Zambia U17 Star Mercy Chipasula Wins Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year at 2025 RASA Awards
Zambia’s U17 Women’s National Team captain Mercy Chipasula has been crowned the Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year at the prestigious 2025 Regional Annual Sports Awards (RASA), held in Harare, Zimbabwe.
The Kamfinsa Police Blue Eagles forward beat stiff competition from Zimbabwean cricketer Kellys Ndlovu and Botswana’s chess master Natalie Katlego Banda to claim the continental honour on Saturday night.
Mercy Chipasula’s Golden Year Recognised
The 17-year-old has had a phenomenal year in Zambian and Southern African football. Chipasula led the Copper Princesses to back-to-back FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifications, continuing a golden generation’s rise on the global stage.
In 2024, she lit up the COSAFA U17 Girls Championship, where Zambia emerged as champions. Her performances were nothing short of outstanding — she scored 13 goals, clinching both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards.
This latest recognition by the African Union Sports Council Region 5 cements her status as one of the brightest young talents in African women’s football.
“It’s a big honour for me, and I dedicate this award to my teammates, coaches, and the Zambian fans who’ve always believed in us,” Chipasula said after receiving the award.
Zambia Continues to Shine at RASA
While Chipasula was Zambia’s biggest winner of the night, Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda missed out on the Sportswoman of the Year award, which was won by Malawi’s Tabitha Chawinga, a standout in Serie A Femminile.
The most decorated athlete at the ceremony was Botswana’s Letslie Tebongo, who won both the Sportsman of the Year and the overall Sportsperson of the Year accolades, showcasing the depth of talent in the region.
Despite the competition, Chipasula’s win is a big statement for Zambia’s investment in women’s youth football — and a clear sign that the future is incredibly bright.
Mercy Chipasula in 2024-2025
🏆 COSAFA U17 Girls Championship Winner
⚽ 13 Goals in the Tournament
🎖️ Golden Boot & Player of the Tournament
🌍 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualification (Back-to-Back)
🥇 Junior Female Sportsperson of the Year – 2025 RASA
