San Ġiljan’s Jake Bonavia is 2023-24 Player of the Year

Sliema’s Eyla Schembri wins women’s award

San Ġiljan’s Jake Bonavia is the BOV Waterpolo Player of the Year for season 2023-24

The top performing players of the last season were announced during an awards night co-hosted by Bank of Valletta and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta with the presence of Clifton Grima, Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation on Friday.

At his young age, Bonavia has grown to be a key player for his team and has already won a number of important trophies with his boyhood club San Ġiljan.

He forms part of the Malta seniors’ national team where he formed part of the Seniors National Team who in December registered an excellent 5th place in the World Cup Div 2 in Istanbul.

Talent and consistency are synonymous with Eyla Schembri, a player who has been with Sliema for many years as well as with the national team.

Despite the lack of honours this season, Schembri excelled on a personal basis and always stood out with her goals and creative play throughout the season.

In his speech, ASA president Karl Izzo focused on the associations achievements over the past few years, with memorable performances in the World Cup Division 2 and the European Championships – a testimonial of the ever-growing level of the game on the islands thanks to the constant investment of the clubs and the ASA.

BOV Community Relations Officer Stefan Abela pointed out that the ASA’s 100^th Anniversary coincides with BOV’s 50th – two organisations that have shaped their respective areas over the years.

“The BOV Winter League, starting next week, will see the 18th consecutive year of collaboration between BOV and the ASA – a commitment to the sport and a healthy and active lifestyle that BOV firmly believes in,” Abela said.

The event proceeded with the presentation of various awards, including the Best players in different categories, best goalkeepers, best foreign players and best coaches. BOV and the ASA also presented a token of appreciation to all participating clubs as well as the National Team Coaches.

The winners

BOV Water Polo Premier League Player of the Year

Jake Bonavia – San Giljan

BOV Water Polo Female Player of the Year

Eyla Schembri – Sliema

BOV Waterpolo 1st Division Player of the Year

Julian Valletta – Marsaxlokk

BOV Waterpolo Premier League Goalkeeper of the Year

Jake Tanti – San Giljan

BOV Waterpolo Female Goalkeeper of the Year

Kursty Plumpton – Sliema

BOV Waterpolo First Division Goalkeeper of the Year

Miguel Farrugia – Marsaxlokk

BOV Premier League Best Foreign Player

Giacomo Cannella – Sliema

BOV Women’s Best Foreign Player

Morgan McDowall – Sirens

BOV First Division Best Foreign Player

Fran Valera – Marsaxlokk

BOV Waterpolo Premier League Coach of the Year

Giannis Katrouzanakis – Sliema

BOV Water Polo Women’s League Coach of the Year

Aurelien Cousin – Sirens

BOV Water Polo First Division Coach of the Year

Sasa Misic – Marsaxlokk

BOV Referee of the Year

Massimo Angileri

BOV U20 Player of the Year

Sam Gialanze – Neptunes

BOV U18 Player of the Year

Julian Valletta – Neptunes

BOV U16 Player of the Year

Shailon Cutajar Casha – San Giljan

BOV U14 Player of the Year

Giulio Massa – Sliema