Barbra Banda, Mercy Chipasula Among Six Zambians Nominated for 2025 Regional Sports Awards in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe will host the 2025 Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA) on 24 May at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), with Zambia earning a strong presence as six of its sports personalities have been shortlisted for honours, including national football star Barbra Banda and rising athletics talent Mercy Chipasula.
Announcing the event, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Honourable Lieutenant General (Rtd) Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, said the ceremony will be held under the auspices of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5. He further revealed that the Guest of Honour will be His Excellency Dr. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe and current SADC Chairperson.
“RASA is more than just an awards show. It is a celebration of the spirit of unity, perseverance, and excellence that sport brings to our communities,” said Hon. Sanyatwe. “Zimbabwe is honoured to host such a prestigious regional event, and we are fully prepared to deliver a world-class ceremony.”
The awards, which have been held annually since 2016, recognise the best athletes, coaches, administrators, volunteers, and journalists from ten AUSC Region 5 Member States: Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Zambia’s 2025 finalists are:
- Barbra Banda – Sportswoman of the Year: Recognised for her standout performances both locally and internationally, Banda continues to be a trailblazer in women’s football.
- Mercy Chipasula – Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year: A promising young athlete whose achievements have put her among the best rising talents in the region.
- Douglas Kalembo – Coach of the Year: Known for his strategic leadership and contribution to Zambian athletics.
- Rafael Sharon – Junior Male Sportsperson of the Year: A chess prodigy making waves both regionally and beyond.
- Zambia 4x400m Men’s Relay Team – Team of the Year: Their impressive performances on the track have earned them regional recognition.
- Cosmas Chongo Mulenga (Diamond TV) – Sports Journalist of the Year: Acknowledged for his dedication to telling compelling sports stories in Zambia.
The nominations highlight Zambia’s growing footprint in southern African sports and underscore the importance of continued investment in youth development, professional coaching, and sports journalism.
With excitement building ahead of the May 24 event, the nation will be rallying behind its nominees in hopes of bringing home multiple honours from what promises to be a memorable celebration of regional sporting excellence.
