The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) celebrated the region’s top achievers for the year 2023 during its inaugural COSAFA Awards ceremony. The event, held to recognize excellence in both men’s and women’s football, honored standout performers, coaches, referees, and media personalities.
Percy Tau, renowned for his stellar performances for both Bafana Bafana and Al Ahly, clinched the prestigious COSAFA Men’s Player of the Year award. Meanwhile, Zambian sensation Racheal Kundananji was crowned COSAFA Women’s Player of the Year, acknowledging her remarkable contributions to the sport.
The coaching realm saw Mamelodi Sundowns’ Rulani Mokwena and Banyana Banyana’s Dr. Desiree Ellis emerge as Coach of the Year in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. Additionally, Ronwen Williams and Andile Dlamini of Mamelodi Sundowns were honored as Goalkeepers of the Year for their exceptional performances.
Referee excellence was also celebrated, with Angola’s Jerson Dos Santos and Zambia’s Diana Chikotesha named Referees of the Year in their respective categories.
Seasoned commentator and African football scribe Mark Gleeson received special recognition with the Lifetime Achievement in Services to Media award, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to the coverage and promotion of African football.
