Mifsud crowns fine season with Best Player Award

Hibernians striker Adrian Mifsud was last night named Best Maltese Player in the first Malta Football Awards contest ahead of Birkirkara defender William Camenzuli.

Late on Friday, the 27-year-old Mifsud received another award in the Centenary Hall at Ta' Qali - the Malta FA Player of the Year 2001-2002. Last season, Mifsud played a decisive role in Hibernians' Premiership triumph.

The Malta Football Awards, voted for by Premier League club presidents and coaches, the skippers of the Premiership teams and a panel of 15 football journalists, reached a climax last night at the Westin Dragonara when the winners were announced and presented with their trophies during a social evening.

A good number of the awards went to players from Hibernians and Birkirkara, the most successful clubs in the Premier League last season.

The past season was certainly a memorable one for Mifsud.

Last night he also collected the Best Striker Award ahead of Sliema's Yugoslav goal-getter Danilo Doncic.

The Hibernians forward scored 27 league goals, five short of Doncic's record-equalling 32-goal tally.

Robert Gatt, the man who led Hibernians to their first Premier League title after a seven-year barren period, was named as the 2001/2002 best coach ahead of relative newcomer Stephen Azzopardi of Birkirkara.

Mauro Brincat, the upcoming Hamrun youngster, was named the 2001/2002 Most Promising Player.

The unenvied Gaffe of the Season title went to Lija Athletic's Liam Mangion who had the misfortune of committing no fewer than three own goals last season.

Meanwhile, former Malta skipper Raymond Vella has emerged as favourite to win the All-time Favourite Player Award.

Vella was at one point leading the poll with 55 per cent of the votes, followed by Carmel Busuttil who had 26 per cent. The other nominees for this award are Salvinu Schembri and Tony Nicholl.

The public has until Wednesday to vote by telephone for the All-time Favourite Player Award. The winner will be presented with a trophy during a news conference these coming days.

Voting poll: Salvinu Schembri (500 43241), Tony Nicholl (500 43242), Raymond Vella (500 43243) and Carmel Busuttil (500 43244).

Malta Football Awards 2002

Best Maltese Player - 1. Adrian Mifsud (Hibs); 2. William Camenzuli (Birkirkara).

Best Striker - 1. Adrian Mifsud (Hibs); 2. Danilo Doncic (Sliema W.).

Best Foreign Player - 1. Ndubisi Chukunyere (Hibs); 2. Lucien Dronca (Birkirkara).

Best Defender - 1. Lucien Dronca (Birkirkara); 2. William Camenzuli (Birkirkara).

Best Goalkeeper - 1. Mario Muscat (Hibs); 2. Daniel Dengaky (Hamrun).

Most Promising Player - 1. Mauro Brincat (Hamrun); 2. Antoine Zahra (Hibs).

Best Midfielder - 1. Essien Mbong (Hibs); 2. Ndubisi Chukunyere (Hibs).

Best Coach - 1. Robert Gatt (Hibs); 2. Stephen Azzopardi (Birkirkara).

Best Match Official - 1. Lorry Sammut; 2. Charles Agius.