The move to Europe came in 2014, sparked by an American NGO worker who spent time at DD Sunshine before relocating to Sweden.
The NGO employee joined third-tier Krokom Dvarsatts, and DD Sunshine owner David Dube then urged the Swedes to give Tabitha a trial as well.
“When Krokom Dvarsatts hesitated, Mr Dube offered to pay visa and flight costs for me to travel to Sweden for trials,” said Tabitha.
“I joined the team and they were immediately impressed with my strength, dribbling, shooting from far and scoring skills.”
After turning 18, she finally made her debut, becoming the first Malawian woman to play in Europe and scoring 39 goals in 14 matches.
She carried that form to second-tier Kvarnsveden, netting 43 goals to secure promotion, and then finished as the Swedish top flight’s leading scorer in 2017.
A six-year stint in China followed, yielding three league titles, three Golden Boots and two Player of the Season awards.
A productive 2022-23 loan at Inter Milan also earned her the Serie A Golden Boot.
“My goal is to achieve for African people,” she said after that feat.
“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.”
Paris St-Germain was next for the striker, bringing another milestone in 2023 as she became the first Malawian woman to play in and score in the Uefa Champions League.
France’s most decorated women’s side, Lyon, then signed her, and Tabitha has helped them to back-to-back domestic titles.
She featured in last season’s Champions League final defeat by Barcelona.