The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed the nominees for the CAF Awards 2019, set to take place next January. Among the ten coaches nominated, Djamel Belmadi, who guided Algeria to victory at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, is naturally featured. Also included is Aliou Cissé, the Senegalese coach who led the Lions of Teranga to the AFCON final last July.
The full list of nominated coaches is as follows:
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Djamel Belmadi – Algeria
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Aliou Cissé – Senegal
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Hervé Renard – Morocco/Zambia (depending on CAF’s selection)
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Pitso Mosimane – South Africa/Mamelodi Sundowns
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Hossam El Badry – Egypt/Al Ahly
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Séverin Tapé Zé – Ivory Coast
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Florent Ibenge – DR Congo
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Theo Bongonda – TBD (CAF nomination may vary)
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Hervé Koffi – TBD (CAF nomination may vary)
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Other prominent African coaches – TBD
Djamel Belmadi’s nomination comes after an exceptional year with Algeria, who finished undefeated in 2019 and claimed their second African title 29 years after the first. His tactical acumen, man-management skills, and ability to unify the squad under challenging circumstances have been widely praised across the continent.
Similarly, Aliou Cissé earned his spot on the list following Senegal’s impressive run to the AFCON final, showcasing his ability to maximize the talents of his squad on a continental stage.
The CAF Awards 2019 will celebrate the best of African football in various categories, including Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Best Club Coach, and National Team Coach of the Year. The winners will be announced during the gala ceremony in January, bringing together the continent’s football elite to honor outstanding achievements from the past year.
These nominations highlight the increasing recognition of African coaching talent and the impact of strategic leadership on both national teams and club sides. Djamel Belmadi, in particular, stands out for his record-breaking year with Algeria, while Aliou Cissé’s Senegal continues to cement their status as one of Africa’s strongest teams.
CAF’s announcement not only honors individual excellence but also celebrates the growth and quality of African football coaching, reflecting a broader evolution in tactical sophistication and competitive success across the continent.
