Mzansi shines at the CAF Awards

Mzansi got to shine at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awards with Desiree Ellis, Percy Tau, and Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies all getting honoured at the glamorous dinner held in Marrakech, Morocco.

The awards were held at the Palais des Congres making it the second year in a row that Morocco hosted the continental awards with last year’s event happening in Rabat.

“Today we are recognising the best of the best in Africa, celebrating them. Africa has always for many decades produced some of the best players in the world.

“Some of them have succeeded in Europe and the highest level in Africa,” said CAF president Patrice Motsepe in his opening remarks.

Motsepe said the occasion is to ensure that the best players continue to be recognized worldwide, African football is globally competitive and self-sustaining.

Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis was once again crowned CAF Coach of the Year (Women), claiming a record fourth straight accolade. The Banyana mentor was first honoured in 2018, her dominance continued in 2019 and 2022.

The awards were however not held during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Bafana Bafana and Al Ahly forward Tau was named CAF Interclub Player of the Year after helping his club to CAF Champions League success.

The Lion of Judah, as Tau is affectionately known in the footballing circles, became the first South African to win the award.

On the other hand, other South African award winners were Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies as Team of the Year in the Women’s category. Women’s Africa XI as compiled by FIFPRO Africa was also revealed, with South Africans dominating.

The best female players of every position included 5 South African’s in Andile Dlamini, Bamba Mbane, Refiloe Jane, Lebogang Ramalepe, Linda Matlhalo, Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, Michielle Aloize, Osinachi Ohale, Fatima Tagnaout of Morocco, Zambia’s Barbra Banda, and Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga.

Full list of Award winners: