Zambia's Daka ecstatic after being shortlisted for CAF award

by Graeme Jackson

Friday Dec 01, 2017. 14:00

Zambian international Patson Daka is pleased with his nomination for the 2017 CAF African Youth Player of the Year award.

The highly-rated forward told Goal that he is motivated to keep working hard for his country and Austrian club, Salzburg.

Daka has been nominated along side Salam Giddou [Mali], Eric Ayiah [Ghana], Krepin Diatta [Senegal] and Luther Singh [South Africa] to clinch the individual accolade.

The 19-year-old played an instrumental role in helping Zambia win the 2017 CAF Africa U20 Cup of Nations, finishing joint-top scorer with four goals.

The attacker was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. He also helped Salzburg win the 2016/17 UEFA Youth League.

"It’s a great feeling! I’ve been working hard since a very young age and the last one year has been really rewarding my efforts for which I thank God for," Daka said.

"I want also to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches, teammates and fans that believed in me and helped me to reach this level.

"It gives me above all an extra motivation to keep on working hard; I’m still a young player with a lot of areas I have to improve.

"For the people of Zambia, it’s a great opportunity to remind them some very awesome happy moments the country experienced this year winning the U20 Africa Cup of Nations in front of our own fans which was so special and a moment to forever be treasured," he concluded. CLICK HERE TO VISIT AFRICAN FOOTBALL ZAMBIA