Hibs women’s Alexis Espitia named December’s Player of the Month

For the third consecutive month, the Assikura Women’s League Player of the Month award has a different winner as Hibernians forward Alexis Espitia secured the honour for December.

Espitia joins Brenda Borg (Mġarr United) and Shona Zammit (Swieqi United) on the winners’ chart this season.

During the month of December, Espitia caught the eye with her lively performances in Hibs’ forward line.

In the two games played by Hibernians during December, the American-born forward hit four goals against Mtarfa and added another in their final game of the year against San Ġwann.

Commenting on her nomination as winner of the Assikura Women’s League Player of the Month award for December, Espitia said: “I’m very pleased to win this award in my first season with Hibernians. I’m grateful for the constant support of my team-mates and the coaching staff. It is thanks to their contribution that I have been nominated for this award as they also played their part.”

Birkirkara’s Sara Saliba, who is enjoying a brilliant season, also became the third different winner of the Assikura Women’s Youth League Player of the Month award this season after being named best player for December.

She follows Raiders-Lija duo Lexine Farrugia and Sarah Vella Barberi who won the first two awards of 2022-23.

“I’m very glad to see that women’s football in Malta is receiving more attention and recognition,” Saliba said after being presented with her award.

“On a personal level, I am pleased with how my season is progressing, both at youth and senior level, but I’m eager to keep giving my all for Birkirkara FC and to help my team-mates who have also played an important role in this success.”

Born in 2007, Saliba scored four goals against San Ġwann in Birkirkara’s final game of 2022 after being part of the team that had defeated Hibernians in their previous outing.

She is currently level with Raiders-Lija’s Farrugia on 12 goals at the top of the Assikura Women’s Youth League scoring charts.

Lucienne Cini, Chief Operating Officer of Assikura Insurance Brokers PCC Limited, sponsors of the Women’s League and Women’s Youth League, presented the awards to Espitia and Saliba.