The national team coach heard about the recognition he received at the Balloliitto gala.
Markku Kanerva receives a badge of merit on Independence Day. Joel Maisalmi
Coaching the Finnish men’s national football team Markku Kanerva experienced a big surprise at Friday’s Captain’s Ball 2023 gala. Even though the Huuhkajie commander didn’t collect any awards at the Balloliitto party, he got to be the center of attention for a while. While in front of the audience, it was revealed to Kanerva that he will receive an honorary badge from the President of the Republic of Finland himself From Sauli Niinistö.
Niinistö will hand out knighthoods of the Lion to meritorious Finnish citizens on the upcoming Independence Day. Kanerva is one of the recipients of the Cross of Merit.
Balloliitto shared a picture of Kanerva’s surprised expression on social media.
The knight’s mark is also awarded to, among other things, the person from New Town who coached Germany to become the world basketball champion Gordon to Herbert and floorball and golf coach Petteri Nykyle.
The best of Finnish football were awarded at the Captain’s Ball gala. The male player of the year was chosen Lukas Hradecky and as a female player Natalia Kuikka. Take the Glue is the u21 player of the year.
VPS was selected as the best Veikkausliiga player Peter Michael and HJK as a newcomer Top Middle. The league player of the year in the Subway National League is from KuPS Anni Hartikainen and HJK’s rookie of the year Lotta Lindström.
The main prize, the Captain’s Ball, was handed over to a veteran judge For Kaj Natri.
Natalia Kuikka is the female player of the year… José Breton
and Lukas Hradecky male player of the year. Jussi Eskola