Cynthia Shonga Nominated for Historic CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year Award
Cynthia Shonga
In a groundbreaking development for women’s football, Cynthia Shonga, the 23-year-old goalkeeper from Harare City and key player for the Mighty Warriors, has been nominated for the prestigious 2023 CAF Goalkeeper of the Year (Women) award.
Shonga’s exceptional performance at the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Women’s Championship in South Africa this October has earned her a well-deserved spot among the ten nominees for this historic accolade.
The nominees were selected by a distinguished panel consisting of CAF Technical Experts, football legends, and media representatives.
The panel considered player performances at all levels from December 2022 to November 2023, acknowledging outstanding contributions to the sport.
This year marks the first time that the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award will be presented, mirroring the recognition given in the men’s category.
The introduction of this award aims to celebrate the heroic efforts of women shot-stoppers, bringing their remarkable skills and contributions to the forefront of African football.
In addition to the Goalkeeper of the Year category, 30 players are set to compete for the highly coveted Player of the Year award. Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria, who clinched the title for a record fifth time in the previous Awards Gala in Rabat, Morocco, will face tough competition for her sixth win.
Other categories include Interclub Player of the Year, Coach of the Year, National Team of the Year, and Young Player of the Year, limited to players not exceeding 21 years of age.
The ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League Cote d’Ivoire 2023 finalists have been granted automatic entry into the Club of the Year category.
The winners in each category will be determined through a voting process involving a panel that comprises CAF Technical Committee members, media professionals from Member Associations, Head Coaches & Captains of Member Associations, and clubs involved in the group stages of the Interclub competitions.
The highly anticipated Awards Gala is scheduled to take place on December 11, 2023, in Marrakech, Morocco. This grand event will bring together the crème de la crème of African football, celebrating the outstanding achievements and contributions of players, coaches, and teams in the world of African women’s football.
Cynthia Shonga’s nomination for the Goalkeeper of the Year award adds a special chapter to this historic occasion, emphasizing the growing recognition and appreciation for the talent and dedication of women in football on the African continent.
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