ZIFA technical director Nelson Matongorere says he did not vote for the Fifa Ballon D’or award after his name appeared as Warriors captain on the world football governing body’s official list yesterday. Sports Reporter
The award for the best player in the world for 2012 was won by Barcelona and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi for a record fourth consecutive time.
There was no immediate explanation from Zifa yesterday as chief executive Jonathan Mashingaidze was said to be in meetings for the better part of the day, as to who had voted. Later, his mobile number was no longer reachable.
Vice-president Ndumiso Gumede was also not available.
Matongorere said in his explanation: “There could have been a mistake there (at Fifa) because there was no way I could have signed the captain’s form. I have my own place where I sign as technical director and I can also sign in place of the general-secretary if he is not available.
“I am a professional and I cannot do that.”
According to Fifa’s official voting list, Matongorere voted as Warriors captain and chose Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo, Gerard Pique of Barcelona and Messi.
Former Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo opted for Barca star Andres Iniesta, Messi and Manchester United striker Robin van Persie while journalist Charles Mabika opted for Ronaldo, Messi and Real Madrid captain and goalkeeper Iker Casillas.
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The voting took place before the senior national team was disbanded following their failure to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations finals that start in South Africa next Saturday. This means either regular captain Tapuwa Kapini or his deputy Esrom Nyandoro should have been entitled to vote.
Matongorere reportedly voted for former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola for the coach of the year award, Real Madrid coach Jose Mourinho and Manchester United boss Alex Ferguson.
Gumbo voted for eventual winner Vicente del Bosque of Spain, Guardiola and Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp while Mabika opted for Champions League winner with Chelsea Roberto di Matteo, del Bosque and Mourinho.
Mighty Warriors captain Onai Chingawo, at least, with her coach Rosemary Mugadza, had their chances to vote for the woman world player of the year and woman coach of the year without any problems.
