The Gozo Football Association (GFA) celebrated its annual Awards Ceremony in a prestigious setting in Gozo, recognising the outstanding achievements of players, coaches, clubs, and officials from the 2024/2025 Gozitan football season.
The highlight of the evening was Christian Mercieca, the 28-year-old striker from newly crowned champions Qala Saints, who was named GFA Player of the Year for the third time in his career, a remarkable personal achievement.
Qala Saints’ incredible season was further honoured as head coach Shaun Bajada was named GFA Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year, following a campaign in which he led the team to win every major trophy in Gozo.
Nadur Youngsters also enjoyed individual success, with Diego Pires Dall’Oca receiving three personal awards: the People’s Choice Award, Best Midfielder, and Best Foreign Player of the BOV Gozo Football League First Division.
His teammates were also recognised, Steve Sultana was awarded Best Goalkeeper, and Ian Xuereb took home Best Defender.
Xewkija Tigers earned two notable honours as Brian Parada was named Best Forward and shared the Top Scorer Award in the First Division with Henrique Da Silva Costa of SK Victoria Wanderers, both scoring 19 goals.
Denzil Bugeja, just 17 years old and also from Xewkija, was named Young Player of the Year.
In the Second Division, Kercem Ajax’s dominance was reflected in the awards.
- Samuel Azzopardi was named Best Player of the Second Division
- Cesar Velez Da Silva received two accolades: Best Foreign Player and Top Scorer with 21 goals
- Kercem also won the GFA Fair Play Award, having completed an undefeated season while lifting all three trophies in the division.
In the Youth sector, Luke Fenech (SK Victoria Wanderers) was named Best U/19 Player, and Matthias Bonnici (Xewkija Tigers) finished as Top U/19 Scorer with 11 goals.
The GFA also presented Special Recognition Awards:
Lino Hili, Joe Psaila, and Louis Apap were honoured for their long-standing contribution to Gozitan football.
Joseph Scerri, a Gozitan referee, received a special award after making his debut in the 360 Sports Malta Premier League on 1 May 2025.
A token of appreciation was also presented to the Malta Football Association (MFA) in celebration of its 125th anniversary.
In his address, GFA President Dr Samuel Azzopardi acknowledged the achievements of the past season while pointing to the challenges ahead for football in Gozo. He expressed his gratitude to the MFA, the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, and the GFA’s sponsors and partners for their ongoing support.
