Adolphus Marshall has been named the best player of his Maltese Division One club Gudja United. The former NPA Anchors defender won the club’s prestigious award on Friday, August 30 at the club’s official opening program for the 2018-19 season.

Marshall played a major role in the club’s successes during the last season, making an instant impact after joining Gudja United during the 2017 summer transfer. In his first year, he helped the club win the Maltese second division and qualified to the first division. As a center defender, Marshall scored three goals three important goals during the campaign and help Gudja clinch the league title.

His hard work in Malta was first recognized by the Maltese Football Association that nominated him for the league’s best player. He was nominated along with Maltese midfielder Roderick Taliana and Colombian defender Sebastiano Perdomo. Unfortunately for Marshall, he was beaten by Sebastiano Perdomo who won the award.

Despite losing the league level award, Marshall’s club presented him with its best player award two weeks to the start of the new season.

In an interview with The Bush Chicken, Marshall said he sees the award as motivation for the new season.

“It wasn’t an easy season for us but we made it through,” he said. “[The award is] a way of telling me to work harder. I’m looking forward to the new challenge this season. It won’t be an easy task but we are ready for the job.”

Marshall will return home for the Lone Star’s game against D.R. Congo on September 9 before returning to Malta to play the 2018-19 season. Gudja United will begin their campaign against Pembroke Athleta FC on September 15.

Featured photo courtesy of Adolphus Marshall