Football Association of Zambia national women’s representative Col Katoba says they are extremely proud of Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda after the skipper was ranked 14th in the 2025 Women’s Ballon d'Or.
While Malawian women's football star Temwa Chawinga has finished 17th.
Banda was number 12 last year, after her NWSL debut at Orlando Pride, scoring 13 goals, the second most in the league. The 25-year-old was named the NWSL Championship MVP and a finalist for the overall NWSL MVP award, she also made it to the 2024 NWSL Best XI First Team.
The Zambian was also selected to the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 and voted the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2024.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Katoba says Banda is breaking barriers.
“It's always a pride to see BB11 breaking records, and not only is she breaking records but also breaking barriers. In the past this was not the case to see African female players rated in the Ballon D'or , but it's now something we are seeing happening in our time and it’s our own girl,” Katoba said.
“Of course she has dropped to 14 from the 12th, it's obvious due to the Copper Queen's performance at WAFCON and the injury that she got at Orlando. My feeling still remains high as she remains the highest rated in Africa even when she has dropped two places compared to last year. I'm proud of her, and will always be.”
Zambia women’s football has been on the rise with the Copper Queens participating in the WAFCON, FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics.
The U20 and U17 women’s teams also won the COSAFA CUP.
Katoba says Banda’s achievements will inspire young girls who play football in the country.
“This remains a motivation factor for Zambian women's football. All the girls feel motivated and have gained that confidence that everything is possible in life if you remain resilient and dedicated to what you do,” she added.
“This too has encouraged the girls to work hard, making our women's league more competitive, as every player wants to be noticed and have to play professional football and see themselves in Barbra's shoes.
“She is a role model to all the girls in the country and, this has lifted the fighting spirit in all the girls. I spoke to BB as I congratulated her, and she promised to come back stronger and to move beyond the 12th position from last year.
“Once again, allow me to congratulate Barbra, and that, I remain her biggest cheer leader in all her endeavors. The FA and the country at large is proud of her gains. Congratulations BB11."
