COPPER Queens and Orlando Pride striker Barbra Banda says finishing 12th in the Ballon d’Or race is a big motivation for her to keep working hard. Banda became the highest ever ranked African footballer in the history of the Women’s Ballon’d’Or on Monday, breaking the record set by Nigerian and Bay FC Super Star Asisat Oshoala, who finished 20th at the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards. Speaking in a statement after the prestigious award was given to Spain and Barcelona forward Aitana Bonmati, Banda said she was thankful to have been nominated among the most talented footballers in the world. “Congratulations to the amazing Aitana Bonmati for winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or. I can’t even begin to express how thankful I...