Kashiwa scoop J-League awards

Newly crowned Japanese champions Kashiwa Reysol scooped the pool at the J-League awards night in Yokohama on Monday.

Kashiwa’s Brazilian midfielder Leandro Domingues took home the big award of the night after being crowned the competition’s Most Valuable Player.

Domingues starred for the J-League champions this season, scoring 15 goals in 30 appearances.

Among the other honours taken home by Reysol, who will compete at the Club World Cup starting Thursday, was Nelsinho Baptista winning best manager, while defender Hiroki Sakai won best young player.

Four Kashiwa players – Naoki Kondo, Hiroki Sakai, Jorge Wagner and Leandro Domingues – were also named in the 2011 J-League team of the year.

Kashiwa were only promoted to Japan’s top flight last season, before becoming J-League champions in their first campaign back up.