When Barbra Banda showcased her exceptional talent by scoring consecutive hat-tricks in Zambia’s matches against the Netherlands and China at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, she solidified her status as a world-class striker. However, Banda, who recently became the first player to captain her country at a senior World Cup, could have pursued a different career path.
Having achieved remarkable success in over 60 fights as an amateur boxer, Banda decided to turn professional. With four knockout victories and one points decision win in her five professional bouts, Banda was juggling both boxing and football. In the 2018-19 season, she received a professional contract offer from Spanish club EDF Logroño, which ultimately led her to hang up her gloves and focus solely on football.
Reflecting on her journey, Banda explains, “I first discovered boxing when I visited a gym in Mutendere, in Zambia’s capital, with my mom at the age of 11. Despite my initial fear, I asked my mom to speak to the coaches and see if I could join them. Although my mom was initially hesitant because she wanted me to concentrate on school, I persisted. It only took me two weeks to learn the drills before I started boxing. I’m a fast learner.”
While trying to balance both sports and her education, Banda made the difficult decision to end her professional boxing career upon receiving her first professional football contract in Spain. With no other option, she committed herself fully to football and embarked on a valuable education in Spanish football. Banda’s impressive performances led to a lucrative move to Shanghai Shengli in China, where she became one of the most expensive female players of all time.
After her outstanding display at the Tokyo Olympics, Banda was expected to captain the Copper Queens at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. However, she faced disappointment when she did not meet the Confederation of African Football’s gender DSD rules. According to the regulations, Banda was ineligible due to her testosterone levels exceeding the permitted limit. This setback resulted in her omission from Zambia’s squad.
Despite the adversity she faced, Banda prefers to focus on her positive contributions to her country. She is involved in charity work with young girls and boys and hopes to create a lasting impact through her actions. As for the World Cup, Banda sees it as an opportunity to establish her presence on the global stage and make a name for herself.
Zambia’s opening match against Japan ended in a heavy defeat, but Banda remains optimistic about the team’s chances. She acknowledges the need for improved tactical discipline and creativity to advance to the knockout stages. Banda aims to leave her mark and make people recognize her as a force to be reckoned with.
In conclusion, Barbra Banda’s journey from boxing to football showcases her exceptional talent and determination. Despite facing challenges and setbacks along the way, she remains focused on making a positive impact both on and off the field. With her eyes set on establishing her global reputation, Banda’s presence at the World Cup is an opportunity for her to shine and leave a lasting legacy.
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