Elite Ladies FC Sign Lweendo Hanongo but Move to Cancel Deal

15.08.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Lweendo Hanongo

In a dramatic turn of events, The Elite Ladies FC have confirmed that they signed Zambia Under-17 women’s national team defender-cum-winger Lweendo Hanongo on a three-year professional contract, with an option for a one-year extension. The deal was valued at K45,000 in signing-on fees and K200,000 in salaries and other emoluments.

According to the club, Hanongo, alongside her parents and manager, received K31,100 in advance payments while Elite Ladies worked to finalise a compensation agreement with her amateur club, Driven Queens of Kabwe.

However, the club alleges that the player became elusive after signing the contract and collecting the funds. As a result, the Elite Ladies have opted not to proceed with completing the deal. Instead, they have bolstered their squad with the acquisition of Loveness Daka and Faith Kajiya Kapilingo, rendering Hanongo surplus to requirements.

The club has made it clear that their next step will be to recover the funds already paid to the player. Should recovery prove unsuccessful, Elite Ladies plan to enforce the professional contract — which was signed by Hanongo’s family at her repeated insistence — through the FAZ Player Status Committee.

This unfolding saga raises questions about player commitment, contract enforcement, and the challenges clubs face in professionalising football in Zambia.