Adelaide's Ognenovski Named Macedonia's Second Best Player of 2008

The Reds' uncompromising stopper was informed of the honour by a Macedonian journalist, and says he is delighted to be recognised so remarkably in the country of his heritage. 

“I think it was something voted by the journalists in Macedonia and I was lucky enough to finish second,” Ognenovski said. 

“It’s an excellent honour, to finish behind Pandev who plays for Lazio, and is probably one of their best players is a real honour.” 

Ognenovski has been a tower of strength at the back for United since he arrived at the club at the end of the Hyundai A-League 2007/08 season, being a major contributor in The Reds’ ride to the AFC Champions League Final, FIFA Club World Cup and current position on top of the Hyundai A-League table. 

But while he has helped the club create more history in Australian football, Ognenovski has unfinished business and is determined to turn the squad’s mammoth 2008 campaign into silverware at the end of this season.

“I think it is vitally important for the club and the players who have worked tremendously hard to get through the stages of the AFC Champions League and then the FIFA Club World Cup and to maintain our position on top of the Hyundai A-League ladder,” Ognenovski said. 

“All of the hard work that we’ve put in, if we don’t get any reward for it at the end of the season that will be very disappointing.” 

The next step in this mission is on Saturday night when The Reds go up against Sydney FC at the Adelaide Oval, and Ognenovski knows the visitors have the cavalry to threaten. 

He said: “They’re a very dangerous team. They’ve got players who are match winners and who can change the course of games, so we’ve got to be wary of them and put them under pressure.”