The race for the MFA footballer of the year award is in keeping with last season’s title duel as three Birkirkara players and two from champions Valletta have been shortlisted for the honour.

Birkirkara midfielder Paul Fenech, last year’s winner, is in contention to retain the award after being named among the five finalists. He is joined by team-mates Edward Herrera and Rowen Muscat.

Ryan Fenech and Jonathan Caruana, who both played a key role in Valletta’s odd-defying title triumph last season, have also been nominated.

The finalists in the 10 categories of the MFA Awards, being held on Friday evening at the National Stadium, were announced yesterday.

The coaches and captains of all the clubs, MFA coaches and journalists took part in the vote.

In the coach of the year category, the three candidates are Birkirkara’s Paul Zammit, last year’s winner, Andre Paus, who has taken charge of Cypriot club Anorthosis after leading Valletta to a league and cup double last season, and Alfonso Greco, Sliema’s Italian mentor.

Bjorn Kristensen, winner of the young player award last season, has also made the final three-man shortlist this year along with Birkirkara duo Zach Muscat and Ryan Scicluna.

The three contenders for the foreign player award are Birkirkara duo Jhonnattann and Shola Shodiya Haruna and Valletta’s Denni.

The finalists

MFA footballer of the year: J. Caruana (Valletta), P. Fenech (Birkirkara), R. Fenech (Valletta), E. Herrera (Birkirkara), R. Muscat (Birkirkara).

Coach of the year: A. Greco (Sliema), A. Paus (Valletta), P. Zammit (Birkirkara).

Young player of the year: B. Kristensen (Hibs), Z. Muscat (Birkirkara), R. Scicluna (Birkirkara).

Foreign player of the year: Jhonnattann (Birkirkara), Denni (Valletta), S. Haruna (Birkirkara).

Division One player of the year: R. Costa (Tarxien), T. Grozev (St Andrew’s), R. Kooh-Sohna (Pietà).

Division Two player of the year: M. Bonnici (Mqabba), D. Camilleri (Għargħur), T. Thomas (Senglea).

Division Three player of the year: K. Ekezie (Swieqi Utd), G. Galea (Sirens), M. Senussi (Sta Luċija).

Women’s League best player: R. Cuschieri (Birkirkara), S. Farrugia (Birkirkara), D. Theuma (Hibs).

Best youth league player: L. Cremona (Valletta), J. Degabriele (Hibs), K. Zammit (Birkirkara).

GFA player of the year: F. Apap (Xewkija), S. Nanapere (Victoria Hotspurs), D. Shields (Xewkija).

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