MBALA District Fitness Team Administrator Sharon Malambo has praised Copper Queens Captain Barbra Banda and Zambian Female Referee Diana Chikotesha for being crowned CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year and CAF Best Women Assistant Referee, respectively.

Malambo says the achievements are a clear indication that Zambian football has improved and that the investments by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) are yielding positive results.

 She has observed that Banda and Chikotesha’s achievements are inspirational to others to take up not only football but also other sports disciplines. 

ZANIS reports that Malambo said this in a Press statement today.

She noted that Banda’s determination and hard work will inspire many young girls across the country.

Malambo added that the achievements serve as a form of gratitude to President Hakainde Hichilema, who is also the Patron of the Association.

She has since advised young players in Zambia to emulate the successes that Banda has achieved.

Banda beat other competitors from Morocco’s Star Striker, Sana Mssoudy, to Nigerian Goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, to clinch the award at a glittering ceremony in the Hivernage District of Marrakech on December 16, 2024.