Exclusive: Ex-Copper Queens coach Backs Barbra Banda for Africa Player of the Year

Former Zambia Women’s National Team assistant coach Kape Saili believes Copper Queens and Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda is the leading contender to be named Africa Player of the Year.

Last week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the list of nominees for the women’s category of the African player of the year award. The ceremony is set for December 16 in Marrakech, Morocco.

A new queen of African football will be crowned as the current holder, Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria failed to make the cut this time around.

Saili, who played for Zambia between 2000 and 2007 and later coached Banda both at junior and senior team level has tipped the forceful striker to take the crown.

“There is no doubt, Barbra is the leading contenders, I believe she will make the final three on the nominations list and then go on to be named the player of the year,” Saili told SportsBoom.com.

Those that are vying for the award include Sandrine Niyonkuru (Burundi/FC Masar), Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi/Olympique Lyonnais), Temwa Chawinga (Malawi/Kansas City), 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).

NUMBERS DON’T LIE

Banda has had a 2024 to remember. She has scored 17 goals in 25 matches for Orlando Pride. On Sunday she scored the lone goal that helped Pride to clinch the Championship against Washington Spirit.

For Zambia, she has scored eight goals in six matches in all competitions including a hat-trick in the game against Australia at the 2024 Olympic Games.

“I know she faces tough competition in the race to be named the player of the year, but when you look at her numbers, they have been impressive, for me she is the one leading the race,” Saili said.

HARD WORK PAYING OFF

Saili described Banda as a hard worker saying it is not surprising that she has taken little time to settle at Orlando Pride. On Tuesday, she was named the BBC Player of the Year, seeing off competition from Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati.

“She always pushes herself to the limit, I have known that about her since she was a little girl at U17, U20. So, it doesn’t surprise me when I see her being in the line for big awards,” she concluded.