The Malta Amateur Football Association (MAFA) hosted its much-anticipated MAFA Awards 2025 ceremony last Friday, celebrating the standout achievements of the 2024/25 season. The event brought together players, coaches, and supporters from across Malta’s amateur football landscape, recognising excellence, fair play, and dedication across all three divisions. From league champions to top scorers and fair play recipients, the evening highlighted the growing strength and unity within the local grassroots football community.
In Division 1, Ghaxaq Wolves emerged as champions after a strong and consistent campaign, while Balluta Barracudas finished as worthy runners-up. Division 2 saw Valletta Stars SD lift the trophy following an impressive season, with Senglea Gunners taking second place. In Division 3, it was Swieqi United AFC who secured the title, edging out Qajjenza ACJ, who had to settle for the runner-up position. These results underscore the healthy competitiveness and rising standard of play across all divisions.
The knockout competitions added extra drama and glory to the season. Valletta St. Pauls triumphed in the Joe Compagno Cup, overcoming a spirited challenge from San Giljan Saints in a thrilling final. Meanwhile, the Twanny Agius Fair Play Cup—recognising exemplary sportsmanship—was awarded to San Gwann Evolution FC, with Ta’ Giorni Wanderers earning the runners-up honour for their commendable conduct throughout the competition.
The season’s attacking talent was also celebrated, with top scorers in each division receiving recognition for their goal-scoring prowess. Junior Ohalewe of Birzebbugia St. Peter’s AFC led Division 1 with 13 goals. In Division 2, Andrew Tortell of Balluta Barracudas found the net 12 times, while in Division 3, Ronnie Celeste of Qajjenza ACJ matched that total with 12 goals as well. These performances reflected the offensive flair and individual skill lighting up MAFA pitches each week.
The prestigious MAFA Player of the Year awards honoured individuals who not only delivered results but inspired their teams throughout the season. In Division 1, David Taiwo Akindele of Swieqi United AFC stood out for his consistency and leadership. In Division 2, top scorer Andrew Tortell was also named Best Player, while in Division 3, Valletta Stars SD’s Federico Marine Tejada earned the honour for his all-round contribution to his team’s title-winning campaign.
In addition to league-wide accolades, MAFA also recognised the most outstanding player from each participating club. Among the honourees were Josef Felice (Ghaxaq Wolves), Luis Alvarez Rojas (Marsa St. Michael), Marlon Guilherme Binot (San Giljan Saints), Sekou Fanta Camara (San Gwann Evolution), Zak Farrugia (Ta’ Giorni Wanderers), and Justin Grioli (Valletta St. Pauls). Other standout performers included Gary Grant (Attard Edex Kings), Jeremy Grixti (Birzebbugia St. Peter’s AFC), Neil Baldacchino (Gudja Wanderers), Santiago Salicas (Hamrun Amateurs), James Cauchi (Zebbug Youngsters), Luiz Miguel De Oliveira (Senglea Gunners), Dejan Mijailovic (Naxxar Victorians), Gurung Anmol (St. Paul’s NMFC), and David Taiwo Akindele (Swieqi Braves), who was also named Player of the Year in Division 1. Ronnie Celeste, Division 3’s top scorer, was likewise recognised as Qajjenza ACJ’s top performer.
