Copper Queens and Red Arrows FC striker Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, who recently graduated from Zambia Air Force (ZAF) military training as a non-commissioned officer, scored two goals in the Zambia Women’s Super League last weekend.
In a showcase of class that is permanent, Ochumba made her presence felt against Luyando Foundation as Arrows cruised to a 3-1 victory at Nkoloma Stadium in Week 29 of the women’s league.
The 22-year-old was an integral member of both Arrows and the Copper Queens squads until she left for military training, and she demonstrated how much she was missed.
In an interview with BolaNews, Ochumba stated that she intends to finish strong in her remaining matches with Arrows by scoring at least ten goals.
“I feel good to be back on the pitch,” Ochumba told BolaNews in an interview. “I feel even better about scoring two goals on my return to the Red Arrows squad. For the remaining matches, my personal target is to score 10 goals.
“I just have to push so that my team can finish the league in a good position.”
Ochumba eyeing move professional football abroad
Ochumba’s goal-scoring prowess saw her score 26 goals last season, but she was unable to win the top scorer award, as former Elite Ladies striker Xiomara Mapepa won the golden boot with 28 goals.
With the Copper Queens qualifying for both the Africa Cup and the 2024 Olympics, the striker hopes to return to the national team.
“Now that I have started playing, I just have to push harder to get back to the national team,” she stated.
The striker, who represented the Copper Queens in two FIFA Women’s World Cup matches in 2023, is also optimistic about landing a contract outside of the country.
“I still want to play professional football outside the country. After all is done and I am back on the pitch, signing for a good team outside Zambia is one of my targets,” Ochumba said.
