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The I-League 2017-18 witnessed yet another underdog story as Minerva Punjab surprised everyone and ran away with the title, courtesy their consistency throughout the league. Four Teams were in the reckoning on the final day for the title. Players of several other teams have been awarded for their performances at the end of season Awards on Thursday in Chandigarh. We take a look at all the awards bagged by the Best Performers.
Best Goalkeeper - Shilton Paul
The Bagan shot-stopper was given the chance to lead his side and guard the goal after former keeper Debjit Majumdar switched to the ISL. The experienced campaigner from Ashokenagar did extremely well and conceded just 14 goals in 18 matches. The highlight of his season was his clean sheets in both the Kolkata Derbies.
Jarnail Singh Award for Best Defender - Varney K Kallon
The Liberian led the NEROCA back four with impressive performances. He was rock solid in the aerial duels and last-ditch tackles in several games. He was also key to NEROCA's success due to his knack of scoring at crucial stages of the game.
Best Midfielder - Michael Soosairaj
The Chennai City FC captain has been the revelation of the season as his pacy runs and assists were instrumental to Chennai City avoiding relegation. Soosairaj's brilliant performance has earned him a contract with ISL side Jamshedpur FC.
Best Forward - Chencho Gyeltshen
Minerva Punjab's title-winning performance was largely due to Chencho's showing in the initial stages of the league. Hailing from an untapped market as far as Indian football is concerned, Chencho Gyeltshen scored crucial goals to clinch three points for his team on several occasions. His timely assists from the left flank also allowed other players more space to exploit the opposition goal.
Highest Scorer - Dipanda Dicka
After an average Calcutta Football League campaign with Mohammedan Sporting, Dipanda Dicka took I-League by storm again as he finished as the highest scorer for consecutive seasons. He found the net 13 times for the Mariners. His brace in the return Kolkata Derby has now made him a household name in Kolkata.
Best Emerging Player (U-22) - Samuel Lalmuanpuia
Samuel Lalmuanpuia was handed the captain's armband and boy did he deliver! Lalmuanpuia was consistent throughout the season. He was behind several goals for his side courtesy his immense expertise from dead ball situations. His free-kicks and corners were top notch, which troubled the opposition regularly.
Syed Abdul Rahim Award for Best Coach: Gift Raikhan
From 2nd Division champions to I-League runners-up, Raikhan was the man behind yet another unfinished Cinderella story. NEROCA surpassed the traditional Kolkata Giants and its neighbouring North-Eastern counterparts to claim the 2nd spot in the League. Raikhan utilised an average budget side to the fullest and delivered exceptional results.
Best Match Organiser: NEROCA FC
The Khuman Lumpak Stadium was in ruins prior to the start of the league. The NEROCA management did a wonderful job along with the Manipur government to refurbish the stadium. NEROCA also got the highest attendance in this season, with almost all of their matches being sold out.
Fairplay Award: NEROCA FC
The runners-up were also awarded the fair play award for their excellent conduct on the pitch.
