Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/306555
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 4 MAY 2014 Sport 44 FOOTBALL RUGBY Paul Fenech voted MFPA Best Player PAUL Fenech and Leighton Grech received the most sought after in- dividual football awards in Malta, as Best Player and Best Young Player for the 2013/14 season re- spectively during the annual MF- PA awards ceremony, at the Cor- inthia Palace, Attard. At the event organized by the Malta Football Players Asso- ciation, players from the Premier League, coaches, former players and VIP guests, , Hon. Parliamen- tary Secretary Chris Agius and Hon. Robert Cutajar, attended the event to celebrate the 2013/14 Maltese football season. Paul Fenech was a worthy win- ner of the main award as his hard work, goals and qualit y perform- ances were evident to all. The two other finalists were Valletta skipper Ryan Fenech, who led his team to the championship and the nippy Birkirkara FC striker Jhon- nattann Benites. Paul Fenech the Birkirkara mid- fielder was delighted to be recog- nised by his opponents and peers as the best player in Malta, receiv- ing his award from former Malta star player Carmel Busuttil. Being voted as Best Young Player has capped a remarkable season for 24 years old Leighton Grech. He joined Qormi FC from Birkirkara FC on loan to become the most important player for Qormi FC. The attacking midfielder scored important goals on loan and went on to become one of the most im- portant players of the season, cul- minating in his first call for the Senior National team. The award was presented by the ex-Valletta and National Team midfielder, Nicky Saliba. Both players thanked the MFPA, the players who voted for them and their respective families for the support during this tough sea- son. The MFPA introduced a new award, The Merit Award. This award is given for meritorious service to football. This year's winner was Dr. David Attard, the National Team doctor. Address- ing the crowd after receiving the award, Dr. Attard thanked Carlo Mamo and the MFPA for the initi- ative, but surprised everyone when he said that in a career spreading over 28 years with the National Team, it was the first time that he received any form of official rec- ognition for the work done and was pleased that this had to come from the players. This award was presented by Hon. Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius. The full list of winners from the MFPA Awards 2013/14 was: Best Player 2013/14: Paul Fenech (Birkirkara FC) Best Young Player 2013/14: Leighton Grech (Qormi FC) Merit Award: Dr. David Attard (MFA) The MFPA announced also the team of the year as voted by the players. The MFPA XI were: Goalkeeper: Justin Haber (Birkirkara FC) Defenders: Edward Herrera (Birkirkara FC), Nikola Vukanac (Birkirkara FC), Aleandro Mendo- za (Birkirkara FC), Clayton Failla (Hibernians) Midfielders: Denni Rocha Dos Santos (Valletta FC), Paul Fenech (Birkirkara FC), Ryan Fenech (Val- letta FC) Strikers: Jhonnattan Benites (Birkirkara FC), Haruna Shola Shodiya (Birkirkara FC), Edison Luis Dos Santos (Hibernians) The MFPA best XI awards were presented by ex National Team players. Reggie Cini presented the Best Goalkeeper, John Buttigieg presented the Best Defenders, Martin Gregory the Best Mid- fielders and Stefan Sultana the best strikers. Carlo Mamo in his role as found- er of the association, also ad- dressed the crowd highlighting the achievements and future plans of the MFPA, and thanked the executive committee, players, MFPA club delegates, journalists and sponsors. He concluded that the role of the MFPA is to work within the local football scene for the good of the players and the im- provement of the local game. The event was presented by Sarah Agius and Rodney Vassallo. A re- ception followed the Award Cer- emony. The event will be aired on TVM in the near future. Gasan Mamo U12 and U14 Tour to Sicily MRFU Youngsters as sporting ambassadors abroad MIKE TURNER THE annual Junior rugby tourna- ment at Lebrino, Catania has been running for 8 years but before this year has been competed only by lo- cal teams. The Malta Juniors were the first ever foreigners to com- pete against the 25 Sicilian teams, among circa 400 players. Their presence and conduct was much appreciated by the local spectators and clubs. Out of 400 players only 6 were girls and 4 of these came from Malta, 2 from Valletta RFC and 2 from Kavallieri RFC. How- ever there was a singular honour for Malta in that the U12 from Val- letta, Rowhanne Zahra, was voted Player of the Tournament for her brilliant performance – 1 out of 400 and it was a little Maltese lady who took the great honour, a true sporting ambassador. 78 people, on two coaches, some 36 players and accompanying par- ents and coaches went by ferry to Pozzallo, by coach to Catania, then to the San Theodoro Stadium in Lebrino. The Maltese U12 squad was 18 strong, 14 boys and 4 girls, and they played 12 a side matches of which they drew 2 and lost 2 but won their play off to finish 7th out of 12. The team were accompanied by Coaches/Managers, David Good- win, Joseph Borda, Simon Zammit and Patrice Debièrre, and parents, who looked after their own chil- dren and also any other children whose parents were unable to go, so it was a compact and friendly group. They had been training together, twice a week for two months, under the watchful guid- ance of Maltese international and MRFU officer Dan Holliday. The Under 14's finished 10th out of 15, led by coach/managers Dave Cutajar, Cedric Farrugia, Roderick Zammit and Mark Hooley. They played their pool matches in Ca- tania Municipal Stadium but re- turned to the San Theodoro for the finals. The Maltese visitors were very popular with the locals, Maltese parents leading noisy support, even singing l 'Innu Malti, which was much appreciated by the friendly crowd. The conduct of the Maltese children was impecca- ble on the field, showing fair play and sportsmanship in true rugby fashion. At the end they did a well received lap of honour with the Maltese f lag to show their appre- ciation of the generous spectators. To ensure maximum all round benefit there were some educa- tional excursions arranged, such as the visit to Etna, where the par- t y saw real snow and fog for the first time. This helped the squad from all over Malta to bind as one, and also widened the educational scope of the trip. It was lovely to see the parents enjoying the ex- perience as much as the kids, and contributing extras for all such as fresh fruit and other small good- ies. All the travel logistics were man- aged by Joseph Borda and Simon Zammit with Joe Micallef Tours. As rugby increases its hold on the youngsters of Malta who are so well suited to the game, physi- ologically and psychologically, and if costs can be covered, it is in- tended to make such tours regular events, which will improve play- ing skills and broaden education. Certainly this trip was greatly enjoyed by everyone involved. The squads will have learned a lot by playing against the well organized st yle of the Sicilians. The boys and girls all play at Marsa on Sundays throughout the Rugby Season, supported by enthusiastic parents and coaches, and guided by Mr. Holliday. Junior Rugby is a major part of the MRFU long term plans, led by National Director Damian Neill and supported by Gasan Mamo. However, in order to cope with the ever increasing demand, more facilities are needed to cope with the enthusiasm shown by the chil- dren from a very early age. These youngsters are the future interna- tionals who will represent their country in ten to fifteen years time. Right now they are sporting ambassadors who carry goodwill from Malta abroad. Under 12 Squad – Jake Simpson, Dayle Calleja, Ryan Felice, Lyn Muscat, Seb Zammit Robertson, Dylan Delia, Rowhanne Zahra, Aaron Goodwin, José Borda, Sarah Zammit, Sarah Zammit Randich, Matteo Debierre, Dwight Mallia, Abraham Rogers, Julius Steinbeck, Dion Azzopardi, Tom Vincente. Under 14 Squad – Ryan Abela, Danila Camenzuli, Jacob Zammit Randich, Jethro Zammit Randich, Samuel Grech, Sean Montebello, Jon Micallef, Stefan Ebajer, Michele Borg Bonacci, Daniel Grech, Kurt Ciangura, Daniel Camilleri, Paul Muscat, Zachary Blundel, Jurgen Galea, Aaron Buttigieg, Russell Bugeja, Nathan Zammit.