Full Name: Mercy Bwembya
Date of Birth: January 14, 2009
Age: 16 years
Position: Striker
Jersey Number: 39
Club: Kansanshi Queens FC
At just 16 years old, Mercy Bwembya has begun to carve out her place in Zambian football. Born on January 14, 2009, in Solwezi, she is the fifth-born in a family that has always supported her ambitions. Now representing Kansanshi Queens FC and with her first call-up to the national team provisional squad, she is preparing for the 2025 Under-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco qualifiers. Her journey from playing provincial league football to earning her first ever national team recognition is as a result of her determination, hard work, and talent.
Her Passion for Football from a Young Age
Mercy’s love for football blossomed early, beginning her journey in 2019 with Royal City, a provincial league team. Even at just nine years old, her enthusiasm for the game was evident. She later joined Flying Stars in 2022, where she netted three goals, before moving to Kansanshi Queens FC, adding two more goals to her tally from just five appearances.
Football is not the only part of Mercy’s life that matters deeply to her. She is a recent Grade 12 graduate from Mushitala Secondary School, balancing her time on the pitch with her academic pursuits. She dreams of studying electrical engineering someday, inspired by her family’s support and her personal drive to excel.
“My family has always been there for me,” Mercy says, crediting her mother for being her biggest motivator. As the fifth-born in her family, she feels lucky to have a support system that has encouraged her to chase her dreams. “My brother has also been very helpful as I plan for college. Their belief in me keeps me going.”
During her school years, Mercy explored other sports, including cricket and netball, but football ultimately stole her heart.
Inspired by Role Models and Big Dreams
Like many young footballers, Mercy finds inspiration in Zambian women’s football star Barbra Banda, whose achievements have set a high standard for aspiring players. Beyond Zambia, she dreams of playing professionally in Nigeria, a country she admires for its vibrant football culture. “I would love to play there and experience the football environment,” she explained.
Her journey with Kansanshi Queens FC has been transformative. “I was inspired when I joined Kansanshi. The team welcomed me warmly, and Coach Arther, one of the assistant coaches, has played a big role in shaping me as a player,” Mercy said. She credits her best friend and fellow striker Florence for motivating her both on and off the field.
One of her favorite football memories is a match against Maleh Queens, which she described as an exhilarating experience. The game ended 3-0 in favour of Kansanshi Queens and Mercy was one of the scorers in that match.
Coach Doreen Shimishi’s Praise
Kansanshi Queens head coach Doreen Shimishi speaks highly of Mercy, describing her as “a naturally intelligent talent who is also very skillful on the ball.” Coach Shimishi has watched Mercy’s growth with pride and believes she has the potential to achieve great things.
“I’m very proud of how far Mercy has come, and I hope she makes it to the final squad for the World Cup qualifiers,” Coach Shimishi said.
“It would not only be a huge motivation for her as a young player but also set an example for her teammates and other aspiring footballers in Solwezi and beyond.” The coach adds.
Making Her Mark on the National Stage
Mercy considers her call-up to the national team her most significant achievement so far. “It’s a dream come true to be part of this squad,” she said. “I know I’m not just representing Kansanshi Queens but also my hometown, Solwezi.”
Determined to maintain her position, Mercy emphasizes the importance of discipline, determination, and effort. “I don’t want to wait long for another call-up. I need to stay focused and work even harder to ensure I continue improving as a player,” she explained.
Encouraging the Next Generation
Mercy believes football is a powerful tool for young girls, keeping them engaged and away from negative influences.
“Football keeps us busy, helps us learn about new places, and introduces us to people from different walks of life,” she said.
To young girls aspiring to follow in her footsteps, her advice is simple: “Start now, stay disciplined, and always balance football with your studies.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Mercy prepares for the World Cup qualifiers, her ambition is clear: to leave a lasting mark on Zambian football, inspire other young players, and build a successful career. She also hopes to help Kansanshi Queens achieve promotion and grow stronger as a team.
Mercy Bwembya is not just a promising talent for Kansanshi Queens and Zambia but a shining example of how passion and perseverance can pave the way to greatness. With her focus, Club and family support, the future looks incredibly bright for this young star.
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