Australian players Sasa Ognenovski and Katie Gill have been crowned as Asia’s best footballers at a gala awards night in Kuala Lumpur this week.
In what has been a remarkable season for both players, the awards provide further recognition of Australia’s achievements in the region in 2010.
Ognenovski captained his K-League side Seongnam Ilhwa to their first AFC Champions League title in 2010 and was recently rewarded for his outstanding season with his first Socceroo Cap.
Katie has been an integral part of the Matildas outfit that both qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany in 2011 and became AFC Champions by defeating Nth Korea in the final of the 2010 tournament.
The Matildas were also honoured as Asia’s Women’s National Team of the Year.
PFA Chief Executive Brendan Schwab congratulated the players on their achievements.
“Winning these awards is a great achievement for Katie and Sasa,” said Schwab. “Over 10,000 players ply their trade in the region and the quality of the game at the elite level is superb. Katie and Sasa have consistently shone amongst this quality and deserve the success that has come their way this week.”
“Our players continue to demonstrate that they are developing the cultural appreciation required to succeed in the unique environment that is Asian football,” he continued. “Australia is privileged to be a part of this great football region and the success of the Matildas demonstrates the tactical maturity required to consistently compete for honours in the region. Australia’s football future depends on our players continuing to fully embrace Asia.”
The AFC awards have been an annual event in the Asian football calendar since 1994. The awards night showcases the achievements of Asian players and celebrates their contribution to their nation, club and fans.
