Mamelodi Sundowns have not only etched their name deeper into African football history but have also positioned themselves as the undisputed favorites to sweep the 2026 CAF Awards. The club’s triumph in the CAF Champions League final—secured with a 2-1 aggregate victory over FAR Rabat—has already triggered a wave of nominations, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, striker Teboho Mokoena, and manager Miguel Cardoso expected to feature prominently in the ceremony’s most coveted categories.
The second Champions League title in the club’s history, following their 2016 victory, arrives at a pivotal moment for Mamelodi Sundowns. Their dominance on the continent is underscored by the club’s newly unveiled home kit, which now proudly displays two stars—a visual testament to their sustained excellence. The design pays homage to the club’s storied past, including the iconic ‘shoeshine and piano’ aesthetic that defined their 1994 era, while also celebrating the current generation’s achievements. Legends like Roger Fuetemba and Hlompho Kekana, who captained the side to its first continental star, now share the spotlight with rising stars such as Grant Kenana and Thapelo Morena, whose contributions have been instrumental in this latest triumph.
Williams, whose commanding performances in the final—including a crucial penalty save—have cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s finest goalkeepers, is likely to be in contention for the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award. Mokoena, whose clinical finishing delivered the decisive goals in the final, will be a strong candidate for the CAF Player of the Year accolade, while Cardoso’s tactical acumen and ability to elevate the squad’s performance have already earned him recognition as a manager to watch. The club’s recent form, including a 2-0 aggregate victory over Esperance Tunis in the semifinals, further reinforces their case for multiple nominations across categories.
Beyond individual honors, Mamelodi Sundowns’ second title in a decade reflects a club that has consistently delivered under pressure. Their 7-1-1 head-to-head record against Kaizer Chiefs, a rivalry that defines South African football, and their ability to outperform in high-stakes matches—such as the 1-0 win over Stellenbosch earlier this season—demonstrate a level of consistency that sets them apart. The CAF Awards, which will recognize the best in African football, now present an opportunity for the club to further solidify its legacy, with the potential to claim multiple trophies in a single night. For a side that has already rewritten its history, the next chapter may well be written in Morocco, where the awards ceremony will take place.
