The Mamelodi Sundowns team is demonstrating dominance in the preliminary lists for the CAF Awards 2026. After winning the CAF Champions League trophy, Teboho Mokoena received a nomination for his impressive goal that decided the match.
The prestigious CAF Awards 2026 ceremony will take place on December 7th in Lagos, Nigeria. The current African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, top the candidate lists due to their sensational advance towards securing a second African crown.
It is no surprise that the Masandawana team is a favorite for Club of the Year, as they have shown an uncompromising run of results on the continent, confirming their status as the benchmark of African club football.
The captain of the 'Yellow Nation', Ronwen Williams, is also featured in the individual awards list, vying for the title of Goalkeeper of the Year. Among the candidates for Player of the Year among clubs is teammate Teboho Mokoena, and coach Miguel Cardoso has received a well-deserved nomination for Coach of the Year.
Although the full list of nominees has not yet been announced, the current African Player of the Year from Morocco, Ashraf Hakimi, is aiming to defend his title after winning the UEFA Champions League and his country's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Nigeria will host the ceremony for the fourth time, having previously hosted the event in 2008, 2013, and 2014. Furthermore, Nigeria will host the CAF General Assembly before the ceremony on November 21st.
Both Williams and Mokoena helped Bafana qualify and reach the World Cup playoffs. Mokoena attracted public attention in the final with his wonderful free-kick, which led to the triumph of the Brazilians after an inspiring season of performances.