A disregard of protocol turned the annual CAF Awards into shambles after South African Football Association president Molefi Oliphant and his colleagues left the Sandton Convention Centre before the announcement of the winners on Tuesday night.
It is understood that Oliphant was not acknowledged by Aubrey Tau, CEO of Africa Soccer Show — who was the host of the third MTN CAF. Tau also omitted the name of Minister of Sport Ngconde Balfour.
El Hadji Diouf of Senegal won the coveted Footballer of the Year two years in succession when the Liverpool, England-based striker piped his countryman Pape Bouba Diop and Egypt striker Ahmed ”Mido” Hossam to the title.
The 22-year-old prolific goalscorer scooped the same honours last year. He follows in the footsteps of Ghanaian Abedi Pele, who won it three years in a row, and George Weah of Liberia.
Diouf has been struggling with Liverpool after getting off to a fast start in the English Premier League. He was also banned for two UEFA matches earlier this month after spitting at Glasgow Celtic fans.
UEFA fined Diouf 3 400 euros for the incident, which happened near the end of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Celtic in the first-leg quarterfinals of the UEFA Cup.
Diouf unintentionally fell on spectators during the match and a video showed he was touched on the head by fans while trying to stand. He then turned and spat towards the spectators.
UEFA said Diouf was guilty of improper conduct, but said provocative behaviour by fans was a ”mitigating” factor.
Diouf apologised and was fined two weeks’ wages by his club. Liverpool said it made a donation of 44 120 euros to a Glasgow charity of Celtic’s choice.
Senegal who became the second African team to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup in South Korea/Japan last year was named the Team of the Year.
Their coach Bruno Metsu, who guided the Lions of Taranga to the knock-out stages of the World Cup, took home the trophy he won last year — Coach of the Year. All in all Senegal bagged six awards.
South Africa’s Steven Pienaar, who was expected to scoop the Young Player of the Year trophy, was beaten to the punch by his team-mate at Ajax Amsterdam, ”Mido” Hossam.
Mwade Wade of Senegal was honoured with the Merit Achievement Award for his sterling services in African football. – Sapa