Presidents William Ruto, Samia Suluhu, and Yoweri Museveni have been honoured with the CAF President’s Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of their joint efforts in successfully hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
On Wednesday, November 19, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) celebrated the continent’s finest football talents and contributors at the CAF Awards 2025 held in Rabat, Morocco.
The East African leaders received special recognition for ensuring the CHAN 2024 tournament was smoothly organized, infrastructure was upgraded, and that the whole of the East Africa region cooperated and worked as a unit, which CAF credited with setting a benchmark for future continental events.
Kenya’s Ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya, accepted the award on behalf of President Ruto.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the leaders for “visionary support that elevated East Africa’s football profile globally,” noting that their commitment paved the way for the region’s upcoming co-hosting of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Hakimi and Morocco Set the Pace for Africa
Morocco was the night’s biggest winner, taking multiple awards across several categories.
Achraf Hakimi, the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) full-back, clinched the coveted African Player of the Year award, edging out strong competition from Egypt superstar Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s powerhouse Victor Osimhen, who plays club football for Galatasaray.
Hakimi had a brilliant season, winning five trophies, including the first-ever Champions League title in PSG’s history, and serving as the captain and leader of the Atlas Lions, helping them qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Morocco’s Yassine Bounou, currently Al-Hilal’s number one goalkeeper, was named Goalkeeper of the Year, adding another accolade to his impressive career.
Rising star Othmane Maamma, who plays for Watford FC, won the Young Player of the Year, highlighting Morocco’s bright future in global football.
Cape Verde celebrated a historic moment as Pedro Bubista won Coach of the Year for guiding his nation to its first FIFA World Cup qualification, a feat described as one of Africa’s greatest underdog stories.
Women’s Football Shines at CAF Awards
Morocco continued its dominance as Africa’s best footballing nation, with yet more awards in the women’s category.
Ghizlane Chebbak, a key figure for Al Hilal SFC and the Moroccan women’s national team, secured the African Women’s Player of the Year award, amplifying her reputation as a driving force in African women’s football.
Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie, now with Brighton & Hove Albion, earned Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year, while Morocco’s Doha El Madani was named Young Women’s Player of the Year.
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Uganda’s Shamirah Nabbadda received the Interclub Player of the Year award, marking a significant achievement for East African women’s football.
Other Honours
The CAF 2025 Awards also recognized refereeing excellence, with Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia being awarded as the Men’s Referee of the Year, while Liban Abdulrazack from Djibouti was named as the Assistant Referee of the Year.
In the women’s referee category, Tabara Moodji earned Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year award.
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Pyramids FC of Egypt was recognized for its historic CAF Champions League triumph, their maiden title, after beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in the second leg of the 2025 CAF Champions League final, following a 1-1 draw in the first leg.
21-year-old Clement Francis Mzize, who plays for Tanzania’s Young Africans SC, was awarded the Goal of the Year award after his long-range strike during the Young Africans SC against TP Mazembe match in the CAF Champions League.
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