• Five South African women’s football nominees for CAF awards show the country’s strength despite Olympic disappointment.

• Young stars like 20-year-old Ntabiseng Majiya getting recognition alongside established players in continental awards.

South African women’s football is still respected in Africa, even after a difficult year.

Despite Banyana Banyana missing out on the Olympics and losing four big matches in a row, our women’s teams and players are up for five major CAF awards.

Banyana Banyana could win Team of the Year, though their only big win was qualifying for next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

UWC coach Thinasonke Mbuli could win Coach of the Year. She’s one of only two women nominated, going up against three men. Surprisingly, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis, who won this award four times in a row, isn’t on the list this year.

Sundowns goalkeeper Andile Dlamini is in the running for best keeper, facing tough competition from TP Mazembe’s Fideline Ngoyi and Nigeria’s Chiamaka.

Emerging talent is also getting noticed. Sundowns’ 20-year-old striker Ntabiseng Majiya is nominated for Young Player of the Year.

Sundowns Ladies are also hoping to be named Club of the Year. They’re up against TP Mazembe, FC Masar, AS FAR and Edo Queens.

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing this year. Both Sundowns and UWC struggled in the CAF Women’s Champions League, failing to make it past the group stages.

Pictured above: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies.

Source: Mamelodi Sundowns