YOUNG Africans SC (Yanga) forward Clement Mzize says winning the CAF Goal of the Year Award has given him renewed strength and motivation as he continues his recovery from recent knee surgery.

The youngster (pictured) delivered a heartfelt message after being named the 2025 winner during the CAF Awards gala held in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday night. Mzize, who could not attend the ceremony in person due to his rehabilitation programme, said the recognition has uplifted his spirit and strengthened his belief in his football journey.

“I would like to thank CAF very much for giving me this award. It has boosted my motivation and strengthened my belief in what I do,” Mzize said. He added that the honour belongs not only to him but to everyone who has supported him throughout the season.

The forward, who has been instrumental for Young Africans in recent years, also appreciated his teammates, technical staff, club management, and supporters for their role in his achievement.

“I thank each of my teammates for their contribution, and I believe this is an award for the whole team. I also thank the technical bench, the leadership, and our fans for voting for me and enabling me to win this Goal of the Season award,” he said.

Mzize’s award stems from his sensational long-range strike against TP Mazembe in the CAF Champions League earlier this year. The powerful effort from outside the penalty area captivated fans across the continent and has now been officially recognised as Africa’s best goal of 2025.

The moment not only earned Mzize continental glory but also elevated the profile of Young Africans SC, which continues to place Tanzania on the African football map. His triumph adds to the growing list of international acknowledgements enjoyed by the club in recent seasons.

Despite the setback of injury, which has kept him sidelined for several weeks, the 22-year-old said the award has strengthened his resolve to return stronger and make an even bigger impact upon full recovery. His message reflected both gratitude and determination - signs of maturity beyond his years.

The CAF Awards also proved historic for Tanzania, which collected two major accolades on the night. Alongside Mzize’s recognition, President Samia Suluhu Hassan received a special honour from CAF President Patrice Motsepe for her remarkable contribution to the development and promotion of football in Tanzania.

President Samia was honoured together with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and Kenyan President William Ruto for their outstanding support of football on the African continent. The award reflects the Tanzanian government’s continued investment in sports infrastructure, youth development programmes, and strengthened football governance.

Receiving the award on behalf of President Samia, Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, expressed gratitude and reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to working closely with CAF and FIFA. He noted that the government will continue to support initiatives aimed at elevating Tanzanian football at both domestic and international levels.

The highlight of the ceremony was the announcement of the CAF African Player of the Year 2025, which went to Moroccan and Paris Saint-Germain fullback Achraf Hakimi. Hakimi beat tough competition from Egypt’s Mohamed Salah of Liverpool and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray to claim Africa’s most prestigious individual football award. His consistency for both club and country, combined with his leadership in Morocco’s recent competitions, made him a clear favourite.

Another notable winner with links to Tanzania was Fiston Mayele, the former Young Africans striker now starring for Pyramids FC in Egypt. Mayele was crowned CAF Interclub Player of the Year (Men) following his outstanding performances in continental competitions - news that stirred excitement among Young Africans fans who still cherish his goal-scoring heroics.

Pyramids FC also shone brightly, winning the CAF Men’s Club of the Year Award, a testament to the team’s growth, ambition, and success on the African stage.

In the youth category, Morocco’s Under-20 national team was named CAF Men’s National Team of the Year, highlighting the depth of talent emerging from the North African football development system.

For Tanzania, the 2025 CAF Awards reinforced the nation’s rising influence in African football. With an individual player award through Clement Mzize and a presidential honour for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the night showcased the progress the country continues to make in the sport.

Mzize’s continental triumph is expected to inspire young players across Tanzania, while President Samia’s recognition cements the government’s reputation as a strong supporter of sports. For Young Africans, the achievement marks another milestone in their quest to dominate African football and elevate Tanzanian talent to global visibility.