Teboho Mokoena Makes CAF Player Of The Year Shortlist As Sundowns Star Puts South Africa On The MapSouth African football has received a major boost after Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena was officially named among the 10 nominees for the prestigious 2026 CAF Men's Player of the Year award.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced its nominees on Wednesday, November 4, confirming Mokoena's place among some of the continent's biggest football stars.

The nomination represents another important milestone in the midfielder's career and recognises his contributions to South African football at both club and international level.

Mokoena has become one of the most influential players in the Sundowns midfield, combining physical strength, tactical intelligence, impressive passing ability and a powerful long-range shot.

His performances have helped the Tshwane giants maintain their position among Africa's leading clubs. One of the biggest highlights of his recent career came during Sundowns' successful 2025/26 CAF Champions League campaign.

The midfielder played an important role as Sundowns secured their second Champions League title, defeating Morocco's AS FAR 2-1 on aggregate in the final.

Mokoena also scored a crucial goal in the second leg, helping his team complete the job and bring continental glory back to South Africa.

His recognition by CAF is therefore significant, particularly because he is competing against players who have established themselves at some of the biggest clubs in world football.

The 10-man shortlist includes Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, who will be hoping to retain the award, alongside former winner Sadio Mané of Senegal.

Other nominees include Manchester United winger Amad Diallo, DR Congo international Yoane Wissa and Ghanaian forward Antoine Semenyo.

Morocco is represented by three players, with Hakimi joined by Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari. Senegal also has three nominees through Mané, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye.

Mokoena is South Africa's representative in the category, giving local supporters a strong reason to follow this year's awards.

The nomination also highlights the growing influence of Mamelodi Sundowns in African football. The club's continental success has helped place several South African players under the international spotlight.

Mokoena's challenge will be to compete against a field containing established international stars, but simply making the final shortlist is already a significant achievement.

The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, December 7.

South African supporters will now be waiting to discover whether the Sundowns midfielder can go one step further and claim Africa's biggest individual men's football honour.

Source:

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