South African football has received a major boost after Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams and midfielder Teboho Mokoena were named among the nominees for the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.The recognition extends beyond the two players. South Africa also features in several other men's categories:

Interclub Player of the Year: Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau.

Coach of the Year: Miguel Cardoso of Mamelodi Sundowns.

National Team of the Year: Bafana Bafana.

Club of the Year: Mamelodi Sundowns.

The nominations reflect the country's strong continental campaign, particularly Sundowns' 2026 CAF Champions League triumph and Bafana Bafana's performances on the international stage.

There is also an interesting twist for Nigerian football fans: former African Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were both left out of the ten-man Men's Player of the Year shortlist. Nigeria has no nominee in the seven men's categories announced so far.

The CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for 7 December 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, giving South African supporters an opportunity to see their country's representatives compete for continental recognition. The nominations reflect the country's strong continental campaign, particularly Sundowns' 2026 CAF Champions League triumph and Bafana Bafana's performances on the international stage.

There is also an interesting twist for Nigerian football fans: former African Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were both left out of the ten-man Men's Player of the Year shortlist. Nigeria has no nominee in the seven men's categories announced so far.Williams is in contention for the CAF Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award, recognising his performances between the posts for club and country. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper has become one of Africa's most recognisable goalkeepers, earning praise for his leadership, reflexes and ability to deliver in high-pressure matches.

Mokoena, meanwhile, has been nominated for the prestigious CAF Men's Player of the Year award. The Sundowns midfielder is among a competitive group of African stars being considered for the continent's top individual football honour.

The CAF Awards ceremony is scheduled for 7 December 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria, giving South African supporters an opportunity to see their country's representatives compete for continental recognition.

http://www.ofm.co.za/article/soccer/343895/mokoena-has-been-nominated-for-the-2026-caf-player-of-the-year