It’s a double for Tabitha

France-based Malawi women’s football icon Tabitha Chawinga once again basked in the limelight after being named French Professional Football Players Union (UNFP) Women’s Player of the Season on Monday night in Paris.

The award comes barely a week after being crowned French Arkema First Division Player of the Season.

The Scorchers captain said in an interview yesterday that she felt honoured to share the stage with French superstar and fellow Paris Saint Germain (PSG) men’s striker Kylian Mbappe, who won the award in men’s category.

She said: “To win two Player of the Season awards is a big honour that I will cherish for the rest of the time, but to share the stage with Mbappe was extraordinary.

“In everything, I thank God Almighty. He is the reason for all my achievements. I also thank my team-mates because without them, I can’t shine and I dedicate this award to them and my country for all the support.”

Tabitha said her goal remains to win the Ballon D’Or.

“With hardwork, self-belief and dedication, anything is possible and I will keep working hard. I also hope that these awards will motivate fellow players and the girl child back home,” she said.

The 27-year-old striker, who is on a season-long loan from Chinese Women’s Super League side Wuhan Jiangda, was also named in the Team of the Season.

She is also set to seal the league golden boot this Friday when PSG face Lyon in the league play-off final which will mark the end of the 2023/24 season.

Tabitha leads the scorers’ chart with 18 goals, six above second-placed Ada Hergerberg of Lyon.

Reacting to Tabitha’s feat, National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adellaide Migogo said the awards are testimony that she is among the best women footballers in the world.

“She keeps flying the country’s flag high and we are proud of her achevements. Tabitha is an inspiration to the girl child and other upcoming players and deserves to be honoured in a special way,” she said.  

On his part, Minister of Youth and Sports Uchizi Mkandawire said Tabitha continues to make the country proud because of her achievements.

“She is a great ambassador and a role model for youngsters . The world knows that we can produce world-class players because of her exploits,” he said.

Ironically, Tabitha missed out on the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations women’s player of the year award last week.