By : Lloyd Mahachi

Zambia and Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda has been voted BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year. This is a great achievement for the 24-year-old player, who has been recognized for her outstanding performances on the field. Banda received the most votes from readers of the BBC Sport website after a five-player shortlist was announced last month.

The shortlist was based on performances from September 2023 to August 2024. It was selected by a large panel of experts involved in football around the world. These experts included coaches, players, administrators, and non-BBC journalists. They carefully considered the achievements of each player before selecting the final five.

Banda was overwhelmed with joy when she received the news. “I am shocked and surprised to have this award right by my side,” she told BBC Sport. She was grateful to everyone who had supported her throughout her career. “I would like to thank the people who voted and everyone who has played a part in my life and my career – my family, my national team in Zambia, and especially the Pride team. It is for everyone.”

Banda’s achievement is not just a recognition of her individual talent, but also a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport. She has been an inspiration to many young footballers, especially in Africa, where women’s football is still developing. Banda’s win is a milestone for women’s football in Africa, and it is expected to motivate more women to take up the sport.

The BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award is one of the most prestigious awards in women’s football. It is presented annually to the best female footballer in the world, based on a vote by readers of the BBC Sport website. Past winners of the award include some of the biggest names in women’s football, such as Marta, Lucy Bronze, and Sam Kerr. Banda’s win is a significant achievement, and it places her among the elite group of women’s footballers in the world.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi