Tabitha delighted to make Africa’s Best XI
France-based women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga says making the 2023 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Best XI is an honour she will live to cherish.
In an interview yesterday, the Scorchers captain said her inclusion in the Best XI made up for the disappointment of making the second and final shortlists for the Africa Women’s Footballer of the Year Award.
The CAF awards were presented on Monday during a ceremony held in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Said the Paris Saint Germain forward: “I would not be honest to say that I wasn’t disappointed for failing to make the second shortlist for the Footballer of the Year Award, but making the Best XI is a big honor on its own.
“I am so excited, it is something I will live to cherish. Over and above that, I thank Almighty God for His blessings because as I always say, without Him, I am nothing.”
Football Association of Malawi president Walter Nyamilandu and National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adellaide Migogo in separate interviews said Tabitha deserved the recognition.
Said Nyamilandu: “This is a well-deserved award given the exceptional performance that Tabitha is displaying at the moment in Europe.
“She might have missed the 2023 Player of the Year Award, but at least she made it in Africa’s Best XI. This demonstrates that we have a gem in Malawi that is shining like a star. She is, in fact, a superstar.
“We are proud that Tabitha has put Malawi on the map by catching the attention of Africa and the world beyond.”
Migogo, on the other hand, said: “Tabitha deserves a place among the elite on the continent because she is a shining star and no one can take that away from her. We are proud of our girl.”
