Dreams FC coach Abdul Karim Zito has eulogized James Kwesi Appiah after bagging CAF Coach of the Year nomination.
Appiah has been recognized for his remarkable performance since takin over the war-torn Sudan national team last year. He has managed 12 games as head coach of Sudan, securing 7 wins, 4 draws, and just 1 loss.
The former Black Stars gaffer is in contention for the prize alongside Ivory Coast trainer Emerse Fae, the coach who led the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team
Other coaches nominated for the top award include, Pedro Goncalves of Angola, Brahima Traore of Burkina Faso, Marcel Koller (Al Ahly), Hugo Broos (South Africa), Jose Gomez (Zamalek), Sebastien Desabre (DR Congo), Florent Ibenge (Al Hilal), Chiquinho Conde ( Mozambique).
Speaking to Kessben FM, Zito heaped praise on Appiah for his outstanding performance for the Sudan team.
“I’m very happy for my Kwesi Appiah. He is doing very well for the Sudan national team. Before his appointment, no one knew Sudan but now, they are competing” he said.
The Falcons of Jediane are on the verge of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a vital 2-0 win over Appiah’s native Ghana in Libya, which was followed by a goalless draw in Accra.
Sudan sits second in Group F with seven points, three behind Angola, and is one draw away from qualification with two games remaining.
The Northeast African country is also at the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying Group B, with ten points, two ahead of Senegal after four games.
The CAF Awards will be held in Morocco in mid-December this year.
