Cardoso, Regragui, Desabre Headline CAF Coach Of The Year Shortlist

Mamelodi Sundowns’ Miguel Cardoso, Morocco’s Walid Regragui and DR Congo’s Sébastien Desabre headline a 10-man shortlist for the Men’s Coach of the Year award at the CAF Awards 2026.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the nominees ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for Lagos, Nigeria, on 7 December.

The shortlist recognises coaches who distinguished themselves through impressive performances at club and international levels during an eventful year for African football.

Cardoso earned his nomination after guiding Mamelodi Sundowns to their second CAF Champions League title, with the South African side overcoming Morocco’s AS FAR in the final.

Senegalese tactician Lamine N’Diaye also made the list after leading USM Alger to the CAF Confederation Cup title, following a dramatic victory over Egypt’s Zamalek.

On the international front, Cabo Verde’s Pedro Leitão Brito, popularly known as Bubista, earned recognition for guiding the island nation to its historic appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Desabre and Egypt’s Hossam Hassan also feature after their respective contributions to DR Congo and Egypt’s national teams during the year.

Morocco have two representatives in Mohamed Ouahbi and Regragui, following the country’s impressive performances on the international stage, including another strong World Cup campaign.

Senegal’s Pape Thiaw completes the list of national team coaches, while Alexandre Santos of AS FAR and Zamalek’s Moatamed Gamal represent the club coaching contingent.

The nominations reflect the growing influence of African coaches in continental and international football, with the shortlisted tacticians recognised for their achievements across major competitions.

The CAF Awards 2026 will celebrate outstanding performances by players, coaches, clubs and national teams during the year.

CAF MEN’S COACH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES

Lamine N’Diaye (USM Alger)

Pedro Leitão Brito ‘Bubista’ (Cabo Verde)

Sébastien Desabre (DR Congo)

Hossam Hassan (Egypt)

Moatamed Gamal (Zamalek)

Alexandre Santos (AS FAR)

Mohamed Ouahbi (Morocco)

Walid Regragui (Morocco)

Pape Thiaw (Senegal)

Miguel Cardoso (Mamelodi Sundowns)