Tabitha named Africa’s best player in Europe

Italy-based Malawian women’s football  star Tabitha Chawinga has been named the best African player in Europe for the month of September by international cable sports channel  ESPN.

The award comes barely a week after the Inter Milan striker won the Italian Serie A Women’s Player of the Month for September.

Among others, the Scorchers captain has eclipsed injury-hit Spain-based Africa Women’s Footballer of the Year Asat Oshoala of Nigeria.

In its statement, ESPN, which rates women’s footballers and players across the world, said the 26-year shone brightly in her first month at Internazionale despite having little time to intergrate with her new team-mates.

Reads the statement in part: “She was consistent and her performance was faultless in all aspects.

“Chawinga has carried her sensational form from the Chinese Women’s Super League into Serie A with her new club, Inter Milan.

“Inter sit top of the table  and having been out of the running for the title last season, Chawinga may just prove to be the difference between where they were and where they want to be this season.”

In an interview yesterday, Tabitha, who is on a season-long loan from Chinese champions Wuhan Jiangda, said she was humbled with the recognition.

She said: “There are many world-class African players plying their trade here in Europe and to be named the best even for a month  is humbling.

“It’s amazing how I have settled down quickly at Inter and its all down to the support I get from my team-mates, coaches and management. They have been a great source of inspiration.”

Tabitha said consistency and  hard work will be key to maintaining her good form.

National Women’s Football Association chairperson Suzgo Ngwira said it is not surprising that Tabitha continues to be recognised because of her  “top drawer performance”.

She said: “Tabitha has always been among the best, but I believe she needed such a breakthrough for her talents to be appreciated.

“I believe that playing in a top European league will also enhance her chances of being considered for the CAF Africa Footballer of the Year Award.”

Ironically, coming second to Tabitha is her Cameroonian team-mate Nchout Njoya

Reads the ESPN statement: “Njoya continues to drive Inter Milan forward alongside Chawinga. She scored a brace in the 6-1 win over Pomigliano to get off the mark for the new league season, having netted eight times in 18 Serie A appearances last term.

“In between the two campaigns, she scored against Tunisia and Botswana at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations  and her consistency ensures she remains near the top of our list.”

Nigerian Uchenna Kanu, who plays for  Tigres UANL in Mexico, comes third.

Tabitha started her career at Lilongwe-based DD Sunshine, a team she currently co-sponors, before securing a deal at  Swedish side Krokom IF in 2014. She moved to Kvamsvedens IK in 2015 where she spent two seasons.

In 2018, she clinched a deal with Chinese Superleague side Jiangsu Suning where she played for two seasons before joining her sister Temwa at Wuhan.

Tabitha twice won the Golden Boot in Sweden and was named Chinese Woman Player of the Year twice. She also won the Golden Boot Award twice and was the leading scorer in the Superleague when she joined Inter on loan.

Her team tops the standings with 13 points from five matches.