Noveski takes Macedonian honour
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
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Nikolče Noveski has been named Macedonian player of the year for the second time while there were awards for Dejan Blazhevski, Blagoja Milevski, Blagoja Milevski and Nataša Andonova.
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Nikolče Noveski has been named the Football Association of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FFM) player of the year for the second time at the annual gala in Skopje.
The 34-year-old 1. FSV Mainz 05 defender was the sole candidate following his nomination by the FFM's coaches committee and regional associations. Previously the player of the year in 2005, he is only the second multiple recipient of the award after five-time winner Goran Pandev.
"I am honoured to be named the best of 2013," said 64-times-capped Noveski, who has been at Mainz since 2004 having previously played for FK Pelister, FC Hansa Rostock and FC Erzgebirge Aue. his award means a lot to me, especially winning it at this age."
FK Turnovo attacking midfielder Dejan Blaževski was named the best domestic-based player, having scored 17 goals last season and 19 already this term in as many matches to help the village side to the league lead. "If you continue in this fashion I will definitely call you up to the national side," said newly-appointed Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia coach Boško Djurovski while handing the award to Blaževski.
FK Vardar's Blagoja Milevski was honoured as best coach for guiding the capital side to the 2012/13 domestic title in his first season as manager, while FK Metalurg Skopje and FYROM Under-21 forward Marjan Radeski claimed the young player of the year prize
Nataša Andonova, who only turned 20 this month, was named women's player of the year for the fifth time in six years. The 1. FFC Turbine Potsdam midfielder said: "This year, just as in previous years, the award gives me additional motivation to play to the best of my ability. I hope that this season I will win the UEFA Women's Champions League with my club and that many trophies will follow after that."
A lifetime achievement award went to Andon Dončevski, 74, a notable Vardar striker during the 60s, who as coach guided the Skopje side to their only Yugoslavian First League title in 1987. He was also the first coach of the national team from 1991 till 1995.
