Prolific Ibišević rewarded in Sarajevo

TSG 1899 Hoffenheim striker Vedad Ibišević was named Bosnia-Herzegovina's Player of the Year at a ceremony in Sarajevo last night.

Nominees
The 24-year-old has scored 18 Bundesliga goals this season, six more than anyone else in the league, to help the club to the summit at the winter break in their debut campaign in the German top flight. Ibišević was selected by his predecessor in both the Bundesliga and Bosnia-Herzegovina team Sergej Barbarev, who picked the forward ahead of his Hoffenheim colleague Sejad Salihović, Zvjezdan Misimović and Edin Džeko (both VfL Wolfsburg), Saša Papac (Rangers FC), Emir Spahić (FC Lokomotiv Moskva), Kenan Hasagić (Istanbul BB SK), Miralem Pjanić (Olympique Lyonnais), Senijad Ibričić (HNK Hajduk Split) and one locally-based player, Haris Handžić of FK Sarajevo.

'Huge honour'
Ibišević said: "Being the top scorer in Bundesliga after the first half of the season is a huge honour but also a commitment for the future. I didn't expect it, but now I am on top I want to stay there. I have a significant advantage and I hope to score even more in the second half of the season. However, the most important thing is to play and avoid injuries. My team-mate, Sejad Salihović, who also plays with me in the national team, gives me huge support and is a significant factor in my achievements."

Support
Having only made his senior international debut in March 2007 against Norway the forward, formerly of St. Louis Strikers, Chicago Fire, Paris Saint-Germain FC, Dijon FC and Alemannia Aachen, is now a regular starter for his country and was also voted sportsman of the year in a media poll. Receiving his award to a standing ovation, Ibišević said: "I am delighted by the significant appreciation that I have received in Sarajevo. I will try to justify the trust I have got from my supporters in Bosnia-Herzegovina and also my fans in Germany."

Coach award
Meanwhile, Mehmed Baždarević was named coach of the year. The former international took over at French side Grenoble Foot 38 in December 2007 and led them to promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time since 1963. They have adapted well to top-flight life and are sitting comfortably in mid-table.