Playmaker Keagan Dolly, dynamic midfielder Hlompho Kekana and Ugandan goalkeeper Denis Onyango have also been named on the five-man shortlist for their excellent performances en route to Sundowns' African glory.

READ: Kekana nominated for FIFA Puskas award

ALSO READ: Onyango in line for Ugandan honour

In addition to his continental achievements, Zimbabwean forward Billiat was also head and shoulders the best player in the PSL last season, winning the PSL Footballer of the Season as well as KICK OFF Footballer of the Season.

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A statement by CAF reads:

'The top five was decided by votes from the members of the CAF Media Committee, CAF Technical & Development Committee and half of the 20-member Panel of Experts (10 persons).



'For the African Player of the Year, they are;

1. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borrusia Dortmund)

2. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria & Leicester City)

3. Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)

4. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Roma)

5. Islam Slimani (Algeria & Leicester City)



'For the African Player of the Year (Based in Africa), the top five are;

1. Khama Billiat (Mamelodi Sundowns & Zimbabwe)

2. Keegan Dolly (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)

3. Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe & Zambia)

4. Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns & South Africa)

5. Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns & Uganda)



'For the final phase, votes from the Head Coaches/Technical Directors of the 54 National Associations affiliated to CAF plus Associate Members, Reunion Island and Zanzibar, together with the other half of the 20-member Panel of Experts (10 persons) will be counted towards the determination of the eventual winners.



'The 2016 Glo-CAF Awards Gala sponsored by telecommunication giants, Globacom, will be held on Thursday, 5 January 2017 in Abuja, Nigeria.'

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KICK OFF celebrates Sundowns' achievements in a special new edition of the magazine that brings you behind-the-scenes, exclusive coverage from Egypt of how The Brazilians brought home South Africa's second star. Download a digital copy here