Roderick Briffa put the seal on an extraordinary season last night after being named MFA footballer of the year for 2010/11.
Widely acclaimed as the most gifted player of his generation, Briffa was regarded as the outstanding candidate to claim the prize after playing a starring role in Valletta’s title success last season.
Briffa, one of four Valletta players on the final five-man shortlist, was confirmed as the winner of 2010/11 award during the association’s annual awards ceremony at Le Meridien, St Julian’s.
Briffa, who is perhaps the first Malta FA employee to win the best player award, topped the classification ahead of Valletta team-mate Jonathan Caruana, another top-notch performer for the Whites last season, and midfielder Gareth Sciberras who joined Birkirkara from Marsaxlokk last month.
“It’s been an excellent season,” Briffa, who has succeeded Birkirkara midfielder Shaun Bajada as MFA player of the year, said.
“We won the title unbeaten and added another star on the club’s shirt as this was Valletta’s 20th championship.
“From a personal point of view, I’ve won this MFA award and I’m delighted as this is the most prestigious individual honour in Maltese football. It was a target for me as well as a big incentive because this award ensures one’s place in the history of local football.
“It caps a memorable season but this would not have been possible without the help of the rest of the team and coaches.”
Season 2010/11 produced many unforgettable moments for Briffa and his City team-mates.
Briffa was hard-pressed to pick one moment which encapsulated his brilliant campaign but, after a brief pause, he replied: “The highlight was probably when I scored the winner against Marsaxlokk as that clinched the title for Valletta.
“It was a special moment, especially after seeing the joy it brought to our supporters.”
Despite his long-standing reputation as one of the leading lights of Maltese football, it has taken Briffa a while to underpin his undoubted talent with a high level of consistency.
“I’ve matured as a player in the past few years,” Briffa, who came through the nursery of Birkirkara, said.
“Being part of a team that is consistently challenging for the main honours has helped me to improve as player. I also believe that playing as wing-back put me more in the limelight.
“I have more freedom to push forward when I play on the flank whereas in midfield, sometimes it’s difficult to make an attacking impact because that area is always crowded with players. That said, I must admit that I prefer to play in midfield but that decision lies with the coach.”
Briffa is still reaping the rewards of his stellar contribution last season but the 2011/12 campaign has also started on a bright note for Valletta who have captured the Euro Cup and virtually secured a berth in the second phase of the Champions League after a 3-0 win at San Marino’s Tre Fiori in the first leg of their first qualifying round tie.
“We’ve enjoyed a good start to the new season as we’ve won the Euro Cup and have one foot in the next round of the Champions League,” Briffa said.
“Defending the league title will not be an easy task but that is our target because Valletta are always looking to win honours. We will do our best to be successful.
“My view is that one should always try to aim higher. Last season, we won the league but lost the FA Trophy, so this time we will try to do the double.
“On a personal level, I will strive to maintain and possibly exceed the standards I attained last season. I’m not going to rest on my laurels.
“I’m 29 and I feel my best years are ahead of me. I still have plenty to offer and that’s what I intend to do.”
Foreign interest
On many an occasion in the past, Briffa was said to be the subject of interest of foreign scouts but he has been unable to seal a transfer to an overseas club.
Valletta will be hoping that Briffa will not only honour the remaining two years of his contract but see out the rest of his career with their club.
“I have another two years left with Valletta and I’m very happy here,” Briffa said. “Maybe if I get the chance to play overseas in the future, I will consider it.”
Final result
1. R. Briffa (Valletta) - 55.34
2. J. Caruana (Valletta) - 46.42
3. G. Sciberras (Marsaxlokk) - 38.95
4. Denni (Valletta) - 34.11
5. G. Agius (Valletta) - 28.14
Last 10 winners
2010/11: R. Briffa (Valletta)
2009/10: S. Bajada (Birkirkara)
2008/09: C. Failla (Hibs)
2007/08: K. Sammut (M’xlokk)
2006/07: G. Agius (Valletta)
2005/06: A. Cohen (Hibs)
2004/05: A. Cohen (Hibs)
2003/04: S. Giglio (Sliema)
2002/03: N. Turner (Sliema)
2001/02: A. Mifsud (Hibs)