At a prestigious gala held at the Palais des Congrès de Marrakech in Morocco, Africa’s football elite gathered to honor the continent’s top players. Zambia’s Barbra Banda was crowned the CAF Women’s Player of the Year, surpassing Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy.
Renowned Zambian soccer commentator Dennis Luwewe (MHSRIP) would have aptly remarked, “It had to come…,” acknowledging Barbra’s relentless dedication leading to this accolade.
Barbra Banda’s Remarkable Achievements include;
- Olympic Milestones: Instrumental in securing Zambia’s qualification for consecutive Olympics, Barbra made history by becoming the first female footballer to score back-to-back hat-tricks in a single Olympic tournament during the 2020 Tokyo Games.
- International Success: Played a pivotal role in Zambia’s qualification for both the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
- BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year: Honored with this prestigious award in November 2024, reflecting her outstanding performances over the past year.
- Global Recognition: Achieved a significant milestone by being ranked among the top 12 in the Ballon d’Or, becoming the first African woman to do so.
- FIFPRO World 11: Selected for the 2024 FIFPRO Women’s World 11, highlighting her status among the world’s elite players.
- African XI Acknowledgment: Included in the 2024 Africa FIFPRO Women’s 11, underscoring her dominance on the continental stage.
- NWSL Playoffs MVP: Earned the Most Valuable Player award in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League playoffs, leading her club, Orlando Pride, to clinch the championship.
- Top Scorer in NWSL: Finished the 2024 season as the top scorer for Orlando Pride, netting 13 goals and providing six assists, playing a crucial role in their league triumph.
Barbra Banda’s exceptional talent and unwavering commitment have solidified her status as a leading figure in women’s football, inspiring countless athletes across Africa and beyond.
From me Uncle Phillip i say welldone Barbra Banda.