Mapalo Maluba Shines for Copper Queens, Eyes Must-Win Clash Against South Africa
18-year-old defender impresses again as Zambia gears up for showdown with WAFCON champions
Teenage sensation Mapalo Maluba has emerged as a rising star for Zambia’s Copper Queens after making her second consecutive start in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Botswana. The 18-year-old, who recently transitioned from midfield to defense, played the full 90 minutes and was one of Zambia’s standout performers at Lucas Moripe Stadium.
Despite her limited international experience, Maluba’s calm presence and confidence on the ball have caught the eye of many observers, including BolaNews, who rated her among Zambia’s best players on the day.
Maluba: “I Didn’t Expect to Start”
Maluba made her senior debut in February against Malawi and featured again in April against Thailand. Her first start came during Zambia’s clash with Uzbekistan, where she impressed over the full match. Her surprise inclusion in the starting eleven against Botswana marked her continued rise in the national team setup.
“I felt good. It’s not easy as a young player to play in the national team, let alone in the starting eleven,” Maluba told FAZ media.
“I didn’t expect that I would start so when I discovered that I was going to start I took advantage of that and worked hard.”
Zambia controlled much of the game against Botswana and created several chances, with Barbra Banda scoring her 58th international goal. However, Botswana equalized in the 79th minute following a goalkeeping error.
Looking Ahead: South Africa a “Must-Win”
Maluba was clear about the importance of Tuesday’s fixture against reigning WAFCON champions South Africa, calling it a must-win game as Zambia prepares for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
“In tomorrow’s game, it’s a must-win game. Whether it will be hard or not, we must win,” she said.
“We are very much ready. We just need to unite. Unity and love are what will help us.”
The fixture is the first meeting between Zambia and Banyana Banyana since their heartbreaking 2022 WAFCON semifinal loss, which saw Zambia eliminated by a late penalty.
Message to Fellow Young Players
With her quick rise from youth to senior national team football, Maluba also had some words of wisdom for other young players recently promoted to the squad.
“We need to concentrate and focus, and also listen to the senior players,” she said.
Maluba’s maturity and poise suggest she could become a key figure in Zambia’s defense for years to come, especially as the Copper Queens aim to challenge for continental glory in 2025.
