Goalkeeper Kaylin Swart has been shortlisted for the Goalkeeper of the Year award following her contributions to the national team. She will face competition from Algeria’s Chloe N’Gazi, Malawi’s Mercy Sikelo and Zambia’s Hazel Nali, among other nominees.
Meanwhile, forward Thembi Kgatlana has secured a nomination in the prestigious Player of the Year (Women) category. The Mexico-based attacker will be looking to add another CAF accolade to her collection, having previously won the award in 2019 in Dakar, Senegal.
Kgatlana faces strong competition in the category, which includes Malawi’s prolific sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, Zambia’s Barbra Banda, Ghana’s Portia Boakye and Cameroon’s Marie Ngah Manga, among others.
The two players’ individual nominations highlight their recognition among some of the continent’s leading football talents.
Banyana Banyana have also been nominated for National Team of the Year (Women), alongside Malawi, Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco and Cameroon, among other countries.
The 2026 CAF Awards ceremony will take place on Monday, 7 December, in Nigeria.
Before turning their attention to the awards, however, Dr Desiree Ellis’ charges have an important assignment ahead as they prepare for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Play-offs, scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, from 28 November to 6 December.
South Africa will compete against Chinese Taipei, Ecuador and Uzbekistan as part of the six-nation mini-tournament. The top two teams will progress to the final phase in February 2027, where three nations will secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.