By:Edwin Mbewe
LUSAKA-(Maravipost)-The Zambian-Women football team captain, Barbara Banda has saluted her Malawian counterpart Tabitha Chawinga for winning the Sportswoman of the year accolade at the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA).
The awards, which are organized by the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Regional 5 were held on Saturday evening in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Both Tabitha and Barbara were among the three nominees for the accolade and the US-based Zambian international congratulated the France based Scorchers’ captain, Chawinga through her Facebook page.
“Huge congratulations on winning Sportswoman of the Year at the Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA)! Your hard work and dedication are a true inspiration, not just to me but to many across Africa”.
Although it was up against you in the nomination, I would be prouder to see your talent and perseverance recognized. You deserve every bit of the success. Keep pushing boundaries and inspiring the next generation”, Banda posted.
In her reply Tabitha posted “Thank You sincerely for your kind words Barbra Banda. Our shared passion and camaraderie is truly elevating football in our SADC region. I am confident that we will continue to stand together to uplift our region and earn the respect we rightfully deserve through our unwavering commitment to excellence in football.
Beyond competition, I deeply value the unity and mutual respect we share. Our time is now- SADC Women’s football “Kuchalo”, Chawinga replied.
Tabitha was nominated for two awards, the other being Sportsperson of the Year.
Meanwhile, the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Mutoya said the Chawinga’s accolade didn’t come on a silver platter but from her hard work.
He stated “We congratulate Tabitha as she made history for Malawi for being the first
Barlon D’O nominee, ranking 16th globally after dominating with PSG in France winning the French women league golden boot with 19 goals. Copa de ley France top goal scorer and these are accolades which really deserve recognition”,
We congratulate Tabitha the first ever RASA winner in Malawi and let me extend my gratitude to FAM. It means a lot of things are happening in Malawi but most importantly the sports movement through the government and all the structures and we continue to say well done to Malawi and we wish to see more athelets nominees in the Angola 2026 RASA and lifting the awards on the podium “, Mutoya said.
Other Malawian nominees were the Malawi under -19 Women’s National Cricket Team that was nominated for the team of the Year Award, Moses Misoya and Taonere Banda who were shortlisted for the Sportswoman and Sportsman with a Disability respectively.