San Giljan’s Jake Bonavia is the BOV Water Polo Player of the Year for season 2023/2024. The top performing players of the last Water Polo season were announced during an awards night co-hosted by Bank of Valletta and the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta with the presence of Dr Clifton Grima Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation.
At his young age, Jake has grown to be a key player for his team and has already won a number of important trophies with his boyhood club San Giljan. 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 honors this season, Schembri excelled on a personal basis and always stood out with her goals and creative play throughout the season.
ASA President Karl Izzo focussed 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 100th Anniversary coincides with BOV’s 50th – two organisations that have shaped their respective areas over the years. ‘The BOV Water Polo winter League starting next week will see the 18th consecutive year of collaboration between BOV and the ASA – a commitment to the sport and to a healthy and active lifestyle that BOV firmly believes in.’
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.
All the winners of awards:
BOV Water Polo Premier League Player of the Year Jake Bonavia – San Giljan
BOV Water Polo Female Player of the Year Eyla Schembri – Sliema
