“I felt good and smiled at the news of my nomination,” Kaizer Chiefs striker Bernard Parker reacts upon receiving the news about his nomination in the category of the African Player of the Year (based in Africa) in the CAF Awards.

The marksman, reigning ABSA Premiership Goal Scorer of the 2013/14 Season, was nominated alongside his countrymen, the late Senzo Meyiwa (Orlando Pirates) and Bongani Ndulula (AmaZulu). Parker adds: “When I saw the news I said to myself that I must be on the right track. This is a sign of improvement.”

The African Player of the Year (based in Africa) award is currently held by Mohamed Aboutrika of Egypt’s Al-Ahly. Parker expresses joy at the nomination: “I don’t know how to describe my feelings. It’s very positive. I am feeling better and better as a player.”

Parker walked away with the top goal scorer award at the 2014 African Nations Championship. He is South Africa’s joint-third all time goal scorer with his tally of 23. Benny McCarthy is an all-time record goal scorer with 32 goals to his name.

Other nominees in Parker’s category are: Amr Gamal (Egypt, Al Ahly), Abdelrahman Fetori (Libya, Ahly Benghazi), Akram Djahnit (Algeria, ES Setif), Ejike Uzoenyi (Nigeria, Enugu Rangers), El Hedi Belamieri (Algeria, ES Setif), Fakhereddine Ben Youssef (Tunisia, CS Sfaxien), Ferdjani Sassi (Tunisia, CS Sfaxien), Firmin Mubel Ndombe (DR Congo, AS Vita), Geoffrey Massa (Uganda, Pretoria University), Jean Kasusula (DR Congo, TP Mazembe), Kader Bidimbou (Congo, AC Leopards), Lema Mabidi (DR Congo, As Vita), Mudathir Al Taieb (Sudan, Al Hilal), Roger Assalé (Cote d’Ivoire, Sewe Sport), Solomon Asante (Ghana, TP Mazembe), Souleymane Moussa (Cameroon, Coton Sport), Yunus Sentamu (Uganda, AS Vita)

The winner of the award will be revealed on 8 January 2015 at the official awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria.

Parker’s club is no stranger to CAF awards. Kaizer Chiefs were awarded the African Inter-Club Team of the Year in 2001.