Al Ahly forward Percy Tau and Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Shalulile has been nominated for the inaugural 2023 COSAFA awards.

The winner will be announced at a gala awards ceremony, with a panel of judges from across the region having assessed their achievements for the period of January 1 to December 31, 2023.

The three nominees are as follows (in alphabetical order). Their clubs are as per 2023:

Lameck Banda (Lecce & Zambia) – The first ever Zambian to feature in a Serie A match, he has been Influential for Lecce and also helped his country to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Is growing in stature at his club where he became more influential as the year went on.

Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns & Namibia) – Finished joint top-scorer in the South African League in the 2022/23 season and helped Mamelodi Sundowns to an unprecedented sixth championship in a row. Also helped the club win the inaugural African Football League and led Namibia to qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Scored 25 goals 2023 for Sundowns and another three for Namibia.

Percy Tau (Al Ahly & South Africa) – Lifted the 2023 CAF Champions League with Al Ahly and helped his Egyptian side to the 2022/23 domestic league title. He has become an important scorer and creator of goals for Ahly. Also helped South Africa to 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. Scored against Urawa Reds as Ahly took third place at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The judging panel from across the 14 member nations that make up COSAFA are renowned for their knowledge of Southern African football and are as follows:

Houssamidine Ben Ahmed (Comoros), Ivan Capuepue (Angola), Rob Delport (South Africa), Gerard Govinden (Seychelles), Peter Kanjere (Malawi), Jesse Kauraisa (Namibia), Kagiso Kgaogano (Botswana), Sibusiso Masilela (Eswatini), Sandra Mwila (Zambia), Boitelo Radebe (Lesotho), Heriniaina Samson (Madagascar), Benoit Thomas (Mauritius), Steve Vickers (Zimbabwe) and Raimundo Zandamela (Mozambique).