FABIO SPITERI AND HALEY BUGEJA CROWNED TOP HONOURS AT L-GĦAŻLIET SPORTIVI NAZZJONALI AWARDS

Veteran triathlete Fabio Spiteri and footballer Haley Bugeja were crowned Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year at the 66th edition of the L-Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali Awards, organised by the Malta Sports Journalists Association.

Spiteri earned top honours after a historic year in ultra triathlon, becoming the first Maltese athlete to reach the podium in a World Cup organised by the International Ultra Triathlon Association and setting a national record while finishing second in a Deca Ultratriathlon in France. He also placed second in another Deca race in Taiwan.

Bugeja, who plays for Inter Women, claimed the award for the second time after a standout season in Italy and a key role in Malta’s UEFA Nations League promotion.

Ħamrun Spartans were named Team of the Year following their historic UEFA Conference League league phase qualification and victory over Lincoln Red Imps. Their coach, Giacomo Modica, was named Coach of the Year.

Young honours went to Jacob Micallef (Young Sportsman) and Sophie St John (Young Sportswoman). Ishmael Barbara won Official of the Year, while Valletta FC defender Steve Borg received the Fair Play Award.

Inpire claimed the Sport for Social Change Award. Hall of Fame inductees included journalists Alex Vella and Tony Costantino, and former referee Antonio Briguglio.

#MaltaDaily