Clara Luvanga (Tanzania): "We respect our opponents, but we're not just going to make up the numbers."

• At 20 years old, Clara Luvanga is establishing herself as the new star of Tanzanian women's football 
• This season, the striker exploded in the Saudi League with 30 goals for champions Al Nassr
• Tanzania are in Group C with Ghana, Mali and defending champions South Africa

At only 20 years old, Clara Luvanga is already one of the rising stars of African women's football. Her name resonates particularly strongly in Tanzania, where she embodies both the future and the hope of an evolving women's game. 

With 10 goals scored in the 2022 U-17 World Cup qualifying campaign, she was her team's top scorer, carrying the Tanzanian national team on her shoulders and contributing greatly to her return to the international stage. 

This efficiency in front of goal has been confirmed this season in a completely different context, establishing herself as the champion and third best scorer in the Saudi League with Al Nassr, where she has scored an impressive 30 goals.

This double performance underlines the meteoric progression of Clara Luvanga, who has been able to adapt to very different challenges, moving from African pitches to an emerging but competitive championship in the Middle East. 

She is now a key part of the Tanzanian national team, which is ambitiously preparing for its participation in the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024. For Tanzania, absent since 2010, this return to the Women's AFCON is a historic moment, and Clara is one of the main protagonists. 

With their incisive style of play, sharp eye for goals and maturity despite her young age, she carries the hopes of a generation that wants to establish itself among the best nations on the continent.

Beyond the numbers, the striker represents a new dynamic, that of African women's football that is becoming more professional and drawing attention to talents that were previously too little exposed. Her journey is an inspiration to all young girls in Tanzania and beyond, who see her as proof that it is possible to dream big and reach new heights through hard work, determination and passion.

As Tanzania prepares to challenge experienced teams such as South Africa, Ghana and Mali, the pressure is on, but the enthusiasm and confidence is palpable. Clara Luvanga, through her career and her performances, symbolises the rise of Tanzanian women's football, ready to write a new page in its history on the continental scene.

CAFOnline.com: Clara, Tanzania makes a remarkable return to the continental scene. How does your team feel ahead of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2024?

Clara Luvanga: We are very motivated. It has been a long time since Tanzania has participated in a women's AFCON finals, so the whole team – players and staff – is happy to be back. There is a real excitement at the idea of representing our country at this level. We are preparing seriously, with a lot of desire, and we are aware of the importance of this tournament for us, for our country, and for the development of women's football in Tanzania.

You are only 20 years old, and yet your career path is already impressive. You finished as the top scorer in the African qualifiers for the U20 World Cup, and you are also one of the best scorers in the Saudi league. How do you feel about this meteoric rise?

It's true that everything went very quickly, but I'm keeping my feet on the ground. I rely a lot on the advice of my coaches, whether at club or national level. They help me to progress, to stay focused on my goals. I'm also very attentive to my teammates, I learn from them. I think the main thing is to stay humble, to work hard every day, and to always keep in mind the collective goals. My personal success only counts if it helps the team move forward.

You play for Al-Nassr, a world-famous club since the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo. Have you had the opportunity to talk to him personally?

Yes, I was lucky enough to meet him. It was brief but striking. We took a picture together, and we exchanged a few words. He was very kind. It's little moments like that that that remain engraved. He's a world star, and to be able to cross paths in the same club is something inspiring.

Other players from your club, such as Lina Boussaha from Algeria or Ruth Kipoyi of DR Congo, will also participate in this TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON. Do you discuss this competition together?

Yes of course. We talk about it regularly. We wish each other good luck, we discuss the preparation with our respective teams. It's nice to know that we will be several representatives of the same club in such an important competition. It strengthens the bonds, and we motivate each other to represent our countries and our colours well.

Tanzania will play in Group C, along with Ghana, Mali and South Africa. What do you think of this group?

It's a very tough group, with teams that have a lot of experience in this competition. South Africa, for example, is the defending champion. Ghana and Mali are also very good teams, very physical and well organised. But we are going to this AFCON with ambitions. We respect our opponents, but we're not going to be satisfied with being there. We will fight, proudly represent our country and try to get results. We are ready to take up the challenge.

This will be your first ever TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON. How do you feel about this major event?

It's a very special moment for me. It's the first time I'm going to participate in a senior AFCON, so I'm both excited and focused. I'm preparing seriously, physically and mentally. It's a big step in my career. I want to fight for my country, give the best of myself on the pitch and make the Tanzanian team proud. I'm really looking forward to this experience.

What does this competition mean to you, beyond its sporting importance?

It represents a lot. First of all because it's an opportunity to play against the best players on the continent. But also because it is a showcase to show the development of women's football in Tanzania. Through this competition, we have the opportunity to make our country, our level, our ambitions known. It is also a way to prove that Tanzania has its place on the African stage, that our efforts to advance women's football are starting to bear fruit.

Finally, what message would you like to send to a young girl who dreams of following in your footsteps?

I would tell her to believe in herself. The path is not easy, it is true, but it is worth it. Today, football can be a career, a real opportunity for emancipation. You shouldn't be afraid to show your talent, to fight for your dreams. There is a lot of potential among young girls in Tanzania. They need to know that if they work hard, they can succeed, help their families and make their country proud. Women's football is a way forward.