Tip of the hat to the star striker

No one can argue against the fact that Didier Ya Konan has been enjoying a fantastic start to 2011 and despite injuries continues to spearhead a successful, ambitious and resolute Hannover 96 team. His qualities have been on show for all to see this season and he has now received the accolade of Lower Saxony’s Footballer of the Year 2011 having received 57% of the votes cast by the local press. He was the resounding choice, leaving the other candidates in his wake putting Selina Wagner (VfL Wolfsburg), Dennis Kruppke (Eintracht Braunschweig) and Tino Berbig (VfL Osnabrück) firmly in their place.

During the ceremony at the Sporthotel Fuchsbachtal, Sky presenter Sebastian Hellmann was on hand to present the 26-year old with his award alongside NFV president Karl Rothmund and Dr. Jürgen Peter chief executive of the Reds main sponsors AOK. On top of the trophy, “Didi” was also presented with a Golden Boot courtesy of adidas.

Reds eighth winner of the award

Having joined the Reds in 2009/10 the Ivorian who partners “Moa” Abdellaoue up front has scored 21 goals in 47 appearances, scoring at almost a goal every other game. However, the journalists didn’t choose the Hannover player just because of his outstanding performances this season, but also because they believe he is a decent, friendly, cooperative and team oriented professional athlete. He didn’t disappoint as he showed those characteristics during his acceptance speech. “It is a great honour for me to receive this award. I’m really happy and want to thank the whole team and of course the fans.” “Didi” becomes the eighth Hannover 96 player to receive the award after Andre Breitenreiter (1993). Jörg Sievers (1997), Gerald Asamoah (1999), Jan Simak (2002), Fredy Bobic (2003), Per Mertesacker (2005) and Robert Enke (2007) all picked up the accolade.