HIBAPRESS-RABAT-CAF
Lamia Boumehdi, the coach of Tout Puissant Mazembe, spoke with CafOnline.com The Moroccan aims for the coronation with the Corbelles in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League She dreams of seeing more women at the helm of national teams and big clubs
After a disappointment in 2023, Tout Puissant Mazembe will return during the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League. The Corbelles return to this competition, from which they were eliminated in the first round in 2022. However, a lot has changed since then, notably with the arrival of Moroccan coach Lamia Boumehdi at the head of the team.
Renowned for her determination, the Moroccan brought a new dynamic to the Lush team. Interview.
Cafonline.com: After missing the last edition, you are back in the final phase of the CAF Women’s Champions League. What are your impressions?
Lamia Boumehdi : Indeed, last year, we failed to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League. Despite this failure, our leaders showed their confidence in us. This year we approached this quest for qualification with determination, because it was not an easy task, all our rivals were well prepared and put us to the test. This is why we enjoy our success all the more.
How did you prepare for the return of Tout Puissant Mazembe to the Champions League?
Before our participation in the UNIFFAC tournament, we played against many men’s teams, in order to be ready for what would await us during this elimination phase.
At what point, during the UNIFFAC tournament, did you tell yourself that this year, you will succeed in qualifying?
As soon as the first match started, I was convinced that we were going to triumph. The girls had worked tirelessly, they were extremely motivated, diligent, and above all, they did not want to relive a failure by not qualifying for this competition which is so important for us.
What will be your ambitions for this edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League?
We are the Almighty Mazembe. As soon as we mention the name of our club, the titles become obvious. Winning is at the center of this team’s identity. For the CAF Women’s Champions League, our goal is to win the title. We have everything we need to succeed.
What is your view on the development of women’s football in Africa?
Significant progress has been made. Some countries, such as Morocco, have made good progress in the development of women’s football. You can see that Moroccan selections are often present during World Cups, regardless of the category.
There are still active initiatives. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, our club, TPM, has an academy, which launched a project called “Sport and Studies” to welcome young female footballers. We currently have an U-17 team that lives and thrives at the center of TPM, and that is shaping the future of our team as well as that of the nation.
You are proof that African federations are increasingly trusting women to coach national teams. What does this inspire you?
Honestly, for me, my ultimate dream would be to see every women’s team led by a woman. That’s really what I want. I also hope that all managers will put their trust in women, because until now there are unfortunately few national teams or big teams with female coaches.
For you, this 2024 edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League will be your first participation. What feelings does this awaken in you?
It is a real privilege to participate for the first time in this great tournament with the exceptional Tout Puissant Mazembe team. Those in charge have done everything possible to guarantee our performance, and we have the same equipment as the men’s team. This enthusiasm pushes us to surpass ourselves thanks to such support.
