South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the standout star at the 2024 CAF Awards, which took place on Monday night at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakesh, Morocco.
The Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana captain took home two prestigious accolades: Men’s Interclub Player of the Year and Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year.
These awards solidified his status as one of Africa’s finest footballers.
Though Williams missed out on the coveted Men’s Player of the Year award, which went to Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman of Atalanta, he expressed immense pride in his achievements and gratitude for the recognition.
His double victory at the ceremony stands as a testament to his dedication and excellence.
A Year of Triumph
Williams’ contributions to both Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team have been exceptional.
He captained South Africa to a bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast earlier this year, making unforgettable penalty saves.
Domestically, his performances were instrumental in helping Sundowns secure their seventh consecutive league title.
Just a day before the CAF Awards, Williams played a crucial role in Sundowns’ 1-0 victory over Raja Casablanca in a CAF Champions League group stage match at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
In the Men’s Interclub Player of the Year category, Williams triumphed over tough competitors such as Ahmed Zizo of Zamalek and Hussein El Shahat of Al Ahly.
For Goalkeeper of the Year, he edged out Cameroon’s Andre Onana of Manchester United and Ivory Coast’s Yahia Fofana.
After the ceremony, Williams dedicated his wins to young South Africans, encouraging them to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.
He also thanked his support system, including his family, coaches, teammates, and technical staff, for their unwavering support throughout his career.
“I dedicate this award [to] all the goalkeeper coaches I have worked with throughout my career since I was a little boy,” he said, naming mentors like Maurice Camelio, Grant Johnson, Deshi Bhaktawer, Andre Arendse, and Kenney Mweene, among others.
Notable Big Winners of the Evening
Other big winners of the night included Ademola Lookman, who was crowned CAF Men’s Player of the Year after a sensational year with Atalanta and Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to claim this prestigious title, following an outstanding season for both club and country.
The Atalanta forward joins Victor Osimhen, the 2023 winner, as the second consecutive Nigerian recipient, making them the first pair of Nigerian back-to-back winners since Nwankwo Kanu (1996) and Victor Ikpeba (1997).
Meanwhile, Zambia’s Barbra Banda took home the Women’s Player of the Year award after an incredible season, leading Orlando Pride to both the NWSL Shield and Championship title, while also scoring her third Olympic hat-trick at the Paris 2024 Games.
Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons’ standout goalkeeper, was named the best goalkeeper in the women’s category.
The 24-year-old, known for her acrobatic saves, earned the honour after being shortlisted alongside Khadija Er-Rmichi (Morocco / AS FAR) and Andile Dlamini (South Africa / Mamelodi Sundowns).
Africa’s very finest. #CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/t9J3NbvaDY
— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 17, 2024
2024 CAF Awards: List of Winners
- Men’s Player of the Year: Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/Nigeria)
- Women’s Player of the Year: Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride/Zambia)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/South Africa)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC/Nigeria)
- Men’s Interclub Player of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns/South Africa)
- Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sanaa Mssoudy (AS FAR/Morocco)
- Men’s Young Player of the Year: Lamine Camara (AS Monaco/Senegal)
- Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (AS FAR/Morocco)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Fae (Cote d’Ivoire)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)
- Men’s National Team of the Year: Cote d’Ivoire
- Women’s National Team of the Year: Nigeria
- Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly (Egypt)
- Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe (DR Congo)
- Men’s Referee of the Year: Mutaz Ibrahim (Libya)
- Women’s Referee of the Year: Bouchra Karboubi (Morocco)
- Men’s Assistant Referee of the Year: Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue (Cameroon)
- Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year: Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)
- Goal of the Year: Mabululu (Angola)
Facebook Comments