Zambia captain Barbra Banda has expressed confidence that Africa possesses the talent to become a global force in women’s football, insisting the continent’s future depends on creating more opportunities for players to compete and develop at the highest level.
The reigning CAF African Women’s Player of the Year said the quality of female footballers across Africa has never been in doubt, pointing to the growing number of players starring in Europe’s top leagues as evidence of the continent’s immense potential.
Banda, who has enjoyed a stellar career with Orlando Pride in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after previously excelling in China, believes African football is entering an exciting new era.
“Africa has the talent to compete with anyone. What our players need is more exposure and more opportunities to showcase what they can do,” Banda said.
The Zambia skipper stressed that the continent’s progress is not dependent on a handful of star names, highlighting the increasing depth of talent emerging from countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Zambia.
She also called for greater investment in the promotion and marketing of women’s football, arguing that increased visibility would open more doors for African players to secure opportunities abroad and accelerate the game’s development.
“It’s not just about one or two players. There is quality across Africa, and with better promotion of the women’s game, more players will have the chance to play at the highest level and inspire the next generation,” she added.
Banda has been one of the driving forces behind Zambia’s rise in women’s football, helping the Copper Queens qualify for major international tournaments while establishing herself as one of the world’s most prolific forwards.
With the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set to bring together many of the continent’s biggest stars, Banda believes the tournament will provide another opportunity to demonstrate the continued growth and global potential of African women’s football.
