Former Chipolopolo goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, now serving as the goalkeeper coach for Mamelodi Sundowns, will be Zambia’s sole representative at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup set to take place in the United States.
Former Chipolopolo star Kennedy Mweene, now the goalkeeper coach at Mamelodi Sundowns, is set to fly the Zambian flag solo at the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. As the only Zambian coach in the tournament, his journey from national hero to continental ambassador is worth celebrating.
Mweene is Zambia’s most-capped player (122 caps), a hero of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations—saving and converting a penalty in the final shootout—and earned the PSL Goalkeeper of the Season award in 2008–09 with Free State Stars .
He won eight South African league titles, multiple domestic cups, and the 2016 CAF Champions League before retiring in July 2023 to become the keeper coach at Sundowns .
In late 2024, after serving as an assistant, Mweene was officially elevated to the head goalkeeper coach role at Mamelodi Sundowns . His transition reflects not just professional growth but also his status as a Zambian icon influencing football beyond his playing days.
Mamelodi Sundowns secured their spot in the 2025 Club World Cup as CAF representatives and have been drawn into Group F, alongside Borussia Dortmund (Germany), Fluminense (Brazil), and Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea) .
Mweene emphasized that Sundowns are meticulously preparing, analyzing opponents and taking one match at a time—starting with Ulsan—for the tournament starting June 17, 2025 .
National pride: As the only Zambian representing a club on a global stage, Mweene’s presence brings pride to Zambia’s football legacy.
Coaching influence: His goalkeeping expertise at a high-profile club could inspire a new wave of Zambian goalkeeping talent.
Trailblazer for Zambian coaches: By working at the elite level abroad, he paves the way for other Zambian coaches to ascend in international football circles.
Sundowns begin Group F on June 17, likely kicking off against Ulsan Hyundai, followed by matches against Dortmund and Fluminense through June 25 .
Mweene’s role may directly impact match-defining moments—be it shot-stopping, organizing the defense, or motivating goalkeepers under the pressure.
Kennedy Mweene’s evolution—from Zambia’s shot-stopper to coaching at the pinnacle of club football—symbolizes dedication, national pride, and progressive representation. In the 2025 Club World Cup, he won’t just stand with one of Africa’s top clubs—he’ll carry the hopes and spotlight of a nation as Zambia’s only coach on that stage.