Inonge Kaloustian, a former striker for the Clark University football team in the United States of America, born to a Zambian mother and American father, is optimistic about succeeding in the Zambian Women’s Super League and national team.
The 24-year-old midfielder joined ZISD FC in March of this year and was later called up to the national team, where she made her debut for the Copper Queens against South Korea, playing only five minutes.
“It was a great experience for me; I was able to learn a lot,” she responded to a question about her experience on the national team.
Inonge added that “it’s obvious; it’s going to be difficult to integrate any player into a team that is new for them, but I hope that if I get another chance, I will be able to build on that first cap.”
After being left out of the Copper Queens squad that made their debut at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it was understood that she went back to the US to conclude her studies as she was pursuing a master of health science degree in epidemiology and biostatistics.
Inonge grateful for the support thus far
Since she first emerged on the Zambian football scene, there have been mixed reactions from fans and pundits, with some arguing it was too soon for her to be part of the national team.
However, Inonge, who has played two games and provided two assists for ZISD this season, believes that a large number of people have been supportive of her.
“When interacting with supporters, everyone has really been supportive of me, and I am really grateful for that.”
Responding to suggestions that she is being segregated by Zambians, Inonge said, “Sometimes there are feelings like that, but I think that just like any place that you have just moved to, people can see you as an outsider, but there are more people that have accepted me and welcomed me.
“I don’t really spend my days thinking about what other people think about me; I know what I think of myself, and what my family and teammates think about me is what matters the most.”
Despite being left out of the squad that will compete in the Cosafa women’s championship, which will run from October 4–15, 2023, Inonge is focused on her club and hopes one day she will earn her second national team cap.
Zambia is in Group B with Angola, Mozambique, and Comoros, and Bruce Mwape has assembled an all-local squad for the tournament.
