Ghana international Joseph Paintsil has been nominated for the 2023 Ebony Shoe following his sterling performance for Genk in Belgium this season.
The Ebony award, which began in 1992, is given annually to the best African-origin player in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
Paintsil has been a key contributor for the Belgian side this season, scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists across competitions.
The Black Stars player will have to see off competition from his Genk teammates Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye and Bilal El Khannous, to scoop the prize.
Other players shortlisted for the prestigious award, include Nigerian duo Victor Boniface (Royal Union SG) and Emmanuel Gift Orban (KAA Gent).
The winner will be announced on the evening of Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Hotel Tangla in Brussels.
Paintsil will be the second Ghanaian footballer to win the coveted award since 1998 when Eric Addo won it while playing for Club Brugge.
Several Premier League teams, including Brighton, Brentford, and Fulham, have reportedly expressed interest in signing the former Tema Youth player.
However, Genk has ruled out the summer transfer of the Ghana international as they intend to build a strong squad for European competitions next season.
Painstil’s current contract with Genk will elapse in the summer of 2026.
