Katongo Beats Ba To African Player of the Year & Thanks Fans

Newcastle United striker Demba Ba, former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, Manchester City's Yaya Toure and Barcalonas Alex Song were all short listed for the BBC African Player of the Year award 2012, but were beaten to the top spot by Christopher Katongo, captain of Zambia. He told the BBC;

"This is a fantastic moment for me. I thank the people who voted for me. It is something I will never forget in my career. I did my best and the people have spoken - that's the beauty of this award.

This means a lot for the young people and the young players who look up to me. I could not have achieved this without the support of my team-mates.

I think the things that they (the fans) like about me is my discipline and that I am the kind of player who can fail one day but pull up his socks and keep going. I think that is why they voted for me.

To be among the top players who have won this award, I will go to sleep with a smile on my face.

I did my best and the people have spoken. That's the beauty of this award."

The 30 year old is the first winner of the award from Southern Africa and received 40% of the overall votes.