South African football supporters have another reason to beam with pride this week. Four of the country’s brightest performers, along with one of its most successful clubs, have been announced as finalists for the 2025 CAF Awards taking place in Rabat on 19 November. For a football nation that has been steadily rebuilding its continental reputation, the shortlist feels like validation of years of hard work, development and a renewed hunger for success.
A Rising Star Leads The Charge
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Tylon Smith, the teenage sensation who stole hearts during Amajita’s title-winning U20 AFCON run, has cracked the final three for the CAF Young Player of the Year award. The former Stellenbosch defender enjoyed a dream season that saw him crowned Player of the Tournament and secure a move to English Championship side Queens Park Rangers.
His nomination has sparked huge praise back home, with many fans calling him “the next big export” and predicting a long Bafana Bafana future. South Africans have watched him grow from a promising academy product to a continental standout, and his spot among Morocco’s Abdellah Ouazane and Othmane Maama shows just how far he has come.
Sundowns Fly The Flag In Club Category
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Mamelodi Sundowns continue to carry the country’s footballing ambitions on their shoulders. The Tshwane giants have been named finalists for the Club of the Year category after a season that saw them reach the CAF Champions League final. Their battle for the crown will be against Morocco’s RS Berkane and tournament winners Pyramids FC.
For many local supporters, Sundowns’ consistency is symbolic of South African football’s evolution. Even though the Champions League title slipped away, their run reignited conversations about local dominance transitioning into continental supremacy.
Ronwen Williams Eyes A Continental Crown
Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has also earned his place among the continent’s elite as a finalist for Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year. His nomination comes after a standout period in which he helped South Africa qualify for both the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also marching Sundowns to the Champions League final.
Williams, already a former Yashin Award nominee, will be contesting the honour with Morocco’s Yassine Bounou and Munir Mohamedi. Social media has been buzzing with supporters praising his leadership and cool-headed consistency, with many insisting “it’s finally his year.”
Andile Dlamini Represents SA In Women’s Goalkeeper Category
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Banyana Banyana’s Andile Dlamini completes South Africa’s impressive quartet of nominations. The Sundowns Ladies goalkeeper, long known for her reflexes and composure, features among the top three Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year finalists. She faces stiff competition from Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie and Morocco’s Khadija Er Rmichi.
Dlamini’s presence on the shortlist highlights the continued rise of women’s football in South Africa and reinforces just how influential the Sundowns Ladies programme has become on the continent.
The Continental Heavyweights In The Main Categories
While South Africa celebrates its nominees, the marquee African Footballer of the Year categories are stacked with global giants. Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Victor Osimhen headline the men’s finalists, while Ghizlane Chebbak, Rasheedat Ajibade and Sanaâ Mssoudy battle for the women’s crown.
A Proud Moment For South African Football
With four nominations across major categories, South Africa enters the 2025 CAF Awards with confidence and renewed optimism. The achievements of Smith, Williams, Dlamini and Sundowns show a footballing ecosystem that is maturing, exporting talent, and drawing continental respect.
And if social media is anything to go by, South Africans are ready to tune in, cheer loudly and celebrate whatever the night brings. The continent watches, Rabat awaits, and South Africa stands tall.
Source: iDiski Times
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