After being shortlisted for the final three contenders for the 2023 CAF Women’s African Player of the Year Award, Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda will aim to become the first female Zambian to win the award, but she will face stiff competition from South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and five-time winner Asisat Oshoala.
Reacting to the nomination, Banda expressed delight.
“I can’t begin to express my gratitude to be part of the final three shortlists for the 2023 CAF Awards for the Player of the Year,” she wrote on her social media accounts.
“Being one of three for the accolade from a continent littered with amazing women’s football talent is something I am proud of,” Banda added.
Barbra Banda salutes fans
Banda also thanked her teammates and coaches at both the club and the national team, including her fans.
“Thank you to my teammates at club level and on the national team for helping me perform at my level best every time. To my coaches, thank you for your guidance,” she said.
“To the fans out there, thank you for believing in me…… And my teammates every time we walk on the pitch,” she stated.
Banda scored 14 goals in 15 games in 2023 for the Copper Queens, more than any other female African player. She also netted 14 goals in 10 matches for Shanghai RCB.
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The 2023 CAF Awards will be held on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Palais des Congrès, Movenpick, Marrakech, Morocco.
