Southern African football took center stage at the inaugural COSAFA Awards, a night dedicated to honoring the region’s brightest stars. Among the illustrious winners were Percy Tau and Racheal Kundananji, crowned as the COSAFA Men’s and Women’s Players of the Year, respectively.
For Tau, the accolade was a testament to his unwavering excellence both on the domestic and international stage. The Bafana Bafana and Al Ahly maestro dazzled with his sublime skills and consistent performances, captivating fans and critics alike with his footballing prowess.
Meanwhile, Kundananji’s meteoric rise saw her clinch the Women’s Player of the Year award, a fitting recognition of her remarkable contributions to Zambian and African football. Her skill, determination, and sheer talent have made her a force to be reckoned with, inspiring a new generation of female footballers across the continent.
The coaching realm also saw deserving victors, with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Rulani Mokwena and Banyana Banyana’s Dr. Desiree Ellis earning Coach of the Year honors. Mokwena’s masterful guidance of Sundowns to the African Football League title showcased his tactical acumen and leadership, while Ellis’ stewardship of Banyana Banyana continues to inspire and uplift women’s football in the region.
Not to be overlooked were the stellar performances of goalkeepers Ronwen Williams and Andile Dlamini, who were crowned as the Men’s and Women’s Goalkeepers of the Year, respectively. Their shot-stopping heroics and commanding presence between the posts played pivotal roles in their teams’ successes.
In the realm of officiating, Angola’s Jerson Dos Santos and Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha were recognized as the best referees in their respective divisions, underscoring the importance of fair play and professionalism on the pitch.
And finally, a special tribute was paid to Mark Gleeson, a stalwart of African football commentary and journalism, who received the Lifetime Achievement in Services to Media award. Gleeson’s dedication and passion for the game have left an indelible mark on the African football landscape, enriching the sport for generations to come.
As the curtain fell on a night of celebration and recognition, the COSAFA Awards served as a reminder of the talent, passion, and dedication that define Southern African football, inspiring future generations to reach for the stars.
COSAFA AWARDS 2023 WINNERS:
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 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
Photo: CAF Online
