Anticipation Soars as CAF Unveils Shortlists for Prestigious Women’s Football Awards 2023

CAF has unveiled the shortlists for the women’s categories of the prestigious CAF Awards 2023, generating anticipation within the football community. The spotlight is on the Player of the Year, where ten exceptional athletes are vying for the coveted individual honor. Meanwhile, other categories such as Interclub Player of the Year, Goalkeeper of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Club of the Year feature five nominees each.

The victors in each category will be determined through votes from a diverse panel, including the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals from Member Associations, Head Coaches & Captains of Member Associations, and clubs involved in the group stages of the Interclub competitions. The culminating event, the Awards Gala, is scheduled for Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco.

The comprehensive list of nominees, arranged alphabetically by Member Association, showcases the exceptional talents within the women’s football landscape. In the Player of the Year category, luminaries such as Ajara Nchout Njoya, Anissa Lahmari, Fatima Tagnaout, Ghizlaine Chebbak, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Andile Dlamini, Hilda Magaia, Thembi Kgatlana, and Barbara Banda represent a diverse array of footballing excellence.

For the Goalkeeper of the Year accolade, the nominated goalkeepers include Imane Abdelahad, Khadija Er-Rmichi, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Andile Dlamini, and Kaylin Swart, each recognized for their exceptional contributions between the goalposts.

The Interclub Player of the Year category features outstanding performers like Refilwe Tholakele, Comfort Yeboah, Fatima Tagnaout, Ghizlaine Chebbak, and Lebohang Ramalepe, who have left an indelible mark in their respective clubs.

In the Young Player of the Year category, a promising generation is represented by Comfort Yeboah, Nesryne El Chad, Deborah Abiodun, Esther Opeyemi Ajakaye, and Thubelihle Shamase, all under 21 years old and making notable strides in the footballing world.

The esteemed Coach of the Year (Women) nominees include Mehdi El Qaichouri, Reynald Pedros, Randy Waldrum, Desiree Ellis, and Jerry Tshabalala, acknowledging their instrumental roles in shaping the success of their respective teams.

The National Team of the Year (Women) shortlist highlights the footballing prowess of Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, and Zambia, reflecting the diverse talent and competitive spirit across the continent.

The Club of the Year (Women) category brings attention to the achievements of Ampem Darkoa (Ghana), AS FAR (Morocco), SC Casablanca (Morocco), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and JKT Queens (Tanzania), emphasizing their dominance and impact in the women’s club football landscape.

As the football community eagerly awaits the Awards Gala in Marrakech, the nominees stand as testament to the vibrant and growing stature of women’s football in Africa. Each category is a celebration of talent, dedication, and the collective effort that continues to elevate the sport across the continent.

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