Saiko, who bagged 25 goals for Gaitcha in the Super League, secured 38.57% of the votes with Team Wellington’s Roy Kayara finishing runner-up with 32.85%.
Bertrand Kai, a one-time OFC Player of the Year, was a distant third notching 15.35% with Jacques Haeko fourth on 13.21%.
Saiko is elevated to a title last won by Kai and Patrick Wajoka.
An explosively fast, physical, striker, and at just 23 years of age, Saiko has his best years in front of him.
And while New Caledonia’s solid showing at the OFC Nations Cup and FIFA World Cup Oceanian Qualifying are but fading memories, Saiko may already be earmarked as a vital cog in the Les Cagous side aiming for the next World Cup qualifiers on the Road to Russia 2018.
One former Les Cagous legend, Pierre Wajoka, recognised Saiko’s qualities and worked hard to bring him to Gaitcha where the young striker flourished.
Wajoka was often the provider of the killer pass that allowed Saiko’s prowess in front of goal to find the perfect stage.
The Team of the Year, selected in a 4-4-2 formation, made compelling reading.
Michel Hne of Lossi was selected as goalkeeper, with a back four comprising Georges Bearune of Gaitcha, Dan Vakle of AS Mont Dore, Mickael Tiaou of Wetr and Hienghène’s right back William Yentao completing the quartet.
A blend of youth and experience characterised the centre of midfield with Pierre Wajoka paired alongside Roy Kayara, with Bertrand Kai and Brice Dahité of Hienghène taking up positions on the left and right respectively.
Saiko was aligned with New Caledonia international striker Jacques Haeko of Lossi in attack.
Adriene Ausu was nominated as coach, with Rocky Nykeine (Magenta), Georges Wadenges (Gaitcha), Pierre Nykeine (Gaitcha), Arsene Boawe (Thio), Joseph Millie (Wetr), Michel Hmae (Magenta) and Luther Wanhyamalla (Lossi) all listed in the extended squad.
A raft of players. coaches and referees were also recognised by Federation Caledonienne de Football (FCF) with Saiko’s club coach, Adrien Ausu, named coach of the year.
Hienghène’s Miguel Kayara won Goal of the Year, while the Referee award went to Isidore Assiène-Ambassa, who handled the 2012 OFC Champions League final.
Another Hienghène Sport talent was recognised with Brice Dahité the Espoir de l’année.
FC Ferrand, New Caledonia’s top futsal club, won an Honorary Award for the contribution to the indoor version of football.
The Arrêt de l’année went to Anthony Ajaphunya of Wetr.
Ends
For the full story in French please visit www.fedcalfoot.com
FULL LIST OF WINNERS
Joueur de l’année: Jean-Philippe Saïko (Gaïtcha FCN).
Espoir de l’année: Brice Dahité (Hienghène Sport).
Entraîneur de l’année: Adrien Ausu (Gaïtcha FCN).
Arbitre de l’année: Isidore Assiène-Ambassa.
Oscar d’honneur: FC Ferrand futsal.
But de l’année: Miguel Kayara (Hienghène).
Arrêt de l’année: Anthony Ajaphunya (Wetr).
TEAM OF THE YEAR
1. Michel Hne (GK) AS Lossi
2. William Yentao Hienghène
3. Mickael Tiaou Wetr
4. Georges Bearune Gaitcha
5. Pierre Wajoka Gaitcha
6. Dan Vakle AS Mont Dore
7. Roy Kayara Team Wellington (NZL)
8. Bertrand Kai Hienghène
9. Jean-Phillipe Saiko Gaitcha
10. Jacques Haeko AS Lossi
11. Brice Dahité Hienghène
COACH: Adrien Ausu
SUBSTITUTES
12. Rocky Nykeine AS Magenta
13. Georges Wadenges Gaitcha
14. Pierre Nykeine Gaitcha
15. Arsene Boawe Thio
16. Joseph Millie Wetr
17. Michel Hmae AS Magenta
18. Luther Wanhyamalla AS Lossi

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