Tanzanian Mbwana Aly Samatta was crowned CAF African Player of the Year – Based in Africa in a glamorous event hosted by Glo Mobile in Abuja
Samatta garnered 127 points, ahead of his TP Mazembe teammate and DR Congo goalkeeper Robert Muteba Kidiaba, who amassed 88 points. Algerian Baghdad Bounedjah trailed in third place with 63 points.
It was a great moment for Samatta being the first East African to win the prestigious award.
He took to his Instagram account to thank his parents, fans and team mates for helping him achieve his dream
‘I am more than delighted to have won this prestigious football award and it’s a dream come true to me.I want to thank my parents,fans and team mates for the continued support and encouragement over the years”Samatta said
Samatta has been the pillar at TP Mazembe whom he helped win the coveted Caf Champions league in style scoring 7 goals on their way to being crowned champions.
Cameroonian Gaelle Enganamouit was adjudged Women’s Player of the Year becoming the first from her country to pick up the prize.
It was double delight for hosts Nigeria with two prizes, Victor Osimhen – Youth Player of the Year and Etebo Peter Oghenekaro – Most Promising
Talent of the Year.
For guiding Cote d’Ivoire to continental glory, former coach Herve Renard was named Coach of the Year and ‘Les Elephants’ as National Team of the Year. Cameroon scooped the Women’s National Team of the Year prize and DR Congo giants, TP Mazembe, Club of the Year, whilst Gambian Papa Bakary Gassama went home with the Referee of the Year award.
Former Ghana coach Charles Kumi Gyamfi and Cameroonian Samuel Mbappe Leppe were honoured posthumously in the African Legend category. Edwin Gyamfi received the honour on behalf of his dad whilst …… picked the prize for Mbappe Leppe.
The event, sponsored by Nigerian telecommunication outfit, Globacom, was a night to celebrate and reward sporting excellence, also showcased superb and first-class entertainment from outstanding entertainers across different parts of Africa. There were musical performances by Shatta Wale (Ghana), Ahmed Soultan (Morocco), Salif Keita (Mali), Awilo Longomba (DR Congo) and Nigerians King Sunny Ade, Dija, Korede Bello, Flavour, Omawumi, Bez and Ego.
The crème de la crème of football administrators around the continent were in attendance
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