The University of the Western Cape’s (UWC) women’s football team has reached remarkable heights this year, with two members shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Awards.

Set to take place on 16 December 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, the CAF Awards celebrate Africa’s finest football talents, acknowledging their exceptional performances in club and national competitions. Among the highlights of the ceremony is the crowning of the CAF Goalkeeper of the Year award and Coach of the Year.

Two standout members of the UWC community are in contention for these two honours: Head coach Thinasonke Mbuli is in contention for Coach of the Year and rising star goalkeeper Thandeka Ngcobo is vying for the Goalkeeper of the Year for her heroics throughout the season.

Before the shortlisted candidates were announced this week, members of the UWC community were previously nominated in three more categories: Alumnae Thembi Kgatlana, the 2018 CAF Footballer of the Year, who continues to dazzle on the international stage as part of Tigres UANL in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil, was named in the CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year list along fellow Banyana Banyana teammate Jermaine Seoposenwe, who is currently representing Monterrey in Mexico.

The current team has had a stellar year, taking home the COSAFA/CAF tournament title in Malawi which allowed them to represent the Southern Africa region in the CAF Champions League in Morocco while team captain Amogelang Motau was selected for the Interclub Player of the Year award.

UWC’s incredible achievements this season are a testament to the talent and dedication within the team, underscoring the University’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in African women’s football.