Sister’s backing

France-based Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga has said her sister, Temwa, is an outright front runner to win the 2026 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Footballer-of-the-Year Award based on her achievements.

The France-based OL Lyonnes forward said her sister’s chances have been further boosted by her recent historic milestone of becoming the first African to break into the top 10 of the Women’s Ballon d’Or.

Said Tabitha: “I have no doubts that she will win the CAF award, she deserves it more than any other player.

Tabitha (L) and Temwa celebrate a goal at Wafcon.

| Courtesy of FAM

“Breaking into the top 10 only put the icing on the cake. She won the [2026] Wafcon [Women’s Africa Cup of Nations golden boot [with five goals and two assists], played a big role in the Scorchers’ impressive run at the tournament in Morocco where we finished second.

“She also retained both the Golden Boot and the MVP [Most Valuable Player] awards in the US National Women’e Soccer League.

“This has nothing [to do] with her being my young sister, but what she has achieved. “

Football analyst George Chiusiwa said: “What Temwa superstar has achieved on the global stage is enough to win the best Africa woman footballer, especially considering that the Ballon d’Or did not take into account her excellent exploits at the 2026 Wafcon in Morocco where she led Malawi to win the silver medal, something which many did not expect.

“It should be an obvious picture that the CAF determination of unique individual excellence and brilliance for the Africa Woman Footballer of the Year Award should be based on what the player has achieved at the highest level of the sport on the continent and on the international slate.

“Temwa has done all that by attaining the historic 10th Ballon d’Or finish as well as shining like a beacon at the 2026 Wafcon where she won the golden boot accolade besides helping the Scorchers reach the final while qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.”

Chiusiwa said such is the individual influence and impact on the game that CAF should look at when determining the best player in the women’s game.

“Without doubt, her Ballon d’Or 10th position finish should enhance Temwa’s chances of winning the CAF award if the continental football governing body is to be fair and just to the football sport,” he said.

The Kansas City Current forward could not be reached for comment yesterday.

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