Uganda Cranes first choice goalkeeper Dennis Onyango has been shortlisted among the top three nominees for the Caf African Player of the Year based in Africa Award ahead of the ceremony to be held on January 5, 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria.
Onyango will be up against one other Mamelodi Sundowns teammate — Zimbabwean Khama Billiat and Zambia and TP Mazembe forward Rainford Kalaba.
The 31-year old former SC Villa custodian has been sensational for club and country, posting remarkable performances. Most notably helped Uganda to Afcon 2017 qualification, ending a 39-year old wait.
Onyango also played a key role in inspiring Masandawana to the PSL crown as well as helping the side win their first ever Caf Champions League trophy.
Besides Onyango’s category, African Footballer of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in the running to win the award for a second successive season after being named on Thursday among the three finalists for the 2016 title.
The Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker is up against favourite Riyad Mahrez of Algeria and Senegal’s Sadio Mane for the accolade, which will be to be handed out in Nigeria on January 5, when the Confederation of African Football holds their annual awards ceremony.
The African Footballer of the Year is chosen by a poll of national team coaches and, for the first time, a panel of media experts.
African Player of the Year – Based in Africa
Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
Rainford Kalaba (Zambia & TP Mazembe)
Khama Billiat (Zimbabwe & Mamelodi Sundowns)
African Player of the Year
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borussia Dortmund)
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)
Sadio Mané (Senegal & Liverpool)
