The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the nominees for the prestigious CAF Coach of the Year award, one of the highlights of the upcoming CAF Awards ceremony. This year’s category promises fierce competition, featuring five coaches who have distinguished themselves through remarkable achievements at both club and national levels across the continent. Among the nominees is Houcine Ammouta, the Moroccan coach who guided Wydad Casablanca to victory in the CAF Champions League, highlighting his tactical acumen and leadership.
Interestingly, Hervé Renard, the celebrated coach of Morocco’s national team, is notably absent from this year’s list. Despite Renard’s excellent performance with the Atlas Lions during the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, his omission has sparked discussion within African football circles. Renard has previously been recognized for his ability to consistently inspire teams on the continental stage, making his absence particularly surprising for fans and analysts alike.
The nomination list, however, features a strong group of coaches who have each achieved significant milestones over the past year. Gernot Rohr, the coach of Nigeria, is included for his success in guiding the Super Eagles to qualification for the 2018 World Cup, making Nigeria the only returning African team to secure a place in the finals. Rohr’s experience and strategic leadership have been widely praised, as he navigated a highly competitive qualifying campaign.
Hector Cuper, the Argentine tactician leading Egypt, is also among the nominees. Cuper’s tenure with the Pharaohs saw them reach the final of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and successfully secure qualification for the 2018 World Cup. His disciplined approach and ability to maximize the performance of his squad have earned him recognition as one of Africa’s top coaches.
Hugo Broos, who led Cameroon to victory in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, represents another strong contender. Broos’ tactical strategies and leadership skills were instrumental in Cameroon’s success, further solidifying his reputation as one of the continent’s most effective managers.
Joining them is Pamphile Mihayo, who guided TP Mazembe to triumph in the CAF Confederation Cup, showcasing his ability to navigate the pressures of club competitions and deliver results consistently. His success reflects his mastery of squad management and his capacity to inspire players to perform at their highest level on the continental stage.
The CAF Coach of the Year award thus brings together a diverse group of nominees, spanning both national and club football, each of whom has made significant contributions to African football in 2017. The nominees for the award are: Gernot Rohr (Nigeria), Hector Cuper (Egypt), Hugo Broos (Cameroon), Houcine Ammouta (Wydad Casablanca), and Pamphile Mihayo (TP Mazembe).
As the CAF Awards gala approaches, anticipation is building over who will ultimately claim the Coach of the Year title. The award not only honors tactical expertise and leadership but also recognizes the broader impact these managers have on African football, inspiring players, fans, and aspiring coaches across the continent. For Houcine Ammouta and his peers, the nomination itself is a testament to a year of remarkable achievements and dedication to the sport.
