Zambia Women’s National Under-20 Football Team and ZESCO Ndola Girls FC player Gift Theresa Musatila has died after being rushed to hospital, the club announced today.

In a statement, the club expressed sadness over the passing of the young midfielder but did not disclose the cause of death.

“It is with deep sorrow and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved player, Gift Theresa Chilufya Musatila, of ZESCO Ndola Girls, who sadly passed away this morning after being rushed to the hospital in the early hours of the day,” the club announced.

“Gift was more than just a player — she was a valued member of our family, a dedicated athlete and a young woman whose passion, commitment and spirit inspired everyone around her. Her loss is heartbreaking to all of us at ZESCO United Football Club and the wider football community,” further read the club’s statement.

Musatila was one of the standout performers at the 2022 Under-17 Region VI Tournament in Malawi, a performance that earned her a La Liga scholarship programme in 2023.

FAZ mourns Musatila

Football Association of Zambia president Keith Mweemba also paid tribute to the youngster in a statement released by the association.

“We are saddened to learn of the death of Theresa Musatila who was one of the talents nurtured within our structures at FAZ. She had grown from representing the Under-17 and Under-20 national teams and was looking like a Copper Queens prospect. It is sad to lose such a young and promising star,” Mweemba was quoted as saying.

“Our commiserations are extended to the family, Zesco United Ndola Girls and the wider football community.”

Musatila becomes the second player in the Zambian Women’s League to die this year, following the death of 15-year-old Annita Chomba, a Green Buffaloes Women FC goalkeeper who was on loan at Locus Women FC.

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