Copper Queens striker Xiomara Mapepa and goalkeeper Esther Chitete Munsaka emerged as the notable recipients during the prestigious Elite Ladies end-of-season awards gala.
Mapepa, who secured the title of top goalscorer in the 2022/2023 FAZ Women’s Super Division, claimed three accolades alongside Chitete Munsaka.
Mapepa’s achievements encompassed the titles of best striker and fans’ player of the season, in addition to her recognition as the top goalscorer.
Meanwhile, Chitete Munsaka, who recently earned a call-up to the Copper Queens Squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup provisional squad, was honoured with the players’ player of the year award.
Furthermore, Chitete Munsaka was acknowledged as the best goalkeeper and best young player at the ceremony hosted at The Courtyard Hotel in Lusaka.
Malawian defender Chimwemwe Madise received the most disciplined player and midfielder of the season accolades, while her compatriot Maydina Ngulube was celebrated as the most promising player and the club’s best ambassador.
Ruth Ndala was named the best defender, while winger Comfort Selemani was recognized as the most improved player.
The esteemed event was graced by the presence of Lieutenant Colonel Ronald Kambani Lungu, an executive member of Red Arrows, who served as the guest of honour and provided valuable advice to the players, encouraging them to persevere in their endeavours.
The ceremony was attended by esteemed individuals such as Petita Mwanza, the chairperson of the Elite Ladies board; Dr. Hangoma of Red Arrows Women; BUSA Queens proprietor Kaluba Kangwa; former Copper Queens coach Enala Phiri Simbeye; and Stephen Mwape Chilombo, Chairman of the Luyando Foundation Girls.
Their presence added significance and prestige to the occasion.
Below is the comprehensive list of the awards presented:
- Best Young Player: Esther Chitete Munsaka
- Best Defender: Ruth Ndala
- Best Midfielder: Chimwemwe Madise
- Most Improved Midfielder: Comfort Selemani
- Best Striker: Xiomara Mapepa
- Best Dressed Player: Anita Mwalimu
- Players’ Player of the Year: Esther Chitete Munsaka
- Most Disciplined Player of the Year: Chimwemwe Madise
- Fans’ Player of the Year: Xiomara Mapepa
- Most Improved Defender: Misozi Musonda
- Most Promising Player: Maydina Ngulube
- Best Young Defender: Pauline Chisomo Zulu
- Special Merit Award: Thandiwe Nkhata
- Best Wingback: Margaret Mulenga
- Best Young Wingback: Thelma Munkombwe
- Best Goalkeeper: Esther Chitete Munsaka
- Most Committed Player: Stacey Gloria Mwelwa
- Most Assists Award: Grace Tembo
- Best Ambassador Award: Maydina Ngulube
- Top Goalscorer: Xiomara Mapepa
President’s Meritorious Awards for excellence:
- Ndashe Chikondi
- Faustina Simbeye
- Enala Phiri
- Towera Nkhata
- Doreen Malokota
- Rhoda Sakala
- Grace Mwango
- Field Chinyimba
Additional awards:
- Most Improved Award Goalkeeper: Anita Mwalimu
- Most Disciplined Young Player: Margaret Bauleni
- Best Ambassador: Pauline Chisomo Zulu
- Most Committed Coach: Patricia Masiye
Best Medical Member:
