Two South African internationals – Thembi Kgatlana and Jermaine Seoposenwe have been shortlisted for CAF Women’s Player of the Year.  

Both players have been outstanding in their clubs in Mexico, with Kgatlana turning up for Tigres UANL while Seoposenwe at Monterrey. 

However, when it comes to Banyana Banyana, they could not help the national team qualify for the Winter Olympic Games in France.  

But they were all key factors when Banyana, for the first time in their history, reached the round of 16 in the FIFA World Cup finals last year that was held in Australia and New Zealand, losing to the Netherlands in that stage.  

Banyana Banyana became the first senior national team to reach the knockout stages in the World Cup. Unfortunately, this won’t count as CAF’s calendar covers the period between January 2024 and October 2024.   

“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) has unveiled the list of nominees for the women’s categories for the #CAFAwards24, as the much-anticipated awards ceremony edges closer,” said CAF in a statement.  

“Top (10) players have been shortlisted for the coveted CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, ranging from world-class footballers plying their trade both on the continent as well as abroad. 

“The list of nominess for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year crown that is currently held by Asisat Oshoala, includes Sandrine Niyonkuru (Burundi / FC Masar), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi / Olympique Lyonnais), Temwa Chawinga (Malawi / Kansas City), Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco / AS FAR), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria / Paris FC), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria / Atletico Madrid), Jermaine Seoposenwe (South Africa / Monterrey), Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa / Tigres UANL), Barbara Banda (Zambia / Orlando Pride), Racheal Kundananji (Zambia / Bay FC) 

“The CAF Interclub Women’s Player of the Year is also an exciting category to look out for, with six of the 10 nominees currently vying for the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League title in Morocco.” 

There is also a nominee for Thinasonke Mbuli, who led the University of Western to the Women’s Champions League qualification this season. Mbuli also doubles up her role as the assistant coach to Banyana Banyana. Unfortunately, Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, who won this award last year, has not been nominated due to Banyana’s failure to make a significant impact this year.  

“The recognition of the best coach in women’s football will also be recognized at the glittering ceremony evening,” continued CAF.  

“The list of nominees includes young and emerging African women’s football coaches such as Mildred Cheche (Kenya) who qualified the Kenyan U-17 national team to its first ever FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, as well Thinasonke Mbuli who guided UWC to a historic qualification to the CAF Women’s Champions League amongst others. 

“The winners of each category will be determined through votes from a diverse panel, including the CAF Technical Committee, media professionals, and the Head Coaches & Captains of Member Associations, as well as clubs participating in the group stages of CAF Interclub competitions.”  

The CAF Awards 2024 will be held on 16 December in Marrakech, Morocco.