Ivory Coast midfielder Douhou Pierre claimed the ‘Pune FC Player of the Year 2011-12' award at the third PFC awards night held recently. The 25-yea-old was also nominated for the ‘Players Player' award, chosen by his I-League club teammates. The Ivory Coast player returned this season after a one-year break.
He received a trophy and cash incentive of Rs 2 lakhs at the function organised in Hinjewadi by PFC to recognise performers in its fifth season of existence. Pune FC directors Rajeev, Nandan and Harsh Piramal handed over the award to Pierre.
Former India playmaker Shanmugam Venkatesh, 34, claimed the ‘Man of Steel' award for maximum PFC appearances in the Federation Cup and I-League. The Karnataka player made 28 appearances, apart from 70 games for the club in four seasons so far.
The awardees: Best Player of the Year 2011-12: D. Pierre Douhou Sey. Best Young Player: S Subash Singh. Man of Steel: Shanmugam Venkatesh. UAPF Award: Arata Izumi. Players' Player: Pierre Douhou. Fans' Best Player: Mandjou Keita. Best Goal: Gurjinder Kumar. Best Trained Player: Othallo Tabia.
Junior awards: Best U19 Player: Abung Thangjam Meetie. Most
Disciplined U19: Nikhil Kadam. Best U17: Pankaj Gore. Best U15: Jorden Fernandes.
