Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams was the only South African player to feature in the glittering ceremony at Monday's 2024 CAF Awards in Morocco. The Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper was named the Men's Goalkeeper of the Year and the Men's Inter-club Player of the Year.
He was the only player to win two individual awards on the night. Despite this achievement, Williams did not make the CAF XI of the Year, which did not include a single South African. The goalkeeper's slot went to André Onana, the Cameroonian and United shot-stopper.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWideGAB394
In an emotional acceptance speech, Williams expressed his hope that his victories would inspire fellow South Africans: “I know this win will inspire millions of South Africans to believe in themselves, push boundaries, and never forget dreams are valid.
“This is a wonderful moment for me. Thanks to CAF for the recognition, and I will forever be grateful to you. I dedicate this award to all the goalkeeper coaches I have worked with throughout my career since I was a little boy.”
Williams also missed out on the men’s premier award, the African Footballer of the Year, despite being one of the nominees. The coveted accolade went to Nigeria's Ademola Lookman, who played a pivotal role in helping Atalanta claim their first European trophy and led the Super Eagles to the AFCON final.
Lookman’s star performance included a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa Cup final.
In his acceptance speech, Lookman shared his gratitude for the recognition: "To be recognized as the best player in Africa is something incredible, and I am extremely proud."
While Williams was making headlines for his achievements, none of the Bafana Bafana players earned a spot on the team of the Year. However, four Banyana Banyana players were honoured by their inclusion in the CAF Women's XI of the Year. They were Andile Dlamini, Lebohang Ramalepe, Linda Motlhalo, and Karabo Dhlamini.
LIST OF WINNERS
Player of the Year – Men: Ademola Lookman; Women: Barbra Banda
Goalkeeper of the Year – Men: Ronwen Williams; Women: Chiamaka Nnadozie
Inter-club Player of the Year – Men: Ronwen Williams; Women: Sanaâ Mssoudy
Young Player of the Year – Men: Lamine Camara; Women: Doha El Madani
Coach of the Year – Men: Emerse Fae; Women: Lamia Boumehdi
National Team of the Year – Men: Ivory Coast; Women: Nigeria
Club of the Year – Men: Al Ahly; Women: TP Mazemb
Referee of the Year – Men: Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya); Women: Bouchra Karboubi
Assistant Referee of the Year – Men: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue; Women: Diana Chikotesha
CAF Goal of the Year: Cristovao Mabululu (Angola v Namibia, Afcon 2023)
Men’s CAF XI: Andre Onana, Hakimi, Kalidou Koulibaly, Chancel Mbemba, Mohammed Kudus, Sofyan Amrabat, Franck Kessie, Yves Bissouma, Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman
Women’s CAF XI: Andile Dlamini, Michelle Alozie, Karabo Dhlamini, Osinachi Ohale, Lebohang Ramalepe, Linda Motlhalo, Rasheedat Ajibade, Ghizlane Chebbak, Barbra Banda, Asisat Oshoala, Tabitha Chawinga