An excellent season for Roderick Briffa ended on a triumphant note yesterday as the Valletta midfielder claimed the Malta FA Footballer of the Year award for the second time in his career.

Briffa was a runaway winner as he garnered 123 points from the voting panel, comprising coaches and captains of the 12 BOV Premier League clubs, a selection of coaches from the MFA Technical Centre and a pool of reporters who regularly cover the top division of Maltese football.

“I’m thrilled,” Briffa told Times of Malta.

“Winning the MFA footballer of the year only days after celebrating Valletta’s league title is the icing on the cake.

“The season has exceeded our expectations but we were united from top to bottom, the supporters, committee and the players... that was the key factor behind our success.”

Hibernians midfielder Bjorn Kristensen was second on 61 points ahead of Valletta captain Jonathan Caruana on 38.

One point separated Balzan duo Alfred Effiong (32) and Lydon Micallef (31), in fourth and fifth place, respectively.

With the MFA footballer of the year award recognised as the most prestigious individual prize in local football, Briffa had good reason to be happy last night but he was quick to pay tribute to his team-mates.

“My priority is to help Valletta FC be successful but, after reaching that objective, I’m glad that my efforts have been recognised by those who voted for this award,” the Malta international said.

“Apart from the personal accolades, I’ve won four league titles with Valletta now plus other honours but in football, you win as a team. I want to thank my team-mates because without their help, I wouldn’t have been able to claim this award.

“I’m also grateful to the club and the supporters... they’ve given me a lot.”

Allied to Valletta’s championship triumph, Briffa’s nomination as the top Maltese player in season 2015/16 has vindicated his decision to reject the overtures of other clubs in the off-season and prolong his stay with the Citizens.

“There were a lot of rumours about my future last summer but the truth is that my intention was always to stay with Valletta,” Briffa, who won the MFA best player award for the first time in 2011, said.

“Besides my strong attachment to this club, I knew that, at this stage of my career, it wouldn’t have been easy to settle quickly in a new environment. I just put my head down and focused on Valletta, also knowing that this club has always been among the top challengers for honours.”

Three months short of his 35th birthday, Briffa, who has 88 Malta caps, needs no reminding that he has reached the home straight of his career.

“I’m not getting any younger but age is not an issue here,” Briffa said.

“It’s all about working hard in training and retaining the faith of the coach and that’s what I intend to do… I will keep giving my 100 per cent.

“I believe in dreams… if you stop dreaming, you lose motivation and your level goes down. That’s something that has never crossed my mind because my ambition is to keep winning.

“Obviously, it’s up to the coach to decide on my role and you have to adapt.”

With last night’s MFA Awards ceremony at the Mediterranean Conference Centre bringing the curtains down on the 2015/16 domestic campaign, Briffa has already turned his attention to next season.

“My ambition is for Valletta to challenge for every trophy next year,” Briffa said.

“There are also the national team’s commitments, starting with the friendies against the Czech Republic later this month.

“This year, Malta will play against England in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and I’m eager to stay fit and be involved in that prestigious game.”

Zammit – top coach

Briffa was not the only member of Valletta’s title-winning squad to be called on to the main stage last night as Paul Zammit walked away with the Coach of the Year award.

Zammit, who steered City to the league title in the first year of his second spell in charge of the team, obtained an outstanding tally of 164 points.

Jacques Scerri’s success in guiding Tarxien Rainbows to a sixth-place finish in his maiden season in the Premier League was also recognised as the young coach finished second behind Zammit.

Branko Nisevic, who this week ended his association with Hibernians, was third.

Hibs, runners-up in the league, produced two winners last night as Juergen Dega-briele was voted as best young player and best player in the Youth League while Brazilian playmaker Gilmar claimed top spot in the best foreigner category.

Degabriele finished ahead of Luke Montebello, who played on loan with Tarxien Rainbows, and Valletta midfielder Llywelyn Cremona, in that order.

Gilmar, who spent last season on loan with Hibs from Naxxar Lions, beat the challenge of Valletta duo Federico Falcone and Jhonnattann.

Last night’s glitzy event centred around the FA Trophy competition as the old cup, lifted for the last time by Sliema Wanderers last week, is being withdrawn to make way for a new trophy which is partly-financed by the English FA.

The design of the new silver cup was unveiled at the ceremony during which the draw of the 2016/17 BOV Premier League was also made.

2016/17 Premier League

Opening programme

Floriana vs Pembroke ; Birkirkara vs St Andrew’s; Balzan vs Mosta; Gżira vs Tarxien; Valletta vs Sliema; Hibernians vs Ħamrun.

The winners

Player of the year: Roderick Briffa (Valletta).

Coach of the year: Paul Zammit (Valletta).

Young player award: Juergen Degabriele (Hibernians).

Best foreigner: Gilmar (Hibernians).

First Division best player: James Obaje Aud-Gustine (Senglea Athletic).

Second Division best player: Muda Fagbeja (Għargħur).

Third Division best player: Anton Florin (Għaxaq).

Women’s League best player: Stephania Farrugia (Birkirkara)

Best Youth League player: Juergen Degabriele (Hibernians).

Gozo FA player of the year: Shaun Bajada (Għajnsielem).

Futsal best player: Jovica Milijic (Valletta).

Goal of the year: Edmond Agius (Birkirkara).

President’s Award: Carmel Baldacchino.