Brora Rangers players’ player of the year proud of award as he helps club win historic Highland League and cup treble in first season
CRAIG Mackenzie says he considers being named Brora Rangers players’ player of the season an incredible achievement considering the talent which is in the treble winning squad.
The 22-year-old midfielder was crowned players’ player of the year and young player of the year at the club’s end of season awards last week.
Arriving from Forres Mechanics on a three-year deal last Summer the former Ross County youth player has been at the heart of the Cattachs’ success this campaign.
After winning the Highland League title last week and North of Scotland Cup in October, Brora Rangers completed the treble beating Fraserburgh 3-1 in the Highland League Cup final on Saturday.
Mackenzie said as far as debut seasons go, it couldn’t have gone much better for him.
He said: “I can’t ask for much more at my first year at the club.
“Being named players’ player of the year means a lot considering the players that we have got.
“Especially as we have the likes of Shane Sutherland, Tony Dingwall and Ali Sutherland.
“Anyone in this team could have been named player of the year this season, so I am very proud to receive the award.”
Brora Rangers held off an early barrage from Fraserburgh in the Highland League Cup final before taking control of the game in a 3-1 victory at Grant Street Park in Inverness.
It is the first time that the club have won all three trophies in the same season and the first time any club has done that since Buckie Thistle 71 years ago.
Mackenzie said manager Steven Mackay told the players in the dressing room about how historically significant it would be to win the final.
He said: “We knew that Fraserburgh would come out firing in the second half and we knew the next goal was important and it was crucial.
“We said that in our pre-match talk that we would become the only team since the 1950’s to win the treble. That shows you how impressive it is so we are delighted.”
Brora Rangers are now focussed on the SPFL League Two play-offs as they head to Lowland League champions East Kilbride in the first leg of the semi final next Saturday.
Mackenzie says the team are up for the challenge of becoming the second Highland League team after Cove Rangers to win promotion to League Two.
He said: “It is the perfect season, now we have to go and win the playoffs and then it can’t get any better.
“I have heard good things about East Kilbride, but I don’t know too much about them.
“But they are going to be a good team, we just have to play at our best and hope that it is enough.
“League Two would be a massive step up for the club and we have four games to achieve that.”