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Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, October 2025Backpage
Khothatso Leballo

Orlando Pirates vice-captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi and his SA under-20 teammate among the nominees at 2025 CAF Awards, but Bafana Bafana coach snubbed

The Buccaneers defender has received continental recognition and could be named as Africa's best in the category he has been named in. It is testimony of how he has been improving, with seen steady growth as he carves out his name with standout performances and that has not gone unnoticed.

  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    CAF reveal awards nominees

    CAF has announced the nominees for their 2025 awards, with Orlando Pirates vice-captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi featured.

    Joning Mbokazi is a fellow South African Under-20 defender, Tylon Smith, who currently plays for Queens Park Rangers. 

    The nominees appear in various categories, also accommodating women's and youth football.  

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  • Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Bafana Bafana, August 2025Backpage

    Which category do Mbokazi and Smith appear in?

    Mbokazi and Smith are among the nominees for the CAF Young Player of the Year.

    Morocco Under-20 players dominate this category with three stars while Nigeria, Burkina Fssdo, Sierra Leone and DR Congo provide a player each. 

    That makes it an interesting list to see if a South African can manage to pip players who helped Morocco to the 2025 Under-20 World Cup title. 

  • Hugo Broos of South AfricaBackpagepix

    Broos' surprise snub

    Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos's name does not appear in the Coach of the Year category.

    This is despite the Belgian being unbeaten this year and leading South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

    Romuald Rakotondrabe, who temporarily coached Madagascar at the 2024 African Nations Championship, where he led them into the final, features in this category.   

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  • FBL-CAF-C1-PYRAMIDS-SUNDOWNSAFP

    Pirates and Sundowns players also ignored

    Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns players have been overlooked in the Interclub Player of the Year.

    This is despite Sundowns playing the final of the CAF Champions League last season, while Stellenbosch FC players also miss out after the team reach the Confederation Cup semi-finals.

    Pirates reached the Champions League semi-final, but none of their players appear in this category dominated by African champions Pyramids, who have provided four men. 

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