Get ready for a dazzling celebration of African football! The CAF Awards 2024 are set to take place on Monday, December 16th at the prestigious Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco. This grand event will honor the continent’s finest footballers, coaches, and teams who have shone brightly throughout the year.
Everything you need to know about the CAF Awards 2024
What are the CAF Awards?
Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the CAF Awards are an annual extravaganza recognizing exceptional talent and achievement in African football. From legendary players to rising stars, and masterful coaches to dominant teams, the awards acknowledge excellence across various categories for both men and women.
The Venue: A Palace Fit for Football Royalty
The Palais des Congrès de Marrakech, nestled in the city’s vibrant Hivernage district, provides a fitting backdrop for this prestigious event. This iconic venue boasts a rich history, having hosted significant global gatherings like the signing of the GATT Agreement and the first African Action Summit. Following a recent renovation, the Palais des Congrès now stands as a symbol of modernity and sophistication, ready to welcome the stars of African football.
The Ceremony: A Star-Studded Affair
The awards ceremony, hosted by the charismatic duo of Kate Scott and Jamal Bouzrara, kicks off at 19:00 local time (18:00 GMT). Football enthusiasts across the globe can tune in to witness the crowning of African football’s best.
The CAF Awards 2024: Recognizing Excellence Across the Board
This year, a total of 17 awards will be presented across a range of categories, including:
- Player of the Year (Men & Women): Recognizing the outstanding individual talents who have graced the pitch this year.
- Coach of the Year (Men & Women): Honoring the tactical masterminds behind the successes of African teams.
- Goalkeeper of the Year (Men & Women): Acknowledging the shot-stoppers who have been impenetrable barriers for their teams.
- Interclub Player of the Year (Men & Women): Celebrating the stars who have shone brightest in CAF’s club competitions.
- Young Player of the Year (Men & Women): Shining a spotlight on the future stars of African football.
- National Team of the Year (Men & Women): Recognizing the teams that have flown the African flag high on the international stage.
- Club of the Year (Men & Women): Honoring the clubs that have dominated their respective leagues and competitions.
- CAF/FIFPro Africa Best XI (Men & Women): Recognizing the best players in their respective positions, forming a dream team of African talent.
- Goal of the Year: A fan-favorite award, celebrating the most spectacular and memorable goal of the year.
Key Contenders:
The nominees for the coveted Men’s Player of the Year award include:
- Ronwen Williams (South Africa)
- Simon Adingra (Cote d’Ivoire)
- Serhou Guirassy (Guinea)
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
While the Women’s Player of the Year award will be contested between:
- Sanâa Mssoudy (Morocco)
- Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)
- Barbra Banda (Zambia)
A Celebration of African Football Heritage
The CAF Awards not only recognize current achievements but also pay homage to the rich history of African football. Past winners in various categories, including legends like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Yaya Touré, have left an indelible mark on the continent’s footballing landscape.
Join the Celebration!
The CAF Awards 2024 promise an unforgettable night of glamour, excitement, and recognition. As Africa’s finest footballers gather in Marrakech, the world will witness the crowning of new champions and the celebration of a continent’s passion for the beautiful game.
Also read: 2024 CAF Awards Nominations: Ronwen Williams leads with three nominations
