Sunil Chhetri picks up Players’ Player award for a successive fifth time at BFC awards

BENGALURU FC came together to celebrate another successful season, and to recognize and reward top performers at the club’s Annual Awards Night, held at the JW Marriott, in Bengaluru, on Thursday. Skipper Sunil Chhetri was named top scorer for the fifth season in a row and also picked up the Players’ Player of The Year Award in a night that saw the Blues bid goodbye to coach Albert Roca, who announced his departure earlier in the day.

With 24 goals across three competitions, Chhetri claimed the top scorer award ahead of Miku, who had 20 to his name. The skipper added to his tally at the final game of the season, scoring in the Blues’ 4-0 win over Abahani Dhaka – a result that sealed the Blues’ progress into the knockout stages of the AFC Cup for the fourth season running.

In a poll conducted online, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu was named the Fans’ Player of the Year, while Miku’s strike against FC Goa at the Fatorda Stadium was voted the club’s Goal of the Season.

“It’s been a phenomenal season and I’m really proud of the team, the staff and those who have been working behind the scenes at this club. We’re all very sad to see Albert go, but he leaves the club on a high and we cannot express how grateful we are for all his efforts,” said club CEO Parth Jindal.

Roca was full of praise for his Blues’ side that made it to the final of the Indian Super League, lifted the Super Cup title and entered the last-8 of the AFC Cup.

“I am so proud of these boys for the attitude they have shown during my time here and the way they have got the job done for us. I have to go back home to my family but will always have a part of my heart here in Bengaluru, with all of you,” said Roca, in what was an emotional speech.

Midfielder Biswa Darjee was named the U18 Player of the Year, while Bekey Oram picked up the U15 Player of the Year for his representation for the club’s youth team and the Indian U16 team. BFC ‘B’ defender Asheer Akhtar was named the Upcoming Player of the Season, having made two appearances for the senior team.

Stand-up comedian Kanan Gill made for entertainment on a night when the Blues celebrated a fifth trophy in as many seasons.

Award Winners:

Top scorer: Sunil Chhetri

Players’ Player of the year: Sunil Chhetri

Fans’ Player of the Year: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Goal of the Season: Miku

Upcoming Player of the Year: Asheer Akhtar

U18 Player of the Year: Biswa Darjee

U15 Player of the Year: Bekey Oram