Blake elated over sixth RJRGLEANER award
REGGAE BOYZ captain Andre Blake is “super excited” after being named the RJRGLEANER Athlete of the Year (Male) in the category of football for the sixth time in his career.
This year’s nod marks the third that Blake has won on the trot, having tabled the feat in 2021 and 2022. This is the second time the Reggae Boyz shotstopper is enjoying a three-peat of awards in this category, having collected the top honour in 2016, 2017, and 2018.
Blake, who has been a key figure as team captain for both club and country, said he feels honoured by the accolade and is happy that his hard work is being recognised.
“I am really happy and excited to have won the Sportsman of the Year in the category of football for 2023. I’m super excited and really happy to see the work that I have put in over the years being recognised and acknowledged, so I’m really excited about that.”
In the 2023 calendar year, Blake made nine appearances for the Reggae Boyz, leading the team to the nation’s first-ever appearance in the CONCACAF Nations League semifinals, as well as securing qualification to the 2024 Copa America after a 4-4 aggregate win over Canada on away goals.
Blake had an inspired second-leg performance in goal against the Canadians where he made five saves to help a 10-man Jamaican team knock their more-fancied opponents from the Nations League semifinals.
For his club, Philadelphia Union, Blake continued his impressive form where he also broke the record for the most starts for the franchise in Major League Soccer (MLS) history.
Blake’s 38 appearances for his club in the 2023 season, included a quarterfinals appearance in the MLS Play-offs and a third-place finish in the Leagues’ Cup. The Union beat CF Monterrey 3-0 in the thirdplace play-offs.
Blake, who recently hosted a goalkeeper clinic in the island for young players, said he hopes his achievements can inspire the next generation.
“I just want to continue to work hard and do my best. I want to continue to motivate the future generation and to let them believe in themselves and know that it is possible. Again, I’m super elated and super excited to have won this award. I really do appreciate it.”
“I’m super excited and really happy to see the work that I have put in over the years being recognised and acknowledged, so I’m really excited about that.”