Margret’s journey into the history books began 14 years ago when she watched Esther Phiri dominate a televised boxing match. Inspired by a woman commanding the ring with power and precision, Margret knew she had found her calling. Growing up in Lusaka’s Chipata township, she joined Exodus Boxing Academy at 12, training under her mother’s watchful support. Despite setbacks—including failing to qualify for the 2018 AUSC Region 5 Games—she persevered. Today, with over 20 medals and a landmark Olympic qualification, Margret stands as Zambia’s trailblazing female boxing champion.
Margret's journey into the history books began when she watched the historic female champion, Esther Phiri, in a televised match 14 years ago. Captivated by a woman in the ring dominating her opponents with powerful punches, Margret knew she had found her calling.
Born in Lusaka's Chipata township to a family of seven, Margret began boxing at the age of 12 at Exodus Boxing Academy with her mother's blessing. Although men dominated the sport, she found inspiration in Esther Phiri's work ethic and ring performance, which motivated her to pursue her dreams of becoming one of the nation's most celebrated female champions.
Her determination was tested early. In 2018, at the age of 19, she fought trials alongside hopefuls for the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Games in Botswana. Her dreams were nearly shattered when she failed to qualify.
She still recalls the pain and disappointment of her first setback and missing the opportunity to travel out of the country for the first time. Instead of giving up, she remained optimistic and, with the help of her coach, Wisdom Mudenda, the national coach, she regained her confidence and intensified her training.
"This sport has always been the only one I am passionate about. When I attended the trials in 2018 and didn't qualify, that was when I told myself to work hard and re-strategise my training if I was to be among the top female upcoming athletes," she shared.
Her training regimen always begins with a long road run before culminating in an intense gym session that combines high-intensity workouts, functional drills, and strength training, with a focus on agility and footwork. In the ring, she prefers to fight on her toes, dancing around her opponents before striking with a well-timed blow. This technique has earned her a growing fan base both locally and internationally.
Margret describes Coach Mudenda as instrumental in her journey, constantly providing guidance and ensuring she is ready for any assignments, whether local or international.
"Coach Mudenda is friendly and fun to be around, outside the ring. But when we get into the ring, he means business, and we have to take him seriously because he doesn't tolerate half-hearted performances; he pushes us to be better each time."
However, despite her progress, like most athletes in male-dominated sports, not everyone has been supportive of Margret's career.
"I remember when someone told me that I wouldn't go anywhere and that I was wasting my time because nobody in Zambia pays attention to women's sport. It stung, but thankfully, I have a good support system and my mother has always defended me against naysayers."
Margret credits her mother with being there since the beginning, supporting and encouraging her. A businesswoman, her mother saw her passion for the sport and, recognising her talent, never tried to encourage her to fit into stereotypical gender roles, even making sacrifices to keep her in the game when no one else would step up.
“My mother has always been a friend to me. I remember when I dislocated my shoulder and couldn’t work to support myself. She took care of me physically and financially, even when it was a burden. She once told me to quit the sport, but now she nurses my injuries because she knows this is what I was called to do.”
Her development as an athlete was further shaped by the late veteran promoter Antony Mwamba, who emphasised discipline and traditional values such as respecting elders and working hard. Margret recalls how his guidance proved instrumental in moulding her character both in and out of the ring.
"My journey hasn't been easy. And I thank all those who have helped shape my training and supported me to this day. I should mention and honour the late Antony Mwamba. He used to say, 'Maggie, for you to be a champion like Esther Phiri, you need to work hard and put God first in everything that you do.' He was so passionate about the sport, and his motivation was unmatched," she shared.
With her career at its peak, Margret remains motivated as she represents Zambia locally and internationally. Her hard work and discipline paid off when she achieved her most significant breakthrough at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, becoming the first Zambian woman to qualify for the Olympics in her discipline.
This achievement was no accident; with over 20 medals to her name, Margret's name caught further global attention in 2022 when she made headlines by winning gold at the African Championships. That same year, Margret earned a position in the Zambian Army, where she now serves as a private.
Her accolades include winning silver in regional games in Botswana and Mozambique, gold at the Ten Nations tournament in Tanzania, participation in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and bronze at the 2023 African Games in Ghana. The defining moment came in Bangkok at the second World Olympic Qualifiers, where her outstanding performance secured her place at the Paris Games.
"Competing at the Olympics and being the first Zambian female athlete to do so in this discipline is by far my proudest moment, and I will never forget it. I want to continue to inspire other female athletes. No feeling can match hearing the Zambian national anthem played to the world after a win abroad."
Despite her success, Margret still faces stigma as a woman in sport. She urges more women to join, not just for competition but for the discipline and confidence the sport builds. Still, resources remain limited.
This is where organisations such as the Zambia Boxing Federation, the National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ), the Olympic Youth Development Centre (OYDC), and her club, Green Buffaloes, step in. They provide funding, equipment, and competition opportunities. Margret also advocates for more initiatives like the Olympic Solidarity Scholarships to empower youth and coaches.
Although a training injury to her ankle set her back several months, Margret is confident that with her support system, she will make a full recovery and qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Whatever the outcome, she confidently states, she will come out fighting when the next championship rolls around.
"Many times I have felt like giving up, but I keep standing firm, and it has allowed me to represent my country. I want more Zambian women to be brave and take up this sport or whatever sport they love, and prove that Zambian women are unstoppable and they deserve a permanent spot on the global stage."
