The Council of Southern African Football Associations (COSAFA) has announced the introduction of its inaugural awards.

The awards gala dinner will take place on April 19, 2024, at a yet-to-be-revealed venue, to pay “homage to the best performers, on and off the pitch, for 2023.”

A statement from COSAFA said: “The Cosafa – Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) is delighted to announce its inaugural annual awards that will honour players, coaches, and various other stakeholders in the game from our region.”

The award winners will be unveiled at a gala dinner on April 19, 2024, as the event pays homage to the best performers, on and off the pitch, for 2023.

“COSAFA has long envisaged having our own awards ceremony to pay tribute to those who continue to shine a positive light on the game in our region,” COSAFA president Artur de Almeida e Silva said.

The awards are open to all players and coaches from COSAFA’s 14 Member Associations, no matter where they ply their trade in the world.

The following categories will have an award:

• COSAFA Men’s Player of the Year

• COSAFA Women’s Player of the Year

• COSAFA Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year

• COSAFA Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year

• COSAFA Men’s Most Promising Player of the Year (aged 20 or under)

• COSAFA Women’s Most Promising Player of the Year (aged 20 or under)

• COSAFA Male Coach of the Year

• COSAFA Female Coach of the Year

• COSAFA Male Referee of the Year

• COSAFA Female Referee of the Year

There will also be various Lifetime Achievement awards that will be handed to those who have shaped football in our region over several decades.