Banda, Kundananji promoted

Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele has promoted Copper Queens Skipper and Orlando Pride player, Barbra Banda, to the rank of Warrant Officer Class Two and Bay Football Club’s Racheal Kundananji from Private to the rank of Corporal.

Speaking at Army headquarters in Lusaka today when he conferred the new ranks on the footballers, Lt Gen Zyeele said the two players’ performances have been mind-searching and inspiring to the young female players at her former club, Green Buffaloes, the nation, and the world.

Lt. Gen. Zyeele said Officers, Men and Women, and the entire nation are super proud of the duo’s performance and stated that they have demonstrated the fighting spirit and endurance, bringing out the heart of the buffalo among the pride of lions.

Banda has had a superb season, marked by a significant milestone as she became the first Zambian to win the prestigious BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year Award.

Banda’s success is underscored by her outstanding performances, such as leading the national team in the Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers and achieving remarkable goal-scoring feats at the club level. Banda made history by becoming the highest goal-scoring African player in Olympic history, netting an impressive total of 10 goals.

She was also a pillar of the national team during their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers that saw her guide the Copper Queens to next year’s WAFCON after a 12-nil scoreline against Angola across a two-legged tie.

After her record-breaking transfer from Shanghai Shengli in China to Orlando Pride in the USA as the second most expensive woman in the world, Banda made a significant impact. She scored 13 goals during the regular season, added four more in the playoffs, provided seven assists, and earned the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP), leading the club to its first league title.

The Copper Queens captain beat Barcelona duo Aitana Bonmati and Caroline Graham Hansen to win the award. Kundananji, recognized as the world’s most expensive woman player valued at $860,000, showcased her talent by scoring five goals for her club.

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