Zambia’s Barbra Banda made history at the 2024 CAF Awards, securing the prestigious Women’s Player of the Year title after an extraordinary season in the U.S. National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Banda’s leadership played a key role in Orlando Pride’s triumph in the league, and her achievements went beyond club football.
Barbra Banda is recognised as the Best Women’s Player in Africa for 2024 🔥🙌
📺 Stream #CAFAwards2024 on DStv: https://t.co/B0jLrQW5cc #HereForHer pic.twitter.com/6znpA1MfFN
— SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) December 16, 2024
At the Paris Olympics, she became the first player to score three hat-tricks in the competition’s history, further cementing her place among the sport’s elite.
Barbra Banda makes history as the first Zambian to win CAF’s Women’s Footballer of the Year.
Banda scored 17 goals and was named the NWSL’s MVP as Orlando Pride won their first title.🇿🇲 pic.twitter.com/AaSXDYVPBW
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) December 16, 2024
The night also belonged to South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, who took home two major awards: CAF Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year.
His crucial role in Mamelodi Sundowns’ victory in the South African Premiership, as well as his standout penalty saves during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), helped South Africa secure a bronze medal and solidified his reputation as one of the continent’s top keepers.
Emerse Faé of Côte d’Ivoire was named Men’s Coach of the Year after guiding the Ivorian national team to glory at AFCON.
His leadership was key in their successful campaign, earning the Elephants their coveted continental title.
Lamia Boumehdi of TP Mazembe was honored as Women’s Coach of the Year, having masterminded the club’s CAF Women’s Champions League victory.
In addition to individual honors, national teams and clubs were recognized for their exceptional performances.
Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria were named Team of the Year, while Al Ahly and TP Mazembe claimed the titles of Men’s and Women’s Clubs of the Year, respectively, after another successful year in African football.
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The 2024 CAF Awards ceremony was a celebration of the continent’s footballing excellence, highlighting the incredible talent and achievements that have put African football on the global map.
