a distinguished career wearing the Nicosia shirt. He was also a key player for the Sais Ennese football team, sponsored by the local public transport company. Despite receiving a promising offer from the L’Aquila club,La Jacona prioritized his family and work commitments,declining the transfer.
The event wasn’t solely focused on La Jacona. Numerous other players, some honored posthumously, were recognized for their contributions to Nicosian football. Among them were Nino Panatteri, Nicola Bevacqua, Nuncio Lullo, Ernesto Sfienti, Dario Scarlata, Graziano Scaminaci Giulio, ignazio Panatteri, Fabio Picone, Happy Friend, Pepino Lo Faro, Enzo Campione, Enzo La Blunda, Fabio Li, Costantino Angilello, Tanino La Iacona, Butterfire Pine, Mimmo Bonfiglio, Salvatore Pizzino, Toto’ Ferrigno, Renato Cerati, Pepino All Good, Mimmo D’Angelo, Liborio Lo Monte, Gaetano Sarrafiore, Tino Puglisi, Francesco Migliazzo, Nino Aglieri, Giovanni Brucato, Masi Scilipoti, agostino Incardona, Salvatore Marano, Talin Club, Andrea Pirrello, Salvatore Migliosini, Santino Barbera, and Santo Calabrese.
This event served as a powerful reminder of the rich history and passionate spirit of Nicosian football. The honorees, each in their own way, contributed to the legacy of the sport in the city, inspiring generations of players and fans alike.
Remembering Nicosia’s Footballing legends: A Conversation with Salvatore Leonardi
Nicosia recently celebrated its rich footballing history with a remarkable event honouring some of the city’s most celebrated players. Held at the newly renovated stefano La Motta stadium, the ceremony saw numerous individuals receive accolades for their contributions too Nicosian football. To discuss this momentous occasion, its significance, and the impact these players had on the sport, we sat down with Salvatore Leonardi, one of the event’s organizers.
Moderator: Salvatore, thank you for joining us today. This event honoring Nicosia’s football legends was truly special. Can you tell us a little about the motivation behind it?
Salvatore: Absolutely. It was a dream come true for both myself and Liborio Lo Monte, my co-organizer. We wanted to pay tribute to these remarkable individuals who dedicated themselves to Nicosia football, laying the foundation for the sport’s legacy in our city. Many of these players are unsung heroes, their stories largely untold. it was essential to bring them to the forefront and celebrate their achievements.
Moderator: Gaetano La Jacona undoubtedly stands out as a central figure in this celebration. He’s widely regarded as Nicosia’s greatest footballer. What made him so extraordinary?
Salvatore: Gaetano was a phenomenal talent, a true maestro in midfield. He possessed astonishing technical ability, vision, and a knack for scoring crucial goals. His loyalty to Nicosia, despite receiving lucrative offers from other clubs, speaks volumes about his character and commitment to our city.
Moderator: You mentioned loyalty. La jacona chose to stay in Nicosia, prioritizing his family and work commitments over a potential move to L’Aquila.This highlights a dedication to place and community often seen in local sporting heroes. Do you think this kind of loyalty is still prevalent in modern football?
Salvatore: It’s a great question, and perhaps a complex one.The allure of big money moves and international fame is undeniably strong these days. While we still see instances of loyalty, the modern game is undeniably more transient. It makes these stories of players like La Jacona, who embodied dedication to their hometown club, even more precious.
Moderator: Indeed. the event saw numerous other players recognized, some posthumously, each contributing to Nicosia’s footballing tapestry. How do you think their individual stories and achievements contribute to the collective identity of Nicosian football?
Salvatore: Each of these players, in their unique way, adds a thread to the rich narrative of Nicosian football. Their dedication, skill, and passion resonate through generations, inspiring young players and fans alike. recognizing their contributions ensures that their stories are remembered, fueling the city’s love for the game.
Moderator: This event undoubtedly sparked nostalgia and pride among Nicosian football fans. What message do you hope they take away from the celebration?
Salvatore: I hope they feel a renewed sense of thankfulness for Nicosia’s footballing heritage. It’s a reminder that sport has the power to unite communities, create lasting memories, and inspire generations. I also hope this will encourage further exploration and documentation of our city’s sporting history.
Moderator: Thank you, Salvatore, for sharing yoru insights and for your tireless work in organizing this meaningful event.
Salvatore: My pleasure. Let’s continue to celebrate the legends who shaped Nicosian football.
Now, we want to here from you, our readers! What are your favorite memories of these legendary players? Do you think events like this are meaningful for preserving sporting heritage? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!
