Geylang's Tomoyuki Doi up for top honours at SPL Awards Night after record-breaking season
SINGAPORE – Geylang International striker Tomoyuki Doi will have the chance to round off a sensational season at the Singapore Premier League (SPL) Awards Night, after being named among the nominees for several honours on May 27.
The Japanese star will receive the SPL Golden Boot and a special recognition award after scoring a league-record 44 goals in 31 appearances, surpassing former Singapore Armed Forces FC forward Mirko Grabovac's previous mark of 38 goals in a 33-game campaign in 2001.
His attacking exploits have also earned him a spot on the shortlist for the AIA SPL Player of the Year, alongside Lion City Sailors' defender Bailey Wright and forward Shawal Anuar, who played key roles in their club's title victory.
Doi, 27, said: 'I'm honoured to be nominated for the two awards. I really am grateful for everyone's support, especially those who supported me in the last 1½ years when I joined Geylang. The key to being where I am is that I have always believed in myself and kept the focus on getting better. It's as simple as that, nothing special.'
Due to be held at the Orchard Hotel on June 1, the event will see the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) celebrate standout performances from the SPL and the SPL Under-21 League, with accolades to be presented across 13 categories.
The Eagles had more reason to celebrate, with coach Noor Ali nominated for the Polar Mineral Water Coach of the Year award after leading Geylang to a third-placed finish – their best since 2003, when they were runners-up.
Also up for the award are the Sailors' title-winning coach Aleksandar Rankovic, a first-time nominee, and BG Tampines Rovers' Gavin Lee.
With the Sailors in the running for several top awards, their sporting director Badri Ghent hailed this as a team effort by everyone in the club.
In addition to claiming their second SPL title, the Sailors also impressed on the continental stage with a historic run to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two final, where they lost 2-1 to the United Arab Emirates' Sharjah FC.
Ghent said: 'It's a proud moment for everyone at Lion City Sailors and we're humbled to be up for such awards.
'They reflect not just the performances on the pitch, but the countless hours of hard work behind the scenes – from the players and coaches to the support staff and entire backroom team.'
He hopes the club can continue their progress after an exceptional season, adding: 'To bag these honours will be a befitting end to what has been a long and memorable season. We'd also like to thank FAS for recognising our efforts in the AFC Champions League Two.
'As a club, we continually challenge ourselves to be even better each season. We will continue to build on the momentum that has been laid this season and, hopefully, represent Singapore football with pride and dignity on the continental stage in the coming years.'
The AIA Young Player of the Year category features familiar talent and fresh faces. Seia Kunori is back in the running, this time as a Tampines player, having clinched the award in 2023 while playing for then-champions Albirex Niigata.
The attacker is joined by Hougang United winger Farhan Zulkifli and first-time nominee Shingo Nakano, who plies his trade as a forward for Albirex.
Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing.
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