The little magician graduates as U-17 star Mwenda closes one chapter

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...Prepares for another magic 
By Maxwell Kumoye and Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye 
  

Lilian Mwenda, fondly known as “The Little Magician”, has pulled off one of the biggest wins of her young career and this time, it wasn’t on the pitch.

The teenage sensation officially graduated from Grade 12 at Saint Monica’s Secondary School in Matero in Zambia llllllll, capping off a year defined by sacrifice, focus, and late-night study sessions instead of stadium lights.

Mwenda, who dazzled the world with her silky footwork at the Dominican Republic 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, made the bold decision to miss this year’s edition, along with all league games, to concentrate on completing her final year of secondary school. 

Her educational sabbatical began in May 2024.

It was a tough call for one of Zambia’s brightest rising stars, but one she made with the same maturity and vision she shows on the field.

And now? She’s crossed the finish line.

From dribbling defenders to navigating textbooks, “The Little Magician” has shown she can shine anywhere, in front of roaring fans or a quiet classroom.

With a phase of her academic chapter complete, football fans across Zambia will be watching closely.

Because the next trick from The Magician might just be her biggest yet.
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