\n<\/p>\n
A switch to Europe came in 2014 after an American working for a non-governmental organisation had a spell at DD Sunshine before relocating to Sweden.<\/p>\n
The NGO worker joined third-tier side Krokom Dvarsatts, and DD Sunshine owner David Dube then suggested the Swedes try out Tabitha as well.<\/a><\/p>\n “When Krokom Dvarsatts hesitated, Mr Dube offered to pay visa and flight costs for me to travel to Sweden for trials,” said Tabitha.<\/p>\n “I joined the team and they were immediately impressed with my strength, dribbling, shooting from far and scoring skills.”<\/p>\n She had to wait until after her 18th birthday to make her debut, then became the first Malawian woman to play in Europe and scored 39 times in 14 games.<\/p>\n Tabitha continued her exploits at second-tier Kvarnsveden, netting 43 goals to help them win promotion, and was then leading scorer in the Swedish top flight in 2017.<\/p>\n A six-year spell in China followed, which saw her win three league titles, three golden boots and two player of the season awards.<\/p>\n A successful loan with Inter Milan in 2022-23 also saw her win the Serie A golden boot.<\/a><\/p>\n “My goal is to achieve for African people,” she said after that feat.<\/p>\n “I need to play for the girls in Africa. They need to see there are women in this world that can play football like men.”<\/p>\n It was Paris St-Germain next for the striker, and another landmark as the first woman from Malawi to play and score in the Uefa Champions League in 2023.<\/p>\n France’s most decorated female side, Lyon, came calling and Tabitha has helped them to back-to-back domestic titles.<\/p>\n She played in last season’s Champions League final defeat by Barcelona.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n