Football association condemns attacks against Zambia’s award-winning female football star, Banda

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has condemned global football fans for violating the rights of Barbra Banda, the Women’s National Team captain and Orlando Pride star, both as a professional footballer and as a human being.

This came in the wake of her winning the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award, which led to gender-based psychological abuse on social media, where some users referred to her as ‘transgender.’

The backlash also followed reports by the Daily Mail UK claiming that she had elevated ‘testosterone levels’.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga, said the association would ensure that Barbra’s rights as a human being and footballer are protected.

“As FAZ, we have been made aware of offensive messages directed at our Copper Queens skipper after she won the BBC Women Footballer of the Year award. We have sought the help of continental and global football authorities to ensure that punishment is meted out to the perpetrators of race-tinged attack on Barbra,” Kamanga stated.

He added that Barbra was not only being abused but also as a footballer which makes it hard for prospective African footballers to aspire for excellence in the game.

“Football has no space for racial and rights abuse for anyone involved in the game,” he mentioned.

Association boss, urged members of the public to instead congratulate and support women in sports.

“We cannot congratulate Barbra enough for the many accolades she has won in the women’s game including her recent nomination for the Ballon d’or where she emerged 12th. Barbra is also in the running for the 2024 CAF Women Footballer of the Year, NWSL Most Valuable Player and BBC Women Footballer of the Year,” he remarked.

National Sports Council of Zambia CEO, Sombwa Musunsa, encouraged the female footballer to remain strong and not be discouraged by those with malicious intentions, as the future may bring more negativity.

“Unjustified attacks on the global star are in clear contrast to the many local and international accolades she has won as female footballer because of her exceptional performance in major events such as the World Cup and Olympic Games,” he mentioned.

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