Preparing for the first-ever Awards in Johannesburg, COSAFA

The inaugural COSAFA Awards, which honor players, coaches, and referees that excelled in 2023, will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday. This event is a celebration of the greatest Southern African football.

The event will be aired live on the COSAFA Facebook page and YouTube channel. It begins at 18:30 CAT (16:30 GMT). Eleven awards for the top performances from the previous year will be given out, along with five Lifetime Achievement gongs to honor those who have distinguished themselves over a long period of time in Southern Africa’s game.

Dignitaries from all throughout the region will be there, along with historical figures that made an impression on the game and left enduring memories.

COSAFA Executive Director Sue Destombes remarked, “These awards have been a long time coming, and we are delighted to host the inaugural event this year.” “Both men’s and women’s football have grown significantly in our area, and teams, players, and coaches should be honored for their accomplishments. Dignitaries from the area will be present, along with historical figures who made an impression on the game and left enduring memories.

There is one Referee Legend award, three categories for referees, and eight categories for players and coaches. The categories for Lifetime Achievement include women’s football, coaching, refereeing, players, and media.

Guests will get the opportunity to interact with Legends and enjoy top-notch entertainment throughout the gala dinner.

The following are the nominees and award categories (arranged alphabetically):

THE MOST EXCITING REFEREE

The South African Thato Makgoga

Zambian Wyson Musitafa

Madagascar’s Tsiaro Randriambololoma

THE BEST WOMAN REFEREE

Chikotesha Diana (Zambia)

Makalima, Akhona (South Africa)

Namibian Antsino Twanyanyukwa

THE BEST MANLY REFEREE

Angolan Jerson Dos Santos

Marengula Arsenio (Mozambique)

Tom Abongile (SA)

THE MOST PROMISING PLAYER FOR WOMEN

Zeba Esther Banda

Malawian Leticia Chinyamula

Kadzere Rose from Malawi

THE MOST PROMISING PLAYER IN MEN

Chaiwa Miguel (Zambia)

Maseko Thapelo, a South African

Present Mphande, Zambia

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR FOR WOMEN

Dlamini Dile (South Africa)

Grace Sikelo from Malawi

Swart Kaylin (South Africa)

MEN’S YEARWIDE GOALKEEPER

Namibian Lloyd Kazapua

Zambian Lawrence Mulenga

Williams Ronwen (South Africa)

THE YEAR’S TOP WOMEN’S COACH

Dr. Ellis, from South Africa

Mwape Bruce (Zambia)

Tshabalala Jerry (South Africa)

Coach of the Year for Men

Benjamin Collin (Namibia)

Mokwena Rhulani (South Africa)

Ramoreboli, Morena (South Africa)

Player of the Year for Women

Zambian Barbra Banda

(Malawi) Tabitha Chawinga

Zambian Racheal Kundananji

Player of the Year for Men

Banda Lameck (Zambia)

Shalulile Peter (Namibia)

The South African Percy Tau.