Wellington Phoenix current players, Sarpreet Singh and Liberato Cacace and former defender, Tom Doyle are all nominated for a variety of awards at the annual New Zealand Football Awards in Auckland on 27 July 2019.
A total of 17 awards will be given out in recognition of players, coaches and officials from both the New Zealand domestic and international stages within the 2018 calendar year. The three finalists in each category were selected from a wider shortlist by an independent voting panel.
Singh and Doyle are both up for the International Player of the Year Award after their performances for Wellington Phoenix and the All Whites.
Singh, 20 made his All Whites debut in March 2018 before becoming instrumental in the Wellington Phoenix side that reached their first Hyundai A-League finals position in four seasons in the Hyundai 2018/19 season. He then capped off a great season in helping the New Zealand U-20s side to a Round of 16 tie in the FIFA U-20s World Cup in Poland.
Both Singh and Cacace are nominated for the Young Player of the Year, previously won by All White and Scunthorpe United midfielder, Clayton Lewis.
Cacace is another young Kiwi who has enjoyed a fantastic year in the sport as he made his All Whites debut in the Intercontinental Cup on 5 June 2018 before producing more minutes than any of his teammates in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season.
The 18-year old also produced some of his best football in the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland as he helped his side to a Round of 16 tie.
The biggest prize of the night is the Player of the Year Award, last year won by All Whites and Burnley striker, Chris Wood. He is nominated again for this year’s prize and is joined by Football Ferns Captain, Abby Erceg and Wellington Phoenix Midfielder, Sarpreet Singh.
Having enjoyed his best campaign to date in scoring six goals and assisting eight times in the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season, Singh will be looking to beat Wood and Erceg to the Award.
Wellington Phoenix General Manager, David Dome is happy to see these players recognised for their achievements on the field.
‘‘These young players have all produced on the world stage, in both the Hyundai A-League and the International stage and deserve this recognition in representing their club and country.’’
The annual awards are set to take place at Orakei Bay in Auckland on Saturday 27 July.
Ticketing information can be found on the New Zealand website here.
