CAF AWARDS: BARBRA BANDA WINS WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the winner of the Women’s Player of the Year award at the CAF Awards ceremony. Barbra Banda, the talented Zambian forward, has emerged as the winner of this prestigious award.
Banda had an incredible year, making history at the 2024 Paris Olympics as the first women’s soccer player to score three hat-tricks in the tournament. She also led Orlando Pride to their first NWSL championship, scoring 13 goals, including one in the final.
Competition for the Award
The competition for the Women’s Player of the Year award was fierce, with several top African players vying for the top spot. The nominees for the award included:
- Barbra Banda of Zambia
- Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria
- Thembi Kgatlana of South Africa
- Fatoumata Diarra of Mali
Reaction from Barbra Banda
Banda expressed her gratitude and excitement after receiving the award. “I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude,” she said. “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of my teammates, coaches, and family. I am honored to be recognized as the best women’s player in Africa, and I will continue to work hard to maintain my position at the top.”
CAF Awards Ceremony
The CAF Awards ceremony was held in Marrakech, Morocco, and was attended by top football officials, players, and coaches from across the continent. The ceremony recognized and celebrated the achievements of African footballers, coaches, and teams over the past year.
Other Winners at the CAF Awards
Other winners at the CAF Awards included:
Women’s Player of the Year
- 𝐁𝐚𝐫𝐛𝐫𝐚 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚
Goal of the Year
- Cristovao 𝗠𝗮𝗯𝘂𝗹𝘂𝗹𝘂
The CAF FIFPRO Men’s Best XI includes:
1. Andre Onana (Cameroon) – Goalkeeper
2. Achraf Hakimi (Morocco) – Defender
3. Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo) – Defender
4. Sofyan Amrabat (Morocco) – Midfielder
5. Franck Kessie (Ivory Coast) – Midfielder
6. Mohamed Kudus (Ghana) – Midfielder
7. Yves Bissouma (Mali) – Midfielder
8. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Forward
9. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – Forward
10. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – Forward
11. Moussa Houmabal (Mali) – Forward
The Men’s Coach of the Year
- 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐅𝐚𝐞.
Women’s Coach of the Year!
- 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐚 𝐁𝐨𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐡𝐝𝐢
Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐬
Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year
- 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐍𝐧𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐳𝐢𝐞
The Women’s Interclub Player of the year
- 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐚 𝐌𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐝𝐲
Men’s Interclub Player of the year is
- 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐰𝐞𝐧 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐬!
Men’s Young Player of the Year
- 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐚 (Senegal)
Women’s Young Player of the Year
- 𝐃𝐨𝐡𝐚 𝐄𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐢 (Morocco)
The Men’s National Team of the Year award goes to the harmonious
- 𝐂ô𝐭𝐞 𝐝’𝐈𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐫𝐞
The Women’s National Team of the Year
- 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚
The Men’s Club of the Year is
- 𝐀𝐥 𝐀𝐡𝐥𝐲 𝐅𝐂
TheWomen’s Club of the Year
- 𝐓𝐏 𝐌𝐚𝐳𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞
Conclusion
Barbra Banda’s win as the Women’s Player of the Year is a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. The CAF Awards ceremony was a celebration of African football excellence, and Banda’s win will surely inspire and motivate other African players to strive for greatness.
