by The MFPA will be dishing out the first awards to those deemed to have excelled in the 24/25 season as chosen by the players tonight. The Awards will feature 36 trophies with new accolades for the Best Coach in the Women’s League and Best Player in the National Amateur League 2.
Parity In Awards As Best Coach In Women’s League To Be Announced
The Malta Football Players Assocation (MFPA) will be revealing who has been picked to be the best in the 2024/25 season, as nominated by coaches and chosen by the players, in tonight’s award ceremony.
General Secretary Carlo Mamo summed up the relevance of these awards, “The MFPA Awards are all about celebrating the achievements of football players who are at the heart of our mission. We are very pleased that the popularity of this annual event has grown significantly in recent years as highlighted by the increased participation in the voting process.”
There will be a total of 36 awards, with a shuffle in the awards as new categories emerge to name the best coach in the Assikura Women’s League and the best player of the National Amateur League 2.
Carlo Mamo was elated by the introduction of the Best Coach in the Women’s League, to make another step to put the women’s game on parity with the men’s. Speaking of the introduction he said, “This is of particular significance as we have now achieved parity in terms of the ratio of awards for men’s and women’s football, meaning that all categories of senior women’s football as well as the coaches of the senior women’s teams are covered.”
Following a season which tossed up turns at every moment and new milestones in the women’s game, there is no doubt that the coaches’ input is one to be rewarded. They continue to be at the epicentre of the improvement of the women’s domestic league, which makes the introduction of the award an important one.
Silverware certainly is factored into votes, but it also allows players to recognise the efforts made by those leading them from the dugouts to become better players and those who they feel that by their actions push the game forward in every aspect.
Nominees For Best Coach
The final nominees in the category are coaching veteran in the women’s game, Kenneth Costantino, of Hibernians, together with new coaches, Dorianne Theuma (Swieqi United) and Ryan Vella (Mgarr United).
Kenneth Costantino led Hibernians to another final in the Assikura Women’s Knockout and fourth place* in the league. Costantino stuck to a 3-4-3 system for most of the season, while maintaining a focus on pushing young players regularly into matches. Several players signed with Hibernians from other clubs, including Ileana Farrugia, Sarah Vella Barberi & Georgiana Mifsud, found their feet in the senior team with regular minutes despite the cut-throat exploits of the season at the Top Four level. This besides increased trust in sixteen-year-old Amber Galea in defence.
Off the pitch, Costantino continued to be a vocal ambassador for improving the structures in the women’s game and youth development until his final interview to this page after the Knockout final.
Dorianne Theuma’s name was synonymous with titles and as a vocal leader in the women’s game as a player. It is a legacy she carried with her into her coaching career, as marked by her first season since hanging up her boots at the end of last year. She led Swieqi United to their maiden Super Cup and Assikura Women’s League in a first year in charge, after having faced repeated heartbreaks at the mercy of Birkirkara.
Despite a torrid start and pressure certainly mounting on the new coach, belief in a change in system, matched by relentless work ethic, revolutionised a squad that faced so much heartbreak in its established members and complemented by talented but largely inexperienced young players at senior level, into champions. Having been vocal as a player for improved structures, Theuma has also continued that legacy as a coach in encouraging action to raise the level and visibility throughout the year.
The final nominee, Mgarr United’s Ryan Vella, debuted in his first full season in charge in the women’s game this year. Though perhaps facing less pressure by being relatively unknown, a flamboyant summer transfer window put the spotlight on Mgarr United as strong potential contenders. Despite a squad depth that was ultimately dwindled by injuries to key players including long spells out for captain Brenda Borg, Maia Debono, as well as summer signings, Veronique Mifsud and Ann-Marie Said, he led Mgarr United to a return to second place in the league when perhaps many discounted the Greens based on previous years once injuries struck. The season was completed by leading Mgarr United to claim their first trophy by beating Hibernians in the Assikura Women’s Knockout final.
It was a debut campaign which has quickly earned Ryan Vella the respect as a smart tactician, deploying a side that shape-shifted effectively to nullify opponents, despite the hurdles faced. Though not always pretty, Ryan Vella’s tactics were certainly effective and contributed heavily to the fascinating story that developed in the season, making his nomination also worthy.
Re-Shuffle In Player Nominations
The MFPA awards name a Best XI, with all its nominees also being in the running for the Best Player award. A separate accolade goes for the Best Young Player.
The Best XI features a re-shuffle, which reflects the changes in the table as Swieqi United and Mgarr United claim the most nominations, while also highlighting the injuries which have sidelined a majority of players who have hauled trophies in recent years. Notable absentees include Janice Xuereb, Stephania Farrugia, Ann-Marie Said, Brenda Borg and Veronique Mifsud.
There are some retentions as Swieqi United’s Patricia Araujo holds the nomination for Best Goalkeeper, after having been a mainstay for the Owls on their way to the maiden title and could retain the crown from last year. Araujo is contended by Mgarr United’s Patricia Ebejer who shared duties with Giulia D’Antuono, but claimed the nomination for her performances.
The left full-back position features another re-shuffle and will be contended by Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United) and season debutant, Yanina Mendez (Mgarr United). There is a mirrored battle on the right flank as Mgarr United’s Rebecca Bajada retains the nomination from last year and will contend Swieqi United’s Jade Schembri.
There is more tough competition with a number of standout defensive performers at centre-back. Mgarr United’s Leanne Cefai leads the nominations, joining the trio retaining their nomination from last year: Natalee Geren (Hibernians), Rafanny Mendoza Abache (Swieqi United) and Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara). Geren will be hoping to retain the accolade from last year, but certainly faces tough competition with a number of standout performances by those in the line-up.
The midfield features a return nomination for Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United) and Luana Cabral (Birkirkara). They will face competition from Michaela Cachia (Swieqi United), Amber Grech (Mgarr United) and Chaimaa Tourki of San Gwann, with the trio all standing out for their teams throughout the year.
The attack features an all-foreign line-up, reflecting the dwindling supply of Maltese strikers in the domestic league. It is led by top league goal-scorer Hailey Russell (San Gwann) with 28 goals across competitions. She is joined by Karima Abdulai (Swieqi United) who claimed 18 goals in the senior’s game, and compatriot and teammate Salamatu Abdulai (11 across senior competitions). Alexis Espitia of Hibernians continues to maintain her place in nominations after grabbing 17 goals across competitions. However, they face competition from season debutants Erica Bispo (Birkirkara) (18) and Mgarr United’s Valeria Villegas Caly (20).
Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians) is also in the running to retain the Best Young Player crown. She faces competition from fellow Best XI midfield nominee Michaela Cachia (Swieqi United). Yulya Carella (Mgarr United) completes the unit after bagging 17 goals across competitions, despite missing out on the Best XI nomination.
Mirroring these awards will be those on the men’s side for the Malta Premier League. The BOV Challenge League’s Best XI & Best Player will also be awarded, while Best Player awards will also be given to the Best Amateur League 1 and League 2 players. The MFPA also award an MFPA Merit Award to a former player or football personality who has excelled during his/her career.
The awards will be held tonight, 12th May, at the Radisson Blu Golden Sands Resort. The full list of nominees may be found below.
Full List Of Nominees
MFPA WOMEN’S BEST XI (1-4-3-3)
Goalkeepers: Patricia Araujo Da Silva (Swieqi United), Patricia Ebejer (MÄ¡arr United).
Left-Backs: Yanina Mendez (MÄ¡arr United), Emma Xuereb (Swieqi United).
Right-backs: Rebecca Bajada (MÄ¡arr United), Jade Schembri (Swieqi United).
Centre-Backs: Leanne Cefai (MÄ¡arr United), Natalee Grace Geren (Hibernians), Rafanny Andreina Mendoza (Swieqi United), Charlene Zammit (Birkirkara).
Midfielders: Luana Cabral (Birkirkara), Michaela Cachia (Swieqi United), Tourki Chaimaa (San Ä wann), Amber Grech (MÄ¡arr United), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians), Shona Zammit (Swieqi United).
Forwards: Karima Abdulai (Swieqi United), Salamatu Abdulai (Swieqi United), Erica Bispo (Birkirkara), Alexis Veronica Espitia (Hibernians), Hailey Russell (San Ä wann), Valeria Villegas Caly (MÄ¡arr United).
MFPA WOMEN’S BEST PLAYER
All the candidates for the MFPA Women’s Best XI are nominated.
MFPA WOMEN’S BEST YOUNG PLAYER
Michaela Cachia (Swieqi United), Yulya Carella (MÄ¡arr United), Nicole Sciberras (Hibernians).
MFPA WOMEN’S BEST COACH
Kenneth Costantino (Hibernians), Dorianne Theuma (Swieqi United), Ryan Vella (MÄ¡arr United).
MFPA MEN’S BEST XI (1-4-3-3)
Goalkeepers: Emeka Kelvin Agu (Sliema Wanderers), Henry Bonello (Ħamrun Spartans).
Left-Backs: Leandro Aguirre (Marsaxlokk), Myles Beerman (Sliema Wanderers).
Right-Backs: Joseph Mbong (Ħamrun Spartans), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Floriana).
Centre-Backs: Gustavo Alcino (Sliema Wanderers), Jean Borg (Sliema Wanderers), Oualid El Hasni (Floriana), Gabriel Mentz (Gżira United).
Midfielders: Prince Afriyie (Mosta), Khevin Fraga (Hibernians), Mattias Garcia (Floriana) Bjorn Kristensen (Hibernians), Alexander Satariano (Birkirkara), Dunstan Vella (Floriana).
Forwards: Thaylor Aldama (Gżira United), Mohamed Awad (Sliema Wanderers), Alex Gomes (Marsaxlokk), Maxuell Maia (Birkirkara), Yuri Messias (Marsaxlokk), Franklin Sasere (Floriana).
MFPA MEN’S BEST PLAYER
All the candidates for the MFPA Men’s Best XI are nominated.
MFPA MEN’S BEST YOUNG PLAYER
Alexander Satariano (Birkirkara), Sven Xerri (Ħamrun Spartans), Carlo Zammit Lonardelli (Floriana).
MFPA BEST COACH
Darren Abdilla (Floriana), Stefano De Angelis (Birkirkara), Paul Zammit (Sliema Wanderers).
MFPA CHALLENGE LEAGUE
Goalkeepers: Timothy Aquilina (Valletta), Reeves Cini (Pietà Hotspurs), Andreas Vella (Tarxien Rainbows).
Defenders: Darren Borg (Żurrieq), Neil Micallef (Valletta), Juan Pablo Morales (Swieqi United).
Midfielders: Jake Azzopardi (Valletta), Thomas Melillo (Pietà Hotspurs), Brandon Paiber (Valletta).
Forwards: Sulahmana Bah (Żurrieq), Andrei Ciolacu (Valletta), Duvan Torres (Żebbuġ Rangers)
MFPA BEST OVERALL CHALLENGE LEAGUE PLAYER
The candidates in the four Challenge League categories are nominated.
MFPA BEST AMATEUR LEAGUE 1 PLAYER
Julian Azzopardi (BirżebbuÄ¡a St Peter’s), Godwin Emmanuel (Vittoriosa Stars), Ricardo Velasquez (San Ä wann).
MFPA BEST AMATEUR LEAGUE 2 PLAYER
Rondinely Monteiro (Victoria Hotspurs), Andres Tenorio (Mqabba), Timothy Thomas (Kalkara).
*Edit: previously identified as third place.
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