2024 CAF Awards: ‘Hard work always pays off’ – Banda
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Barbra Banda became the first Zambian footballer since Kalusha Bwalya in 1988 to win a CAF Player of the Year award after she claimed the Women’s prize at the 2024 CAF Awards held in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday.
The 24-year-old was a worthy winner after a stunning year in which she showcased her quality for club and country to a watching world on some of the biggest stages in the women’s game.
“I feel great, it is something I have been working hard for to be here,” Banda said. “Last time round I did not (win), but this time I made it, which makes me feel great and amazing.
“The secret is just training hard and paying attention to what you are doing. My advice to them (aspiring players) is not to look down on themselves but to keep working hard and be determined and disciplined. Hard work always pays off.”
The year 2024 has been synonymous with memorable exploits for Zambia’s Copper Queens and during the Paris Olympic Games, Banda made history by becoming the first player to score a third hat-trick at the Olympics after her two brilliant previous performances in Japan three years earlier.
After four successful years at Shanghai Shengli in China, she made a fresh start by joining Orlando Pride in the United States this year, becoming the second most expensive player in women’s football history.
In her first season in the National Women’s Soccer League, the Zambian captain caused a sensation by scoring the decisive goal in the final of the playoffs, one of 17 she managed in 25 games.
At her age, and with her obvious quality, Banda has the potential to develop into a great of the local game and should be in the discussions for the FIFA awards in the future.
