CAF Awards 2024: Barbra Banda wins Player of the Year Women 2024
Barbra Banda, the captain of Zambia's Copper Queens, has been named Women’s Player of the Year at the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards.
The Orlando Pride striker has had a stellar year, cementing her place as one of the finest players on the continent. Banda’s remarkable performances for both club and country earned her the coveted title, edging out Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie and Morocco’s Sanaa Mssoudy, who were also strong contenders for the award.
Banda overcame strong competition from Morocco’s Sana Mssoudy and Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie to claim the coveted title at a dazzling ceremony held at the Palais des Congres de Marrakech, Morocco.
Breaking Barriers in Southern Africa
The Orlando Pride striker joins an elite group of Southern African players, including South Africans Noko Matlou and Thembi Kgatlana, to win this award. Historically, the honor has been dominated by West Africans, particularly Nigeria’s Asisat Oshoala, who holds a record six wins.
Unmatched Achievements in 2024
The 2024 CAF Awards considered performances from January to October, during which Banda solidified her position as one of the world’s finest players.
- Global Recognition: Banda was named the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year and became the first African to make the FIFPRO Women’s World 11—an accolade determined by the votes of 7,000 professional footballers worldwide.
- Paris 2024 Olympics: Banda made history by becoming the first player in women’s football to score three hat-tricks at the Olympic Games, where she netted four goals for Zambia.
- NWSL Success: In her debut season with Orlando Pride, Banda scored 13 goals and provided 6 assists in the regular season, playing a pivotal role in her team’s playoff success. She secured the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award after scoring the decisive goal in the championship final.
A Star in the CAF/FIFPRO Africa XI 2024
In addition to her Player of the Year accolade, Banda was named in the CAF/FIFPRO Africa XI, solidifying her status as one of the continent’s top talents.
A Trailblazer for Zambia
Barbra Banda’s achievements mark a turning point for Zambian football and women’s football in Southern Africa. Her trailblazing career continues to inspire a new generation of players across the continent.
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