)
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat's unique FIFA award votes highlight diverse football talents diverging from mainstream choices.
Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat made some notable choices in his voting for the 2022 FIFA Best Player awards, diverging from the consensus that saw Lionel Messi clinch the title for The Best FIFA Men's Player Award for 2023.
The ceremony, which took place on Monday, January 16, 2023, in London, was a showcase of football's finest talents, but Firat's selections stood out for their distinctiveness.
)
12:20 - 16.01.2024
FOOTBALL Revealed: Michael Olunga's picks for FIFA Men’s Best Award
Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga participates in The Best FIFA Awards contributing to the selection of top football talent.
In a voting system that comprised four segments, each contributing 25% to the final outcome, coaches of men's national teams, including Firat, had a significant say.
Each coach and national team captain was responsible for selecting three players, with a weighted point system of five for the first pick, three for the second, and one for the third.
Firat's top choice was Paris Saint-Germain's Kylian Mbappe, a decision that perhaps reflects the French forward's incredible speed, skill, and goal-scoring prowess.
)
11:45 - 16.01.2024
FOOTBALL Haaland Senior raises questions as Messi clinches FIFA Best Men's Player Award
Lionel Messi wins FIFA Best Men's Player Award raising eyebrows as Haaland senior expresses disagreement.
Mbappe has been a key figure in PSG's dominance in French football and his exploits on the international stage, especially during the World Cup, have been nothing short of phenomenal.
For his second choice, Firat opted for İlkay Gündoğan, the German midfielder who plays for La Liga club Barcelona.
Gündoğan has been instrumental in Barcelona's success, known for his vision, ball control, and ability to dictate the pace of the game.
)
06:00 - 16.01.2024
STARS ABROAD Will Olunga beat hamstring blues? Countdown to Harambee Stars captain anticipated return
Five weeks post-injury, Olunga's recovery progresses, with Al Duhail and fans eagerly anticipating his return to the pitch.
His performances in both the La Liga and the Champions League have earned him accolades and respect among football enthusiasts.
Belgian playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, from Manchester City, was Firat's third choice.
De Bruyne, renowned for his extraordinary passing, shooting ability, and tactical intelligence, has been a pivotal player under Pep Guardiola's management.
)
18:35 - 15.01.2024
FOOTBALL Teen bride Aisha Tamba opens up on life with football icon Sadio Mane
Aisha Tamba, Sadio Mane's wife, embraces humility amidst fame and wealth, while their love story captivates the world of football.
His contribution to Manchester City's domestic and European campaigns has been indispensable.
In the coaches' category, Firat showed similar discernment as his first choice was Luciano Spalletti, the mastermind behind Napoli's remarkable Serie A campaign.
Following him were Ange Postecoglou and Simone Inzaghi, both of whom have had impressive stints with Tottenham and Inter Milan, respectively.
)
18:34 - 15.01.2024
FOOTBALL Broadcast breakdown as world feed fails in Senegal-Gambia AFCON clash
SuperSport and Sky Sports apologized for technical issues disrupting AFCON 2023's Senegal vs. Gambia match broadcast worldwide.
While Messi and Erling Haaland were the top contenders, ultimately tied on 48 scoring points, Messi emerged victorious due to the higher number of five-point scores from national team captains.
In the coaching category, Manchester City's Pep Guardiola was declared the bestmen's coach at The Best FIFA Awards 2023.
Guardiola's achievements with Manchester City last season were monumental, leading the team to a treble that included the coveted Champions League crown, along with the Premier League and FA Cup titles.
)
12:00 - 15.01.2024
FKFPL AFC Leopards transfer target confirms interest from European club
AFC Leopards compete with a European club for a high-profile Rwandan footballer amidst efforts to strengthen their squad.
His victory came amidst stiff competition from other outstanding coaches like Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi, Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou, Napoli's Luciano Spalletti, and Barcelona's Xavi.
Guardiola, in his acceptance speech, expressed gratitude and shared the honor with his team.
"I want to share this trophy and moment with our owners at Manchester City," he said.
"On behalf of my backroom staff and myself, I want to say thank you so much to our players, that they have done for this club for eight years already together, without exception all of them. Thanks so much for this incredible journey because they don't know what it means every morning to go there and live with them, winning or losing it doesn't matter - living with them has been incredible."
)
08:00 - 15.01.2024
FOOTBALL Harambee Stars: Ivory Coast’s AFCON opener gives Kenya plenty to ponder ahead of World Cup qualifier
Ivory Coast started their 2023 AFCON campaign with a win on Saturday and their display should give Kenya a lot to think about before they face off in the World Cup qualifier in June
The awards ceremony also saw a strong representation from Manchester City in the men's team of the year.
Six players from Guardiola's side made the cut: defenders John Stones, Kyle Walker, and Ruben Dias; midfielders Bernardo Silva and Kevin De Bruyne; and striker Erling Haaland.
Follow Pulse Sports WhatsApp channel for more news.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)