Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning African champions, are leading the pack in the early nominations for the 2026 CAF Awards. The team's impressive performance in the CAF Champions League has earned them a spot as front-runners for Club of the Year. Their ruthless run of results across the continent has reaffirmed their status as the benchmark for African club football. The team's success has also earned individual nominations for several players and the coach.
The 2026 CAF Champions League winners have dominated this year's shortlist, with several players and the coach receiving nominations. The team's skipper, Ronwen Williams, is in line for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Teboho Mokoena has been nominated for Interclub Player of the Year. Coach Miguel Cardoso has also received a well-deserved nomination for Coach of the Year. The team's impressive performance has also earned them a spot as front-runners for Club of the Year.
The 2026 CAF Awards gala is set to take place on Monday, December 7, in Lagos, Nigeria. This will be the fourth time Nigeria has hosted the event, having previously staged it in 2008, 2013, and 2014. The ceremony will be preceded by the CAF Ordinary General Assembly, which is set to take place on November 21. The event will bring together the best of African football, with several top players and teams vying for the top honors.
Teboho Mokoena's spectacular performance in the CAF Champions League has earned him a nomination for Interclub Player of the Year. His wonder striker outside the 18-area in the final grabbed headlines and led to the crowning of Mamelodi Sundowns as champions. Mokoena's performance has also helped Bafana Bafana qualify and finish in the knockout stages of the World Cup.
Ronwen Williams, the Mamelodi Sundowns skipper, is also in line for the Goalkeeper of the Year award. Williams has been in impressive form, helping Bafana Bafana qualify and finish in the knockout stages of the World Cup. His performances have also been crucial to Mamelodi Sundowns' success in the CAF Champions League.
The 2026 CAF Awards will also see the reigning Men's African Player of the Year, Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, defend his crown. Hakimi had a successful season, winning the Uefa Champions League and helping his nation go further in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event will bring together several top players and teams, with the best of African football being recognized.
Mamelodi Sundowns' coach, Miguel Cardoso, has received a well-deserved nomination for Coach of the Year. Cardoso has been instrumental in the team's success, leading them to their second-ever African crown. The team's impressive performance has also earned them a spot as front-runners for Club of the Year, with several players and the coach receiving nominations.
Key points
- Mamelodi Sundowns dominate early nominations for 2026 CAF Awards
- Ronwen Williams and Teboho Mokoena nominated for individual awards
- 2026 CAF Awards gala set to take place on December 7 in Lagos, Nigeria
