KEDAH WIN BIG AT AWARDS
Team bag nine out of 22 categories as midfielder Baddrol stands out
FADHLI ISHAK fadhli.ishak@nst.com.my
KEDAH emerged as the biggest winner by sweeping nine of 22 categories on offer at the 2017 National Football Awards in Bandar Utama yesterday.
Kedah midfielder Baddrol Bakhtiar was the star by winning the most valuable player (MVP), top local goalscorer (in Super League) and best midfielder awards.
The national player helped Kedah win the FA Cup and Charity Shield in the recent season.
“In previous years, I had been nominated MVP but never won, so this is very special,” Baddrol said.
“I achieved this thanks to my teammates and fans. This is our success.
“Honestly, I did not expect to win this MVP award. Obviously, I am very happy, this is something I have wanted for a long time.”
Ifwat Akmal Chek Kassim, who was part of Malaysia’s 2017 Sea Games silver medal team, was named the best goalkeeper while
Kosovo-born Liridon Krasniqi won the best import and most popular player awards.
Kedah also took the best team and best supporters awards.
Pahang right-back Matthew Davies was honoured as the best defender while B. Sathianathan (Felda United) was named as the best coach.
Perak SEDC’s Shahrel Fikri Fauzi and Selangor’s Adam Nor Azlin took the best striker and most promising player awards, respectively.
Mohammed Ghaddar was the only Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) player on the list of winners. The Lebanese was honoured with the overall Super League top scorer award with 23 goals.