Copper Queens right-back Margaret Belemu has completed a move to Israeli Women’s Premier League side Maccabi Hadera ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The Israeli club, an affiliate of Spanish La Liga outfit Villarreal CF, confirmed the signing on social media as they continue strengthening their squad for the upcoming campaign.
The move marks another significant step in Belemu’s career as she continues to establish herself among Zambia’s most successful female footballers.
Reward for Years of Consistency
Belemu has been one of the Copper Queens’ most reliable performers over the past decade.
Her journey with the national team dates back to 2014, when she helped Zambia qualify for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.
Since then, the experienced defender has been a regular fixture for the Copper Queens, playing a vital role in the team’s rise on the continental and global stage.
She has featured prominently during Zambia’s successful qualification campaigns for the:
- Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
- Paris 2024 Olympic Games
- 2022 WAFCON
- 2024 WAFCON
- FIFA Women’s World Cup
Her consistency, versatility and defensive discipline have made her one of the first names on the national team sheet.
Second Overseas Move
The transfer to Maccabi Hadera will be Belemu’s second spell playing abroad.
She previously featured for Turkish side Hakkarigücü Spor, gaining valuable European experience before returning home.
Belemu also came close to joining Chinese Women’s Super League side Shanghai Shengli in 2020, but the transfer collapsed after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global football.
Now, six years later, the experienced full-back has another opportunity to showcase her talent on the international stage.
Boost Ahead of WAFCON
The move comes at an ideal time for Belemu, who is currently preparing with the Copper Queens for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Playing regularly in a competitive European league is expected to further enhance her development as Zambia prepares to challenge for continental honours and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Conclusion
Margaret Belemu’s move to Maccabi Hadera is another milestone in an outstanding career that has seen her become one of Zambia’s most dependable defenders.
As she embarks on a new chapter in Israel, Copper Queens supporters will be hoping she continues to shine at club level while playing a key role in Zambia’s ambitions on the international stage.
