New honour for top performer in women's league

The proposal put forward last year to honour the best female football player of the season did not fall on deaf ears as the organisers of the Westin Malta Football Awards yesterday announced that one more category was added to their list for the third edition which reaches a climax with the presentations night on July 31.

Sandro Micallef, one of the organisers, yesterday told reporters during the launching of the annual contest that the award for the top player in the women's football league will feature among the various novelties to be introduced this year.

In all, there will be 30 journalists, 10 more than last season, on the voting panel. Also involved in the ballot are the Premier League club presidents, coaches and team captains.

However, since women's football still lags behind in media coverage, the organisers felt that it would be fairer for the women's team coaches to cast their vote and select the top performer in the championship themselves.

Awards will go to the best player in various roles on the field of play.

Once again, the contest will also be open for the most promising youngster, the top local and foreign player, referee, linesman and coach.

The best goal of the season will be decided by a sub-committee, composed mainly of sports writers. They will view a selection of goals on video and subsequently vote on their best preference.

During the presentations night last year, the organisers honoured former Valletta and Malta international Joe Cilia and the league's all-time best scorer Stefan Sultana, of Hamrun Spartans.

This year there will be similar presentations but the organisers would not reveal the names. Those awarded will hail from different eras of Maltese football, as was the case in 2003.

Nominations

Coach Edward Aquilina, winner of the best coach category last year, is again among the candidates after leading Sliema Wanderers to a league and cup double.

Blues skipper Noel Turner, 2003 best midfielder and Maltese player, is also in the preliminary list along with Roderick Bajada (most promising player), Lucian Dronca (best defender and foreigner), Michael Galea (top striker) and Saviour Darmanin (best goalkeeper).

The presentations night will again be staged at the Westin Dragonara.

The comperes on the day will be an all-popular trio of John Busuttil, Antonella Vassallo and Valerie Vella.

Organisers yesterday said they have a new website where more details may be obtained. www.maltafootball.com/awards provides useful information on the Malta Football Awards history.

Tickets may be obtained from Geraldu Kiosk, Valletta, or by phoning 9946-8001.