Africa has incredibly gifted athletes who require investment to realize their full potential, according to Zambia striker Barbra Banda.
The Copper Queens striker became the first African player to make the FIFPRO Women’s World XI squad as she made it on the final list for 2024.
The Orlando Pride striker also won the 2024 BBC Women’s World Footballer accolade and is in the race for the CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award.
Banda also claimed the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Most Valuable Player award after guiding Orlando Pride to their first league title with a decisive goal in the final.
Speaking to CAF Media, Banda stated that the time has come for African players to stand up and compete among global stars.
“It’s our time as a continent”-Barbra.
Banda has called for more investment in women’s football across the continent.
“It’s exciting to see the Chawinga sisters, who are my good friends, doing amazing things. And of course, Racheal, who is my sister, breaking records. It’s our time as a continent; we just need to invest more in women’s football because the talent out there is amazing,” Banda said.
After being selected as the first African woman to play in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11, which was chosen by football players worldwide, Banda said she is honored to have such amazing support from her teammates.
“It’s an extremely humbling feeling to get this honor, especially as it is my fellow players who voted. That makes it even a little more special. It’s just a great feeling to get such huge recognition. God ha,” she said.
After an impressive season in the NSWL, where she scored 17 goals in 25 games for Orlando Pride, Banda has set her sights on winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be hosted by Morocco next year.
“My ambitions are simple: to keep helping my club win more championships and, for my country, to try and win things with them. We won the COSAFA Women’s Championship [in 2022 and 2024], but a WAFCON title next year would be great. It won’t be easy because the competition is stiff, but we have to keep trying, and maybe one day, who knows, we can win a World Cup or the Olympics. We have to keep dreaming big,” Banda said.
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