The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on July 25 that the CAF Awards 2023 ceremony for African football will take place on December 11 in Morocco.
In a statement published on its website, the Confederation stated that “after last year’s successful event hosted in the Moroccan capital of Rabat, which saw Senegal inspirational forward Sadio Mane and Nigeria and Barcelona top striker Asisat Oshoala claim honors, the CAF Awards will feature some of Africa’s finest stars.”
The Confederation added that the Awards ceremony will reward the best club players and internationals who excelled over the past season, with the main highlight being the crowning of the African Players of the Year in the men’s and women’s categories.
In addition, CAF pointed out that previous winners in the men’s category include Yaya Touré (2011, 2012, 2013,2014), Samuel Eto’o (2003, 2004, 2005, 2010), Didier Drogba (2006 and 2009), Mohammed Salah (2017, 2018), Riyad Mahrez (2016), Nwankwo Kanu (1996 and 1999), Abedi Pele (1992), and the great George Weah (1995).
In the women’s category, the Confederation stated that even though Oshoala has dominated the category in recent years, winning in 2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2022, she still faces competition from several previous winners, namely Thembi Kgatlana (2018), adding that this category counts amongst its previous winners, former Super Falcon Legend Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010 and 2011).
The Confederation noted that several other honors will also be awarded, including the Interclub Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year, National Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Club of the Year, and Goal of the Year.
CAF concluded that the Interclub Women’s Player of the Year award, which was introduced last year after the successful launch of the CAF Women’s Champions League, will also be included.