The Telegraph
Emma Hayes expressed her frustration over the “outrageous” comments directed at Barbra Banda after she was honored as the BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year.
The Zambian striker, currently with Orlando Pride, has faced an onslaught of vitriol and online harassment following her prestigious award.
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Banda, who captains the Zambian national team, was instrumental in helping Orlando secure their first title in the National Women’s Soccer League this year.
However, the BBC’s decision to grant her the Women’s Footballer of the Year title has led to significant criticism across social media platforms.
The backlash pertains to her absence from two Women’s Africa Cup of Nations matches, where allegations arose about her failing a gender eligibility test. This included the tournament hosted in Morocco two years ago, ultimately won by South Africa.
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Nonetheless, her representative Anton Maksimov and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have clarified that no such test took place, asserting that her withdrawals were due to the decision of the Football Association of Zambia.
Conversely, numerous influential organizations and individuals in women’s football have rallied to her support, including Hayes, two-time World Cup champion Megan Rapinoe, and the NWSL Players’ Association.
Hayes remarked: “It’s appalling that she has to face these challenges, and she has our unwavering support. Her achievements have been exceptional, both for her club and her country, resulting in an amazing season.”
“We ought to be celebrating her successes as well as the effect she has had in the NWSL, particularly during the Olympics when she represented Zambia.”
“Truly, it’s disheartening to witness the level of backlash directed at her.”
Banda, who started her international career in 2016, has earned 63 caps for Zambia and participated in three games at last year’s Women’s World Cup after being deemed eligible by FIFA.
This season, she scored 13 goals in 22 NWSL appearances, playing a key part in Orlando’s divisional championship success.
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Hayes concluded: “I hold her in high regard because women’s football often highlights players from more notable footballing nations. Witnessing such talent bloom from Africa is remarkable, and her substantial impact deserves recognition.”
“I know my assistant coach (Lisa Cole) worked with her in Zambia and spoke very highly of her as an extraordinary person. She has our total support.”
