DOHA: Striker Rodrigo Tabata of Al Rayyan won the ‘QFA Player of the Year’ award for the second time as the football season came to a close at a glittering ceremony.
Tabata emerged as the joint-highest scorer with a tally of 21 goals as football giants Al Rayyan stormed to Qatar Stars League (QSL) title after being promoted to the top tier the previous season.
The 35-year-old forward also picked up the ‘Highest Scorer Award’ that he shared with El Jaish’s Abdulrazzaq Hamadallah.
Tabata, Hamadallah and Meshal Mohammed of Al Ahli were shortlisted for the ‘Player of the Year’ award.
“It is difficult to explain how I feel. I am very happy,” Tabata said after receiving the award from Qatar Football Association (QFA) President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmad Al Thani.
“I need to mention all the players’ support I got in the season. But I would like to make a special mention of my wife. She is my biggest supporter so I can become better. I dedicate this win to her,” he said.
Tabata and Hamadallah shared the ‘Highest Scorer’ award after netting 21 goals each for their side.
Thanks largely to Tabata’s form, Al Rayyan swept all before them to win the QSL title ahead of El Jaish, Al Sadd and Lekhwiya - the top four teams in Qatar.
After sharing the ‘Highest Scorer’ award, Tabata praised the role of his team-mates in his memorable season.
“I want to thank God for this honour,” Tabata said.
“I take this opportunity to thank my family, my team-mates and the fans for their whole-hearted support over the season. “It has been a great season and it makes me proud to be the joint-highest scorer this season,” he added.
Joint-highest scorer Hamadallah said: “I hope I can repeat this performance. It was all due to the effort of my team and the wishes of our fans.”
He added: “It was a dream season for me. I am all for working harder and doing better next season, InshAllah.” “Best Young Player of the Year’ Abdul Kareem Hassan said: “It was a great honour to play this season with Al Sadd. There was great responsibility and I am proud that I did well.”
“I am hoping I can do even better next season,” Hassan said.
Al Rayyan’s Jorge Fossati was declared ‘Coach of the Year’.
Fossati said: “I am with the same feeling that I got when we won the QSL title. This is my third time and my emotions are same. It was very difficult because of the quality of our sides and other coaches.”
Fossati said: “This is something I must not receive alone. My full team should be here, my players, the staff, the managers.”
The ceremony was attended by QFA officials, club players and team managers at what was a superbly-organised ceremony.
QFA President Sheikh Hamad said: “It was a great season. We got to see quality football. I say congratulations to the winners tonight. We wish the teams good luck next season.”
The Peninsula
