France-based Malawi women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga has said finishing in the top seven in the world is a big step in her football career.
The Malawian was voted as the seven Best Fifa Women’s Player during the 2024 Best Fifa Football Awards ceremony in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday night.
According to leaked results, the Olympique Lyonnais striker amassed 20 votes, as she finished seventh out of 16 women footballers.
In an interview from France yesterday, Tabitha was excited with the achievement.
- Advertisement -
“This is a motivating factor on its own. It shows that I have made a lot of progress in my career. I always thank God for everything,” Tabitha said.
- Advertisement -
Actually, Tabitha and Zambian Barbara Banda were the only female Africans nominated for the top Fifa award.
Banda finished second to Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati.
Banda got 35 votes, 15 more than Tabitha, to finish second.
Only Bonmati, Banda, Caroline Graham Hansen, Lucy Bronze and Salma Paralluelo finished above Tabitha.
- Advertisement -
Tabitha felt honoured with the recognition.
“It means a lot to me as a player but also for Malawi.
“It also raises hopes for a girl child that anything is possible,” she said.
The Malawian, who has also been nominated for the 2024 Dubai Global award, finished 16th during the Ballon d’O award.
She was also nominated for the 2024 Caf Women’s Footballer of the Year award, which Banda won.
National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) Chairperson Adelaide Migogo said the player had made great strides in her football career.
“It is a dream for many players to reach the level of Tabitha and Temwa.
“This shows that the girls have shown great strength on and off the pitch,” Migogo said.
Tabitha was named Player of the Season in France last season. In addition, she won the Golden Boot award with 19 goals.
She has scored six goals in France this season.
