Barbra Banda becomes first Zambian since Bwalya to win CAF Player of the Year

Barbra Banda made history by becoming the first Zambian footballer since Kalusha Bwalya in 1988 to win the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year award.

The 24-year-old received the honour at the 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, marking a remarkable achievement in her career.

Banda’s 2024 has been nothing short of sensational, with standout performances for both club and country. She played a pivotal role in Zambia’s Copper Queens during the Paris Olympic Games, where she made history by scoring her third Olympic hat-trick, following her brilliant performances in Japan three years earlier.

Her success continued in the club scene when she moved to the United States to join Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League. Banda’s first season in the NWSL was exceptional, as she scored 17 goals in 25 matches and netted the decisive goal in the playoff final, securing the championship for her team.

Upon receiving the award, Banda shared her excitement and dedication to her craft. “I feel great, it is something I have been working hard for to be here,” she said. “Last time round I did not (win), but this time I made it, which makes me feel great and amazing.”

Banda also took the opportunity to encourage aspiring players, sharing her secret to success: “The secret is just training hard and paying attention to what you are doing. My advice to them is not to look down on themselves but to keep working hard and be determined and disciplined. Hard work always pays off.”