Jovanović and Kolarov lead Serbian honours

APOEL FC's Ivan Jovanović and Manchester City FC left-back Aleksandar Kolarov have been named Serbian coach and player of the year respectively. The pair were honoured on Tuesday in Belgrade at a ceremony hosted by the Football Association of Serbia (FSS).

Jovanović, in his second spell in charge of APOEL, steered the Legend to the First Division title earlier this year and last month guided them into the UEFA Champions League round of 16, a first for a Cypriot team. "I'm so proud, delighted and happy," said the 49-year-old. "This award means so much to me and will be a great boost for my forthcoming matches."

Kolarov, meanwhile, was part of the Manchester City side which defeated Stoke City FC in the FA Cup final − the Citizens' first major trophy since 1976. The 26-year-old, capped 27 times by Serbia, also scored the club's maiden UEFA Champions League goal, the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with SSC Napoli on matchday one of the 2011/12 campaign.

"I'm very proud and now I have an obligation to continue playing at a high level for my club and country," he said. "It's always special when you win something domestic like this."