Malawians and South Africans Team Up Against Zambia’s Barbara Banda in Football Voting Dispute

By Burnett Munthali

A wave of controversy has emerged in the African football community, as South African fans have reportedly joined forces with Malawians to vote against Zambia’s football star Barbara Banda, favoring Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga instead. While football voting is usually a friendly competition, this particular situation has taken a different tone, with accusations of malice and deep-rooted tensions surfacing between the two countries.

Reports indicate that South Africans have actively been supporting Chawinga, not necessarily out of admiration for her talent, but more to prevent Banda from winning. This has led to discussions online about the motivations behind the voting patterns, raising questions about whether this is driven by football rivalry or something more personal.

Many South African football pages have displayed an anti-Zambia sentiment, with numerous posts discouraging support for Zambian players. Critics argue that this hostility is unwarranted, especially in a context where both Banda and Chawinga are African football icons who should be celebrated for their achievements on the pitch.

The tension has prompted concerns about the treatment of Zambian players in the South African football league. Since 2012, many Zambian players have reportedly struggled to find success in South Africa, with some linking this to the underlying tensions between the nations’ football supporters. For Zambian fans, this recent voting feud is a reminder of the broader challenges their players face.

The rivalry raises larger questions about unity in African football and how competitive passions can sometimes cross the line into unhealthy territory. While South Africans and Malawians are entitled to support the players of their choice, the tone of the current situation has left many Zambians disheartened, fearing that the animosity may extend beyond voting and affect future opportunities for Zambian players in South Africa.

As the controversy unfolds, both Banda and Chawinga remain at the forefront of African football, and it remains to be seen whether this rivalry will overshadow their outstanding contributions to the sport. In the meantime, football fans across the continent are left wondering why this level of hostility exists and what can be done to foster a more positive environment for African footballers.