The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) rolled out the red carpet on Thursday, May 9th, 2023, to honor the region’s top performers at the inaugural COSAFA Awards. The ceremony celebrated excellence across men’s and women’s football, recognizing exceptional players, coaches, and referees.
South African attacker Percy Tau, currently starring for both Bafana Bafana and Egyptian giants Al Ahly, was crowned the COSAFA Men’s Player of the Year for his consistent brilliance. Zambian forward Racheal Kundananji mirrored Tau’s achievement, claiming the COSAFA Women’s Player of the Year award for her impressive performances.
Mamelodi Sundowns enjoyed a spectacular night, with coach Rulani Mokwena named Men’s Coach of the Year following their historic inaugural African Football League title. Banyana Banyana’s Dr. Desiree Ellis bagged the Women’s Coach of the Year award, adding to the South African contingent’s success.
The trophy cabinet at Mamelodi Sundowns wasn’t done overflowing yet. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams secured the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while his counterpart Andile Dlamini, instrumental in her club’s recent TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League victory, took home the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year honor.
Angola’s Jerson Dos Santos and Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha were deservedly recognized as the best referees in their respective divisions, claiming the COSAFA Men’s Referee of the Year and COSAFA Women’s Referee of the Year awards.
The night wasn’t just about current stars. Seasoned football commentator and African football expert Mark Gleeson received a Lifetime Achievement in Services to Media award, a well-deserved recognition for his dedication to the sport on the continent.
The full list of COSAFA Awards 2023 winners is as follows:
- Men’s Player of the Year: Percy Tau (South Africa)
- Women’s Player of the Year: Racheal Kundananji (Zambia)
- Men’s Coach of the Year: Rulani Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Women’s Coach of the Year: Dr Desiree Ellis (South Africa)
- Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
- Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Andile Dlamini (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies & South Africa)
- Men’s Most Promising Player: Thapelo Maseko (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)
- Women’s Most Promising Player: Leticia Chinyamula (Ascent Academy & Malawi)
- COSAFA Best Male Referee: Jerson Dos Santos (Angola)
- COSAFA Best Female Referee: Diana Chikotesha (Zambia)
- COSAFA Most Promising Referee: Tsiaro Randriambololoma (Madagascar)
- COSAFA Referee Legend: Victor Gomes (South Africa)
Lifetime Achievement Awards were also presented to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to football in Southern Africa:
- Lifetime Achievement for Services as a Player: Janine van Wyk
- Lifetime Achievement in Services to Refereeing: Felix Tangawarima
- Lifetime Achievement in Services to Women’s Football: Fran Hilton-Smith
- Lifetime Achievement in Services to Coaching: Sunday Chidzambwa
- Lifetime Achievement in Services to the Media: Mark Gleeson
