The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is gearing up to honor the finest talents in African football at the 2024 CAF Awards. This prestigious event, which will recognize outstanding achievements in African football, is set to take place on Monday, December 16, 2024, in Marrakech, Morocco.

The History and Significance of the CAF Awards

The CAF Awards have become a cornerstone of African football, celebrating exceptional performances and contributions to the sport. While the awards ceremony itself was officially launched in 2000, the African Footballer of the Year accolade dates back to 1992 when CAF took over the process from the French publication, France Football. The first-ever African Footballer of the Year, under France Football, was Mali’s Salif Keita, who was honored in 1970.

This year’s event will feature 15 award categories, showcasing both men’s and women’s football and recognizing individual brilliance, team achievements, and iconic moments from the past year. Among the highlights are the African Men’s and Women’s Footballer of the Year awards and the highly anticipated Goal of the Year.

Event Details and How to Watch

The 2024 CAF Awards will take place at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. The event will start at:

• 19:00 Moroccan Time
• 18:00 GMT
• 19:00 Lagos Time
• 20:00 Johannesburg Time
• 21:00 East African Time

CAF is expected to stream the ceremony live on its official website and YouTube channel. In addition, SuperSport will broadcast the event on its Variety 4 and Africa 1 channels, ensuring fans across the continent can join in the celebration.

The Nominees and Categories

This year’s CAF Awards feature a diverse array of nominees across multiple categories. Here’s a detailed look at some of the top categories and their contenders:

African Women’s Footballer of the Year

1. Barbra Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride):
   • Barbra Banda has made history as the first Zambian player to be shortlisted for this award. She scored an impressive 13 goals during the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season and led Orlando Pride to their first title. Banda’s exceptional performance at the Paris Olympics further cements her status as a favorite for this accolade.
2. Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi / Olympique Lyonnais):
   • Known for her scoring prowess, Chawinga transitioned seamlessly from Paris Saint-Germain to Olympique Lyonnais, playing a pivotal role in her team’s success, including their Coupe de France victory.
3. Temwa Chawinga (Malawi / Kansas City Current):
   • Temwa, the NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner, has consistently demonstrated her attacking brilliance on the pitch.
4. Sanaâ Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR):
   • A standout player in Moroccan women’s football, Mssoudy’s contributions to AS FAR have been instrumental in the team’s domestic and continental successes.
5. Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC):
   • The Nigerian goalkeeper has been a reliable presence for Paris FC and the Super Falcons, making crucial saves in both domestic and international competitions.

African Men’s Footballer of the Year

1. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria / Atalanta):
   • Lookman’s incredible performances have made him the leading contender for this year’s award. He was instrumental in Atalanta’s Serie A campaign and Nigeria’s run to the AFCON final. Lookman’s hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory against Bayer Leverkusen is a career-defining highlight.
2. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco / Paris Saint-Germain):
   • A consistent performer for both PSG and the Moroccan national team, Hakimi’s versatility and skill make him a strong contender.
3. Simon Adingra (Côte d’Ivoire / Brighton):
   • Adingra has emerged as one of the Premier League’s rising stars, showcasing his talent and potential throughout the season.
4. Ronwen Williams (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns):
   • Williams is in contention for both the Goalkeeper of the Year and Interclub Player of the Year awards, thanks to his exceptional performances in domestic and continental competitions.
5. Serhou Guirassy (Guinea / Borussia Dortmund):
   • Guirassy has been a standout performer in the Bundesliga, consistently delivering for Borussia Dortmund.

Goal of the Year

This year’s Goal of the Year nominees include some of the most breathtaking strikes from CAF competitions. Notable contenders include:

• Abdul Aziz Issah (Dreams FC): Known for his incredible long-range effort.
• Sébastien Haller (Côte d’Ivoire): A clinical finish that has been etched into fans’ memories.
• Yassine Benzia (Algeria): A spectacular goal that showcases his technical brilliance.

Fans had the opportunity to vote for their favorite goals online until December 12, with their votes contributing 70% to the final decision.

What to Expect

The CAF Awards are not just about recognizing individual brilliance; they also celebrate the collective achievements of teams and clubs. Categories like Coach of the Year, Interclub Player of the Year, and National Team of the Year will highlight the contributions of coaches, clubs, and national teams in shaping African football.

Other Award Categories:

• Coach of the Year (Men and Women)
• Interclub Player of the Year
• Young Player of the Year
• National Team of the Year
• Club of the Year

Predicted Winners

• Ademola Lookman is widely expected to take home the African Men’s Footballer of the Year award, thanks to his stellar performances for club and country.
• Barbra Banda is the frontrunner for the African Women’s Footballer of the Year title, as her accomplishments have redefined the benchmarks for women’s football on the continent.

The Road Ahead

The CAF Awards not only celebrate the past year’s successes but also inspire the next generation of African football stars. By shining a spotlight on exceptional talent, CAF continues to elevate the profile of African football on the global stage.

Conclusion

As the 2024 CAF Awards draw near, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike. The event promises to be a night of glamour, recognition, and celebration, bringing together the best of African football under one roof. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, the CAF Awards are a testament to the continent’s footballing excellence and its bright future.