Heroines of the Village. At Least For a Day

In Zambia’s Northern Province, girl’s and women’s football has undergone a rapid progress in recent years!

Through consistent training, our girls from Mbete have emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

Monday the 27th of September, several months of hard work finally paid off. Beating Kawe Queens 4-0 in the final, we lifted the 2025 Women Port Cargo Independence Cup throphy to the delight of not only players and coaches but also the many villagers who had accompanied the team to Mpulungu.

At their return to Mbete, the girls were driven around in an open truck while the village transformed into a site of celebration. Elderly residents congratulated the players from their doorsteps while children ran behind the caravane, eager to take part in what can only be described as a moment of immense pride.

Galilee Simuyemba, our Project Manager, says the victory will likely increase the interest of women’s football in the area:

“It was the first time for the girls to win a tournament. Now, other girls in the community will begin to think that everyone can partipacte in football. I think we will receive more players, and more people to support them.”

Mbete Queens lifted the trophy of the 2025 Women Port Cargo Independence Cup (photo: Galilee Simuyemba).