Ascending to Greatness

Lughano Nyondo, Malawi

Lughano Nyondo is a 14 year old striker from Malawi and part of the Ascent Girls’ soccer academy. As a result of her rapid progress in Malawi, in 2019 Lughano received an academic and soccer scholarship at Indian Mountain School, Connecticut, USA, where she now attends school. Lughano told us about her photos and life story in Malawi.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your football life? 

My name is Lughano Nyondo. I am a striker for Ascent girls’ soccer academy based in Mzuzu, Malawi. I started playing football when I was 9 years old. I was playing with the boys who were living in my community. People would say insulting words at me like; “you will be a prostitute when you play with the boys” and “you cannot play football because it is a boys’ sport”. 

One day I saw Tabitha Chawinga playing at Mzuzu stadium, Malawi. She inspired me to start playing football. She was a shield for me when people insulted me. When I went home I started asking my mom if I can join a girls’ team in our community. She said that I was too young to play with the under-20 girls, and they did not have an underage team. When I was 10 I asked my mother again if I can join the team, and then she let me go and play with the under-20 girls. I was the only kid in the team and all of them were older than me. I played with that team for a year but then team was no more.  I stayed at home for 3 months. 

One day a coach from one of the best girls’ soccer teams in the city came to my house. He asked me if I can train with their team and I accepted the offer. They had an under-17 team. I played for that team for a year. In August 2017 the Ascent coaches came scouting for players in the city. There were 1000 people for the trials, but I was one of five people to be selected for that group (4 boys and 1 girl) and to join the academy. They paid my school fees, my health treatment, food and they taught me how to have good standards, growth mindset and soccer skills. After one year playing for Ascent I got a scholarship to go to Bishop Mackenzie international school, one of the best schools in Malawi. I studied at Bishop Mackenzie for one year and I then got an academic and soccer scholarship at Indian Mountain School, Connecticut, USA.

Who is in the photos? Where were the photos taken?

I took photos of some boys and a girl who were my friends. I took a picture of two girls who were playing with a local ball at the playground. I took a picture of a pair of boots at home. I also took a picture of a boy playing with a local ball.

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

I was trying to show people that there are a lot of girls who have talents, but they don’t show their talent because they are scared that people will mock them and laugh at them. There are few girls who have the courage and passion to overcome their obstacles to reach the top. In Malawi they have less sports equipment. I was showing that there are only a few people who use boots and a lot play barefoot. There are not many people who use soccer balls.  The others use local balls.  

There are a lot more boys than girls in Malawi who play soccer. Girls in other cultures believe that boys are the only people who should play football and can do whatever they want – and for girls they say that they should stay at home and take care of the house chores and the family. 

What are the opportunities for female footballers in Malawi?

Female players in Malawi are not trained as professionals, but they have chances to go abroad and play as a professional and that can improve their football. They have chances of being a professional as long as they can stand up for themselves and believe that they can do it, no matter how long it will take.

Why is football so important for Malawian people?

Football brings smiles, friends and family together. It entertains people and it makes people busy. People can forget all the bad things when they watch football along with their friends. It is also providing resources to other families. People play football for money so that they can help their families and others. Football means everything to Malawians. 

Malawi is now developing a little in soccer resources. Ascent the one of best academies in Malawi and is helping a lot of children in soccer, education and character. It is helping football in Malawi to be bigger and better.

What role does football play in Malawian society?

Football connects people from different cultures and traditions all over Malawi. It brings friendships to society. It entertains or stresses out a lot of people. It brings opportunities for others like playing abroad or in the best teams in Malawi.

What does football mean to you?

Football means everything to me. It is something that I live. I love everything about it, the teamwork and the passion. I have loved football since I was a young girl. When most of the girls were playing with dolls I was watching football. Football is something that I will forever enjoy; my goal is to play with the most famous women stars of the world and to play professionally and for my country. I am grateful to meet many inspiring people who keep helping and telling me to do good things in my life.

What is the future for Malawi women's football?

The future for Malawi women’s football will be amazing and in our time they will be one of the teams who will qualify to go to the World Cup. That is my biggest dream for the Malawi women’s national team. There will be a lot of talented and passionate people with good teamwork ready to play for their country and qualify.