Central Coast Mariners star Mustafa Amini has been named December’s nominee for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year.
Football Federation Australia and NAB, together with the Central Coast Mariners, are proud to announce the third nominee for the 2011/12 NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
Mustafa Amini from Central Coast Mariners was voted as the most outstanding U21 player for the month of December following standout performances in five matches.
Amini netted twice in December – one in the Yellow and Navy-s 4-0 triumph in Adelaide, and the other in his teams- 2-1 win over Brisbane Roar at Suncorp Stadium on December 17.
Determined by a panel of football experts the NAB Young Footballer of the Year – December nominee, Amini was today elated to be recognised as one of the Hyundai A-League-s elite young performers.
“It-s fantastic for the club and for me as well also to be recognised as one of the Young Players of the Month,” Amini said. “It-s good for the club having two (nominees) in a row.”
Amini is the third nominated player to be announced for the NAB Young Footballer of the Year award following James Brown-s October nomination, and teammate Bernie Ibini-s November nomination. The crafty, diminutive midfield maestro will be joined by a further three players in future months to qualify to be named the NAB Young Footballer of the Year at the Hyundai A-League Awards in 2012.
The overall winner will receive a $10,000 personal investment portfolio, a NAB Private Client Manager to assist with a range of banking and financial services, and the NAB Young Footballer of the Year Award.
Central Coast Mariners Head Coach, Graham Arnold, said the recognition was no less than Amini deserved for his contribution to his side-s stellar December form.
And, Arnold added that it is fantastic that Amini-s performances would ultimately aid the development of future football stars via the $3,000 equipment pack NAB will provide to Amini-s chosen junior football institution, Westfield Sports High.
“It-s where they learn all their football and enjoy all their football,” Arnold said.
“When they-re youngsters they have coaches who are volunteers and put a lot of work in with the kids; it-s a just reward for them.”
With his nomination in the NAB Young Footballer of the Year competition secured, Amini will look to enjoy his final five months as a Mariners player before he links with BVB Borussia Dortmund of the German Bundesliga.
