Mamelodi Sundowns FC feature prominently across the 2026 CAF Awards nominations, with the club, its players, and its coach recognised for their continental success. The Brazilians are shortlisted for the Men's Club of the Year award, while midfielder Teboho Mokoena and right-back Khuliso Mudau are in contention for the Interclub Player of the Year prize.
This recognition arrives as Sundowns continue their domestic dominance, sitting top of the Premier Soccer League with 26 points from 10 games, having recorded eight wins and two draws. Their recent 1-0 win over Golden Arrows, secured by an Iqraam Rayners goal, extended their unbeaten start to the season. The team is currently on a three-game winning run, part of a recent form of three wins and two draws from their last five matches, and holds a one-point lead at the summit. Their strong start is built on an attack that has scored 27 goals while conceding only nine.
Teboho Mokoena makes history as the only African-based player nominated for the African Footballer of the Year award. The 29-year-old defensive midfielder's inclusion on the shortlist, which includes stars like Achraf Hakimi and Sadio Mane, shows his stellar performances over the past year. His nomination is directly linked to Sundowns' title-winning run in last season's CAF Champions League.
Coach Miguel Cardoso, who guided the club to its second Champions League crown, is nominated for the Men's Coach of the Year award. Khuliso Mudau's role in that continental triumph earned him a place among the nine nominees for Interclub Player of the Year. The club itself is one of ten contenders for the Men's Club of the Year honour, competing against sides like Zamalek and Al Hilal SC.
South Africa's national team, Bafana Bafana, is also nominated for the Men's National Team of the Year award after reaching the knockout stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Sundowns captain Ronwen Williams, who previously won the Interclub Player of the Year award in 2024, is vying for the Goalkeeper of the Year title for a fourth consecutive year.
The awards spotlight comes as Mamelodi Sundowns prepare for their next league fixture, an away match against Kruger United on Saturday 28 November. The team will face a side currently sitting 9th in the table. A potential individual award for Mokoena would further highlight the club's growing stature as they pursue a third consecutive CAF Champions League title. The club's top scorer this season, I. Rayners with 4 goals, was the match-winner in the recent victory over Golden Arrows.
The report in full is at soccerladuma.co.za
