Tabitha Chawinga beats Barbra Banda to win regional award

Tabitha Chawinga (left) and Barbra Banda:

Photo Credit: Barbra Banda.

Malawi senior women’s football team striker Tabitha Chawinga has won the 2025 Sportswoman of the Year Award for Southern Africa.

Tabitha saw off competition from her Zambian counterpart, Barbra Banda, and Botswana’s athlete, Oratine Nawe, to scoop the Regional Annual Sports Awards. The awards gala took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Saturday.

The Copper Queens’ captain has, via her Facebook page, congratulated the Lyon Fc’s forward for her achievement.

“…huge congratulations on winning Sportswoman of the Year at the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA)! Your hard work and dedication are a true inspiration, not just to me, but to many across Africa,” the Orlando Pride star wrote.

“Although I was up against you in the nomination, I couldn’t be prouder to see your talent and perseverance recognized. You deserve every bit of this success. Keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation.”

The Malawian had earned nominations in the Sportswoman of the Year and Sportsperson of the Year Award categories. African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 organises the annual awards to promote sports excellence.

This year, Malawi secured five nominations across key categories, including Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year with Disability, Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year with Disability, Sportswoman of the Year, Sports Personality of the Year, and Sports Journalist of the Year.

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