Flames coach Kinnah Phiri and his captain Moses Chavula together with Nation Publications Limited sports analyst Peter Kanjere got it right when they voted for Argentine Lionel Messi for the 2012 Fifa Ballon d’Or.
Messi collected a record-breaking fourth consecutive title of best player in the world at the Fifa Ballon d’Or Gala held at the Zurich Kongresshaus.
The Fifa Ballon d’Or winner is selected by coaches and captains of the national teams of the 209 Fifa member associations and a selected group of media practitioners.
According to the voting results released by Fifa, Kinnah, Chavula and Kanjere all gave Messi their first-choice vote. While Kanjere opted for Andres Iniesta as his second-choice, Kinnah and Chavula also got it right on the runner-up as they voted for Cristian Ronaldo.
On third position, Kinnah, Chavula and Kanjere voted for Colombian Radamel Falcao, Brazilian Neymar and Ronaldo respectively.
Chavula said he had no problems voting for Messi whom he all along felt deserved the award.
“He had a great year and there was no one who came near him in terms of performance. He may not have won many trophies in 2012, but as an individual he was just superb,” said Chavula.
