The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is gearing up for one of the most exciting events in the African sports calendar—the 2024 CAF Awards. This prestigious ceremony, scheduled for December 16, 2024, at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakech, Morocco, will recognize and honor the exceptional talents that have graced the continent’s football landscape over the past year. With nominees like Ademola Lookman and Barbra Banda in the spotlight, anticipation is rising as fans and players alike look forward to the highlights of this celebratory occasion.
The CAF Awards have a storied history dating back to their inception in 2000, but the recognition of African football excellence actually began earlier, with the African Footballer of the Year award first handed out in 1992. Prior to that, France Football held the responsibility, marking the first award given to Mali’s Salif Keita in 1970. Over the years, the awards have evolved significantly, expanding from a single award to a comprehensive celebration featuring 15 categories that honor both men’s and women’s contributions to the game, including the Best Goal award.
Notably, this year the ceremony will honor an expanded roster of achievements, with seven awards dedicated to women’s football—a move that underscores the growing prominence of female athletes in the sport. Amid notable nominees, Barbra Banda is favored to claim the Women’s African Footballer of the Year award, highlighting her incredible journey and recent success with the Orlando Pride in the NWSL.
Fans eager to witness this exhilarating event should mark their calendars for December 16. The ceremony will commence at 19:00 Moroccan time, with players and officials arriving 90 minutes beforehand, contributing to the grandeur of the occasion. While CAF has yet to confirm live streaming details for this year, past events suggest that viewers can likely watch online via CAF’s official website or YouTube channel.
Last year’s ceremony had a significant digital footprint, with over 20 broadcasters across Africa and beyond showcasing the event. This year, SuperSport will play a crucial role in broadcasting the awards, bringing the excitement of the ceremony to a broader audience, particularly in South Africa and surrounding regions.
A significant aspect of the CAF Awards is the voting process, which varies by award category. It’s important to note that, generally, African football fans have limited voting power; however, the CAF Goal of the Year allows fans to make their voices heard. In this category, a shortlist of exceptional goals is provided for fan voting, accounting for a substantial 70% of the overall score, while technical experts contribute the remaining 30%.
Despite some technical issues reported in the lead-up to the voting deadline of December 12, the opportunity to influence the outcome adds an engaging element for fans. Notably, the Goal of the Year nominees represent thrilling moments from various CAF competitions this past season, showcasing the remarkable talent present in African football.
The 2024 CAF Awards nominees present a thrilling array of the continent’s most notable football talents. In the women’s category, the competition is led by players like the aforementioned Barbra Banda, who dazzled fans with her impressive 13 goals in the past NWSL season, and the Chawinga sisters from Malawi, both of whom have made significant impacts at their respective clubs.
On the men’s side, the absence of some heavyweight names such as Victor Osimhen and Mohamed Salah guarantees that this year will see a new African Footballer of the Year crowned. Ademola Lookman stands out as an enthusiastic contender, displaying remarkable form for both club and country. His achievements thus far position him as a frontrunner, especially after his sensational performance in Atalanta’s Europa League success.
Additionally, the diverse categories, including the Coach of the Year and National Team of the Year, further emphasize the plethora of talent across the African football spectrum, ensuring that different facets of the game will be celebrated on this grand stage.
As we approach the CAF Awards, the anticipation encapsulates not just the celebration of individual achievements but also the ongoing evolution of African football. The increasing visibility and recognition of women in football, alongside the exciting competitiveness in men’s categories, portray a bright future for the sport across the continent.
The 2024 CAF Awards promise not only to honor past excellence but also to inspire future generations of players and fans. With the continent’s footballing landscape continuously growing and evolving, the CAF Awards will remain a pivotal moment in recognizing the hard work, determination, and talent that make African football so captivating.