Mokoena leads South Africa's CAF Awards nominations

Teboho Mokoena is the standout name among several South African footballers nominated for the upcoming CAF Awards. The midfielder has been shortlisted for two major honors: African Player of the Year and InterClub Player of the Year.

CAF revealed the nominees on a Wednesday, announcing that the awards event will be held in Lagos, Nigeria. Mokoena's nominations come after a successful period where he played a key role for his club in winning a continental championship and for his national team in a global tournament. His national team's recent form, with one win and no draws or defeats in its last match, provides a positive backdrop.

Full list of nominees

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams is a candidate for the top goalkeeper award. Defender Khuliso Mudau is also shortlisted for the InterClub Player of the Year prize alongside Mokoena. The coach of their club, Miguel Cardoso, is a nominee for the coaching award. The club has been nominated for Club of the Year, and the South African national team is a contender for National Team of the Year.

This broad representation highlights the country's growing stature in African football. The national side was among the African teams that advanced past the group stage of the recent World Cup. On the club front, Mamelodi Sundowns claimed the Champions League title after a two-leg victory over a Moroccan opponent.

A confirmation of the news came from Morgan Piek, who said, "Mokoena has been nominated for the 2026 CAF Player of the Year." The midfielder will be up against other high-profile players for the award.

Focus turns to qualifiers

The football focus now moves to forthcoming qualifying matches. South Africa is scheduled to play Kenya at home in Soweto in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier. This next fixture is set for Wednesday 11 November. The second match between the teams will be played in Nairobi shortly after.

National team coach Pitso Mosimane is anticipated to announce his player selection for these games. The squad approaches this task with confidence following a narrow victory against Egypt in their previous match, secured by a single goal. Dithejane in the 51st minute.

The team's current form includes a win in its last game, preserving an undefeated record. The upcoming home match against Kenya represents an important fixture in the qualification process. The team will look to build on the momentum from its last meeting, which ended in a 1-0 victory.

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