Nali's Rise to Success

Shepolopolo’s goalkeeper, Hazel Nali, has overcome a number of boundaries to be the successful player that she is today.

As a child, Nali got into trouble for playing football, her parents preferred her to focus on studying instead.

“I really had so much trouble that I had to change where I would stay” she said.

“I went for a holiday at my grandma's place. And I really cried because I wanted to stay there and enjoy my sports career. So, I had to do that. And it really helped me a lot."

Her late grandma was not only a good listener, she was a source of inspiration for a young Nali.

"She used to play netball, and in the process I wanted to do something different from her sport. So, I began playing football and from that time, it has been my favourite sport," Nali said.

"She would encourage me. She told me to focus on school but also play football because I like it. So, she understood me so well and it really gave me the zeal to keep on going."

After starting her career with Zambia’s Under-17 national team, and having recently qualified for Shepolopolo’s first ever World Cup, Nali says that her mum is now her “biggest fan”.

The World Cup starts on the 20th July 2023.