Louis is Player of the Year

BLACK Africa and Brave Warriors hitman, Jerome Louis, scooped the Player of the Year award as hosted by the Namibia Premier League on Friday.

Louis also collected the Top Goalscorer award after he banged in 22 from a brilliant 22 match for his side.The clinical striker – who helped his team to end third in the league – did not attend the function as he was in South Africa for trials with Premier Soccer League side Supersport United in Johannesburg.The 21 year-old Louis collected N$25 000 on the night for his efforts, as he beat African Stars midfielder Ninja Karongee and Eleven Arrows frontman Rudolf Bester to the post. He got the majority of votes from the 12 premiership coaches.African Stars coach Bobby Samaria took the Coach of the Year award after leading the side to their second league title in post-independent Namibia.Samaria achieved the feat with a relatively young side, which will be under pressure to defend the title next season..Stars is also expected to compete in the African Champions League later in December, with added pressure on Samaria and his team as they take on the best clubs on the continent.The team was also officially presented with their medals for winning the championship, while both Civics and Black Africa collected their silverware for ending second and third respectively.NPL interim chairman, Johnny Doeseb gave a special award to Civics owner Helmuth Scharnowski for bringing about a certain level of professionalism at his club and in Namibian football in general.Doeseb also gave merit awards to the members of the media for what he described as important partners in developing the game in the country.He also gave special awards to their main sponsors MTC for what he said was a trusted and valued supporter of the game at that level.The Namibia Football (NFA) Association was also given a special award for their dedication and development of the game in general. SEASON AT A GLANCEDoeseb said the past season endured its challenges and moments of glory, which has been a typical characteristic for some time now.’We work hard to ensure that some of our departments were professionally resourced and supported to sustain our organisation and equally serve the business of football.’ He said the 2009/10 season will be a challenging one for the NPL teams as they will be required to meet minimum administrative requirements that will be set up.’These will be set before the club will enjoy the monthly grant from the league authorities. We must remember if we talk of professionalism, it comes with the responsibilities and it will not be easy. Currently the playing field is not level so the league will come up with directives to try and level the playing field,’He said apart from the challenges on the playing field, some teams also suffered a series of injustices from some officials, concerns later raised in the public forums.MTC spokesman, Albertus Aochamub, they expect all the partners in the league next season to give true substance to the noble intentions to establish a professional league.¨We expect teams to show greater commitment to development at junior level. We expect to forge renewed partnerships with broadcasters to bring the game into our homes on a weekly basis through enhanced marketing efforts,¨ he said.He added that achieving these small feats next season will allow the sponsors and all the partners to build a formidable league and a support base for the future growth of the world most popular game. corry@namibian.com.na