In just under a year, Pauline Zulu has gone from a mid-season signing at Zanaco Ladies Football Club to one of the most celebrated names in Zambian women’s football. Commanding, intelligent, and fiercely determined, the central defender has been a standout figure in Zanaco Ladies’ 2024/2025 season, and she’s not slowing down.
After joining Zanaco Ladies in January 2025 from Elite Ladies FC, Zulu made an instant impact. Despite arriving halfway through the season, her maturity and experience at the back brought much-needed stability to the team’s defensive line. Her composure under pressure, aerial dominance, and ability to skim the game turned her into one of Coach Florence Mwila’s most trusted players.
“From the very first training session, I felt the energy and ambition at Zanaco,” Zulu shared. “The environment here is competitive, but it’s also supportive. Everyone is pushing to improve and help the club grow, and that motivated me to give my best from day one.”
Zulu’s journey to Zanaco followed a phenomenal year on the international stage. In 2024, she was an integral part of the Zambia Women’s National Team (Copper Queens) squad that won the Women’s COSAFA Cup, showcasing her consistency and leadership in a high-stakes regional tournament. Not long after that, she made the country proud by representing Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a dream come true for many athletes and a clear indicator of her talent and dedication.
Now, as she rides the momentum of that success, Pauline Zulu has once again been named to the Copper Queens squad, this time for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), that is taking place in Morocco.
“Being selected for WAFCON is an incredible honour,” Zulu said. “Representing Zambia at this level is always emotional, it’s not just about football, it’s about representing every young girl who dreams of playing professionally, and every fan who supports us. I’m proud to wear the national colours, and I’m going to give my all in Morocco.”
Zulu acknowledges the competition will be tough, but says the Copper Queens are prepared.
“This squad is filled with hunger and heart. We’ve trained hard and gone through a lot together, qualifying, building chemistry, and getting stronger. Now, it’s time to show the continent what we’re made of.”
While national duty calls, Zulu hasn’t lost sight of her club responsibilities. She remains deeply committed to Zanaco Ladies and is already setting her sights on the upcoming 2025/2026 season.
“My focus at club level is clear, we want to move from being a competitive team to being title contenders. We’ve got quality players and a hardworking technical bench. Next season, we want to win trophies and build a team that Zanaco fans will be proud of.”
Her leadership has also extended beyond the pitch. Zulu continues to mentor younger players at Zanaco, often seen guiding teammates during training and offering advice during games. Her blend of quiet strength and vocal encouragement has earned her the respect of her peers and coaches alike.
“I know what it’s like to come up through the ranks,” she says. “I always try to encourage the younger girls, whether they’re just getting promoted or still finding their place. We have to lift each other.”
For Zanaco Ladies FC, Pauline Zulu is more than just a player; she is a symbol of what happens when talent meets opportunity, when hard work meets purpose. Her rise is a testament to Zanaco’s growing reputation as a club that develops, nurtures, and champions excellence on and off the pitch.
As she heads to WAFCON 2024 in Morocco with the Copper Queens, Zulu carries with her the dreams of a nation and the unwavering support of the Zanaco family.
“I play for my country, but I carry Zanaco with me,” she says with pride. “This club believed in me, and I want to make everyone here proud now and always.”
