Shona Zammit reflects on Player of the Year award after a season of firsts at Swieqi United

Shona Zammit has been named the Malta Football Association Women’s Footballer of the Year, marking the first time she has ever won the prestigious award.

Zammit becomes only the third player from Swieqi United to claim the honour, following in the footsteps of Dorianne Theuma and Jade Flask. Her recognition comes after a landmark season both personally and for her club.

“This award? It was a very strong season after three difficult years for Swieqi, but finally, I made it,” Zammit said.

“If I ever dreamt of it? Well, as a player, you always strive to win these trophies. I always prefer to win with my club, but these recognitions are always special.”

This past season, Swieqi United won both the Super Cup and the domestic league title – their first ever triumph in either competition.

Zammit played a key role in this success, contributing two goals in the league and leading with her experience and composure in midfield.

The 28-year-old, who turns 29 in June, joined Swieqi in the 2020-21 season.

Her football journey also includes spells with Hibernians, Mosta, and Kirkop United, as well as a stint with Pink Bari in Italy’s Serie A during the 2019-20 campaign.

A seasoned international, Zammit has earned over 80 caps for Malta and scored seven goals, including a memorable winner against Andorra in the last home game of the UEFA Women’s Nations League.

This summer, she will help guide Swieqi United into their first-ever UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign – a competition she has experience in, though it’s been several years since her last appearance.

“The UEFA Women’s Champions League experience with Swieqi will be an interesting challenge with a club that is new to this competition,” she said.

“It’s always a difficult tournament because you face some of the strongest sides on the continent, but at the same time it’s a learning experience.”

Swieqi could potentially face national champions from countries like Turkey, Greece, and Poland in the opening round of qualifiers – a tough test, but one Zammit relishes.

Before then, she will be part of the Malta squad for a crucial UEFA Women’s Nations League play-off against Cyprus.

Victory would secure promotion to League B. The game will be held at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali – the first time Malta’s senior women’s team will play there since 2005.

“I am excited for the Cyprus match, because it is a national team game, but this time we play at the National Stadium in a match that can determine our fate in this Nations League competition,” Zammit said.

“We hope the supporters will join us and back us during this match.”