Zambia Women’s National Team left-back Xiomara Mapepa has completed a move to Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al-Taraji Ladies, marking another major step in her fast-growing international career. The transfer further strengthens Zambia’s footprint in Middle Eastern women’s football as the Copper Queens continue to export elite talent abroad.
From China to Saudi Arabia
Mapepa joins Al-Taraji from Chinese Women’s Super League outfit Beijing Jingtan, where she enjoyed a successful spell at the highest level of Asian club football. The Saudi club confirmed her arrival via their official social media platforms, welcoming the experienced defender-attacker as they look to strengthen their squad for the remainder of the season.
Her move sees Mapepa become the second Zambian player to feature in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, following Hellen Chanda, who currently plies her trade with Eastern Flames FC—a growing sign of Zambia’s rising profile in global women’s football.
Domestic Dominance and Goal-Scoring Pedigree
Before her overseas journey, Mapepa was one of the most dominant players in Zambian women’s football. The former Elite Ladies star finished as top goalscorer in the ZPL Women’s Super League in two consecutive seasons (2021/22 and 2022/23), an exceptional feat that highlighted her attacking threat despite operating primarily from left-back.
Her performances at club level translated seamlessly onto the international stage. Mapepa played a key role in the Copper Queens’ historic WAFCON 2022 campaign, which culminated in Zambia qualifying for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A Career Shaped by International Ambition
Mapepa’s talent has long attracted attention beyond Zambia. In August 2022, she went on trial with Swedish side Djurgården IF, while later that year Turkish champions Beşiktaş also expressed interest. Although neither move materialised at the time, her persistence eventually paid off.
In 2024, Mapepa signed for Galatasaray, one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, before making another high-profile switch to China with Beijing Oriental Yuhong WFC. Her time in China proved fruitful, as she helped the club secure the 2025 Chinese Women’s Super League title, further enhancing her reputation as a big-game performer.
Mapepa’s move to Al-Taraji Ladies represents another important chapter in a career defined by steady progression and international ambition. As she continues to test herself in different leagues, her experience will remain invaluable to both club and country, with the Copper Queens benefiting from her growing exposure ahead of future continental and global competitions.
