Sundowns Quartet Receive CAF Awards Nominations As Cardoso And Three Stars Earn Continental Recognition

Mamelodi Sundowns have received another major recognition on the African football stage after head coach Miguel Cardoso and three of the club's players were nominated for the prestigious 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards.

The nominations, announced by CAF on Wednesday, 4 November 2026, recognise the outstanding performances delivered by players and coaches during an eventful period in African football.

The Brazilians have enjoyed considerable success, particularly in continental competitions, and their representation across several categories reflects the quality within their squad and technical department.

Cardoso Leads Sundowns' Recognition

Portuguese tactician Miguel Cardoso has been nominated for the CAF Men's Coach of the Year award following his achievements with the Tshwane giants.

Cardoso played an important role in guiding Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League title in May 2026, ending a decade-long wait for another continental crown.

The former Esperance coach has gradually established himself as an influential figure at Chloorkop, with his tactical approach helping the club maintain its competitiveness in domestic and continental football.

He will, however, face competition from several respected African coaches, including Morocco's Walid Regragui, Senegal's Pape Thiaw and DR Congo's Sebastien Desabre.

Three Sundowns Stars Also Recognised

Meanwhile, three important members of the Sundowns squad have also received nominations in different individual categories.

Captain Ronwen Williams has been nominated for the CAF Men's Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Bafana Bafana international remains one of the continent's most recognised goalkeepers, having produced several important performances for both club and country.

His contribution to Sundowns' Champions League triumph, including his crucial penalty save against AS FAR in the final, further strengthened his reputation.

Defender Khuliso Mudau and midfielder Teboho Mokoena have also been nominated for the CAF Men's Interclub Player of the Year award.

Mokoena additionally features in the prestigious Men's Player of the Year category, where he will compete against some of Africa's biggest football stars, including reigning winner Achraf Hakimi and former winner Sadio Mane.

Sundowns Also In Club Of The Year Race

Beyond the individual nominations, Mamelodi Sundowns have also been shortlisted for the CAF Men's Club of the Year award.

Their continental success during the 2025/26 campaign placed them among Africa's leading clubs, with the Brazilians securing another opportunity to compete for recognition at the highest level.

South Africa have also received recognition through Bafana Bafana's nomination for Men's National Team of the Year.

Lagos To Host The Awards Ceremony

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

For Sundowns, having their coach and three players recognised represents an important achievement and further highlights the club's influence on African football.

Although nominations do not guarantee trophies, the recognition places Cardoso, Williams, Mudau and Mokoena among the leading figures in their respective categories.

The Yellow Nation will now wait to see whether their representatives can turn the nominations into continental awards when African football's biggest stars gather in Lagos.

Source:

https://x.com/Soccer_Laduma/status/2117928421904777680