Albirex win big again at S.League Awards night

SINGAPORE — Just like they have done in domestic competition this season, Albirex Niigata (S) were dominant once again at the 2016 S.League Awards night.

The Japanese outfit, which won an unprecedented treble of the S.League, Singapore Cup and League Cup to go along with the Community Shield, picked up arguably the two biggest gongs on Tuesday (Nov 1) night.

Naoki Naruo took home Coach of the Year, while Atsushi Kawata was crowned Player of the Year. Naruo, who returned at the start of the season to helm Albirex for a second stint, was the tactical mastermind behind their dominance. Their top scorer, Kawata, 24, plundered 20 goals in total and became the second Albirex player to win this award after Fumiya Kogure did it last year.

“This year, I managed to get my players to give their 100 per cent in every game,” Naruo said. “I knew if they did that, we could beat anyone. I am very happy with the award.”

Kawata was also delighted with his own improvement in his second season and revealed it was the first time he had won so many trophies.

“I think I improved the physical aspect of my game this year,” he said. “Before I came to Singapore, I didn’t know anything about the league and I have just tried to do my best since.”

The sharpshooter was also nominated for Goal of the Year, but that went to team-mate Tomoki Menda for his blistering strike against Garena Young Lions earlier this year.

The White Swans missed out on the Young Player of the Year award though, which went to Hougang United midfield dynamo M Anumanthan. The 22-year-old, who has been an ever-present for his club, became the first local player to win the award since Hariss Harun did in 2010.

“Here in Hougang, they really push you to make the next step up,” he said. “The environment is very important and the players’ mentality towards everything (has helped me become better).”

His next goal is to make the Suzuki Cup squad, having made the 28-man provisional team announced on Monday. “This award is a dream come true for me and a good first step in my career,” he said. “My focus will be on the Suzuki Cup now.”

AWARD WINNERS
Player of the Year: Atsushi Kawata (Albirex Niigata (S))

Coach of the Year: Naoki Naruo (Albirex Niigata (S))

Young Player of the Year: M. Anumanthan (Hougang United)

Goal of the Year: Tomoki Menda (Albirex Niigata (S))

Golden Boot: Rafael Ramazotti (Brunei DPMM) - 20 goals

Fair Play award: Albirex Niigata (S)

Referee of the Year: Sukhbir Singh

Assistant Referee of the Year: Ong Chai Lee

Photo of the Year: Lim Weixiang (FourFourTwo)

Story of the Year: Chua Siang Yee (The Straits Times)