Players square-up for awards

NAMIBIAN Premier League´s leading predator Jerome Louis of Black Africa, the magical Eleven Arrows forward Rudolf Bester and the industrious African Stars midfielder, Ninja Karongee, are short-listed for the NPL Player of the Year award.

The three players were nominated by the 12 premiership coaches and will see who will walk away with the award that carries a prize-tag of N$15 000 on Friday.The coaches have also nominated title winning Stars mentor Bobby Samaria, Gilbert Rwasoka from Arrows and Lucky Kakuva from Sport Klub Windhoek (SKW) for the award. The winning coach walks away with N$10 000.The Top Goal-scorer award is already secured, with Louis expected to go home with N$10 000 for his 22 goals that he banged in 22 matches for his side.Louis also helped his side to finish in third spot this season, while he was also called up into the Brave Warriors squad earlier this year.He was voted as the joint Player of the Year with team-mate Brian Bantam at the weekend, during his team´s gala dinner that was organised by the Black Africa Supporters Club.Louis is currently the deadliest striker in the country and has proven that with his composure in front of goal, pace and excellent ball controlling skills. Bester who has now become a regular for the Warriors has delivered a consistent form for his side throughout the years.His stint in Serbia gave him great experience and he is now more stable on the ball, while his striking and passing skills are unquestionable.He has the best vision and is one of the most intelligent players in the league, thus making him unpredictable and dangerous in both the counter-attacks and off the ball running. Karongee is possibly one of the most underrated players in Namibia, but the former Ramblers workhorse proved the national selectors wrong this season.He provided stability in midfield for Stars, while he also managed to stamp his authority on the national level and was considered as an asset in the middle of the park at that stage.It will be close to call, but the judges will look at the contribution these players have all made to their sides, while discipline, work-rate and their general behaviour on and off the field will also be considered.According to the NPL chief administrator, Tovey //Hoebeb, there will also be a chairman´s award which will be given to an individual who has made a valuable contribution to football on the league level.Current interim NPL chairman, Johnny Doeseb will decide on the candidate for the award.//Hoebeb said the the league will spend in excess of N$150 000 for hosting the awards, which will also see the official crowning of African Stars as league champions. The second and third-placed teams will also receive their cheques and medals on the night.The key-note speaker is Minister of Sport Willem Konjore, while a fashion show in view of increasing the football brand on premiership level is also planned. Local sensation Tequila will perform for about 250 guests who are invited to the event.corry@namibian.com.na