Zambia Shines with Most Individual Accolades at COSAFA U-20 Women’s Championship

As the COSAFA Under-20 Women’s Championship prepares to kick off at the Region 5 Games in Windhoek, Namibia, from July 4 to 13, Zambia heads into the tournament not only as a top contender but also as the most decorated nation in terms of individual player accolades.

While football is ultimately a team sport, the COSAFA U-20 competition has become a critical platform for showcasing emerging talent, many of whom go on to represent their senior national teams. For Zambia, the tournament has proven to be a launchpad for several stars who have gone on to make headlines both at home and internationally.

Zambia boasts the highest number of individual awards since the tournament’s inception, underlining the country’s growing dominance in women’s youth football.

In 2024, Saliya Mwanza was named Player of the Tournament, following in the footsteps of Tanzania’s Enekia Lunyamila, who won the inaugural honour in 2019. Mwanza’s dynamic midfield displays were instrumental in Zambia’s run, and her future as a senior international looks promising.

In the goal-scoring department, Zambia’s presence is equally strong. Maylan Mulenga clinched the Golden Boot in 2019 after netting five goals. She has since progressed to the senior Copper Queens squad. In the 2024 edition, Ruth Muwowo shared the Golden Boot with South Africa’s Adrielle Mibe, both finishing with four goals apiece.

Between the posts, Mwila Mufunte added to Zambia’s glory by winning the Golden Glove in 2024. The talented shot-stopper has already caught national attention and recently secured a place in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) squad, where she is expected to gain valuable top-flight experience.

These honours reinforce Zambia’s strength in youth development and its commitment to building a strong pipeline of talent for the senior national team. The likes of Mulenga, Mwanza, Muwowo, and Mufunte are proof that the country is cementing its powerhouse status in women’s football in the region.

As eight nations gear up to compete in Windhoek, Zambia’s young stars will look to continue this proud tradition of individual excellence while also gunning for team success.