Fresh from bagging the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, Barbra Banda has been tipped to win the Women African Player of the Year by her former coach, Kape Saili.
Things have fallen into place for Banda. Her exploits for the national team and United States of America (USA) side Orlando Pride have earned her global recognition.
With current holder Asisat Oshoala not among the nominees, Banda, who was the highest-ranked (12th) African at the 2024 Ballon d’Or feminine, is expected to take home the crown.
Saili is quoted by SportsBoom.com saying the Copper Queens captain would be a deserving winner.
“There is no doubt; Barbra is the leading contender,” Saili said. “I believe she will make the final three on the nominations list….. And then go on to be named the player of the year.”
Sandrine Niyonkuru (Burundi/FC Masar), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi/Olympique Lyonnais), and Temwa Chawinga (Malawi/Kansas City), who won the NWSL Golden Boot with 21 goals, are all vying for the honour.
Others include Sanaa Mssoudy (Morocco/AS FAR), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria/Paris FC), Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria/Atletico Madrid), Jermaine Seoposenwe (South Africa/Monterrey), Thembi Kgatlana (South Africa/Tigres UANL), and Racheal Kundananji (Zambia/Bay FC).
Banda will rely on her numbers to win the continent’s largest individual trophy in women’s football.
This year, she has scored 24 goals in 31 matches for club and country.
“She always pushes herself to the limit…. I have known that about her since she was a little girl at U17 and U20. So, it doesn’t surprise me when I see her being in the line for big awards,” Saili said.
READ MORE: Barbra Banda Named BBC’s World Best Female Player
