US-based Malawian footballer’s 2023 exploits for France’s Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has accorded her to be nominated for the World’s Best Women’s Footballer of the Year Award fondly known is Ballon d’Or.
The Malawi Women captain is among the initial list of 30 footballers who made made the cut alongside Zambia’s Barbara Banda, the only two from Africa.
Tabitha is also the only player alongside Marie-Antoinette Katoto of France nominated from PSG, according to Uefa.com.
However, although she has an outside chance of winning the coveted trophy, the nomination speaks volumes of her outstanding performance in a year she won the Golden Boot and France Player of the Year.
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi has congratulated Tabitha on achieving another milestone in her career.
Reads a statement from FAM: “Chawinga had an incredible season in the French Division 1 Feminine last season as she scored 29 goals in 21 matches assiting her then team, PSG Féminines to finish second in the League. All the best Star.”
Her manager Tiana Msolomba said this is a step towards achieving her dreams.
She said: “Tabitha is ecstatic and sees the nomination as progress in the right direction in her football career. This is her first nomination.
“She is very optimistic that the new season starting September with Olympique Lyon is moving her ever closer to realising her dream of winning champions league and becoming the first African footballer to win the Ballon Dor.”
More tributes have poured in with fans expressing their gratitude.
“Congratulations Tabitha you have put Malawi on the map,” said a fan Kondwani Chimungu.
Another summed it up saying: “We celebrate her nomination. All the best. Bring it home.”
Kelvin Kamude said: “Congratulations to TC. You are a star, being nominated is a big win for you. People recognise your talent. Keep flying the Malawian flag out there.”
Jamia Wasili said she has done Malawi proud.
“Wow!!! This is what needs to be celebrated in this country! Amazing!!!! Soo proud!!!”
Other nominees played for teams in Brazil, Colombia, England, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Norway, Spain, Poland and US.
In the men’s category, the 30 nominees include, Jude Bellingham, Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Federico Valverde, Emiliano Martínez, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane But there is room for Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi for the award to be presented on October 28 in France.
