The 22-year-old from Lower Hutt was one of his side’s outstanding performers leading up to title decider against Auckland City on Saturday.
In Team Wellington’s four matches prior to the final Basalaj conceded just one goal.
And despite the 3-0 defeat to Auckland City in the last game of the tournament he was a well-deserved winner of the Golden Gloves award.
However, Basalaj says he would exchange his prize for a win for the team.
“The individual prize is nice but it would have been better to win the title. It’s been a disappointing end to a pretty good tournament up to this point.
“We came into the final confident following four good performances where we only conceded once and scored a few,” he says.
“But we were completely outplayed and it hurts.”
Nevertheless Basalaj says he is proud of his performances throughout the campaign and winning the Golden Gloves is a real honour.
“I guess it’s a nice little feather in my cap, a little silver lining to the defeat as well. I have been quite busy in some of the games and made a few good saves to help the team through.”
Basalaj says he is already looking forward to an even better showing in next year’s campaign.
“Obviously we’ve qualified for next year’s tournament and I will not forget the final until next year when we hopefully lift the trophy.
“I never want to feel how I felt after losing the final again.”

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