By Mubukwanu Kaingu
Barbra Banda has described her 2024 CAF Women’s Player win as the climax of a long journey.
The USA-based Zambia women’s national team striker and captain became the first Zambia female to win the Africa women’s football highest individual CAF award.
Banda beat off competition from striker Sanâa Mssoudy of Morocco and Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
“This is such an honour and means a lot to me. I can’t begin to explain how much I appreciate this award,” Banda said.
“It’s been a long journey to get to this point but am grateful to God for seeing me through.
“l would like to thank my coaches, teammates, management at club and national team level and the fans who support me through thick and thin.
I would like to also thank my mother and my family for being there for me, my agent and my management team, thank you.
“To those who did not win today, you are all fantastic, talented individuals and I have no doubt it’s just a matter of time.”
Banda’s win saw her also become the second Zambian to win a senior player CAF award since Kalusha Bwalya bagged the 1988 CAF Men African Footballer of the Year honour.
Banda’s triumph comes a fortnight after she won the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award.
Furthermore, a week ago, Banda was named one of FIFAPros Best XI.
The Zambian striker also is fresh from inspiring her USA club Orlando Pride to the 2024 Nation women’s soccer league crown.
She also won the NSWL Most Valuable Player after scoring 13 goals and contributing 6 assists in her just-ended debut season in the US Women’s League.
Banda also made history in 2024 when she became the first female to score three hat tricks at the Olympic Games.
