The 2015 QFA Awards took place tonight in the lavish surrounds of the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) in Doha.  The Qatari football community, invited foreign guests and officials attended to see this year’s ceremony and recognize players, coaches, clubs and much more.

The glitzy event was a who’s who of Qatari football as the auditorium was packed with stars hoping to bag an award.  This was the second time that the QFA Awards ceremony had been hosted at the impressive QNCC on the outskirts of town opposite Education City.

The ceremony began by recognizing the Best Amateur League Management in the Qatar Amateur League, the award was presented by Mr. Hassan Abdullah Al Thawadi, Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy. The winner was Kahramaa amateur football club. Mr. Ali Mahmoud picked up the award on behalf of the team.

The night too was a big success for Al Ahli SC who was recognized for their outstanding fan base as they won the award for the second year running. Nasser Yacoub, the Al Ahli audience and marketing officer was not present to accept the award but will surely be happy for yet another great season of fan engagement at the club.

Alain Dioko once again picked up the Mansour Muftah award (QSL top scorer) with 25 goals in 26 appearances for Al Ahli. A truly outstanding feat by an outstanding player. Dioko said, “This season was hard, and it was not easy to score so many goals, but with my teammates’ help and support I was able to get many goals. This award belongs to all of my teammates too.”

The award ceremony also featured video highlights of the past ten months of football in Qatar, a year that has seen plenty of successes at both club and national level.

The football for all award, which recognizes a person who has made a significant contribution towards football in the local community was given to Mr. Nasser Al Mana for his many years of coaching at an amateur level.

Best team management went to Qatar Sports Club; the award was picked up by the Club’s chairman who was honored and happy for their recognition of his team.

The under 21 best player award went to Al Sailiya’s Abdurrahman Mohammed Ahmed Al-Harazi. The young midfielder had an outstanding season in a team that largely struggled this year. 

At the post-ceremony press conference Harazi said, “It has been a great reward in what has been a frustrating season for me and the team. Sailiya was in the lower reaches of the table but this recognition shows that Al Sailiya has a good future with regards to its youth set up. I dedicate this award to all of the youth players in my team.”

Lekhwiya Football Club won the Best Coach award, Mr. Laudrup and his players have had a very successful season, having won the league and Qatar Cup. The Red Knights still have the second leg clash of the Asian Champions League Round of 16 against Al Sadd to look forward to also.

Mr. Laudrup kept if brief and said, “Of course I am honored, first of all I want to thank the Club and the players because without them I wouldn’t be standing here in front of all of you. This has been a great season for the Club.”

The other two nominees for the award were Al Sadd’s Hussein Ammota and Qatar Sports Club Radhi Shenaishil.

The highlight of the evening came when the best player of the season award was announced and that honour went to Al Sadd’s attacking winger Hassan Al Haydous.  The award was unveiled in dramatic fashion as everyone in the auditorium held their breath. The Qatari was clearly thrilled to be recognized by his peers saying, “Thank you very much, this was really a team effort, my teammates helped me win this award and so I thank them too.”

The award recognizes ten great months for the winger who also played up front on a number of occasions when the Wolves were hit with injuries midway through the season. His versatility and lethal finishing were clear for all to see this season. The player was also rewarded with $100, 000 dollars and a QFA trophy to add to his substantial collection of silverware.

This was the second season in a row that Al Sadd has picked up the best player award. Last year that honour fell to Nadir Belhadj.