Elite Ladies Football Club have announced an investment of more than K3 million as the club prepares for the 2026 Transitional League season, with significant resources being committed towards squad strengthening, infrastructure and player development.
Club proprietor Oliver Shalala says the investment will also facilitate the establishment of a new Baby Elite Ladies FC side, which will compete in the FAZ Lusaka Province Women’s Division One League as part of the club’s commitment to developing young talent from the grassroots.
More than K1 million will be spent on player recruitment and strengthening the technical squads across the club’s different levels. A further K1 million has been allocated towards long-term investments, infrastructure development and operational requirements, while another K1 million has been set aside for matchday logistics, travel and weekly team expenses.
Speaking to ZNBC, Shalala also clarified that Elite Ladies FC and its developmental sides have not been sold and are not currently in the process of being sold. His clarification follows recent reports surrounding the ownership of the club and discussions with the City of Lusaka over a possible partnership.
Shalala explained that the discussions with the City of Lusaka were centred on the possibility of jointly running Elite Ladies FC through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), but the talks have not resulted in an agreement at this stage.
The club says its senior Elite Ladies side will continue competing in the ZPL Women’s Super League, with the objective of challenging for the league title while developing players capable of progressing to the senior Zambia Women’s National Team.
The Young Elite Ladies FC side will remain the club’s main feeder team in the ZPL Women’s National Division South. According to club media officer Rhodah Sakala, the team will be tasked with defending the title it won last season while continuing to develop young players and preparing them for promotion to the senior squad.
The newly established Baby Elite Ladies FC will focus primarily on grassroots development and identifying emerging talent, giving the club an additional pathway for young players to progress through its system.
Elite Ladies have also introduced a single registration system that allows players under the age of 21 registered with Young Elite Ladies FC to feature for the senior team, provided they do not represent both sides within a 72-hour period.
The club has further moved to secure the long-term futures of some of its key players, with midfielder Loveness Daka and defender Esther Ngabwe both having their contracts extended until 2030.
The investment represents a significant commitment from Elite Ladies as the club looks to strengthen its senior team, expand its developmental structure and establish a sustainable pathway for young female footballers in Zambia.
