A black-and-red affair

The 2013/2014 MTC Namibia Premier League (NPL) awards turned out to be all about Black Africa as the team scooped all the major trophies. Having won the league for a record fourth time in a row, the team assured themselves of collecting the N$1 million at stake for the winners. But that was not to be the only honour the club would win, as Willy ‘Awilo’ Stephanus and Brian Isaacs took home top awards. Stephanus, who excelled playing on the right side of BA’s midfield, took both the Players’ Player and the Player of the Season awards to take home a total of N$50 000 (N$20 000 and N$30 000 respectively). Isaacs, meanwhile, was crowned the Coach of the Season and was rewarded with N$20 000. There was a little confusion when the Top Goal Scorer of the Season award, which went to Blue Waters’ Hendrik Somaeb (with 17 goals), was accompanied by a cheque of N$30 000. Earlier in the week, the NPL had announced that the winner in that award category would receive N$15 000, only for the ceremonial cheque to reflect N$30 000. Other award winners were Civics’ Wangu Gome (Best Young Player; N$5 000 sponsored by Namibia Football Players Union), Mathew Kanyanga (Assistant Referee of the Season; N$5 000) and Martin Kandara (Referee of the Season; N$10 000) while the NFA’s Galz and Goals programme received the Chairman’s Award. In related news, NPL chairman Johnny Doeseb, who had earlier stated his intention to step down after his term ends later this month, said he has reconsidered that decision and will stay on if elected again. WINDHOEK-HECTOR MAWONGA