Penelope Mulubwa Shines at ZPL Women Awards: ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Penelope Mulubwa stole the spotlight at the inaugural ZPL Awards Gala, walking away with not one, but two of the night’s biggest honours: Player of the Season and the coveted Golden Boot.
After a jaw-dropping 35-goal campaign in the Eden University Women’s Super League, Mulubwa firmly etched her name in Zambian football history. Her lethal finishing and relentless hunger in front of the goal left defenders across the league guessing all season long.
The 2024/25 season wasn’t just about Penelope, though — it was a full-on ZESCO Ndola Girls takeover. The league champions flexed their dominance at the gala with a trophy sweep. Goalkeeper Annie Namonje walked away with the Golden Glove, a well-earned nod to her clutch saves and calm presence under pressure. And the man behind the scenes, William Zulu, was rightly named Coach of the Year, having masterfully guided his squad to another league triumph.
In a well-rounded celebration of the women’s game, the ZPL Gala also recognized the storytellers behind the scenes — the ones who amplify women’s football and bring the game to life for fans across the country:
- 📺 Television: Victoria Linosi (Crown TV)
- 📰 Print: Chewe Kaliwile (Zambia Daily Mail)
- 📻 Radio: Jeremiah Chalwe (Joy FM)
- 💻 Digital Media: Aaron Mubanga Jnr (ZamFoot)
- 📸 Photographer: Limbikani Mtonga (Nchanga Rangers Queens)
- 📢 Club Media Officer: Verita Muyunda (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
With the bar raised high, Zambian women’s football is clearly entering a golden era — on the pitch and in the press.
Full list of the winners at the gala
ZPL WOMEN’S AWARDS GALA – WINNERS
Player of the season ;
Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Evarine Susan Katongo (Green Buffaloes)
Golden Glove ;
Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Young player of the season ;
Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police Blue Eagles)
Coach of the Year ;
William Zulu (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
The Referee of the Season;
Patricia Anna Banda
Assistant Referee of the Season;
Dorcas Chibale
In the Journalist of the Year – Television Victoria Linosi (Crown TV)
Club Media of the year;
Verita Muyunda (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Journalist of the season Print Category; Chewe Kaliwile (Zambia Daily Mail)
In the Radio Category-
Jeremiah Chalwe (Joy FM)
Photographer of the season:
Limbikani Mtonga (Nchanga Ranger Queens)
Electronic Category:
Aaron Mubanga Jnr (ZamFoot)
Fan of the season Category;
Enerst Mwansa (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
Golden Boot – Winner
Penelope Mulubwa (ZESCO Ndola Girls) with 35 goals
President’s Recognition Award – Mama Saili
