BU97 Best Player of the Second Round – Shaun Bajada

The Second Round of the first phase flew past us, and it was again time to select a player for the Player of the Round Award. After Jean-Pierre Mifsud Triganza scooped the award in the first round, this time it was the Gozitan Shaun Bajada who claimed the honour.

Group members were once more invited to cast their vote, quoting three players, first to third preference. This time round two players got the same amount of points, namely Shaun Bajada and Bernard Paris, therefore each member had to vote once more. Shaun Bajada emerged victorious in the two-horse race. On Wednesday, March the eleventh, Shaun was invited to join the group at the Birkirkara FC Bar where, after a brief speech by one of the members, he was presented with a souvenir, which is now becoming a traditional gift.



Shaun was undoubtedly one of the most consistent players not only in the Second Round, but throughout the season so far. This was also matched with fine performances with the National Team, which have now earned him a regular place at left back. He is naturally a left footed winger, but coach Johnny Buttigieg has also used him as a central midfielder and as a left back with good effect. His versatility makes Shaun a valuable asset for the team. He is mainly noted for his pin-point crosses, both from open play or from dead ball situations. The fact that he is not a striker did not impede him from scoring goals, and what goals! Who will ever forget the cute back heel finish that earned our side a creditable 1-1 draw in the Second Round match against Valletta? Shaun Bajada though, is not only great on the pitch, but also off it. While he is a modest guy who never says a word too much, his determination and professionalism during training and everyday life sure defy his relatively young age. Travelling almost everyday to and from Gozo does not hinder his enthusiasm towards his team.



Bajada said he was delighted by the group’s passion towards the team the club. He first of all thanked us for the honour, and asked us to continue this way as he and the rest of his team mates really appreciate our support. They were impressed when some members of the group challenged the bad weather conditions to support him and his mates during training the day before the Semi-Final versus Valletta. He said that it was time to leave that unlucky match behind and focus on the coming matches from the Championship Pool. He was confident that with a good start, our team can stay close to the front runners and keep the title race open till the very end, even though the priority is a Europa League (ex Uefa Cup) place. He promised us that all the team will be playing their hearts out in every match, and will never give up a result until the final whistle!



We all hope that Shaun continues to have great performances which can help our team to earn a European berth and, who knows, a few honours in the near future. We also wish him more success with the National Team and that, if one day his and Birkirkara’s ways are divided, he will still keep fond memories of the club and its supporters, including the Ultras!