Zambia captain Barbra Banda has challenged football stakeholders across Africa to invest more aggressively in the women’s game, insisting the continent possesses enough talent to compete with the world’s elite if players are given the right opportunities.
Widely regarded as one of Africa’s biggest football stars, Banda believes the rapid rise of women’s football across the continent is only the beginning, warning that Africa risks holding itself back if investment, promotion and player development fail to keep pace with the available talent.
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Speaking ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, the Copper Queens skipper said African players have repeatedly shown they can excel on the biggest stages when given the platform.
«”Africa has the talent to compete with the best teams in the world. What we need now is greater exposure, more investment and better opportunities for our players,” Banda said.»
The Orlando Pride forward pointed to the growing number of African stars thriving in top leagues around the world as evidence that the continent is producing world-class footballers capable of challenging for the biggest honours.
She highlighted fellow Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji, South African captain Thembi Kgatlana and several other African internationals as examples of players proving their quality at club level.
«”When you look at players like Racheal Kundananji, Thembi Kgatlana and many others across Africa, you can see the quality we have. The talent has always been here,” she added.»
Banda, who has become one of the faces of African women’s football following her outstanding performances for both club and country, believes the next step is improving the visibility of the women’s game through stronger marketing and commercial partnerships.
According to her, greater promotion will not only attract sponsors but also create more opportunities for young African girls to pursue professional football careers.
The Zambia captain heads into WAFCON as one of the tournament’s biggest stars after playing a pivotal role in her country’s emergence as one of Africa’s fastest-rising football nations. Alongside Kundananji, Banda has helped transform the Copper Queens into genuine contenders capable of challenging traditional powerhouses like Nigeria, South Africa and hosts Morocco.
As African women’s football continues to gain global recognition, Banda believes the responsibility now lies with football administrators to build on that momentum.
For the reigning African Footballer of the Year, the message is clear: the talent is no longer in doubt—what Africa needs now is sustained investment and global exposure to unlock its full potential and compete consistently with the world’s best.
