The winners of Qatar Football Association’s (QFA) Awards for 2018-19, which were presented at the Qatar National Convention Centre theatre on Tuesday, 30th April, all expressed their delight over the achievements.

Akram Afif (Al Sadd) was adjudged the Best Player, Bassam Al Rawi (Al Duhail) the Best Under-23 Player and Jesualdo Ferreira (Al Sadd) the Best Coach.

Baghdad Bounedjah of Al Sadd bagged the Mansour Muftah Award for the Top Scorer in QNB Stars League (39 goals).

The trio of Abdulrahman Al Jassim, Taleb Salem Al Marri and Saoud Ahmed were the Best Referees, while Yarmouk Preparatory School for Boys won the Football For All Award.

Al Sailiya coach Sami Trabelsi and Sports Club Vice-President Ali bin Rashid Al Marri received Special Recognition mementoes as the team finished a creditable third, behind Al Sadd and Al Duhail, in the QNB Stars League.

The following are the winners’ reactions:

Akram Afif: I dedicate it to team-mates

Al Sadd and Qatar national team striker Akram Afif thanked all those who made it possible for him to collect the Best-Player Award. He also thanked the QFA and Qatar Stars League.

“I dedicate this award to my team-mates. We produced concerted efforts throughout. This award wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for the support of my team-mates at Al Sadd and Qatar national team,” said Akram.

He said he was happy to receive the award this season, which saw great success for the national team at the Asian Cup early this year. Also, Al Sadd emerged as the QNB Stars League champions. Akram wished he continued to be successful with club and country.

Jesualdo Ferreira: Collective effort

“That Al Sadd won three key awards — for the best player (Akram Afif), top scorer (Baghdad Bounedjah) and best coach — underlined the fact that we’ve had an excellent season. For me, winning the best-coach award, for the second time after the 2016-17 season, was a collective effort.

“It was team work to the core. Everyone in the club worked very hard with the aim of lifting the QNB Stars League shield, for a record-extending 14th time. Our players deserve special praise. And congrats to one and all. We’ve the extra joy of making our fans very happy. Special credit also to our team management,” said Ferreira.

Bassam Al Rawi: Award means a lot to me

“This award means a lot to me. I would rather say this signals the real launch of my career. I had longed to win this coveted award. I thank everyone (the highly-supportive team management, my coach, technical staff, team-mates, medical staff and all).

“I’ll try to continue my club and country careers the same way, and contribute more to the teams’ cause. This award is a big motivation to do that,” said Bassam.

Baghdad Bounedjah: I thank everyone

“The great work done by the players and technical as well as administrative staff at Al Sadd contributed to my winning this award. I thank them for all that. We’re also keen to compete for the Emir Cup and AFC Champions League titles,” said Bounedjah.

Sami Trabelsi: Special congrats to players

Tunisian coach Sami Trabelsi said the award he received was for everyone in the Al Sailiya club.

“The technical and administrative stability provided by the team management, headed by Abdullah Al Eida, were commendable. That’s the main reason for the team’s achievement of a third place in this season’s QNB Stars League. We’ll try to continue the good work and bring out our best. I also thank the QFA’s Awards Committee Board Members for honouring us. Special mention goes to our players for their great efforts,” said Trabelsi.

Best referees too excited

All three referees, who won the award this season, expressed their happiness and said it would be a motivation for them in the times ahead.