The CAF Awards, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is a ceremonial highlight in the footballing calendar, dedicated to honoring the very best of African football. Scheduled for December 16, 2024, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, this year’s edition promises to be a grand occasion. With a backdrop rich in culture and hospitality, attendees will converge to celebrate not just individual excellence but the collective achievements of clubs and nations throughout the continent over the past year.
This year, the spotlight shines brightly on Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda, the frontrunners poised to take home the coveted titles of African Footballer of the Year for men and women, respectively. Lookman’s impressive performances with Atalanta in Serie A and his pivotal role in Nigeria’s AFCON campaign have garnered widespread acclaim, while Banda’s stellar season in the NWSL has cemented her status as a leading figure in women’s football.
The CAF Awards expand every year, with 15 prestigious awards designated for footballers across genders and platforms, reflecting the growing diversity within the sport. This year, seven awards will celebrate male talent, seven will honor females, alongside the Goal of the Year award — a category voted on by fans globally. The nominees present an exciting mixture of seasoned stars and rising talents, showcasing the remarkable depth of football talent across Africa.
In the women’s category, notable contenders include the Chawinga sisters from Malawi, with Tabitha and Temwa garnering nominations for their impressive club performances. Barbra Banda, with her accolade as the BBC African Woman Footballer of the Year, leads the charge as she seeks to make history as the first Zambian recipient of this honor. The male nominees feature skillful players such as Achraf Hakimi, Ademola Lookman, and Simon Adingra, reflecting the growing competitive spirit and artistry on the pitch.
Critical to the integrity of the CAF Awards is the voting process, which tends to draw scrutiny. Fans are generally not allowed to cast votes in most categories, with the notable exception being the Goal of the Year. This category allows fans to engage meaningfully by voting for one of 11 shortlisted goals, with their choices representing 70% of the result, whilst the remaining 30% is decided by technical experts. This participative engagement is a valued aspect of the process, giving fans a chance to influence one of the most exciting moments of the year.
However, the accessibility of this voting process can sometimes be a point of contention, particularly given that recent technological hiccups have made it difficult for fans to participate. Nevertheless, CAF’s efforts to streamline the nomination and voting process indicate a commitment to engaging the wider football community in Africa robustly.
With keen anticipation building, the atmosphere will be electric before the start of the awards ceremony, which will kick off at 19:00 Moroccan time. Players, coaches, officials, and fans alike will arrive early for the red carpet, eager to celebrate the rising stars and legends of African football. The potential for historic moments is palpable, whether it be through the crowning of a first-time award winner or the recognition of a player achieving an unprecedented milestone.
Last year’s ceremony saw incredible viewership thanks to multiple broadcasters, affirming the global interest in African football. This forthcoming event is set to follow suit, with expectation that fans will be able to engage through live streams and various media channels, ensuring that supporters worldwide can partake in this celebration of athletic excellence.
The 2024 CAF Awards stand as a potent reminder of the growth and potential of African football on the global stage. With its rich tapestry of talent and the ever-increasing visibility of the sport, the awards not only honor the gifted individuals within the game but also illuminate the pathway for future generations of players. As fans, players, and pundits alike gather in celebration of excellence, the CAF Awards showcase the enduring power of sport to unite, inspire, and uplift communities across the continent and beyond. In the coming years, as the quality of football continues to rise dramatically, one can only imagine the memorable moments that will come from these celebrated footballing figures.
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