Bafana Bafana captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has led South Africa to a strong showing in the 2024 CAF Awards nominations, securing places across several prestigious categories. Williams, who has enjoyed an exceptional year, was nominated for the Player of the Year (Men), Goalkeeper of the Year (Men), and Interclub Player of the Year (Men) categories. His impressive performances, both for the national team and for his club, Mamelodi Sundowns, have earned him widespread acclaim, as well as a nomination for the Yashin Trophy.
Bafana Bafana’s head coach Hugo Broos, instrumental in the team’s resurgence, was also nominated for Coach of the Year (Men).
Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana has shown marked improvement, a factor that contributed to South Africa’s nomination for the National Team of the Year (Men).
Additionally, Mamelodi Sundowns, one of South Africa’s premier football clubs, was nominated for Club of the Year (Men), reflecting the team’s dominance on the continent.
Williams has not only become a household name in South Africa but has also earned recognition across Africa for his goalkeeping prowess.
Known for his swift reflexes and inspirational leadership, he played a vital role in securing Bafana Bafana’s bronze finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire earlier this year.
Williams kept an impressive five clean sheets during the tournament, breaking former South African goalkeeper Andre Arendse’s record.
His remarkable saves and consistent performances led to him being named the AFCON Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
SAFA President Dr. Danny Jordaan expressed pride in the nominations and praised the hard work behind each achievement.
Dr. Jordaan, who supported Broos’s appointment as head coach in May 2021, described these recognitions as “well deserved” and a testament to the progress South African football has made.
“Congratulations to all our nominees; we are proud of this achievement and how far we have come as a footballing nation,” said Dr. Jordaan.
This recognition is further proof that our programmes are working, and we are on the right track.”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the awards ceremony will take place on 16 December 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco.
The eagerly anticipated event will honor the continent’s top football talent, celebrating their contributions to African football.
The full nomination list spans a variety of categories and includes players and teams from across the continent.
– Player of the Year (Men)
includes Amine Gouiri (Algeria/Rennes), Edmond Tapsoba (Burkina Faso/Bayer Leverkusen), and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria/Atalanta).
-Goalkeeper of the Year (Men)
includes Oussama Benbot (Algeria/USM Alger) and Andre Onana (Cameroon/Manchester United).
– Interclub Player of the Year (Men)
features Ahmed Sayed ‘Zizo’ (Egypt/Zamalek) and Hussein El Shahat (Egypt/Al Ahly).
– Coach of the Year (Men)
features Pedro Goncalves (Angola), Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo), and South Africa’s Hugo Broos.
– Club of the Year (Men)
nominees include Petro Atletico (Angola), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), Al Ahly (Egypt), and Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa).
– National Team of the Year (Men)
nominees include Morocco, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa.
CAF will announce the nominees for the Women’s categories soon, adding to the anticipation for the awards in December.
The 2024 CAF Awards are expected to highlight and celebrate African football’s finest, underscoring the continent’s passion and talent on the global stage.
