Success stories
Mabvuto's story
Agnes Chilando
AOTB Leader and Captain
Over the course of my involvement with AOTB it has been a life changing experience not only for me but for my family as well.
​
As a young leader and player (captain) for AOTB, I get to share my knowledge with my peers plus the community. Over the years AOTB helped me through my school education.
​
After I completed Grade 12, I was supported with a course in computer science at Lusaka Youth Resource Center in 2023 and this coming year, I will be supported with a course in Public Administration in the school of social science & humanities at the University of Zambia.
​
"I am truly grateful for the journey with AOTB in my life and I would advise people to get involved as the organisation is not only about football, but changing lives and helping communities."
Patience Mitutu
​Child Protection Officer/Counsellor
As a passionate advocate for education and community development, I was drawn to AOTB’s mission to empower young people in Africa through sports, education, and mentorship. Through my involvement with the organization, I have had the privilege of working with an incredible team, inspiring young minds, and witnessing firsthand the transformative power of education and sports. My connection at AOTB has not only shaped my perspective but also fuelled my desire to make a meaningful impact in the world."
​
My thrilling news is that after months of hard work and dedication, I am honoured to announce that I have been sponsored to pursue my Masters' degree at Cavendish University in Zambia. This is a dream come true, and I can't wait to embark on this new chapter.
Through this opportunity, I hope to inspire and encourage others, just as AOTB has inspired & empowered me.
​
"I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your unwavering support and encouragement. Your belief in me and my dreams has meant the world, and I am honoured to have you as part of my journey. Thank you, Patience"
Matthew Musata
AOTB Junior & U20 Senior Div 5 Coach
I've always had a love for football since a young age and I always enjoyed the thrill of watching a goal as the ball goes into the net.
​
I have been involved with Africa On The Ball (AOTB) all begun last year 2024 which all started with my passion for football as I noticed that the organization has football teams. I became a member and was also lucky enough to receive a sponsorship in a coaching course at Nasdec which helped me gain my FAZ E -coaching license.
​
I’m now privileged to coach the AOTB junior teams namely the under 10, 12 and 14 boys as well and the under 14 girls, asides from that I also coach the under 20 senior division five(5) AOTB team. It has been a great experience working with these teams and with the only challenge being lack of equipment sometimes, but we still push forward. I am also involved with the organizations outreach team in which I participate and help in ways I can when I am not coaching.
​
My wish for the future is to see the AOTB football teams do better than what it is now, and for the organization to go further in their achievements to help more people by sticking to their motto “Changing lives through football” because they really have helped individuals achieve certain goals and they are still helping others achieve something.
Faith Kaunda
From Kalingalinga To The World.
​​
Faith Kaunda has come through the AOTB club having had her schools fees supported by AOTB, and is now training with the Copper Princesses, Zambia U17 women’s national team, gearing up for the 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. This 14-year-old sensation has already made waves in the qualifiers and showed off her skills as a versatile winger and left back.
She became the First Female to breakthrough to the National Team set up since the introduction of Africa on the Ball’s K Town Queens In 2016.
Faith, who is currently on a loan with The National League Outfit, with ZedPro Sports Foundation was crowned COSAFA U17 Champion in Namibia, as well as winning the Award for the youngest player in the FAZ National League Division 1.
​
Dreams Do Come True.
​
​
Peter Kasongo
AOTB Volunteer
"My involvement with the organisation begun in 2020 when the manager talked to me about how the organisation operates and I became interested .
​
AOTB is currently supporting me with a course in Food production and General hospitality at Lusaka Youth Resource Center Training School in which I will do my best to make the most of the opportunity presented to me.
Furthermore my engagement with different trainers has helped impart skills in me such as how to attend and administer first aid on and off the football pitch.
Most importantly, I have learnt how to keep myself healthy, including staying away from drugs and bad company.
​
I encourage everyone who wishes to join to feel free to just come along - you will be welcomed just as you are. The organisation is here to support you in any way it can.
​
If there is one thing Africa On The Ball (AOTB) has helped me understand is that life is full of surprises and you never know what's around the corner."
Petronella Watson Phiri
Coach to the AOTB U 13 girls, Liti Stars Academy and Golden ladies division 2
My name is Petronella Watson Phiri and my time with Africa On The Ball (AOTB) has taught me that it does not focus solely on football, but it has different activities such as life skills, sponsorships, helping the community through sports and many more.
​
My experience in football started when I was very young as I used to be a footballer for Edusports foundation, I stopped playing football in 2007 but my love for football continued as I also wanted to be a coach.
I joined the organization last yearAugust 2024 after seeing it online as well as what they did for the community at Kalingalinga ground.
Shortly after joining, paired with my love for football, I got a chance to be sponsored by AOTB and attend a coaching course at Nazdec for my FAZ-E license but my plans for the future extend further, as I want to upgrade to a FAZ-C license to be able to coach at national level.
​
I would encourage those who would like to join AOTB to do so as they help in many ways
Scarleti Sekeleti
AOTB U12s Girls Coach & Peer Leader
I have loved football since a young age, and Africa On The Ball (AOTB) has helped me grow and learn a lot.
​
I am a peer leader for AOTB. I've had an exciting and rewarding experience working with an amazing team of young, motivated individuals. My journey with the organization started back in 2016 during my Grade 7 year. One day, after an inter-school match, I met a coach who told me about AOTB, and / immediately became interested.
​
Over the years, I have been supported with school fees for my secondary education and provided with equipment such as uniforms. I also received support to attend a coaching course at OYDC in 2018, which I now use to coach the AOTB Under-12 girls' team. Furthermore, I have been given another opportunity to study a course in General Hospitality at Creso University.
​
I look forward to many more years with the organization, as my experience has been adventurous, filled with visits to different places and opportunities to meet new people.
​
For anyone who wishes to join, you are most welcome! AOTB is not just focused on football but is also dedicated to changing lives and helping the community
Getrude Mbewe
Scholarship Award Student
I want to pass my humble gratitude for your greatest support and hard working you have shown us. I am really grateful for everything you have done for me even when I was on my lowest you showed me I could be more than what others say I am. May God give you all the strength so that you should continue with the good work and spirit you have and thank you for everything, I will forever be grateful for you support and love you have shown.
I first heard of Africa On The Ball from my brother who plays for their football team that they were awarding sponsorships and I was interested in pursuing a course. By the grace of God I was picked as one of the Kalingalinga community members to be sponsored.
I began my course in General hospitality last year November 2024 at Abundant life training center. I chose this course as it is good and doesn’t focus on one aspect but different things such as food production, customer relations and front seat office, just to mention a few.
I graduated on 28th March 2025, and I am now looking for a job and my dreams are to open my own bakery which I hope to name “TRUDY’S BAKERY”.
Furthermore I would invite those who would like to join to come through as the organization is very inviting and does not just focus on football but it also has different activities that take place
Anastase Longu
AOTB Peer Leader & Program Volunteer
I joined AOTB way back in when I was just in grade 6 in 2014 when I played for their under 10, 12 and 15 girls team. I then got the chance to go on loan to play the National League at Chainda Bombers FC. After that I continued to play for the AOTB girls team until 2021.
​
After that I became a peer leader for the organization and was lucky enough to be given a sponsorship to study General Hospitality at Abundant Life Training Center for 6 months, which I started Nov 24 up to April 25. They helped me so much by not only paying my fees, but financial support to buy uniforms as well as other requirements.
​
I am really grateful for the opportunity AOTB gave me, and all those who pushed me to do better and reach where I am today. I would also like to thank Manager Kelvin Chasauka for involving me in the AOTBs program.
I recently graduated and can now focus more on supporting their activities and programs as I explore and look for work.
Ester Chansa
Scholarship Award Student
I sincerely appreciate Africa On The Ball for this wonderful opportunity, as it has motivated me to start my own business.
Trying is better than doing nothing at all, and just like that, I decided to give Africa On The Ball (AOTB) a go. I became a member, and I encourage anyone willing to join to give it a try.
I first heard about the organization from my brother, who explained what it was about. I became interested and joined in November 2024. Shortly after getting involved, the organization awarded me a scholarship to pursue Computer Studies at Queensland College earlier this year.
​
I strongly encourage anyone interested in joining to do so because the organization is incredibly helpful.
Mapolo Kangwa
AOTB Scholarship Student
I am happy to be one of the community members awarded a scholarship by Africa On The Ball (AOTB).
​
I first heard about the organization from my brother, who explained what it was about. I became interested and joined in November 2024. Shortly after getting involved, the organization awarded me a scholarship to pursue Computer Studies at Queensland College earlier this year.
​
Earlier this year, I began my studies in General Hospitality at Abundant Life Training Center here in Lusaka. Although I have only been with the organization for a short time, my communication skills have improved, and I have learned how to better interact with people and advance my life.
​
I truly appreciate Africa On The Ball for this wonderful opportunity, and I will do my very best.
2024 Scholarship Beneficiaries say Thanks to the £11k Kiltwalk Fundraisers
Christini Phiri
AOTB Over 35's Player Scholarship Beneficiary
​
I'm Christine Phiri, My experience with Africa on the Ball has helped a lot of people concerning education. I really give thanks to the sponsors; they should continue with this same spirit. It has contributed to my growth by taking me to school, so that my life can be better in the future, and I obtained a skill, in general Hospitality.
I want Africa on the Ball to improve by giving us more activities to keep us busy with football.
My next plan for the future is to start my own restaurant and improve my football skills to be able to play internationally.
Prudence Hachonga
AOTB Over 35's Player Scholarship Beneficiary
​
My name is Prudence Hachonga, and I'm from the labor women's team. I have had a transformative experience with Africa on the Ball. They have kept their promises, and their support has been life-changing. Instead of getting caught up in negative habits, I have focused on training and education through their program. I have also gone back to school, which has been incredibly empowering.
I would love to see Africa on the Ball organize Football tournaments to keep us engaged and motivated. Additionally, I would be thrilled if they could support me in opening a restaurant, utilizing my skills.
Thank you, Africa on the Ball, for believing in me and creating opportunities for growth!
Bibeso Phiri
AOTB Over 35's Player Scholarship Beneficiary
​​
My name is Bibeso Phiri. I would like to thank Africa on the Ball for everything they have done in my life. They helped me to obtain a certificate in General Hospitality. I appreciate their support and hope they continue empowering people, youth, and women in our community.
​​
My plan for the future is to become a better woman, working hard to contribute positively to my community.
Thank you, Africa on the Ball, for your impact on my life
Anastasi Sambo
AOTB Over 35's Player Scholarship Beneficiary
My name is Anastasia Sambo, and I'm 30 years old. Africa on the Ball has been a game-changer in my life! Their support enabled me to pursue my studies and upgrade my life. Now, I'm eager to pay it forward and see Africa on the Ball make a similar impact on others.
​​
My goal is to work hard, create a positive difference in my community, and inspire others to do the same. I'm grateful for organizations like Africa on the Ball that empower individuals to achieve their dreams.
Let's keep changing lives!
Kunda Chitambo
AOTB Over 35's Player Scholarship Beneficiary
My name is Kunda Chitambo. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Africa on the Ball for the positive impact you have had on my life and fellow women. Your support enabled me to return to school and acquire a trade in General Hospitality. I'm thankful for the opportunity.
I urge Africa on the Ball to continue its good work, empowering more women like me. In the future, I aspire to upgrade my skills and give back to my community by mentoring and supporting the younger generation.
​
Thank you again for investing in me. I'm excited to make a difference!
Mapolo Chinga
AOTB Volunteer
I was born on 15th January 2007 at Kalingalinga Clinic in Lusaka. Unfortunately, my parents
divorced when I was just a few months old, and I was raised by my mother as a single parent without the support or love of my father. My mother was a Football player, but she stopped when I was born. She did some clothes business to meet my needs.
Growing up wasn't easy... sometimes we would sleep without eating, and sometimes we would eat just once a day. I started preschool at MELOSHEB Pre-School in Kalingalinga, Lusaka, where I pursued my passion for poetry at the age of 3. I continued with poetry, and I would play with my male relatives and neighbours. I was the only girl out of 10 boys, making it 11 in the play squad. We formed a football team and played with a plastic ball called "Kambombwa". It made me happy every day.
​
I didn't have female friends until Grade 1 at VERA CHILUBA PRIMARY SCHOOL, where I met Jane
Lombanya in 4th grade. She introduced me to AFRICA ON THE BALL, and I joined their girls' football team. My life and my mother's became better; they would help with school equipment, health, and safety lessons, and built an amazing football player in me.
​
I did my secondary school at Lusaka Girls Secondary, where I was school head sports prefect and poetry president. I completed secondary school in 2025.
I'm currently a volunteer at Africa on the Ball, pledging to give my all, commitment, and hard work because I'm determined to see how the organisation changes lives through football. I want to contribute to it in a good way.