Salah's PFA Award shows CAF Award is credible - CAF President
President of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) Ahmad Ahmad believes the PFA’s recognition of Mohammed Salah as Premier League Player of the Year is an indication that the annual awards organized by the continent’s football body is a credible award scheme.
Read full articleThe CAF Awards has had its share of criticism from footballers, administrators and followers of the game on the continent each time the award is given out.
One such people who have previously raised questions about the credibility of the CAF awards is Black Stars skipper Asamoah Gyan.
Having missed out on the awards on two occasions and seeing his national teammate, Andre Ayew robbed off the accolade in 2015, a furious Gyan stated in an interview; "I think Andre Ayew did very well at the Africa Cup of Nations and he also excelled with his two clubs so it is very disastrous not to name such a person. This has happened to me twice - one in 2010 and 2014.
I don't value the award again. CAF should tell us that the award is meant for players playing big clubs in Europe. National team & AFCON don't matter again. Even though CAF snubbed me in 2011 & 2014, I still believe that I've won two African Best. They're killing African Football".
Also in 2015, when Ivorian midfielder, Yaya Toure lost out on the Best Player Award to Gabonese forward Pierre Emerick Aubameyang, the midfielder launched a scathing attack on the organizers, questioning the credibility and objectivity of the awards.
“I am very very disappointed. It is sad to see Africa behave in that manner, for not giving importance to things that happen in Africa,” the 32-year-old told French radio RFI.
But the CAF President who assumed office a little over a year ago asserts that the PFA’s acknowledgement Mohammed Salah is enough reason for one to conclude that the CAF Award is credible
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“Everybody knows that we have done a good job. One evidence is Salah’s recognition. Three months ago they made a process to choose the best player in Africa and this player now is the best player in the Premier League too. That is a big evidence that they work and follow all the processes we need. We never ever use our heads and sentiments, we need the right way to do our best”, Ahmad said while addressing the media after being honoured with a doctorate degree by UPSA in Accra.
Salah was in January crowned Africa’s Best player ahead of Aubameyang and club mate Sadio Mane.
Fast forward to April and Salah has been adjudged by the PFA as the most valuable player in the EPL having scored more than 40 goals for Liverpool.
