Three U17 Zambian Girls Go on a One-Year La Liga Scholarship Journey in Spain
Three U17 Zambian Girls Go on a One-Year La Liga Scholarship Journey in Spain
In a momentous occasion for Zambian women’s football, three talented Under-17 national team players have embarked on a transformative journey to Madrid, Spain, as they join the La Liga Talents program. Esther Musialela of Solwezi Queens Academy, Jesse Zulu from Green Buffaloes, and Theresa Musatila representing Zesco Ndola Girls have been selected for this exceptional one-year academic sports scholarship.
These young athletes showcased their skills and determination during the 2022 Region VI Games in Malawi, where they were integral members of the Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team that clinched a silver medal. Their exceptional performance on the field caught the eye of talent scouts, paving the way for this remarkable opportunity.
Reuben Kamanga, the General Secretary of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), expressed immense pride in the girls’ achievement, emphasizing FAZ’s significant investment in women’s football in recent years. Kamanga highlighted the association’s unwavering commitment to facilitating opportunities for Zambian players to compete in top leagues around the world.
Kamanga stated, “This is a moment of pride for the association and indeed the entire nation. We wish to thank Cosafa and La Liga for this partnership, which has opened doors for these youngsters. Our message to the candidates on this program is that they should aim to excel, as this will open doors for others. We are lucky that even their school will not suffer as the scholarship covers academic pursuits as well.”
He added, “We have just come off a historic FIFA World Cup appearance for the Copper Queens, and already it seems like the seed sown from that success is already blooming.”
The La Liga Talents program is an academic sports initiative organized by La Liga, conducted at the ESC Centre and NBA in Villaviciosa de Odon, Madrid. This program offers a unique blend of academic studies and football training, ensuring that the athletes receive a comprehensive education while honing their sporting abilities. The candidates for this program were meticulously evaluated by the La Liga Sports Projects department.
The La Liga Talents program represents an international high-performance football program, organized by La Liga, with the aim of nurturing young talent and providing them with a platform to excel in the world of football. This opportunity signifies a remarkable step forward for these three promising Zambian athletes, and their journey in Spain promises to be a transformative experience.
