Fideline Ngoy (TPM Mazembe): “We don’t set limits to our dreams”

• TP Mazembe goalkeeper looks back on her team's qualifying campaign for the CAF Women’s Champions League 2024
• The Corbelles will participate in their second CAF Women’s Champions League.
• The Lushoises goalkeeper is preparing to make her debut in Africa’s most prestigious women’s club competition

The Kinshasa native, Fideline Ngoy is looking at continuing in her fine form that was instrumental in TP Mazembe’s qualification of this season’s CAF Women’s Champions League. 

The acrobatic shot-stopper spoke to CAFOnline about the team’s preparations as well as the club’s ambitions as they make a return to the competition as champions of the UNIFFAC zone.

CAFOnline.com: After missing the CAF Women’ Champions League last season, you are back in the competition as UNIFFAC champions. What goals has the team set?

Fideline Ngoy: We are truly delighted to be taking part in this CAF Women's Champions League. Tout Puissant Mazembe is a prestigious club that deserves its place alongside the great African clubs. The road to qualification was not easy, as we faced important teams from our region, whose talent I wish to highlight. Now, we are qualified for this renowned competition, and we have great aspirations of doing well and making our nation proud.

What were the words of your coach Lamia Boumehdi, to successfully lead your qualification campaign?

During this qualifying phase, our coach displayed exceptional quality, truly working wonders. At times, I felt like there were twelve of us on the pitch, so palpable is the energy she communicates. She kept telling us that we are the best and reminding us that we had all the attributes required to succeed.

In what frame of mind did you approach this UNIFFAC tournament?

We were conquerors. TP Mazembe had failed to qualify last year. A setback that we really felt. We had to remedy this situation for our club. Consequently, when you enter a competition with such determination and ambition, you become almost invincible.

How did you celebrate your qualification?

We shared the joy of this qualification with everyone, from the President to the fans. This shows that this victory does not belong only to the players, but to an entire community. This is why we must serve as examples for future generations, by writing the first magnificent pages of the continental history of Tout Puissant Mazembe women’s footabll club.

What does this CAF Women's Champions League mean for you?

This is the Holy Grail of women’s club football in Africa. I am so proud to be there with this group. We will not go to this tournament just to participate, we really have the desire to do more than what has been achieved (editor's note: TP Mazembe were eliminated in the group stages).

The men's team has won this tournament five times, do you ever talk to members of the men's TPM? Do they share some of the secrets of their success?

We sometimes talk to the men's team about our different experiences, whether it's during the local championship or with a view to our future participation in the CAF Women’s Champions League. The support of our brothers encourages us enormously in our approach.

What are your ambitions in this tournament?

We don't have any limits in our dreams. Our goal is not to be mere extras. We really aspire to stand out in this competition.