QATAR Stars League champion Lekhwiya’s recruit from Ivory Coast Bakari Kone was adjudged the Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) Best Player for the season 2010-11 at an awards night at the Aspire Dome on Sunday.
QFA President Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa bin Ahmed al Thani gave away the coveted prize to the Ivorian.
The QFA president, on the occasion, also thanked the soccer community of Qatar for successful hosting of the AFC Asian Cup in January.
Like many other Ivorian stars, he began his career at the famed youth academy at ASEC Mimosas.
He stayed at the academy for five years before joining the first team squad and turning professional in 1999.
Kone had earlier played for Gharaffa in 2002 before moving to France for stints with Nice, Lille and Marseille.
The diminutive striker, who struck nine league goals in the just-concluded season, thanked team members and support staff for bagging the award.
The Top Scorer’s Award was won by Al Gharaffa’s veteran Iraqi striker Younes Mahmoud, who had won the award in 2006/2007 and 2009/2010 seasons.
The striker slammed 15 goals to edge out Moumouni Dagano of Al Sailiya, who had 14 goals to his credit.
“I want to thank my teammates, as without them it would not have been possible,” said the Iraqi.
Younes also used the opportunity to bid an emotional farewell to Juninho, the star Brazilian midfielder, who is leaving Qatar for good after a two-year stint with Gharaffa.
“To us he’s more than a player.
He corrects us on the pitch when we fail to convert chances and he’s never arrogant.
We’ll miss him and will await his return to Gharaffa,” said Younes.
Abdullah Mubarak, the head coach of Al Ahli was adjudged the best coach despite his team finishing 11th in the QSL.
Al Rayyan Sports Club Fan Association for the second year running was awarded the Best Fans Award.
There were over 20,000 Rayyan fans at the Khalifa International Stadium during HH the Emir Cup final against Gharaffa.
Al Sadd’s Abdulkarim Hassan was named the Best Under-18 player.
Lekhwiya’s Khalid Muftah was adjudged the Best Under-21 player.
Bilal Walid of Lekhwiya won the Best Manager Award.
The Qatar Stars League was won by debutant Lekhwiya.
It was followed by Al Ghraffa Sports Club, Al Rayyan Sports Club and Al Sadd Sports Club, who has been 11 times champion.