Star Wanderers forward Bruce Kamau and experienced defender Caitlin Cooper have been crowned the club’s Wanderers Medal Player of the Year winners at Tuesday night’s prestigious Wanderers Medal, held at the Sydney Coliseum Theatre in Rooty Hill.
Kamau, who was a force to be reckoned with during the 2020/21 A-League season, also took home the Rod Allen Media Player of the Year, A-League Members’ Player of the Year and Golden Boot Awards in what was a hugely memorable night for the 26-year-old Kenyan-Australian.
“First of all, I’d like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the back room staff, the fans and also my family,” Kamau said upon accepting his first Wanderers Medal.
For the second time in her career, 33-year-old Cooper was presented the W-League team’s Wanderers Medal for Player of the Year and was also named the club’s W-League Members’ Player of the Year after impressive performances in every single match this season.
“Firstly, I would like to thank my teammates – I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s an honour to be voted by them as Player of the Year,” Cooper said via video message from Matildas camp.
“Secondly, I would like to thank my coaching staff – it’s one of the best I’ve had throughout my career.”
A breakout season for young gun Rosie Galea saw her take out the Golden Boot award in her first professional season of the W-League competition.
The Chairman’s Award for an outstanding contribution to the western Sydney community was awarded to ANSA African Cup NSW Committee President Bernard Muchemwa for his work on the NSW African Cup hosted at Wanderers Football Park last year, which saw a month-long celebration of the vibrant African heritage through football.
In other awards, Emma Calverley was named Wandercrew Volunteer of the Year and Ben Keyte was crowned the club’s Powerchair Player of the Year for the second time.
This year’s Wanderers Medal was affected by new COVID-19 restrictions introduced, with attendees asked to wear masks whilst indoors.
Nathan Taylor
Nathan Taylor is the Weekender's Deputy Editor and Senior Sports Writer. He also compiles the weekly Chatter on the Box TV column. Nathan is an award-winning journalist, who has worked at the Weekender for a decade.