Tabitha
Malawi Women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga has written another piece of history after being named French Division 1 Arkema Player of the Season following her impressive performance in her debut year with Paris Saint Germain in France.
Tabitha received her accolade at a ceremony held in Paris on Monday night.
From a humble beginning to world star, Tabitha is living her dream.
There is something special about Tabitha’s football career; it keeps on getting better every year.
This is her second consecutive Player of the Season award, having won it in Italy while playing for Inter Milan on loan from Chinese champions Wuhan Jiangda.
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She is the first Malawian female athlete to achieve that feat.
The lethal striker won the award after beating teammate Grace Geroyo and Lindsey Horan of Olympic Lyonnais.
She was involved in 28 goals in the French League.
Tabitha is also set to win the golden boot award, having scored 18 goals in 19 matches, six above Arda Hederberg of Lyon.
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She also provided 10 assists for PSG in 19 matches.
This comes just days after the talented striker was also named Player of the Month for March, having also won a similar award in February.
She was also named in the French first eleven of the season.
Tabitha was at loss of words Tuesday.
“God has made it possible. I did not expect it. I am really motivated,” she said.
Since making her breakthrough to Europe in 2014, when she joined the then Swedish third tier side Krokom/Dvasatts from Lilongwe’s DD Sunshine (now Silver Strikers Ladies), she has won the award in China, Italy and France.
On top of that, she has won the Golden Boot award in her debut season in four countries.
Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire hailed Tabitha for her exploits.
“This is what we want and we are proud of her. Let us encourage others to emulate her,” he said.
Football Association of Malawi (Fam) President Fleetwood Haiya also hailed Tabitha.
“Her splendid performances have put Malawi football on the global panorama and demonstrates the potential we have to become a serious football nation,” he said.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) also hailed Tabitha’s exploits in France alongside those of Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
“Chawinga and Nnadozie’s achievements highlight the growing influence of African players abroad as their performances will pave the way for future generations of footballers from the continent to shine on the global stage,” reports Caf’s website.
PSG forward Ousmane Dembele was also proud of Tabitha’s achievements.
The Malawian has also been nominated for the Cosafa Women’s Footballer of the Year award alongside Barbara Banda and Racheal Kundananji.
