Barbra Banda Wins BBC Footballer of the Year, President Hichilema Applauds Her Achievement
LUSAKA, Zambia – Barbra Banda, Zambia’s celebrated football star, has added another accolade to her illustrious career by winning the prestigious BBC Footballer of the Year award. The announcement has sparked a wave of pride across Zambia, with President Hakainde Hichilema leading the tributes.
In a tweet on November 26, 2024, President Hichilema congratulated Banda on her achievement, expressing the nation’s pride in her success. Referring to her by her popular moniker, “Abena BB11,” the President highlighted her global recognition as a testament to Zambia’s prominence on the world stage.
“Congratulations @BarbraBanda11, the nation is so proud of you. Indeed, it’s #ZambiaKuChalo 🇿🇲,” President Hichilema tweeted, referring to the Zambian slogan for global excellence.
Abena BB11 uku, @BBC Footballer Of The Year, mingalato. Congratulations @BarbraBanda11 the nation is so proud of you.
Indeed it’s #ZambiaKuChalo 🇿🇲 pic.twitter.com/YmqEgXHZPB— Hakainde Hichilema (@HHichilema) November 26, 2024
Banda’s win comes after an exceptional year, where she has showcased her skills both domestically and internationally, further solidifying her status as one of Africa’s brightest football talents. As captain of the Copper Queens, Banda has been a driving force in putting Zambian women’s football in the global spotlight.
The BBC Footballer of the Year award, determined by public vote, is one of the most respected honors in international football. Banda’s win underscores her impact on the sport and her inspirational role for young athletes across Africa and beyond.
Fans and sports enthusiasts across Zambia have joined in celebrating the milestone, hailing Banda as a trailblazer for women in sports. This recognition is expected to fuel further interest and investment in football development in Zambia, particularly for women’s teams.
About Barbra Banda
Barbra Banda has consistently excelled in her football career, known for her speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability. She has played a pivotal role in elevating the Copper Queens on the global stage, with standout performances in tournaments such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
As the country celebrates Banda’s achievement, the message is clear: Zambia’s athletes are ready to shine on the global stage.
Zhane Squire is Vision Newspaper’s dedicated Reggae Entertainment Correspondent, bringing readers the latest stories from Jamaica and across the global Afro-Caribbean diaspora. With a passion for music, culture, and storytelling, Squire highlights the voices, movements, and trends shaping reggae, dancehall, and Afro-Caribbean entertainment worldwide. His reporting connects Caribbean culture to the global stage, ensuring that artists, festivals, and community stories are told with depth, accuracy, and authenticity. For feedback you can reach him at zhane.squire@visionnewspaper.ca