In a mark of fair play and professionalism, a Zambian media platform Zambia Hot News has backed Malawian Women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga to win the 2024 Balloon d’Or.
The France-based footballer, who signed for French League champions Olympique Lyon this year after a successful loan move from rivals PSG, was not alongside Zambian Barbara Banda as the only Africans for the global coveted trophy.
Reads the post: “Her stats are giving us hope Malawi. If George Weah (of Liberia) did it why not Tabitha?”
The publication went on to highlight what could make her stand to win despite missing the Champions League trophy and the national team’s relative success.
Reads the post: “Twenty-nine goals, 14 assists in 38 matches, French Women’s League Top Goal Scorer, Coupe de France Cup Champion, Coupe de France Top Goal Scorer, Trophees FFF D1 Feminine Best Player, Trophees FFF Team of Season, UNFP Player of the Season, Trophees UNFP Best Forward, Champions League semifinalist, six Champions League Goals in 10 matches. ChawingaForBallonDor.”
Meanwhile, the post received massive reaction with the majority backing the Malawi National Team captain over Zambia’s Banda to win the award.
Unlike Tabitha, Banda played at the Paris 2024 Olympics for Zambia.
“That’s very true. Her situation is similar to that of George Weah of Liberia who conquered the world in 1995 due to individual brilliance,” states Den Ndovi.
Another post by George Chinoko reads: “If there shall be no element of racism factor, she is the ultimate winner.”
However, Mufamuyeke Mihau rates Tabitha’s chances at 50-50 because of her national team’s statistics.
His post reads: “When you are good you are good. People can’t take it away from you. Whoever wins the Women Ballon d’Or really deserves in whether black or white.
“Some players have broken records at international tournaments like the World Cup and Olympics. So, let us just wait and see who picks it.”
Last, year Tabitha came agonisingly close when she made the cut to the last 3 for the 2023 African Footballer of Year which was won for the record sixth time by Nigerian Oshiola who plays for Barcelona in Spain.
