Alexandru Epureanu – Footballer of Year 2009

The Moldovan Football Federation (MFF) Friday announced the football laureates of the year 2009, who were selected by a poll that covered more than 200 specialists, members of the Federation's Executive Committee, coaches, presidents of clubs and of the MFF central commissions, heads of affiliated associations, Info-Prim Neo reports. The prize “Most Valuable Sports Event” went to the Sports School in Rybnitsa. The team of Moldova's Association of the Blind won the “Most Valuable Football Event for Handicapped Persons” prize, while the Sports Club “Real-Succes” won the prize “Most Beautiful Football Event for Children and Juniors.” Stanislav Namashko, of Moldova's national team and Sheriff Tiraspol, became the best goalkeeper, Sheriff Tiraspol's fullback Vaja Tarhnishvili – the best fullback, Aexandru Onica, of Moldova's national team and Dacia Chisinau – the best halfback, Gheorghe Ovseanikov, of Moldova's national team and Olimpia Balti – the best striker. Oleg Andronic, of Zimbru, was named the best scorer of Moldova's 2008-2009 Championship with 16 goals scored. Veacslav Banari became the referee of the year. Iskra-Stal Rybnitsa won the Fair Play prize. Sheriff coach Leonid Kuchuk became the coach of the year. Sheriff Tiraspol was named Moldova's champion for successful performance in Europa League. Ruslan Istrati became the best futsal player, Sergiu Cantser – the best beach football player, while Tudor Varlan – the best tennis-football player. Alina Burca was chosen as the best footballer among women. Alexandru Epureanu, the halfback of Moldova's national squad and of Russia's Dinamo Moscow, was named the footballer of the year 2009. He did not attend the ceremony. The prize was offered to his father.