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Cougars honoured with slew of awards after all-conquering season

Big winners: From left to right - Devonshire Cougars goalkeeper Kioshi Trott, coaching member Errol Rhoda, coach Dennis Brown, defender Darius Cox and striker Domico Coddington with their awards and the club's trophies at last night's BFA annual awards ceremony at Police Club.

Devonshire Cougars, the Triple Crown champions, enjoyed a clean sweep of the top prizes at Bermuda Football Association’s (BFA) annual awards ceremony for the 2012-13 season at Police Recreation Club.

Cougars, who won the Premier Division title, FA Cup and Friendship Trophy, claimed a host of other awards last night to add to their already well-stocked trophy cabinet.

Dennis Brown was voted Coach of the Year, Darius Cox named Defender of the Year, Chae Brangman picked up Young Player of Year, Kioshi Trott won Goalkeeper of Year and Domico Coddington clinched the MVP award.

Cougars also won the Fair Play award and were presented with a special plaque recognising their Triple Crown achievement by the BFA.

Brown, who received a standing ovation as he collected his coach’s award, said the hard work of his players had been the cornerstone of Cougars’ success.

“It’s a very special night for everyone at Devonshire Cougars as this recognises the work we put in all year,” he said. “The players worked really hard and I put a lot of demands on them, sometimes asking them to train five, six, sevens days a week.

“Tonight was our reward for that hard work which I believe was the main factor behind our success.” Brown believed the slew of awards the club picked up last night was a fair reflection of their trophy-laden campaign.

“Cougars were the dominant force last season and all our hard work paid off,” added Brown.

“Our players set the bar so high last season and I’ve told them they have to work even harder this season to maintain that,”

Coddington dedicated Cougars’ raft of gongs to the memory of former player Tumaini Steede, who was killed in a road crash before the start of last season.

The MVP winner described Steede as “Cougars for life” and said the team were determined to keep his memory alive. “We had a very good season and it’s good to be acknowledged for it,” said Coddington. “Picking up all these awards is a really good feeling for the players and the fans.

“Winning the MVP award is the icing on the cake for me. I accept the award, but it’s still a team thing and I’m accepting it on behalf of the team, really.

“The team made big decision as a whole on what we wanted to do last the season after losing Tumaini.

“Losing Tumaini brought a different type of fire to our game and I honestly believe that’s what made us work so hard to win all those trophies.

“Without him it’s hard but we’re just trying to keep his memory alive.”

The twelfth edition of the BFA awards recognised some of the Island’s finest footballers for their outstanding contributions last season.

Southampton Rangers striker Dennis Russell won the top goalscorer award, while Donovan Thompson received the First Division equivalent.

Thompson also shared the First Division Young Player of the Year award with BAA’s Deondre Trott.

Hamilton Parish, who won the First Division title last term, were also recognised for their memorable campaign, with Calvin Hansey claiming the Defender of the Year award, and Keishon Smith picking up the coach’s accolade.

Corey Richardson was handed the First Division Goalkeeper of the Year award, with his St David’s team-mate Angelo Simmons claiming the First Division MVP.

Elihu Holmes was named top referee, while Jari Ming was voted the best young referee. Ireland Rangers received the First Division Fair Play award.