Birkirkara’s up-and-coming player Sara Saliba had a January to remember after winning both Assikura Player of the Month awards for the senior and U-21 categories.

Saliba, 15, has been in great form for champions Birkirkara, turning in a series of brilliant performances and scoring several goals to help her team maintain their title charge. Her double success in the player-of-the-month awards confirms her status as one of the rising stars of women’s football in Malta after Saliba won the prize as Assikura Women’s Youth League player of the month for December.

“I’m delighted to win the player of the month awards for both the Assikura senior and youth women’s league for January,” Saliba said. “I was very pleased to be named player of the month in the women’s youth league for December but to secure both awards makes it special, especially considering that this is only my second season playing in the senior league.

“I am still young, I still have a lot to learn and I’m willing to keep improving. These awards only serve to increase my motivation to do better and give my all to the team as that is the most important thing. I am grateful to my team-mates, coaches and all the staff members of the Birkirkara women’s team for their constant support and encouragement.”

At senior level, Saliba scored six goals in three games during January. She was on target against San Ġwann, scored with a brilliant volley against Hibernians and netted four goals against Mtarfa.

Saliba is currently the club’s top scorer with nine goals as Birkirkara lead the Assikura Women’s League with 32 points after 12 games.

With the U-21 side in the Assikura Women’s Youth League, Saliba has already scored 12 goals in 11 appearances. Birkirkara, the defending champions, are third on 23 points, four behind leaders Swieqi United.

Last month, Saliba was instrumental for the Stripes with four goals in three games, including a brace in their 2-1 victory over Raiders Lija.