The Malta Football Players Association Awards were held at the Xara Lodge after an interesting football season which saw teams contest to prevail at both top and bottom tiers of the table, and across all divisions.
The "Awards Night" as the MFPA itself promotes it through their message is "An Award To The Players From The Players"
The ceremony was attended by the Hon Clifton Grima, Hon Ryan Callus, former players, Sports Administrators and member of the press.
In his speech MFPA General Secretary Carlo Mamo, outlined the issues of greatest concern, whilst highlighting the fact that the MFPA will never be an armchair critic, but will always actively seek to be part of the solution. In view of this, Mamo continued to state, the Association has been and will continue to work and strive hard on a number of project to improve the level of football and the working conditions of its' members.
A distinct guest on the night was Roy Vermeer, himself winner of the MFPA Merit Award for his invalubale contribution towards players conditions in Malta. Mr. Vermeer worked at both FIFA and UEFA for a number of years and is currently Legal Director at FIFPro.
FIFPro is the governing World Footballers Union and caters for 65,000 professional footballers with its global headquarters in Hoofddorp, Netherlands with 60 national players' associations as members.
The Special Award was given to the Dream Team of Malta’s first generation of National Football Players. Legend’s of Football’s Past such as John Holland, Joe Cini, Louis Arpa and Willie Vassallo who reminisced local football fans of Malta’s football days at the Empire Stadium in Gzira.
The top two awards, The Award for Best Young Player overall went to Birkirkara midfielder Jake Grech, whilst the winner of the MFPA Best Player of the year went to Andrew Cohen.
Young Jake Grech of Birkirkara took the MFPA Young Best Player. Photo: Domenic Aquilina
Complete list of winners
Best Futsal Player: Maicon Silva
Best Female Player: Steph Farrugia
Best First Division Player: Paul Chemezie
Best Referee: Alan Mario Sant
Best Coach: Paul Zammit
Best Young Goalkeeper: Jake Galea
Best Young Defender: Jean Borg
Best Young Midfielder: Jake Grech
Best Young Forward: Kyrian Nwoko
Best XI Goalkeeper: Henry Bonello
Best XI Right Back: Enmy Manuel Pena Beltre
Best XI Left Back: Joseph Zerafa
Best XI Central Defenders: Steve Borg - Enrico Pepe
Best XI Midfielders: Paul Fenech - Mislav Andelkovic - Andrew Cohen
Best XI Forwards: Amadou Samb - Alex Paixao - Bojan Kaljevic
Special Award: Alfred Mizzi, Anton Camilleri, Edward Darmanin, Edwin Farrugia, John Holland, Louis Arpa, Eddie Theobald (Late), Wille Vassallo, Joe Cini, Ronnie Cocks (Late), Raymond Xuereb,
Merit Award: Roy Vermeer
MFPA Best Young Player: Jake Grech
MFPA Best Player: Andrew Cohen