Kajal Malhotra is up for a Berkshire Football Award in the category of Player of the Season (Female) sponsored by Eddie Stobart Logistics.
The full-back played 23 times for the Magpies in the FA Women’s National League South West Division One as Maidenhead played their way out of relegation trouble this season.
One nomination for the award said: “Kajal has been so so good this season. She has been such an asset to Maidenhead United Women for many years now, and was deservedly awarded Manager’s Player of the Year for her performances at LB and RB (despite actually being a CB)! She puts the work in at training and off the pitch, and it shows in her game as her fitness is unmatched by anyone. She has consistently kept top strikers and wingers in her pocket this season and has adapted her game fantastically to a first season at full-back. She never complains and will play wherever she is needed – she is always the first name on the team sheet and is often deployed in the position that will allow her to match to other team’s best player (which shows just how trusted she is within the team). She is such a loyal player, having played for Maidenhead Boys and Girls when she was younger, going off to study maths at a top uni, and then returning to the Women’s team. She shows that you can balance a successful career with National League football if you are willing to put the work in, which she clearly is!”
Another added: “This player has been consistently outstanding all season. She has been a key player in ensuring Maidenhead’s amazing comback in the National League this year, playing every minute of every game (bar one game where she was away). Despite playing out of position this year (RB or LB whereas she is usually a CB), Kajal was rightly awarded Manager’s Player of the season as recognition of her performances. She is a player that is usually taken for granted and flies under the radar since we have all come to expect the top performances from her. As a defender especially, it is easy to miss just what an impact she has on games (despite the countless goal line clearances at key moments and assists she has racked up this year!) She is one of the hardest working and fittest players on the pitch who never stops running, she throws her body into every challenge and block, and is one of the coolest heads on the pitch, despite only being 23. I think she 100% deserves this award – is easy to forget just what an impact a consistently brilliant defender has on a team!”
Agree that Kajal Malhotra should be up for the Player of the Season award? Or do you have someone else in mind? Let us know in the nomination form below:
