Mercy Chipasula, captain of the Zambia U17 Women’s National Team, has been honoured as the Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year at the 2025 Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), held on Saturday night in Harare, Zimbabwe. Chipasula prevailed over Zimbabwean cricketer Kellys Ndlovu and Botswana’s rising chess star Natalie Katlego Banda to claim the prestigious accolade, underscoring her outstanding performances over the past year.
Chipasula’s leadership on the pitch was instrumental in securing Zambia’s place at back-to-back FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cups. Her decisive goals and tireless work rate galvanized the Copper Princesses throughout qualifying, earning her widespread praise across the region. At the 2024 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship, she was nothing short of sensational—capping the tournament as both Player of the Tournament and Golden Boot winner after netting an impressive 13 goals. Her blend of clinical finishing and creative playmaking set her apart from her peers and demonstrated why she was the clear choice for RASA’s junior award.
In accepting the trophy, Chipasula paid tribute to her teammates and coaches, saying, “This award belongs to every girl who believed in our dream. Together, we pushed boundaries and showed that Zambian football is on the rise.” She also pledged to maintain her high standards, both on and off the field, as she prepares for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
The Regional Annual Sports Awards continue to highlight emerging talent across southern Africa, celebrating achievements in cricket, chess, athletics, and football. Chipasula’s win follows a period of sustained investment in youth development by the Football Association of Zambia, which has prioritized coaching, facilities, and international exposure for young players.
Meanwhile, senior star Barbra Banda, captain of the Copper Queens, was among the nominees for the Sportswoman of the Year award but ultimately missed out to Malawian striker Tabitha Chawinga. Banda’s exclusion sparked conversation among football enthusiasts, but it also underscored the depth of female talent in the region. Chawinga’s prolific scoring record in European leagues and her role in Malawi’s national team success made her a formidable contender for the top honour.
Chipasula’s recognition at RASA not only celebrates her individual accomplishments but also shines a spotlight on Zambian women’s football. As the sport continues to grow nationally, her success is expected to inspire a new generation of female athletes, demonstrating that dedication and skill can propel Zambians to the forefront of regional and global competition.
Looking ahead, Mercy Chipasula and the Zambia U17 squad will aim to build on this momentum as they prepare to showcase their talents on the world stage once again. With her leadership and proven goal-scoring ability, Chipasula is poised to write the next chapter of Zambian football history—one that promises further milestones and moments of pride for the nation.