Africa-Press – Malawi. France-based striker Tabitha Chawinga says she is excited for winning the Sports Woman of the Year award during the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5, Regional Annual Sports Awards (Rasa) held in Harare, Zimbabwe, on Saturday night.
The Malawian was recognised for her prowess in women’s football, her skills and dedication, which have enabled her to inspire female footballers across the region.
But she was the only Malawian who won an accolade during the night.
Tabitha said she was grateful for the feat and pledged to continue working hard.
“God has made it possible for me. It is a motivation to the girl child. I will keep on working hard to achieve more in my career,” Tabitha said.
The Olympique Lyonnais forward won the award after beating the reigning Confederations of African Football (Caf) Women’s Footballer of the Year, namely Zambian Barbara Banda, and Botswana’s athlete Oratile Nowe.
It was a perfect gift for the Scorchers captain, who celebrated her 29th birthday last week.
The forward was also nominated for the Sports Personality of the Year award.
Tabitha earned Rasa awards nominations after she won two awards during the Malawi Sport Awards on February 28 this year.
She has added to a long list of accolades in her football career.
In 2024, Tabitha was named Women’s Footballer of the Year in France and also won the golden boot award with 19 goals and 11 assists.
Ministry of Youth and Sports spokesperson Macmillan Mwale hailed Tabitha for winning the accolade.
“It is good news and a source of motivation to Malawi, and women in particular, that we are making strides. Lately, we have all witnessed the growth of women’s football in this country and it is good that the region has also recognised that.
“As we go to the next edition of AUSC Region 5 games in Namibia in July, this award powers Team Malawi to put more effort,” Mwale said.
Malawi got five nominations for this year’s Rasa awards.
Taonere Banda and Moses Misoya were nominated for the Sportswoman of the Year with Disability and Sportsman of the Year award, respectively.
The Malawi Under-19 Cricket National Team was nominated for the national team of the year award.
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