NATIONAL SPORTS COUNCIL OF ZAMBIA RUBBISHES ATTACKS ON BARBRA BANDA

…. As Orlando Pride rallies behind the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year after a stellar season

By Scoop Reporter

WE strongly condemn the undue attacks on Barbra Banda and we call on those that aim to hinder her progress to end their unwarranted attacks forthwith, the National Sports Council of Zambia (NSCZ) has demanded.

Commenting on the backlash targeted against Banda after she won the 2024 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year where the controversial gender question became topical in the Western media, NSCZ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sombwa Musunsa charged that the unsubstantiated claims being peddled by certain individuals could be considered abusive and border around hate speech towards the global icon.

Musunsa said it was saddening that some of these attacks were being championed by fellow women who should be in the forefront standing with Barbra and commending her for her recent success.

“It is further disturbing that the attackers include women who are global influencers. The unjustified attacks on the global star are in clear contrast to the many local and international accolades she has won as a female footballer because of her exceptional performance in major events such as the World Cup and Olympic Games.

“Her participation in such major events is a testament and confirmation of global governing bodies’ unconditional approval of her inclusion in major competitions. The harmful conversations and accusations on Barbra Banda are not new and we anticipate more to come in future,” Musunsa said.

He urged Banda to stand strong and not to be deterred by individuals with ill motives but to continue on the path of success as she continued to inspire other women and girls across the world.

“We stand with Barbra. While working in solidarity with FAZ, we will do all we can within our power to ensure her rights are preserved. We will, as we have done in the past, stand with her now and in the future,” he said.

Meanwhile, her club, Orlando Pride, said it was incredibly proud that Banda had been voted as the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year, one of many outstanding achievements she accomplished during this historic 2024 season.

In a statement, the club indicated that this accolade, one chosen exclusively by soccer fans from around the globe, is a testament to the impact she has had on the women’s game, both on the field and off.

“We are honoured to have Barbra represent our Club, our fans and our community, and it fills us with great pride to see her impact recognized beyond the United States and the National Women’s Soccer League. Awards such as this, being named the NWSL Championship MVP and her recent Ballon d’Or nomination, are honours that have long been overdue though we know they will not be the last.

“Barbra is an incredible role model and advocate for soccer in Africa, and we have seen first-hand the influence that her achievements and philanthropy have had on young girls in Zambia, as well as the instant impact she has made on Orlando’s soccer community. We look forward to continuing to celebrate and support Barbra in all that she achieves,” read the statement in part.