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CAF
5 days ago
- Sport
- CAF
Lushomo Mweemba: Chibolya's Shield Anchoring Zambia's WAFCON Dream
Growing up in Chibolya, a densely populated Lusaka township known more for its vices than its virtues, Zambia international Lushomo Mweemba defied the odds. Her recent inclusion in the TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 Group Stage Best XI is a testament to her hard work and Zambia's growing stature in African women's football. 'Thank you. It's a big honour and I am very humbled. Being recognised at this level means a lot, not just for me but for my team and my country," she exclusively told "It shows that the work we have been doing as a group is being noticed. Also congratulations to Barbra and Racheal for making it in the best eleven.' Zambia's Unity Drives Lushomo's Rise At the heart of Zambia's defensive solidity is their collective mentality. 'I think it comes down to discipline, communication and teamwork. At the back, we work as a unit. Everyone knows their role and we support each other. Personally, I always try to stay focused and read the game well and also follow the coach's instructions,' she vowed. That mental focus was crucial, especially during Zambia's toughest group games. Zambia finished the group stage unbeaten, a feat that meant more to Mweemba than just statistics. 'It's been a very good journey. We stayed unbeaten in a very tough group, which says a lot about our progress. The biggest positive has been our unity. We play for each other and for the flag. Every player gave their all," she continued. 'All the games were tough, but I think the match against Morocco tested us the most. They are strong technically and had the home crowd behind them. I stayed focused by trusting my preparation, staying close to my teammates, and making sure our line stayed focussed.' With nine-time champions Nigeria as their next challenge, belief remains strong in the Zambian camp. 'The mood is very positive ahead of the Nigeria game. We are calm, focused and motivated. We know what's ahead of us and we are preparing well. Everyone is supporting one another, and we are ready to fight for the next step,' she assured. 'We believe in ourselves. Even when people doubted us before, we kept working hard. I think what sets us apart is our hunger and our unity. We don't rely on individuals — we move as one team with one dream.' A Defender Fueled by Purpose and Pride Mweemba's football trajectory has not only shaped her as an athlete but also instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility. Like any elite athlete, Mweemba has faced her share of trials, from dips in form to injuries, but her mindset remains unshaken. 'It's been a journey of learning and growth. I started young and had to work hard to earn my place. Being part of this national team has taught me discipline and made me stronger, both as a footballer and a person," she opened up further. 'Yes, like any athlete, I have had challenges sometimes with form, sometimes with injuries. But I always remind myself why I started. I have a strong support system in my family and teammates and I trust in God's timing.' The weight of the national shirt is something she never takes lightly. 'My country inspires me. Wearing the Copper Queens jersey is something I never take for granted. I also think of young girls watching us because I want them to believe they can achieve anything if they work hard," she revealed. "Wearing the jersey means everything. It's an honour and a duty. Every time I step on the pitch, I remember where I come from and who I am playing for. Mentally, I stay ready by focusing on the team's goals and trusting my training.' A role model by default, Mweemba doesn't shy away from her leadership role. 'I take that responsibility seriously. I try to lead by example through discipline, humility and hard work. My message is to believe in yourself, stay focused and never let anyone tell you your dreams are too big.' Mweemba's Journey, Challenges and Ambitions Her early exposure to the physicality of Zambian league football gave her a solid foundation. Nicknamed 'Lush,' she began her football journey with Chibolya Queens before rising through the ranks at Nkwazi and Green Buffaloes, eventually earning stints in Kazakhstan and currently, Turkey. 'Playing club football in Zambia has helped me understand the physical side of the game early on. It taught me to be tough and alert. Every game is different and I have learned to adapt quickly.' Following back-to-back Olympics and 2023 Women's World Cup, Lush took to Kazakhstan to launch her pro career and now based in Turkey, she is hungry for even greater challenges. 'Yes, I do. I am in Turkey yes but playing in a competitive league would challenge me more and help me grow as a player. It's a dream I am working towards and I believe with consistency, that opportunity will come.' Never one to stand still, Mweemba is constantly working on her game. 'I am focusing on my passing range, positioning and reading transitions quicker. I want to be the kind of defender who is calm under pressure, smart with decisions and reliable for my team.' Looking ahead, her goals are both personal and patriotic. 'Personally, I want to keep improving with each match. As a team, our goal is to reach the final and give ourselves a chance to win it. Beyond WAFCON, we want to keep qualifying for big tournaments and showing the world what Zambia can do.' Hauptle Puts Faith in Mweemba's Backbone Role Zambia coach Nora Hauptle has praised Lushomo Mweemba's development into a dependable and mature leader at the heart of the Copper Queens' defense. Her inclusion in the WAFCON Team of the Group Stage, Nora says, is not only well-deserved, but also symbolic of her growth and impact in high-stakes matches. 'I am very proud of Lushomo and the entire technical team is pleased with her recognition. Being named in the Team of the Group Stage is a deserved reward for her consistency, discipline and leadership in our defensive structure. 'She's grown immensely in her role not just as a central defender, but as someone who brings calmness and balance to the team under pressure. 'Going into the knockout stage, we will rely on that same composure and tactical awareness from her. She understands the demands of matches, and we trust her to continue being a strong presence at the back. She has our full trust.' As Zambia prepares for their toughest WAFCON test yet against Nigeria, Mweemba's steel, maturity, and rising leadership will be central to the Copper Queens' hopes of defying the odds and defending with belief, balance, and unity.
Global News
04-07-2025
- Global News
U.K., N.Z. tourists killed by elephant in Zambia during walking safari
Two female tourists were killed by an elephant in Zambia on Thursday while on a walking safari in a national park, according to police. Eastern Province police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said the victims — 68-year-old Easton Janet Taylor from the U.K. and 67-year-old Alison Jean Taylor from New Zealand — were attacked and trampled by a female elephant that was with a calf. Safari guides who were with the group attempted to stop the elephant from charging at the women by firing shots at it, police said. 'They were moving to other camps when the elephant charged from behind. We are really sorry that we have lost our visitors,' Mweemba said. 'They both died on the spot.' The elephant was hit and wounded by the gunshots but the guides were unable to prevent the elephant's attack. Story continues below advertisement 'It is very difficult to control the animals and tourists like feeding them,' Mweemba added. It happened at the South Luangwa National Park in eastern Zambia, around 600 kilometres from the capital, Lusaka. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Female elephants are very protective of their calves and can respond aggressively to what they perceive as threats. 0:42 79-year-old woman dead after elephant charges tour group in Zambia Last year, two American tourists were killed in separate encounters with elephants in different parts of Zambia. In March 2024, an American tourist was killed when a bull elephant charged the truck she was riding in Kafue National Park. Gail Mattson, 79, of Minnetonka, Minn., was with other tourists when the animal charged, flipping over the vehicle and killing her while injuring five others. In a separate attack in June 2024, another U.S. tourist was killed by an elephant in the Zambian city of Livingstone. Story continues below advertisement Officials said Juliana Gle Tourneau, 64, was killed when an elephant that was part of a herd the tourists were watching attacked their vehicle, threw Tourneau out and trampled her. She was part of a group that had stopped near the Maramba Cultural Bridge due to the traffic caused by the elephant herd near the bridge, they added. Zambian authorities have called on tourists to exercise extreme caution while observing wildlife around the country. In another incident in January of this year, a 22-year-old tourist was killed by an elephant at a sanctuary in Thailand after the animal turned on her while she was giving it a bath. Blanca Ojanguren García, from northwest Spain, was alongside her boyfriend at the Koh Yao Elephant Care Centre on Jan. 3 when the elephant attacked her. She was rushed to the local hospital, where she died. Elephants cause approximately 500 deaths per year, worldwide. — With files from Global News' Michelle Butterfield and The Associated Press
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brit tourist brutally killed by charging elephant while on safari trip
The tragic incident happened while the two frinds were enjoying a sunrise walk to another part of the camp - safari guides tied to shoot the elephant but failed to stop the attack A British tourist and her friend have been killed by a charging elephant during a 'sunrise safari walk' in Zambia. At around 6am local time on Thursday July 3 the victims, a 68-year-old and a 67-year-old, were attacked by a female elephant that was with a calf at South Luangwa National Park, Eastern Province Police Commissioner Robertson Mweemba said. The two friends had been based at the Big Lagoon Bush Camp and had been enjoying an early morning walk to another part of the camp when the horror incident took place. Mweemba said: "Two female tourists while taking a safari walk to a crossing point at Luangwa river spotted an elephant with a calf at a distance and diverted about 50m away, but within few minutes after diverting a tea bearer who is usually behind saw the elephant charging at them." The tea bearer reportedly shouted 'elephants' and as the two women turned around they saw it storming towards them at high speed. In a desperate bid to help the women escape alive the safari guides who were with the group fired shots at the elephant, reports MailOnline. While the elephant was hit by the gunshots, the guides were unable to prevent the attack and both women died at the scene, police said. The pair 'had spent four peaceful days immersed in nature's embrace. Their journey was meant to continue - but instead, we remember them for their courage, their curiosity, and their love for life's wild places', a local said. The bodies of the two women have been taken to Mambwe District Hospital for mortuary services, awaiting further details. Their cause of death is yet to be formerly confirmed. According to the South Luangwa National Park website, the region's "concentration of animals is some of the most dense in all of Africa". The site adds: "You don't have to travel to the most remote areas of the park to see some amazing animal sights. In fact, don't be surprised if a handful of elephants wander in and out of your camp, as they have a habit of making themselves welcome." This isn't the first time a tourist has been killed by an elephant in Zambia, last year an 80-year-old American woman died and another was injured when an aggressive bull elephant charged at a group on a safari at Kafue National Park in Zambia on Saturday, March 30. A shocking video taken from one of the people on the truck shows the elephant running along the vehicle as the group was moving. At some point, the vehicle stops, and the elephant can be seen aggressively approaching the truck. The animal immediately charges at the group lifting the truck with its trunk and turning it over within seconds. A man can be heard yelling "Ey, ey!" apparently trying to scare the animal away until the phone shooting the video seems to fall on the ground and the screen goes black. The company released a statement acknowledging the incident and said that although the driver was trained and experienced, "terrain and vegetation" were blocking the truck's way and forced the guide to stop. The Mirror has contacted South Luangwa National Park for comment.
