The highly anticipated 2024 CAF Awards are set to take place on December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco, and the Confederation of African Football has officially revealed the list of nominees. The awards, which will celebrate outstanding performances from January to October 2024, have become one of the most prestigious events in African football, recognizing the very best players, coaches, and teams across the continent.
Top Contenders for African Player of the Year
The marquee award of the evening, the African Player of the Year, has 10 remarkable nominees. Among them are some of the continent’s biggest football stars who have made significant impacts both for their clubs and national teams throughout the 2024 season.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco/Paris Saint-Germain) – One of the most consistent performers on the international and domestic scene, Hakimi continues to shine as one of the top full-backs in the world. His defensive solidity combined with attacking prowess has made him an indispensable player for both PSG and Morocco.
- Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire/Brighton & Hove Albion) – The Ivorian winger has had an outstanding season in the Premier League, contributing goals and assists while playing a key role in Brighton’s impressive campaign.
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea/Borussia Dortmund) – Known for his goal-scoring prowess, Guirassy has been a revelation in the Bundesliga, consistently finding the back of the net and helping Dortmund challenge for the title.
Other nominees for the African Player of the Year include Ademola Lookman (Nigeria/Atalanta), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso/Bayer Leverkusen), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns), each of whom has had a remarkable season.
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— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 24, 2024
Categories to Watch: Goalkeeper, Interclub Player, Coach of the Year
Beyond the headline African Player of the Year category, several other awards will recognize top talents in different roles. The Goalkeeper of the Year category has been one of the most exciting, with 10 outstanding shot-stoppers nominated. Some of the top names include:
- André Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United) – Having made a high-profile move to Manchester United, Onana has impressed with his reflexes and leadership between the posts, contributing both to his club and the Cameroonian national team’s efforts.
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns) – A dominant figure in South African football, Williams has been recognized for his leadership and outstanding performances in both domestic and international competitions.
The Interclub Player of the Year category features top performers from African club competitions. This award highlights the players who have excelled in CAF’s interclub tournaments, such as the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup. Notable nominees include Mostafa Shobeir (Al Ahly) and Hussein El Shahat (Al Ahly), who both played pivotal roles in leading their clubs to glory.
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— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 24, 2024
The Coach of the Year award will honor the top tacticians on the continent. Coaches who have displayed strategic brilliance, leadership, and success on the pitch are up for this prestigious honor. Notable nominees include:
- Pedro Goncalves (Angola) – A visionary leader who has transformed the Angolan national team, Goncalves’ tactical astuteness and ability to inspire his players have earned him widespread praise.
- Marcel Koller (Al Ahly) – The Swiss coach has been instrumental in Al Ahly’s dominance in African football, guiding the Egyptian giants to further success in both domestic and continental competitions.
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— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 24, 2024
Rising Stars: CAF Young Player of the Year
The future of African football is in safe hands, and the Young Player of the Year category showcases the continent’s most promising talents. These young stars have already made significant impacts at their clubs and are poised to become future legends of African football.
- Carlos Baleba (Cameroon/Brighton & Hove Albion) – A dynamic midfielder with incredible vision and playmaking ability, Baleba has been one of the standout performers in the Premier League this season.
- Karim Konate (Côte d’Ivoire/Salzburg) – Konate has been a revelation in European football, consistently delivering impressive performances in front of goal. His pace, finishing ability, and intelligence on the field make him one of the brightest prospects in the game.
- Yankuba Minteh (Gambia/Brighton & Hove Albion) – Another Brighton star on the rise, Minteh has shown versatility and creativity as a forward, helping his club secure vital wins while continuing to grow as a player.
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— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) October 24, 2024
The Importance of the CAF Awards
The CAF Awards celebrate more than just individual brilliance; they shine a light on the collective achievements of African football. From recognizing the best national teams and clubs to highlighting the contributions of coaches, the awards celebrate all facets of the sport.
The Club of the Year and National Team of the Year categories highlight the best team efforts in the African game. Nominees for the Club of the Year include giants like Al Ahly (Egypt), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and RS Berkane (Morocco), while National Team of the Year contenders include Morocco, Nigeria, and South Africa.
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Voting Process and Event Details
The winners of the 2024 CAF Awards will be determined by a voting process involving a diverse panel. This includes the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, and the head coaches and captains of member associations, as well as clubs participating in the group stages of Confederation of African Football interclub competitions. This process ensures that the winners are chosen by a broad cross-section of the footballing community.
The gala event will be held in the historic city of Marrakech, Morocco, which is known for its rich cultural heritage and passion for football. The event will not only celebrate the continent’s footballing achievements but will also provide a platform to inspire future generations of African footballers.
