Zambian and Malawian stars recognized among top talents in African women's football.
Barbra Banda, the current holder of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year title, has expressed her honor at being nominated again for the prestigious award. The Zambian forward, who plays for Orlando Pride, is among ten players shortlisted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for this year’s African Player of the Year.
This nomination marks Banda’s second consecutive year on the shortlist, following her triumph last year. In a statement on her Instagram page, she shared her gratitude: “It is an honour and a privilege to be nominated for the CAF Player of the Year Award. To be in the same category with all these amazing talents is truly a humbling feeling.”
Joining Banda in the nominations are fellow Zambian Rachel Kundananji, who plays for Bay FC, and Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga, representing Kansas City Current. Both players have made significant contributions to their teams, particularly during the recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Notable Performances
During the WAFCON, Banda and Kundananji each scored three goals for the Zambian national team, Shepolopolo. Despite an injury that sidelined her for the NWSL season in August, Banda has managed to score eight goals, placing her among the top scorers in the league.
Kundananji has also had an impressive season, contributing four goals and four assists, solidifying her role as a key player for Bay FC. She expressed her excitement about the nomination, stating, “I am thrilled to announce to you my beautiful people that I have been nominated for the CAF Awards Player of the Year (Women). I am grateful for the recognition.”
Other Nominees
The list of nominees includes players from various countries, with Morocco, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zambia each having two representatives. Notably, Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade have made the list, with Okoronkwo standing out at WAFCON with six assists and two goals, while Ajibade was named MVP as Nigeria claimed their tenth title.
Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak, who finished as the top scorer at WAFCON with five goals, and her teammate Sanaa Mssoudy are also nominated. The Chawinga sisters from Malawi, Tabitha and Temwa, have made headlines, with Temwa achieving remarkable success in her NWSL career, including winning the 2024 Golden Boot and scoring 15 goals this season.
Goalkeeper and Coach of the Year Categories
In addition to the Player of the Year nominations, the CAF Awards will also recognize the best goalkeeper and coach. Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie aims for a historic third consecutive win in the Goalkeeper of the Year category, facing competition from South Africa’s Andile Dlamini, Botswana’s Sedilame Boseja, and Algeria’s Chloé N’Gaz.
For the Coach of the Year award, Nigeria’s Justin Madugu, who led the Super Falcons to the 2024 African title, and South Africa’s Desiree Ellis are the frontrunners.
A Celebration of Excellence
The CAF Awards ceremony will honor the players, coaches, and teams that have made significant impacts in African football from January 6th to October 15th, 2025. A panel of experts, including members of the CAF Technical and Development Committee, seasoned coaches, CAF Legends, and selected media representatives, carefully shortlisted the nominees based on their performances across all competitions.
The nominations reflect the growing talent and competitiveness in women’s football across Africa, showcasing the achievements of players who have excelled on both national and club levels.
Key Points
- Barbra Banda nominated for CAF Women's Player of the Year for the second consecutive year.
- Rachel Kundananji and Temwa Chawinga also among the nominees.
- Banda and Kundananji scored three goals each at WAFCON.
- Temwa Chawinga leads the NWSL with 15 goals this season.
- Chiamaka Nnadozie aims for a third consecutive Goalkeeper of the Year title.
Sources: Banda, Chawinga headline CAF women's Player of the Year nominations
