Vale Vehbija (Vebbie) Cahut (3 May 1943 - 15 January 2022)

Photo:  Vehbija Cahut (extreme left in back row) in the Croatia Glenorchy side of 1964, in a photo taken at Grove Road. 

The death has occurred in Hobart of former Croatia-Glenorchy defender, Vehbija Cahut.

Vebbie, as he was known, was aged 78 and had been ill for some time.

He played as a fullback in the Croatia team of the 1960s and was renowned for his power and stamina.

He was solidly built and guaranteed to present an imposing figure to opponents.

He was reputed to have shown his strength at the Australia Croatia Club in Glenorchy by lifting solid tables off the floor with his teeth.

This exhibition deterred anyone who was contemplating picking a fight with him as things got rowdy after celebrations amongst supporters and players following a Croatia win.

Vebbie’s son, Ibrahim (Ibro), who passed away in 2020, was also a notable player for Croatia, as well as NSL clubs Brisbane United and Wollongong City.

Vehbija is survived by his wife, Lynette, and daughter Fadila, and three grandchildren.