Orlando Pirates vice-captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Amajita centre-back Tylon Smith have earned nominations for a prestigious CAF award, but there was an omission: Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos missed the shortlist.
Just seven months after making his professional debut, the Buccaneers’ central defender, Mbokazi, has been enjoying a sensational rise in his career. During that period, he has broken into the Bafana Bafana fold and has also been appointed as Pirates’ vice-captain.
One of his biggest highlights is neutralising Europe-based and experienced Nigerian attackers Ademola Lookman, Cyriel Dessers, Moses Simon and Tolu Arokodare in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in September.
The 20-year-old has evolved into a promising Bafana Bafana future captain.
SMITH JOINS MBOKAZI IN CAF NOMINATION
Queens Park Rangers FC centre-back Smith is together with Mbokazi in the CAF Young Player of the Year shortlist for 2025.
Former Stellenbosch FC star Smith helped Amajita to the 2025 Africa Under-20 Championship, where he was named the Player of the Tournament. He was also impressive at the back at the just-ended FIFA Under-20 World Cup.
A future Bafana centre-back pairing between Mbokazi and Smith is envisaged. Interestingly, the Pirates starlet missed out on the continental and global youth tournaments as he was needed for CAF Champions League and Bafana duties.
BROOS, SUNDOWNS AND PIRATES PLAYERS EXCLUDED
Bafana coach Broos is not in the running for the Coach of the Year accolade even after achieving World Cup qualification. It is a feat which sees South Africa return to the global football showpiece for the first time since the 2010 edition, where they were hosts.
They had last succeeded in a qualification campaign when bidding for the Korea/Japan 2002 tournament. But Broos, who has broken that jinx, has been ignored, having also not lost a match in 2025.
Ironically, Broos’ Bafana have been nominated for the National Team of the Year.
Also snubbed are Mamelodi Sundowns and Pirates players in the CAF Inter-Club Player of the Year. This is despite Masandawana being the CAF Champions League losing finalists, while Pirates’ participation ended at the semi-final stage.
However, Ronwen Williams and Stanley Nwabali are in the running for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award.
No South African player has been listed for the ultimate award, the Player of the Year, which has Pyramids FC striker Fiston Mayele as the only Africa-based nominee.
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