Eliza Chiphang’ombe: The future of Malawi women football

A new women football talent is born. Standing tall and donning jersey number 5, Eliza Chimphang'ombe showcased her skills during the Airtel Rising Star football talent search competition.

Unshakeable like the pyramid of Gizeh or our own Mount Mulanje, Eliza, has been very fundamental in leading her team, Ndirande Secondary School, to the championship of Airtel Rising Star championship.

The 17 year old defender has a way of frustrating strikers with her bold clearances in her backyard and controlling the game.

Chitipa Secondary school would testify better after being slashed 3-0 in the finals that took place at Civo Stadium in Lilongwe on  September 10, 2011 in the presence of minister of sports Vuwa Kaunda and Manchester United's envoy, Garry Pallister.

Eliza Chimphang'ombe: Women football talent

Eliza who is in form three at Ndirande hails from Ndamera in Nsanje. She started playing football on a serious noted in 2007.

"Then it was just a hobby. You know something you do to pass time. But now I can see windows of opportunity opening. Am considering a full career ahead of me.," she tells Nyasa Times.

She also plays for Malawi National Women Football Team and admires Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney on the international scene and Chiukepo Msowoya on the local scene.

And ironically, she supports Arsenal in England and Malawi's Mighty Wanderers.

Though she did not get the player of the tournament award, Eliza, showing a very rare trait, says she is happy for teammate Chimwemwe Billy who got the award and an air ticket for Dares-allam, the camp training with Manchester United technical staff.

"I attribute my success to God, my coach and my teammates. But also dedication when it comes to training. I take my training very seriously," she says.

Eliza advises all youngsters to find something to do so as not to indulge in bad behaviour which might jeopardize their lives and shatter their dreams.

Nyasa Times 20 Sep, 2011

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Source: http://www.nyasatimes.com/blog/2011/09/20/eliza-chiphang%e2%80%99ombe-the-future-of-malawi-women-football/
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