Lamia Boumehdi (TP Mazembe): “Carrying the title of African champions means embracing it fully and turning it into motivation for the team”.

A new campaign, a new challenge, and a familiar ambition. TP Mazembe return to the CAF Women’s Champions League as defending champions, one year after making history in Morocco by lifting their first-ever continental crown.

The Congolese giants, known as the “Corbeaux”, sealed a dramatic 1-0 victory over AS FAR in last year’s final — a result that confirmed their place among the elite of African women’s football. For head coach Lamia Boumehdi, that success was the reward for a project built on discipline, technical precision and an unwavering team spirit.

Renewal and resilience

Mazembe’s preparations for the new campaign comes with unique challenges. The Congolese women’s league has yet to kick off, meaning the champions will head into continental action without competitive match rhythm. 

Compounding that, eight key players from last season’s title-winning squad have departed for clubs in Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Yet, Boumehdi remains optimistic. The club has recruited a wave of young, ambitious talents eager to seize their opportunity. “We’ve lost some major players, but we’ve gained new energy,” the coach explains. “These new recruits understand the weight of representing Mazembe and defending a continental title. The team spirit is strong — and that’s what defines this club.”

CAFOnline.com: Coach Boumehdi, how would you assess your team’s preparation ahead of this new CAF Women’s Champions League campaign?
Lamia Boumehdi: Preparation has gone well overall. The group has responded positively to the technical staff’s demands. We’ve focused on physical conditioning, team cohesion and tactical work because we know the competition level will be very high. The main challenge is the lack of competitive matches — our domestic league hasn’t started yet, so we’re compensating with friendly games and intense training sessions to maintain sharpness.

What’s the current mindset within your group?
Boumehdi: The spirit is excellent. Even with a significantly changed squad, the players are united and determined. Losing eight key players was inevitable — their success gave them opportunities abroad, which we celebrate. Mazembe is bigger than any individual. We’ve built a new core of talented players who know the responsibility they carry. They want to prove that Mazembe remains strong, regardless of change.

You enter the tournament as defending champions. How do you handle the pressure that comes with that title?
Being African champions is both a privilege and a burden. Every team will want to beat us — each match will feel like a final for our opponents. We have to embrace that and use it as motivation. Experience will help us manage this pressure better. Defending a title is harder than winning it; that’s where a team’s true character is tested.

As one of the continent’s most respected coaches, how do you view the evolution of women’s football in Africa?
It’s been remarkable. The CAF Women’s Champions League has transformed the landscape by giving players unprecedented exposure. Clubs are becoming more professional, infrastructure is improving, and more young girls are dreaming of playing professionally. CAF deserves credit for driving this growth. Now, the focus must be on youth development to ensure that this progress is sustainable.

Congratulations on your recent nomination for the CAF Awards in the category of “Women’s Coach of the Year.” What does that recognition mean to you?
Boumehdi: It’s an incredible honour and a proud moment — not just for me but for the entire TP Mazembe family. This nomination recognises collective work: the staff, the players, and the club leadership. Mazembe is an institution, and contributing to its history on the women’s side is something I deeply value. It also motivates me to keep improving and to inspire other women to believe in their own potential.

How did your club react to your nomination?
Boumehdi: The reaction was wonderful. Our president, the staff and the players were thrilled. At Mazembe, we work as a family, and any personal success is shared collectively. This nomination brought positive energy to the group — it strengthened our resolve to stay focused and aim high again this season.

This year’s CAF Women’s Champions League carries additional importance — the winner will represent Africa at the inaugural FIFA Women’s Club World Cup. What does that mean for you and your team?
It’s a historic moment. The creation of the FIFA Women’s Club World Cup gives our competition global significance. The thought of representing Africa on a world stage is a huge source of motivation. It will encourage clubs to become even more professional and push players to higher standards. For us, it’s a dream and a challenge. We want to earn that opportunity and proudly represent our continent.

Finally, what message do you have for TP Mazembe supporters?
A big thank you. Our supporters are incredible — passionate, loyal, and unwavering in their belief. Their energy drives us forward. We know their expectations are high, and we promise to give everything to make them proud again. Every victory we achieve is also theirs. I hope they continue to fill the stands, wear our colours proudly and believe in us — because their strength is truly our strength.