Prizes for top ref and best save in 10th edition

This year’s Malta Football Awards, to be held at the MFCC on Wednesday, May 25, will feature two new categories, that for best referee and best save.

Sandro Micallef, chairperson of the organising committee, told a news conference that, at this year’s presentation night, which will have Go as main sponsor, the organisers have decided to honour the best referee in the BOV Premier League and also the best save of the season.

“The award for the best referee is being reinstated after an absence of almost seven years,” Micallef said.

“When this award was introduced, the Malta FA requested the organisers to omit this category as they argued that it could create unnecessary rivalry among the referees. However, after talks with the new administration of the MFA, we have been granted permission to include this award which will be voted for exclusively by local sports journalists.

“Another novelty in this 10th edition is the best save of the season prize which is intended to reward the efforts of the goalkeepers in the top-flight. This honour, together with the best goal of the season, will be decided via televoting.”

Micallef said that the two new accolades have increased the number of awards to 19. Voting is expected to commence in the coming weeks when football journalists and club officials and players will be asked to submit their preferences.

The chairman of the organising committee said that the venue of this year’s awards night has a total capacity of 1,200 seats. For this reason, Micallef said, local football fans will be given the opportunity to buy tickets for the event, at a price of €15, through the website www.biljetti.com.

The presentation night will be hosted by Catherine Micallef, Simon Farrugia and Rodney Vassallo. It will be shown live on TVM with Go Sports airing a repeat of the event.

For more information log on towww.maltafootball.com/awards.

Best goal of the season: E. Agius (Valletta vs Ħamrun Spartans); D. Falzon (Ħamrun S. vs Valletta); R. Fenech (Valletta vs Sliema); C. Frendo (Qormi vs Hibs); M. Galea (Birkirkara vs Sliema); Sergio (Tarxien vs Floriana).

Best save of the season: S. Agius (Vittoriosa vs Birkirkara); O. Borg (Ħamrun S. vs Vittoriosa); D. Cassar (Tarxien vs Floriana); M. Farrugia (Qormi vs Marsaxlokk); A. Hogg (Valletta vs Floriana); L. Saidi (Floriana vs Sliema Wanderers).