Defender Aubrey David and forward Kennya "Yaya" Cordner have been named the overall men's and women's Player of the Year by the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), via a news release on Saturday.
According to the release, Aubrey David of the (T&T senior men), Kennya Cordner (T&T senior women), Andre Marchan (T&T Futsal Team) and Ryan Augustine (T&T Beach Soccer Team) were selected by their respective head coaches of the various national teams together with an online voting poll.
The individuals will receive awards courtesy of The Fan Club of Trinity Mall and the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association in recognition of their achievements. The TTFA also wishes to applaud the other individuals who were nominated in each category by the panel for their contribution and efforts to the national team and by extension local football in 2021. We wish to acknowledge the commitment and dedication displayed by each individual who participated or was in some way involved in the activities of our National Teams and local football during the past year.
In response to being given the honour, David, 31, who plays for Deportivo Saprissa in the Costa Rican professional league said: “This is a tremendous honour for me to go down in the books as a Player of the Year for Trinidad and Tobago and to be classified among so many other committed and dedicated individuals who have won this award in the past. This has been a most challenging and difficult period for so many of us in sport, football and generally as people across the world. I think it was a blessing to be able to play football in 2021 and I would like to dedicate this award to the many others who contributed to our football in 2021, teammates and staff members. Hopefully, we can take this drive into 2022 on the path to recovery.”
Cordner, 33, who signed Fenerbahce, Turkey in November and who has scored four goals to date said: “Giving thanks always to the most high God for without him none of this will be possible. After being away for so long from national team football, I kept on doing my thing regardless and I am truly happy that I could come back and still contribute and make an impact on the national team and to be named Player of the Year for Trinidad and Tobago Women’s football. It’s truly a wonderful feeling. I am happy that for the third time I am the Footballer of the Year and I will continue to work even harder and do my best. Thanks to the all those who believed in me and never gave up on me!”
Augustine, who is captain of the National Men’s Beach Soccer Team said: “I’m just grateful for what the program has provided me over the years. I’m immensely thankful for such a family-oriented group, the supportive staff and talented teammates. I hope my efforts help to grow support for the sport and hopefully provide the life-changing opportunities that I’ve been fortunate enough to experience.”
Marchan, 31, the starting goalkeeper of the National Futsal Team said: “I am truly grateful for being recognised for my efforts for the national Futsal team in 2021. It was an enjoyable and learning experience for myself and the rest of the team. Hopefully, we can continue to develop and achieve more in 2022 and beyond.”
The coaches of the respective teams that selected the players are Angus Eve (senior men's head coach), Kewyane Jones (senior women's head coach), American Constantine Konstin (men's Futsal team head coach) and Ramiro Amarelle (Beach soccer head coach).
TTFA 2021 Honour Roll
Senior Men – Aubrey David
Senior Women’s – Kennya Cordner
Futsal – Andre Marchan
Beach Soccer – Ryan Augustine.