South Africa has secured strong representation across the men’s categories of the 2026 CAF Awards, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana earning nominations.
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The nominations, announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Wednesday, 4 November, recognise performances at club and international level during another significant year for African football.
Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena headlines the South African representation, being a nominee for the prestigious Men’s Player of the Year award alongside some of Africa’s biggest stars, including reigning winner Achraf Hakimi, Sadio Mané, Amad Diallo, Antoine Semenyo and Brahim Diaz.
Mokoena also features in the Men’s Interclub Player of the Year category, alongside Sundowns teammate Khuliso Mudau, following the Brazilians’ successful 2025/26 CAF Champions League campaign.
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is a nominee for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year after playing a crucial role in Sundowns’ continental triumph. Williams produced a decisive penalty save against AS FAR in the second leg of the Champions League final as the South African champions secured a 2-1 aggregate victory.
Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has also been recognised, earning a nomination for Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding the club to their second CAF Champions League title.
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At national team level, Bafana Bafana are among the Men’s National Team of the Year nominees, following their performances on the international stage, including their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Sundowns complete the country’s representation in the men’s categories with a nomination for Men’s Club of the Year, following their continental success.
The nominations highlight South Africa’s growing presence in African football, with the country represented in six men’s categories.
The CAF Awards 2026 ceremony will take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on Monday, 7 December 2026. The ceremony will honour Africa’s outstanding players, coaches, clubs and national teams.