Historic as Banda becomes first Zambian to win CAF women’s player of the year (See other winners)

Zambia Women’s National Team captain, Barbra Banda, has made history as the first Zambian to win the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

Banda secured the prestigious honor at a ceremony held at the Palais des Congres de Marrakech in Morocco, edging out Morocco’s Sana Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Earlier on Monday, President Hakainde Hichilema expressed confidence that Banda would win the award, describing her as an extraordinary young woman whose humble beginnings, hard work, and determination had propelled her to global success.

During a virtual call with Banda ahead of the ceremony, President Hichilema said, “She stands as a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and unwavering focus on one’s goals and dreams, undeterred by distractions or idle chatter.”

Following her triumph, the President congratulated Banda, reaffirming Zambia’s pride in her historic achievement.

Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride in the United States, was also named to the CAF/FIFPRO Africa XI 2024, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s top players.

She joined South Africans Noko Matlou and Thembi Kgatlana as the only Southern Africans to claim the honor, which has largely been dominated by West African players, including Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, a six-time winner.

Adding to Zambia’s success at the same event, FIFA referee Diana Chikotesha was honored with the CAF Women’s Assistant Referee of the Year Award, underscoring Zambia’s growing influence in African football.

This achievement crowns a stellar year for Banda.

She was recently named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year 2024 and became the first African player to feature in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11, selected by over 7,000 professional footballers worldwide.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Banda made history by scoring three hat-tricks, becoming the first player in women’s football to achieve this feat in the competition. She also led the Copper Queens with four goals during the tournament.

In her debut National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season with Orlando Pride, Banda scored 13 goals and provided six assists in the regular season.

Her game-winning goal in the playoffs final earned her the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

The 2024 CAF Awards recognized performances from January to October, a period in which Banda’s achievements solidified her as a trailblazer for African women in football.

Meanwhile, Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles and Atalanta forward, has won the coveted African Player of the Year award.

Lookman, who was the only African player shortlisted for the Ballon d’Or this year, triumphed over Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi to claim the African Player of the Year award.

The 27-year-old forward was instrumental for his national team during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scoring three goals and providing three assists.

In other awards, Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was named Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year following her exceptional performances for Nigeria and Paris FC.

Other winners included:

1. Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year: Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)

2. Women’s Young Player of the Year: Doha El Madani (Morocco, ASFAR)

3. Women’s Interclub Player of the Year: Sana’a Mssoudy (Morocco, ASFAR)

4. Women’s Club of the Year: TP Mazembe

5. Men’s Club of the Year: Al Ahly FC

6. Men’s National Team of the Year: Côte d’Ivoire (AFCON 2024 winners)

7. Women’s Coach of the Year: Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe)

8. Men’s Coach of the Year: Emerse Faé (Côte d’Ivoire, AFCON-winning coach)

9. Men’s Young Player of the Year: Laminé Camara (Senegal, AS Monaco)

These awards celebrate the incredible talent and achievements across African football, with players, coaches, and clubs continuing to raise the standard of the sport on the continent.

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