As well as crowning Auckland FC the inaugural OFC Pro League champions, four individual awards were presented following the conclusion of Sunday’s final at Eden Park.
Two Auckland FC players snapped up individual awards, and the club added the Fair Play Award to wrap up a history-making night, whilst Vanuatu United FC striker Alex Saniel finished as the competition’s top goalscorer.
Golden Ball | Daniel Normann (Auckland FC)
As well as receiving a winner’s medal, Auckland FC midfielder Daniel Normann was presented with the Golden Ball Award for the best player of the inaugural OFC Pro League season.
Normann started in all 19 of his side’s matches throughout the campaign, anchoring Auckland’s midfield with authority and control. He scored twice and grabbed one assist throughout the season, including scoring the opening goal of the final.
It was the Norwegian’s ability to shield the back four that earnt a lot of plaudits – playing a crucial part in helping Auckland FC maintain the best defensive record of the competition.
Golden Boot | Alex Saniel (Vanuatu United FC)
Despite having had his Pro League campaign cut short in the semi-finals four days earlier, Vanuatu United FC striker Alex Saniel was present at Eden Park to collect the Golden Boot Award for the top goalscorer of the season.
Saniel scored 11 goals across the course of the campaign for the Chiefs, including the Pro League’s very-first goal at Eden Park on January 17, in a 2-2 draw with Bula FC.
He helped lead Vanuatu United’s late surge into the final four, scoring three goals in the Challengers Group, and finished one goal ahead of his nearest rival, South Melbourne FC’s Jordan Swibel, in the Golden Boot race.
Golden Glove | Oscar Mason (Auckland FC)
On top of lifting the trophy, young Auckland FC goalkeeper Oscar Mason was also awarded the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Despite being just 21 years old, Mason showed experience above his years throughout the campaign, and kept eight clean sheets – the most of any other goalkeeper in the league.
He also played a key role in organising a backline that kept the best defensive record in the competition, and surely has a bright future ahead of him.
Fair Play Award | Auckland FC
On top of their stellar defensive performances, Auckland were also awarded the Fair Play Award for the best disciplinary record of the season.
They received just 25 yellow cards and 1 red card across their 19 OFC Pro League fixtures.