Women’s Football in Zambia: Rising Up to the International Stage

Football — previously, when this word was mentioned, only male names would pop into your head: Ronaldo, Messi, Zidane. But times are changing. Women’s football is no longer on the sidelines — it is growing, making noise, filling stadiums, and breaking stereotypes, especially in Zambia, where the game has long gone beyond school playgrounds. In this article, we will examine the development of women’s football, both in Zambia and globally.

How the Journey of Women’s Football Began

Women’s football in Zambia began to take shape in the 1980s but gained momentum in the 2000s with the emergence of the FAZ Women’s League. The turning point occurred in 2012 when Shepolopolo entered the African Championship for the first time, resulting in an immediate surge of interest, twice as many local programs, and thousands of girls participating in official leagues. Now the games are followed not only by fans but also by large platforms like sport betting Zambia. There you can bet on hundreds of women’s matches, catch the best odds, and receive dozens of bonuses — from welcome to personal. And with each season, there are more and more matches and football players on the field!

Clubs and Academies Leading the Way

Strong clubs and talented academies power Zambia’s women’s football scene. Year after year, these organizations create new stars and set fresh records. Here’s a closer look at the most influential names:

From Lusaka to rural provinces, every club brings new stories and fresh talent into the spotlight. These academies continue to lead Zambia forward.

Training, Support, and Real Challenges

To say that the training base in Zambia has improved is to say nothing at all. In 2023, the Football Association, in collaboration with local authorities, initiated the construction of five new training centers. Each is not just a field with goals but a full-fledged space for more than 200 young players. In 2024, FIFA joined in, investing $500,000 in uniforms, equipment, and programs for coaches who work with girls.

But despite all this, the everyday reality is far from ideal. According to coaches, only 18% of girls have free access to football equipment. It appears that sponsors have started to emerge, but many teams still rely on door-to-door collections, as well as help from parents and volunteers. There are, however, encouraging changes. Over the past year, more than forty-five girls received full sports scholarships and went on to study at universities, both in Zambia and abroad.

Stars Who Inspire the Next Generation

Zambia’s rise would be impossible without its stars. Young fans look up to these icons every day. Here are four names that spark excitement and hope:

• Barbra Banda: First Zambian woman to score in the Olympics, with 6 goals at Tokyo 2020, and top scorer in China’s Super League.
• Racheal Kundananji: Broke the African transfer record for a female footballer, now playing for Bay FC in the USA and netting 22 goals in 2024.
• Hazel Nali: Zambian national team goalkeeper, played over 35 international matches, voted Best Goalkeeper of the 2023 COSAFA Cup.
• Misozi Zulu: Over 60 caps for Shepolopolo, captain of Hakkarigücü Spor in Turkey, known for her leadership and defensive skills.

Their stories fuel dreams and keep stadiums packed. Thousands of girls lace up their boots, believing that anything is possible.

Growing Recognition at Home and Abroad

It is undeniable that interest in women’s football in Zambia is currently on the rise. Just a couple of years ago, the final of the Zambian Women’s Football Association League attracted far fewer fans — now, in 2024, there were 15 thousand spectators in the stands of the National Heroes Stadium. The TV audience is not far behind: a record 2.5 million people watched the Olympic qualification across the country.

On the international stage, the Zambian team also gives reasons to be proud. In 2022, the team reached the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations — a result that came as a surprise to the continent. And a year later, they played in the World Cup for the first time, not only taking the field but also scoring five goals and beating Costa Rica. Since then, scouts come to every major performance of the team. Over the past two years, 11 football players have signed contracts with clubs in Europe and the United States.

Dreams Rise Where Belief Takes Root

Every whistle, every goal scored, every “come on!” from the stands – all this is not just a game. Zambian footballers are not going to stop. They are rushing forward, snatching their right to a moment of glory and becoming an example for thousands of girls across the country. While someone only believes – they are already doing. And those who will take to the field tomorrow in the national team uniform today are running around dusty pitches and are not going to give up.