National Football Awards

The high level of competition this season has set the stage for a thrilling countdown to the third edition of the 100PLUS FAM National Football Awards due to be held on Nov 2.

"The first two years of the awards served some pleasant surprises. This year, with the competition so keen and the high quality of performances from the players, I believe this year’s awards ceremony will be nothing short of exciting. I am certain the fans will be following the awards very closely," said Dato’ Kamal Harun, National Corporate Affairs Manager, F&N Beverages Marketing Sdn Bhd.

Speaking at the launch of the new logo for the 100PLUS FAM National Football Awards, Dato’ Kamal said that the awards ceremony was organised to give due recognition to the players, officials and stakeholders in the game.

Also present at today’s launch ceremony was Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad, General Secretary of the FA of Malaysia.

“The players give their very best in every match and the best players should be recognised for their tremendous efforts. They have to push themselves to the limit in their quest to lead their teams to success in the M-League,” commented Dato’ Kamal.

He said that the football fraternity will be eagerly waiting to find out which player will be crowned the Most Valuable Player of 2010. In addition to the main award, nine other awards will be presented by FAM Deputy President, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah, on Nov 2.

"The launching of the official logo is significant as it shows that we are serious about this event and continue supporting it in the years to come. We are committed to working with FAM to contribute to the development of football in the country," said Dato' Kamal.

Datuk Azzuddin meanwhile added that the national association is always appreciative of the efforts of sponsors like 100PLUS to promote the game. "It takes support from all quarters to help raise the level of the game in the country. These awards not just recognise the efforts of the players but it will also go a long way to inspire younger players to be as successful as their seniors.

On the awards, Datuk Azzuddin also commented that the competition would be especially keen this year. “Some players have displayed outstanding performances throughout the season. We have also seen some new players coming through the ranks. And from what I have seen personally, there will be some surprises for sure this year."

For the record, the Most Valuable Player Award in 2008 was won by goalkeeper Helmi Eliza Elias (Kedah) while international striker Indra Putra Mahayuddin (Kelantan) took the top prize last year.

To make sure that only the best are considered for the annual 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards, a selection panel which consists of national coaches, members from the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) and officials from FAM come up with a list of candidates.

The list is then distributed to the coaches and captains of teams playing in the Super League and also the Premier League, who will then make the choice for the various individual awards and also the ultimate Most Valuable Player award.