‘I don’t take this honor lightly’ – Barbra Banda speaks after scooping top award
- Dennis Kegengo
- 7 hours ago
- 1 min read
Banda (left). Photo Credit - Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda has revealed her delight at being crowned the best female Sportswoman of the Year at the Ministry of Sports Awards gala on Sunday night.
The reigning CAF Women Footballer of the Year, who currently plays for Orlando Pride, won the Sportswoman of the Year accolade, while her understudy Mercy Chipasula collected the Young Female Sportswoman of the Year gong.
“Yesterday, I was named as the Sportswoman of the Year at the Zambia Annual Sports Awards,” explained Banda. “I am honored for the recognition, and would like to thank the organisers, the judges, my teammates both at club and national team, my coaches both at club and national team, Orlando Pride management, FAZ, the Ministry of Sports, the fans and everyone involved.
“I don't take this honor lightly, I am humbled and very grateful to be recognised in this manner.”
During the awards, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) was named the Federation of the Year, and among their five awards earned, U-17 Women National Team coach Carol Kanyemba was rewarded for taking the Copper Princesses to the 2024 FIFA Women World Cup in the Dominican Republic and lifting the COSAFA crown.
Kanyemba, who is away in Namibia for the 2025 U-17 COSAFA tournament, has since earned back-to-back qualifications with her technical bench, earning a special place in history.
