Eighteen-year-old musician and footballer Suwilanji Kangwa, widely known by her stage name Ranjie Barbie, says her standout performance in Sunday’s social match between musicians and comedians could open doors to national team recognition.
Kangwa scored an eye-catching hat-trick as the Musicians beat the Comedians 3-1, dazzling fans and sparking widespread calls on social media for her inclusion in future national team squads.
“That game meant a lot to me,” Kangwa said. “It showed that football speaks beyond leagues and titles. The love and reaction from the fans really touched me and reminded me that people are watching.”
A native of Kabwe, Kangwa is a professional player with National Assembly Women’s Football Club in the Women’s Super League, while also pursuing a growing music career as part of Ama Sweet Dondo, a duo with Ghetto Celeb managed by KJC Zambia.
“My full names are Suwilanji Kangwa, though many people know me as Ranjie Barbie,” she explained. “I started playing football at a very young age because both my parents have a football background. Football was always part of my life.”
She began her football journey at Indeni Grounds in Makululu, training with Makululu Stars, before moving to Kamisa Football Club and later joining Kabwe Warriors Women’s Team. In 2025, she earned a place with the National Assembly after trials in Lusaka, marking a key step in her professional growth.
Despite not having featured in any junior national provisional squad so far, Kangwa remains optimistic as she targets a place in future WAFCON teams.
“Not being selected before has only motivated me to work harder,” she stated. “Representing Zambia has always been my dream. If the opportunity comes, I will give everything for my country.”
Set to turn 19 in June, Kangwa says her focus remains on improving at the club level. “For now, I’m just working hard, staying disciplined and making sure I’m ready whenever the call comes,” she added.
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