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CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Lushomo Mweemba: Chibolya's Shield Anchoring Zambia's WAFCON Dream
Growing up in Chibolya, a densely populated Lusaka township known more for its vices than its virtues, Zambia international Lushomo Mweemba defied the odds. Her recent inclusion in the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 Group Stage Best XI is a testament to her hard work and Zambia's growing stature in African women's football. 'Thank you. It's a big honour and I am very humbled. Being recognised at this level means a lot, not just for me but for my team and my country," she exclusively told "It shows that the work we have been doing as a group is being noticed. Also congratulations to Barbra and Racheal for making it in the best eleven.' Zambia's Unity Drives Lushomo's Rise At the heart of Zambia's defensive solidity is their collective mentality. 'I think it comes down to discipline, communication and teamwork. At the back, we work as a unit. Everyone knows their role and we support each other. Personally, I always try to stay focused and read the game well and also follow the coach's instructions,' she vowed. That mental focus was crucial, especially during Zambia's toughest group games. Zambia finished the group stage unbeaten, a feat that meant more to Mweemba than just statistics. 'It's been a very good journey. We stayed unbeaten in a very tough group, which says a lot about our progress. The biggest positive has been our unity. We play for each other and for the flag. Every player gave their all," she continued. 'All the games were tough, but I think the match against Morocco tested us the most. They are strong technically and had the home crowd behind them. I stayed focused by trusting my preparation, staying close to my teammates, and making sure our line stayed focussed.' With nine-time champions Nigeria as their next challenge, belief remains strong in the Zambian camp. 'The mood is very positive ahead of the Nigeria game. We are calm, focused and motivated. We know what's ahead of us and we are preparing well. Everyone is supporting one another, and we are ready to fight for the next step,' she assured. 'We believe in ourselves. Even when people doubted us before, we kept working hard. I think what sets us apart is our hunger and our unity. We don't rely on individuals — we move as one team with one dream.' A Defender Fueled by Purpose and Pride Mweemba's football trajectory has not only shaped her as an athlete but also instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility. Like any elite athlete, Mweemba has faced her share of trials, from dips in form to injuries, but her mindset remains unshaken. 'It's been a journey of learning and growth. I started young and had to work hard to earn my place. Being part of this national team has taught me discipline and made me stronger, both as a footballer and a person," she opened up further. 'Yes, like any athlete, I have had challenges sometimes with form, sometimes with injuries. But I always remind myself why I started. I have a strong support system in my family and teammates and I trust in God's timing.' The weight of the national shirt is something she never takes lightly. 'My country inspires me. Wearing the Copper Queens jersey is something I never take for granted. I also think of young girls watching us because I want them to believe they can achieve anything if they work hard," she revealed. "Wearing the jersey means everything. It's an honour and a duty. Every time I step on the pitch, I remember where I come from and who I am playing for. Mentally, I stay ready by focusing on the team's goals and trusting my training.' A role model by default, Mweemba doesn't shy away from her leadership role. 'I take that responsibility seriously. I try to lead by example through discipline, humility and hard work. My message is to believe in yourself, stay focused and never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big.' Mweemba's Journey, Challenges and Ambitions Her early exposure to the physicality of Zambian league football gave her a solid foundation. Nicknamed 'Lush,' she began her football journey with Chibolya Queens before rising through the ranks at Nkwazi and Green Buffaloes, eventually earning stints in Kazakhstan and currently, Turkey. 'Playing club football in Zambia has helped me understand the physical side of the game early on. It taught me to be tough and alert. Every game is different and I have learned to adapt quickly.' Following back-to-back Olympics and 2023 Women's World Cup, Lush took to Kazakhstan to launch her pro career and now based in Turkey, she is hungry for even greater challenges. 'Yes, I do. I am in Turkey yes but playing in a competitive league would challenge me more and help me grow as a player. It's a dream I am working towards and I believe with consistency, that opportunity will come.' Never one to stand still, Mweemba is constantly working on her game. 'I am focusing on my passing range, positioning and reading transitions quicker. I want to be the kind of defender who is calm under pressure, smart with decisions and reliable for my team.' Looking ahead, her goals are both personal and patriotic. 'Personally, I want to keep improving with each match. As a team, our goal is to reach the final and give ourselves a chance to win it. Beyond WAFCON, we want to keep qualifying for big tournaments and showing the world what Zambia can do.' Hauptle Puts Faith in Mweemba's Backbone Role Zambia coach Nora Hauptle has praised Lushomo Mweemba's development into a dependable and mature leader at the heart of the Copper Queens' defense. Her inclusion in the WAFCON Team of the Group Stage, Nora says, is not only well-deserved, but also symbolic of her growth and impact in high-stakes matches. 'I am very proud of Lushomo and the entire technical team is pleased with her recognition. Being named in the Team of the Group Stage is a deserved reward for her consistency, discipline and leadership in our defensive structure. 'She's grown immensely in her role not just as a central defender, but as someone who brings calmness and balance to the team under pressure. 'Going into the knockout stage, we will rely on that same composure and tactical awareness from her. She understands the demands of matches, and we trust her to continue being a strong presence at the back. She has our full trust.' As Zambia prepares for their toughest WAFCON test yet against Nigeria, Mweemba's steel, maturity, and rising leadership will be central to the Copper Queens' hopes of defying the odds and defending with belief, balance, and unity.
CAF
03-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
2024 Women's AFCON: Rising Stars to Watch
They are arriving quietly. However, they intend to shine at this TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024. Some have already experienced the demands of the CAF Women's Champions League, while others have crossed borders to play professionally in Europe or North America. A few, barely out of their teens, already display a lucidity and confidence that commands respect. At the TotalEnergies Women's AFCON 2024, five young players have all the ingredients to set the stands ablaze, turn the tide during games, and challenge the status quo. Their youth, freshness, and audacity could well make this tournament a memorable edition. Comfort Yeboah (18, Defender, Ampem Darkoa – Ghana) She never backs down. Better yet, she moves forward. At 18, Comfort Yeboah is already a rock. Unveiled during the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League where she led Ampem Darkoa to a promising fourth-place finish, the Ghanaian impressed with her versatility, her authority, and... her composure on the ball. But Yeboah is also a leader. Proof of this is that she was the designated player to take penalties in Côte d'Ivoire. A rarity for a central defender. In an ambitious Ghanaian national team, she could be the stabilizing element, the one who doesn't just defend, but also knows how to build, direct, and punish. Jessica Modise (19, forward, Gaborone United – Botswana) Jessica Modise doesn't know the word "complex." The Gaborone United forward, barely 19, embodies the ambitious new generation of the Mares. Sharp, quick and intelligent in her playmaking, she scored five goals during the qualifiers. Modise is a player with a feel for the game. She does not wait for the ball, she calls for it. And above all, she knows how to make others shine. Her style is reminiscent of the great "9 and a half" players, those hybrid players who are both goalscorers and creators. On Moroccan pitches, she could become one of the tournament's sensations, provided Botswana manages to pull off a surprise. Salma Marzouki (17, Midfielder, Banque de l'Habitat – Tunisia) She was not yet born during Tunisia's first participation in the WAFCON. Yet, Salma Marzouki will be one of the driving forces behind the 2024 Carthage Eagles. At just 17 years old, the Banque de l'Habitat midfielder has already demonstrated impressive vision. Acting as a sentinel or a relay player as needed, she streamlines transitions, speeds up the game, and never hesitates to try her luck from distance. Her body language is reminiscent of the most elegant midfielders, while her confidence seems disconcerting at her age. One to watch closely: her long-range shots can change the outcome of a match. Deborah Abiodun (21, Midfielder, Dallas Trinity FC– Nigeria) "They call her Kanté… because she runs everywhere." This nickname for Deborah Abiodun speaks volumes about her reputation. A tireless midfielder, the 21-year-old Nigerian has carved out a niche for herself in the Dallas Trinity squad. And she intends to become one of the pillars of the Super Falcons in this edition. Revealed at a young age, she had already been named to coach Randy Waldrum's list for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 in Australia and New Zealand. A rare show of confidence at her age, in a squad as experienced as Nigeria's. Two years later, Justin Madugu, now in charge of the national team, reaffirmed his belief in her potential by calling her up for the WAFCON 2024. A strong sign, confirming that Abiodun is establishing herself as a key player in the future of the Super Falcons. Trained in the Rivers Angels' school of physical and demanding play, Abiodun doesn't just sweep the ball. She anticipates, she directs, and she distributes. Her ability to read the game makes her a key player in the Nigerian midfield. She will undoubtedly be tasked with breaking the opposing lines but also with cleanly passing the ball, a role that will require stamina... and a lot of composure. Ruth Bulala Nossa (21, midfielder, Sarcelles – DR Congo) She's one of the tournament's best-kept secrets. Ruth Bulala Nossa, 21, is a talent spotted by Hervé Happy, head coach of the Democratic Republic of Congo, during his extensive international scouting. Trained in France, where she currently plays for Sarcelles, the Congolese player is a true ray of sunshine in midfield. Nossa brings volume, impact, and, above all, a rare tactical intelligence. She reads spaces like few other players her age. Thanks to her European experience, she masters weak moments, knows how to set up the game when needed, and is not afraid to accelerate when the opportunity presents itself.
