Anastazia Katunzi (JKT Queens): “We’re coming back stronger and ready to compete at the top.”

After missing out on the 2024 edition, JKT Queens are set to return to the CAF Women’s Champions League with renewed determination and a clear mission of showcasing the strength and growth of women’s football in Tanzanian.

Led by captain and seasoned player Anastazia Katunzi, the team has embraced a fighting spirit and a carefully structured preparation for the CAF Women’s Champions League 2025. Their qualification is not only a reward for persistence and hard work, but also a reflection of the rapid rise of women’s football in Tanzania and across East Africa.

“We’ve worked very hard, and this time our preparation is more structured,” says  Katunzi.

“Our goal is clear — to represent JKT Queens with pride and to show that we’re ready to compete with the best clubs on the continent.”

CAFOnline.com: Anastazia, congratulations on qualifying once again for the CAF Women’s Champions League. How do you feel about returning to the continental stage?

Anastazia Katunzi: Thank you very much. Above all, we thank God for this opportunity. It’s a great source of pride for us — a reward for our effort and perseverance. We’ve worked hard since our last appearance, and this time our preparation is more organized. Our goal is to represent JKT Queens with honour and show that we’re ready to challenge Africa’s best.

CAFOnline.com: How did you handle the frustration of missing last year’s tournament?
Katunzi: It was difficult, but it became a lesson. Watching from home gave us perspective — we analysed our past performances, learned from our weaknesses, and improved. Now we have a more mature, tactically aware, and mentally strong team. That setback motivated us to come back even stronger.

CAFOnline.com: You’ve had a packed schedule — between futsal, WAFCON qualifiers, and now theCAF Women’s Champions League. How do you manage that workload?

Katunzi: It’s demanding, yes, but we’ve adapted. Every player must be ready to step in at any time. We rotate effectively, which keeps us fresh and competitive. Futsal, for example, was very intense — it helped us sharpen our focus and physical readiness for this tournament. The key is to stay concentrated, manage our energy, and keep our motivation high.

CAFOnline.com: As captain, how would you describe your team’s mindset going into this campaign?

Katunzi: The team is very motivated and confident. Our goal is to go as far as possible — we want to fight for the title. But beyond that, we’re representing Tanzania. We want to show that our country produces talented and disciplined players capable of competing at the top level in Africa. Every training session, every friendly match, is approached with full seriousness and unity.

CAFOnline.com: Tanzania has been one of the fastest-growing nations in women’s football in East Africa. What explains this rapid progress?

Katunzi: It’s the result of consistent support from the Tanzania Football Federation, which is truly investing in women’s football. More young girls are joining clubs, taking the game seriously, and developing their skills. There’s healthy competition now — and that pushes everyone to improve. We’re seeing great talent emerging, and this competition is the perfect platform for them to shine.

CAFOnline.com: What are JKT Queens’ objectives for this year’s CAF Women’s Champions League?

Katunzi: Our ambition is high. We want to approach every match with seriousness, demonstrate our teamwork and individual quality, and ultimately aim for the trophy. We know the challenge is big, but we trust our preparation and our unity as a team.

CAFOnline.com: On a personal level, what does this competition mean to you?Katunzi: It’s a huge honour and a personal challenge. It gives me the chance to test myself against Africa’s best players and to keep improving. But it’s also a responsibility — representing my club, my city, and my country on the continental stage is something I take with great pride.

CAFOnline.com: Finally, what message do you have for Tanzanian fans and young girls dreaming of playing football?
Katunzi: To our fans — thank you for your incredible support. We’ll give everything on the field to make you proud. And to young girls dreaming of a football career — believe in yourself, work hard, and never be afraid to dream big. With determination and passion, everything is possible.

With renewed strength, unity, and ambition, JKT Queens are ready to make their mark on the CAF Women’s Champions League 2025, carrying with them the hopes of Tanzania and the spirit of East African women’s football.