PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Naby Keita – Will he challenge Aubameyang for CAF GONG?

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Nov 02, 2017. 16:24

The Confederation of African Football has released a 30-man list for the CAF African Footballer of the Year Award.

Among the players nominated is Guinea international midfielder Naby Keita, who has starred for German side RB Liepzig.

The Syli Nationale player will compete against Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

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The winner of the award will be decided on by current head coaches, technical directors of the affiliated nations to CAF, together with a panel of media experts.

Keita was inspirational for Leipzig as they marched from Bundesliga 2 into the UEFA Champions League at the first time of asking last season.

He netted eight goals and as many assists as the Bundesliga newcomers finished runners-up to eventual winners, Bayern Munich.

Having already signed to join English Premier League giants, Liverpool next season, Keita is seen as Aubameyang's challenger for the coveted gong.

The winner will be crowned in Accra, Ghana on January 4 as Leicester City and Algeria winger, Riyad Mahrez has been snubbed.

Should Keita be successful in claiming the accolade, the gong will serve as an inspiration for the 22-year old to deliver better performances for his club and country.