This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress-Rabat-Caf
On the occasion of the month of women’s rights, Cafonline.com highlights those that shape and energize women’s football in Africa. Among them, Lamia Boumehdi is distinguished by her inspiring career and flawless commitment. Former Moroccan international who has become a coach and instructing, she transformed challenges into opportunities and has established herself as an essential figure in women’s football on the continent.
His story is that of a passion that transcends obstacles. By becoming one of the first women training in Morocco, she paved the way for many others. Her success with the TP Mazembe, crowned African champion in the female Champions League, testifies to the talent and the seriousness that she breathes into her work. Even more, it symbolizes the positive evolution of African women’s football, supported by structuring competitions and development initiatives carried by CAF.
In this interview, the tactician enthusiastically shares her experience, her ambitions and her vision for the future of women’s football. It returns to the progress made, the emergence of new opportunities and the importance of training. Porty by communicative energy, she also sends a strong message to young girls aspiring to a career in this area: with work and perseverance, everything becomes possible.
Cafonline.com: Lamia, you were first playful before becoming a coach. How was this transition made and what motivated you to embrace this career?
Lamia Boumehdi : The transition was not simple. In my time, there were very few women training, and I was one of the first in Morocco to embark on this path. From a coach player requires a deep mental and psychological change. What helped me a lot was training. I followed a five -month curriculum at the University of Leipzig, where I learned all aspects of the profession: technique, tactical, physical and mental preparation, transition management … But above all, becoming a trainer was a necessity. An injury forced me to stop my player career, and to stay connected to my passion, coaching was the only way.
Have you been faced with prejudices or resistances as a trapped woman?
Unfortunately, yes. Whether as a player or as a coach, I have often had to face retrograde mentalities. Some people still consider that the place of a woman is elsewhere than on a football field. Fortunately, these mentalities evolve and do not represent the majority.
You are a pioneer in African women’s football. How do you perceive its evolution?
Progress is immense! Today, several African countries have professional championships. The organization of the female CAN in Morocco was a major turning point with a remarkable popular craze. The female champions League also allowed clubs to structure themselves. With the appearance of new competitions such as the Club World Cup or the Futsal Women’s World Cup, there is a real dynamic in Africa, supported by CAF through initiatives such as training training and the development of school competitions.
Do you have any models that have inspired you in your journey?
My model is my mother. She never allowed herself to be cut down by the difficulties and transmitted this strength to me. From a very young age, she supported me against all odds, despite the criticisms of those who found it abnormal that a girl plays football.
What should be done to encourage more women to become coaches, referees or leaders?
With the progression of women’s football in Africa, more and more women want to kiss these careers. The current generation offers a positive model that motivates young girls. We must continue to give them the means to train and professionalize themselves.
What is your greatest pride as a trainer?
Win the female Champions League with TP Mazembe after only a year and a half of work. Usually, such success is the result of four or five years of construction. This victory is an immense accomplishment.
How did you experience this coronation and what are its repercussions on women’s football in the Democratic Republic of Congo?
It was a moment of intense joy, but you quickly had to turn the page and project yourself on the next edition. This victory had a direct impact on the female championship in DR Congo: the teams are more structured, because they aspire to win a place in the Champions League.
Wonder Kanjinga went to Paris Saint-Germain after this success. How did you experience this transfer?
It is a huge pride to see a player trained here to join a major club like PSG. Of course, as a trainer, losing a player of this caliber is a hard blow, but I am happy for her. She is the first Congolese to sign directly in a European professional club, and this shows the quality of the work done here.
You recently supported the ladies leopards in qualifying for the CAN 2026. How did you manage this double function?
It was not my first experience at the head of a selection, I had already managed the Morocco team. For the DRC, the conditions were special: I took up my duties two days before the first match against Botswana. We were limited in staff, but we knew how to qualify. It is important that the Federation continues to invest in women’s football, because the potential is immense.
You want to develop training with the Academy of TP Mazembe. Can you tell us about it?
The Academy brings together young players who play with the senior team, for lack of the youth championship in DR Congo. Last year, they finished third in the national championship, which shows their potential. We are betting on them to ensure the next generation and permanently structure women’s football at TP Mazembe and in DR Congo.
What advice would you give to young girls aspiring to a career in football, whether as players or in other roles?
Above all, you have to work tirelessly. Work is the key. You should never be discouraged. Of course, not everyone will always be there to help, and obstacles will present on the way. But the main thing is to overcome them and persevere until reaching its goal.
