FAZ Dominates 2025 Sports Awards – Crowned Federation of the Year

12.05.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) stole the spotlight at the 2025 Ministry of Sports Awards gala held on Sunday night, securing the prestigious Federation of the Year title. Football walked away with a total of five awards, further solidifying its dominance in the Zambian sports arena.

Barbra Banda, the reigning CAF Women’s Footballer of the Year, added another feather to her cap by winning the Sports Woman of the Year award. Her stellar performances on the international stage have continued to raise the profile of Zambian football.

Rising star Mercy Chipasula, who plays under Banda’s mentorship, was named Young Female Sportswoman of the Year, highlighting the promising future of women’s football in the country.

Adding to the celebrations, Carol Kanyemba, coach of the Under-17 Women National Team, was honoured as Female Coach of the Year. Kanyemba was recognized for guiding the Copper Princesses to the 2024 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic and leading them to COSAFA glory. Currently in Namibia for the 2025 Under-17 COSAFA tournament, she and her technical bench have now secured back-to-back qualifications—an achievement that etches their names in the history books.

In another well-deserved win, the Zambia Under-17 Women National Team was crowned Team of the Year, a testament to their hard work, determination, and success on the regional and international stage.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba, who attended the ceremony, congratulated the award recipients and took time to acknowledge the contributions of his predecessor.

> “As President of the Football Association of Zambia, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to my predecessor, Mr. Andrew Ndanga Kamanga, and his executive for laying the foundation for these achievements. Their hard work and dedication have paved the way for this success,” Mweemba said.

The 2025 Sports Awards have not only celebrated excellence but also reaffirmed the pivotal role of FAZ in nurturing talent and driving the growth of football in Zambia—particularly among young women.

Award Highlights

Best Female Sportswoman of the Year: Barbra Banda

Best Young Female Sportswoman of the Year: Mercy Chipasula

Female Coach of the Year: Carol Kanyemba

Female Team of the Year: Zambia U17 Women National Team

Federation of the Year: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)