Zambian striker Barbra Banda has been crowned the 2024 African Women’s Footballer of the Year, marking a remarkable milestone in her extraordinary sporting career.
The 24-year-old Orlando Pride forward secured the prestigious award at the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Awards in Marrakesh, becoming the first Zambian to win the women’s prize.
A year of unprecedented success
Banda’s victory follows a series of remarkable achievements that have catapulted her to international prominence. Less than a month after being named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, she continued her stellar run by clinching the African football’s top individual honor.
In the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Banda played a pivotal role in guiding Orlando Pride to their first-ever championship. Her exceptional performance earned her the Most Valuable Player (MVP) title, scoring 17 goals and finishing second in the league’s scoring charts.
Olympic heroics
The Zambian striker’s international exploits have been equally impressive. At the Paris Olympics, Banda demonstrated her exceptional skill by scoring four goals for Zambia’s Copper Queens, including a stunning first-half hat-trick against Australia. Her 10 goals across two Olympic Games have established her as the leading African scorer in Olympic history.
Historic significance
Banda’s achievement extends beyond personal accolades. She becomes only the second Zambian to win a continental player of the year award, following Kalusha Bwalya’s men’s award in 1988. This milestone underscores her status as a trailblazer in African football.
A Night of celebration
The CAF Awards ceremony in Marrakesh was a star-studded event, featuring performances by top African artists like Tanzanian superstar Diamond Platnumz and Moroccan singer Dystinct. The evening also saw Cameroon’s President Paul Biya receive an outstanding achievement award, presented by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Banda’s victory represents more than individual success – it symbolizes the growing recognition and potential of women’s football across the African continent.
