ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: ZAMBIAN SPRINTER EDNA NG’ANDULA

From inter-school races at Chisengalumbwe Primary School to sprinting on the global stage in Tokyo, Edna Ng’andula’s rise in athletics tells a story of talent shaped by discipline, resilience, and unwavering ambition.

Born on 27 March 2004, Ng’andula is the third born in a family of five and has steadily grown into one of Zambia’s promising sprint talents.

Sprinter Edna Ng'andula

Her athletics journey began in Grade 7, but it was during Grade 8 at Chisengalumbwe Primary School that her abilities became evident. Competing in inter-schools’ events, Ng’andula attracted the attention of the Green Buffalos Athletics Club (GBAC), a moment that marked the start of her transition into competitive athletics.

“That recognition changed everything for me,” said Ng’andula.

“Joining Green Buffalos meant learning how to balance school and serious training.”

While training with GBAC, Ng’andula progressed into national competitions. In 2019, she made her debut with the senior national women’s team, competing in the All Comers Meet and Area Boards local competitions, an early test at elite level.

A major breakthrough came in 2021 at the African Athletics Development Centre (CAA) Youth Games, where Ng’andula won gold medals in the 100m and 200m.

“That competition gave me confidence that I could compete at a higher level,” she explained.

In 2022, Ng’andula stepped onto the international stage at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games in Lilongwe, Malawi. She claimed a bronze medal and added gold medals in the 4x100m and 4x400m relays, reinforcing her growing reputation.

The upward trajectory continued in 2023, when Ng’andula competed in the Under-18 and Under-20 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Championships in Ndola, winning a silver medal in the 4x100m relay.

At just 19 years old, Ng’andula began challenging Zambia’s top senior sprinters. One of her standout moments came when she won the 100m final in 11.90 seconds, outperforming experienced athletes.

“Winning that race showed me that age does not limit ability,” she said. “It pushed me to believe in myself even more.”

That performance earned her qualification to Ghana, where Ng’andula reached the semi-finals of the Senior African Championships in Accra in 2024, finishing third in her heat with a time of 11.98 seconds.

Her strong run continued in 2025. In July, Ng’andula represented Zambia at the Southern Region Senior Championships in Zimbabwe, where she won a silver medal. In September 2025, she competed at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, clocking a personal best of 11.05 seconds.

Beyond medals, athletics has opened professional opportunities for Ng’andula, including employment under Green Buffalos. She expressed her gratitude to her coaches, Coach Kezzias Nyendwa and Douglas Kalembo, Zambia Athletics (ZA) and all those who have supported and encouraged her throughout her journey.

Ng’andula remains guided by clear principles by staying determined, consistent, committed, confident, and disciplined in order to achieve her goals.

Her ultimate focus is firmly set on the future. “I want to become one of the best athletes in the world,” Ng’andula added.

“I am working towards representing Zambia at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.”