ZESCO’s Mulubwa Equals Grace Chanda’s Goal Record in Title-Winning Season
ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Penelope Mulubwa has been crowned the 2024/25 Eden University Women’s Super League Golden Boot winner, capping off a remarkable season with 35 goals in 34 matches. Her sensational goal-scoring exploits not only led her team to their first-ever Super League title, but also saw her match Grace Chanda’s 2021 single-season scoring record, writing her name in Zambian women’s football history.
ZESCO’s Title Glory Fuelled by Mulubwa’s Magic
Mulubwa’s individual brilliance was central to ZESCO Ndola Girls’ dominance this season. In a fiercely contested league campaign, the Ndola-based club emerged as champions thanks to her clinical finishing, movement off the ball, and unrelenting hunger in front of goal.
While ZESCO had strong performers across the pitch, there’s no denying that Penelope was the heartbeat of their attack, often unlocking stubborn defenses and securing crucial victories. Her goals came in all forms — tap-ins, volleys, long-range efforts, and headers — showcasing the full range of her striking arsenal.
In comparison, last season’s Golden Boot winner, Maylan Mulenga of Green Buffaloes Women, netted a respectable 24 goals, but Mulubwa’s 2024/25 numbers truly raised the bar.
Matching a Legend: The Grace Chanda Parallel
To match Grace Chanda’s record of 35 goals in a single season is no small feat. Chanda, a former ZESCO Girls and BIIK Kazygurt striker now with Madrid CFF in Spain, is widely regarded as one of the finest female footballers to emerge from Zambia.
Mulubwa’s record-equalling achievement puts her in rare company and signals a new era of attacking excellence in the local league. With the Copper Queens constantly on the lookout for in-form forwards, Penelope’s performances may have opened the door to a national team call-up in the near future.
A Season of Highlights: Hat-Tricks, Braces, and a Septi-Trick
Among Mulubwa’s most jaw-dropping moments this season was her seven-goal haul — a septi-trick — during ZESCO’s emphatic 17-1 victory over Play It Forward. It was the only performance of its kind in the league this season and the second-highest individual goal tally ever recorded in a single match.
She also managed four hat-tricks and two braces, demonstrating consistent form across the entire campaign. Whether playing against fellow title challengers or mid-table opponents, Penelope remained lethal.
Recognition and Reaction
Reacting to the honour, Mulubwa remained humble, dedicating the award to her teammates, coaches, and supporters:
“I’m honoured to win the Golden Boot, but this is a team effort. Without my teammates and coaches, none of this would be possible. We wanted to win the league and make history for ZESCO — and we did both.”
Her coach also praised her dedication, citing her work ethic in training and professionalism on and off the pitch as key contributors to her breakout season.
What’s Next for Penelope Mulubwa?
With ZESCO Ndola Girls set to represent Zambia in the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers, Penelope will have an opportunity to showcase her talent on the continental stage. If she maintains her current form, international interest could follow — much like what happened with Grace Chanda and Racheal Kundananji before her.
Zambian football fans will be eager to see whether she receives a call-up to the Copper Queens for future tournaments, especially as the national team seeks to build depth ahead of regional and global competitions.
Conclusion
Penelope Mulubwa’s 2024/25 season was more than just numbers — it was a narrative of dominance, determination, and destiny. Matching a legendary record while delivering a historic league title for ZESCO Ndola Girls makes this campaign one for the history books.
As women’s football continues to grow in Zambia, players like Penelope Mulubwa are leading the way — setting new standards, inspiring young girls, and proving that the future is bright.
