Kruger the Winner at Presentation Night

23rd May 2008 – Divers Tavern.

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Award winner: Francois Kruger (centre) receives his award from BSA President Mike Doyle (left) and BSA Secretary Juan Larranaga (right)

Francois Kruger affirmed to the footballing public of Broome that last season’s footballer of the year award was no fluke as he picked up more honours at the Broome Soccer Association’s presentation night last Friday.

The South African, dubbed ‘The Rock’ by his legions of fans, was crowned Goalkeeper of the Year by the BSA after having another sensational season between the sticks.

‘I feel very honoured tonight,’ Kruger said. ‘I didn’t believe I could have such a good season as the one I had last year, but I proved myself wrong.’

BSA President Mike Doyle told the press throng camped outside Divers Tavern that there was no-one better than Kruger in terms of sheer ability and presence.

‘He embodies Guantanamo,’ Doyle said. ‘He bleeds orange and black, and that spirit, accompanied by his rock-like physicality makes it tough for any opposition striker.’

Kruger has had a sensational time since joining the Mighty Oranges midway through last year, which saw him switch from midfield to become a god-like presence in the Guantanamo goal, giving the team a stability that had been lacking in earlier games.His cat-like reflexes and strong withering glare gave many strikers headaches when it came to trying a shot
 


Not to be type-cast, the big goalie even left the position between the sticks to go back into midfield for the Australian team that went down against Ireland in the St Patrick’s Day international friendly earlier in the year. In that match he scored an absolute screamer, calmly bringing the ball down on his chest before volleying it into the top corner of the Irish net from almost 35 yards.

As the haze of excitement over the presentation night finally fades away, Guantanamo fans will be happy to know their goalkeeper already has his sights on the flagship BSA competition, the B-Liga, where he hopes to see his beloved team continue the good work they started.

‘I am ready,’ Kruger affirms. ‘Other teams watch out, because we are coming for you.’

 
Guantanamo Players at the Awards Night: (Clockwise from top left) George Pereira, Andy Smyth, Ryan Platten, Chris Hingston, Francois Kruger. Francois Kruger with the Blue Folded Envelope Award for the B-Liga Goalkeeper of the Year.
BSA President Mike Doyle congratulates Guantanamo team members on an excellent season. Outgoing BSA Secretary.Treasurer Juan Larranaga (centre right) is congratulated by BSA President Mike Doyle while BSA Media VP Mike Dawson (left) and Racing Guantanamo Captain Ryan Platten (right) look on.