Luvanga Praises 'Hero' Ronaldo and Aspires to Become Africa's Best

Prince Jean

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Luvanga Eyes New Heights as Saudi Women’s Premier League Kicks Off. Credit:bbcafrica

As the new Saudi Women’s Premier League season begins this Friday, Al-Nassr striker Clara Luvanga is eager to continue her remarkable journey. The 19-year-old Tanzanian, who joined the Saudi league from Spain last October, quickly became a standout player despite initial skepticism in her homeland over the move.

"It was my best season so far, and I’m so proud to have helped the team secure their second consecutive league title,"

Luvanga told BBC Sport Africa.

Luvanga had briefly joined Spanish second division side Dux Logrono, moving from Yanga Princess in Tanzania, just two months before signing with Al-Nassr. Although the move to Europe seemed like an ideal development path, the talented striker played only six matches, scoring twice, before Al-Nassr’s women's team, following in the footsteps of its men's team with Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane, made an offer she couldn’t refuse.

Her debut season in Saudi Arabia was nothing short of spectacular, scoring 11 goals and providing a league-leading seven assists. Only three players in the division outscored Luvanga, one of whom was her Algerian teammate and ex-PSG midfielder Lina Boussaha.

Reflecting on her decision to join Al-Nassr, Luvanga said,

"I enjoyed my time in Spain, but when the opportunity came to play in the Saudi league, I felt it was the right challenge to pursue my ambitions."

Al-Nassr dominated the inaugural Women's Premier League campaign, winning the 2022-23 title by three points. Last season, they secured the championship with a commanding 10-point lead.

While adjusting to life in Saudi Arabia initially posed challenges—ranging from the language to the local culture and cuisine—Luvanga has settled in.