Egypt and Ahli star Mohamed Abou-Treika is hoping that the CAF award for the 2012 Player of the Year (based in Africa) remains within the Northern region of the Dark Continent. Abou-Treika, 33, has been nominated in a list if five local-based players for the newly-created CAF award, even though his club played no domestic football for most of the year. The midfield veteran is vying with Esperance and Tunisia ace Youssef Msakni, Cameroonian Yannick N'Djeng and Mazembe's Zambian duo Stoppila Sunzu and Rainford Kalaba. “They are all excellent players and had an amazing season with their clubs and national teams where they produced great performance," Treika said in an interview with Cafonline. “I believe they all deserve the award, and I hope the title remains in North Africa. “If I'm not the one to win I wish Msakni wins it. “Last year Tunisian Oussama Darragi won the award, and the year before it was my teammate Ahmed Hassan who won the award. I hope the North African winning streak continues, be it me or Msakni. “Just being nominated is an honor, and I have to keep on working hard and try my best regardless of winning or not. I already won that title before so I do know how valuable and important it is for any player." Despite missing some games through club suspension, Abou-Treika is Ahli's top scorer in the Champions League this season with six goals.
