Glasgow Rangers of Scotland Glen Kamara, 27, was awarded Male Player of the Year on Thursday night. The player who plays for the American Portland Thrones was named the female player of the year Natalia Kuikka27. The awards were given at the traditional Captain’s Ball gala.
– This is a great honour. A long list of great players have previously won the same award, Kamara said.
Kamara said that his mother Peggy Roberts has been a big part of his career.
– I probably can’t put it into words well enough (how important he is), because there are so many things. I owe him a debt of gratitude.
Roberts stated that he had been thinking about Finland recently. For example, seeing snow brought back memories for him.
– I love Finland. I have forgotten a lot about the Finnish language, Roberts said in Finnish in an otherwise English interview.
According to him, Finland will always be home for both mother and son. He thanked his home corners in Espoo and said that he owes Finland a debt of gratitude.
– I am grateful to the (Olarin) Tarmo team, where Glen played as a child. I know that Glen also owes Finland a debt, that’s why he is always willing to represent the national team. He loves his country very much.
At the end of the interview, Kamara said that the Huuhkajat national team of course wants to reach the group stage in the European Championships, which will be played in the summer of 2024.
For female player of the year Natalia Kuika, the selection was already the third in a row and the fourth of her career. Kuikka, who sent greetings from the United States, said that the past year was quite different compared to his previous years.
– We made it to the European Championship with the Helmares, and even though we didn’t get a result there, it was a unique experience for all of us. It was really great to be part of an event that celebrated the development and growth of women’s football throughout Europe.
– In the club team, the season was rewarding, but also challenging. There were ups and downs and things off the field. Despite them, we celebrate the championship at the end of the season. “I proudly hold the player of the year title and for that, big, big thanks,” said Kuikka, who is celebrating his 27th birthday.
The gala’s main award, the Captain’s Ball, was awarded to a futsal legend To Panu Autio. The HJK pilot was chosen as coach of the year Toni Koskela.
Awarded:
The best players by position – National League
Coach: Ollipekka Ojala, KuPS
Forward: Lavdije Begolli, KuPS
Midfield: Emma Peuhkurinen, KuPS
Defender: Nanne Ruuskanen, KuPS
Goalkeeper: Elaine Burdett, Åland United
Rookie of the Year (JPY) – National League: Olivia Ulenius, Åland United
League Player of the Year (JPY) – National League: Emma Peuhkurinen, KuPS
The best players by venue – Veikkausliiga
Coach: Toni Koskela, HJK
Forward: Lee Erwin, FC Haka
Midfield: Petteri Pennanen, Ilves
Defender: Paulo Ricardo, KuPS
Goalkeeper: Conor Hazard, HJK
Rookie of the Year (JPY) – Veikkausliiga: Agon Sadiku, Esport Honka
League Player of the Year (JPY) – Veikkausliiga: Lee Erwin, FC Haka
Girl player of the year: Milja Kiviranta, HJK
Boy player of the year: Samuel Pasanen, FC Lahti
Promising young player: Oona Sevenius, HJK
Promising young player: Otso Liimatta, AC Oulu
Veikkausliiga Legend: Tero Taipale
See all awardees From the website of the Finnish Football Association (you will switch to another service).