I just prioritise – Mulunga

“I just prioritise as a way of juggling between football and school and I just make sure I make time for both,” says 21-year-old Brave Gladiators player Lovisa Mulunga.In an interview with Namibian Sun recently, the second-year business administration student at the University of Namibia shared her experiences as a student and a footballer.She said although many people believe it is difficult to strike a balance between two equally loved occupations, she just prioritises to make sure she does not neglect either.“It is not something that everybody gets right because you either feel that one has more time than the other but I try and make sure that I do not neglect the other as both are things that I really love,” she said. Where it startedHaving started playing football at the age of 12, Windhoek born and bred Mulunga managed to get selected for the under-14 national team at the age of 13.Despite not getting direct inspiration from anyone close to her, as she is the only girl in her family who plays football, Mulunga was impressed by former Brave Gladiators coach Jacky Shipanga.“I never really got an inspiration from somewhere to play football except when I entered the football structures and I met coach Jacky Shipanga, and knowing her football achievements through and having to also study at the same time I gained my motivation and inspiration from her,” she said.She mentioned that despite being the only female footballer in her family, the support she received from her family has been immense.“I am glad of the support that I receive from my family and that kind of support and motivation is growing and I really appreciate that,” she said. Future plansThe proud Brave Gladiators player hopes to give back to football after her studies.“Although my studies are not so close to sports, when I finish I hope to come back and just give back to the football department because I really appreciate all the work and effort they have invested in me, even if it is just to work in the human resource department,” she maintained.Mulunga however indicated that she would jump at any opportunity that will allow her to pursue her studies outside the country and still play football.“If I get a scholarship then that would be the best option and I would not think of letting that slip away from me because there would have been other girls chosen and I was the lucky one so I would grab it and make use of it,” she said.She was also quick to point out that at the moment she does not think of signing a professional contract that does not allow her to continue with her studies.“I will have to think through what is in for me if I get a professional contract while still busy with my studies, but I think I would choose to continue playing at home and focus on my studies and then take it professional when I am done with my studies,” she said.She advised her fellow female footballers not to neglect their studies or football but to learn how to prioritise and make time for both.“I think it is very important that you do not neglect either and if you think you are a great footballer you also don''t know where football can take you so you need something to fall back on, which is a career,” he stressed.The 21-year-old is inspired by her captain, Mammie Kasaona.She also looks up to the retired American footballer Abby Wambach. “She is my favourite player and funny enough we both wear jersey number 20.” The young footballer also shared her views on the financial problems in Namibian football.“I think the current situation faced in the football fraternity is a sad one as football in general is a great investment one can make as you are also creating a name for yourself and marketing yourself.”She pleaded with the business community to invest in women''s football. KAINO NGHITONGO

I just prioritise – Mulunga

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-03-24

Please login to leave a comment

I just prioritise – Mulunga

Comments

Namibian Sun 2025-03-24

Please login to leave a comment

Login