The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has responded to online abuse directed against Zambia Women’s National Team captain and Orlando Pride star Barbra Banda in the wake of her BBC Women World Footballer of the Year award.
Barbra has faced internet backlash, particularly from British users, with notables including prominent author J.K. Rowling, who argued that the BBC had tacitly disrespected women by awarding the Zambian.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the association is exploring options to defend Barbra’s rights as a human being and a football player, describing the attacks as racially motivated.
“As FAZ, we have been made aware of offensive messages directed at our Copper Queens skipper after she won the BBC Women Footballer of the Year award. We have sought the help of continental and global football authorities to ensure that punishment is meted out to the perpetrators of race-tinged attack on Barbra,” says Kamanga.
“Barbra has not only been abused as a human being but also as a footballer which makes it hard for prospective African footballers to aspire for excellence in the game. Football has no space for racial and rights abuse for anyone involved in the game.”
Barbra is an inspiration
Kamanga added that Barbra’s story serves as an inspiration to many young girls in the third world.
“We cannot congratulate Barbra enough for the many accolades she has won in the women’s game including her recent nomination for the Ballon d’or where she emerged 12th. Barbra is also in the running for the 2024 CAF Women Footballer of the Year, NWSL Most Valuable Player and BBC Women Footballer of the Year.
“The impeccable reputation of world organizations and clubs that have honoured Barbra since she announced her presence on the global stage at the 2014 FIFA Women World Cup, two Olympics (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024) and 2023 FIFA Women World Cup brings into question the motives of those that choose to abuse her each time she scores a global milestone.
“Barbra has participated at all these CAF and FIFA organized tournaments like all female athletes in the global game.”
Barbra, who is unquestionably one of, if not the best female footballer in the world right now, got the BBC award for the first time after helping Orlando Pride win both the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) shield and championship.
She scored 13 goals for Pride in the 2024 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) regular season, and four goals in the playoffs, including the winning goal in the championship final to be namedaa Most Valuable Player (MVP).
READ MORE: Orlando Pride stand in solidarity with Barbra Banda amid online abuse
