Oman Football Association launches best player, best goal awards

MUSCAT: Oman Football Association (OFA) chief Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi on Sunday announced the decision of the Sultanate’s football governing body to introduce special awards to honour those who excel in the Omantel Professional League (OPL) on a weekly basis.

Speaking during a press conference organised at the OFA Headquarters, Sayyid Khalid revealed the awards will be given to the best player, best match and best goal after each round of matches.

There will also be a special award for the best supporters of the clubs, he said.

While thanking His Majesty the Sultan Qaboos and his government for the attention accorded to the sport, especially Oman football, he said: “We are about to start celebrating the 45th National Day and our congratulations to His Majesty Sultan Qaboos and the people of Oman on this glorious occasion.”

“There has been tremendous progress in all sectors, including in sport and football in particular and that is an aspect we are proud of,” he said while revealing a plan to host a youth tournament to mark the National Day.

“On this occasion I would like to place on record my thanks and appreciation to the clubs that shown commitment and cooperation regarding the progammes and competitions organised by the Oman Football Association.”

“I would also like to pay tribute to the great rivalry between the OPL teams and their spectator attendances of those clubs like Sohar and Suwaiq,” he added.

The OFA chief, who rewarded the supporters of Sohar Club for being the best during the justconcluded Week 6 action, said: “From the next round, we will be presenting the best supporters award as well as special prizes for the best player and best goal scorer in each round.”

Sayyid Khalid also revealed the plans to involve the fans in the process of selecting these awards through the OFA website and it’s social network accounts.

On the occasion, the OFA chief also referring to the work being done by the technical department of the association like conducting courses in cooperation with FIFA.

He also talked about the launch of a training programme for young girls in cooperation with the Ministry of Education.

Speaking about the TV broadcast rights of the matches, he said the OFA will soon finalise an agreement with the Public Authority for Radio and Television.

Sayyid Khalid also made oft-repeated call for the private sector to support football at both national and international level.