Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Yokohama: AFC Champions League newcomers Kashiwa Reysol shone at the 2011 J.League awards night on with the recently-crowned Japanese champions claiming a hat-trick of top honours.
Brazilian midfielder Leandro Domingues (pictured) was the season's Most Valuable Player while his compatriot Nelsinho Baptista, was named Manager of the Year for guiding Kashiwa to their history-making J.League title.
Defender Hiroki Sakai walked away with the Best Young Player award to complete a trophy-laden evening in Yokohama for Kashima, who also had four players (Leandro Domingues, Sakai, Jorge Wagner and Naoki Kondo) named in the 2011 J.League Team of the Year.
Kashima, the first side to win the J.League in the first season back in the top flight after gaining promotion from the second division, will take on Auckland City in the opening match of the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday.