Israel-based Zambia national team midfielder Kings Kangwa has sent a special message to his compatriot Evarine Katongo following her transfer to the European country’s second division club Hapoel Ra’anana A.F.C.

In a message he shared via his Facebook page, the Hapoel Be’er Sheva FC playmaker described the 23-year-old winger’s switch from Green Eagles FC in Zambia to the Liga Leumit team in Israel as deserved.

New Beginnings pic.twitter.com/Wt9vDLVzHJ

— Evarine Susan Katongo (@ESusanKatongo) February 4, 2026

“Evarine Katongo, this is for you, my friend,” Kangwa said.

“I am very happy for you, first of all. Congratulations, you deserve it. You are an amazing player and I want to wish you all the best in the Ra’anana women’s team. Take care. Work hard. Score goals.

“We are here to support you. We are here to be with you in every situation, so please enjoy the moment. I would like to wish you all the best. Take care and hug you.”

Evarine Katongo’s track record

In a statement, the Israeli team spoke highly about the Zambian’s resume which includes featuring at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals, FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, and Olympic Games.

 

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“Ra’anana Women’s Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Evarine Susan Katongo. Evarine joins us from Zambian champions and will add speed and dynamism to our midfield. We wish Evarine great success with the club,” reads the statement.

The winger boasts 26 caps that includes 18 starts. She has won the 2022, 2024 COSAFA Championships and WAFCON bronze medal.

Asi Emelech is manager of Katongo’s new club

After round 22 of matches, Ra’anana occupy 12th place in the log table of 16-member Liga Leumit, 21 points behind leaders M. Petach Tikva. It is unclear if the Zambian will be ready to feature her new club’s domestic league match against Hapoel Hadera on Friday.

Asi Emelech is the manager of Katongo’s new club which was founded in 1972, and is located in the affluent southern Sharon Plain of the Central District of Israel.

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Kings Kangwa Welcomes Evarine Katongo to Israel: A New Chapter for the Copper Queen

Israel-based Zambia national team midfielder Kings Kangwa has sent a heartwarming and special message to his compatriot Evarine Katongo following her high-profile transfer to the European country’s second division club, Hapoel Ra’anana A.F.C.

The move marks another significant milestone for Zambian women’s football, as the talented midfielder joins the growing list of “Copper Queens” making their mark on the international stage. In a video message shared via his official Facebook page, the Hapoel Be’er Sheva FC playmaker described the 23-year-old winger’s switch from Green Eagles FC in Zambia to the Liga Leumit team as a well-deserved step in her blossoming career.

For more updates on our stars overseas, visit our Zambian Players Abroad Tracker.

A Message of Solidarity: “We Are Here to Support You”

The transition to a new league, culture, and country can be daunting for any player. However, Katongo has received a major boost from one of Zambia’s finest exports in the region. Kings Kangwa, who has established himself as a key figure at Hapoel Be’er Sheva, took the time to welcome his “sister” in football.

“Evarine Katongo, this is for you, my friend,” Kangwa said in the emotional post. “I am very happy for you, first of all. Congratulations, you deserve it. You are an amazing player and I want to wish you all the best in the Ra’anana women’s team.”

He continued, offering mentorship and brotherly advice: “Take care. Work hard. Score goals. We are here to support you. We are here to be with you in every situation, so please enjoy the moment. I would like to wish you all the best. Take care and hug you.”

This public display of support highlights the strong bond between Zambian professionals, creating a “home away from home” atmosphere that could be crucial for Katongo’s adaptation to Israeli football.

The Copper Queen’s Impressive Resume

Hapoel Ra’anana has secured a player with a pedigree that far exceeds the typical second-division signing. In their official statement, the Israeli club spoke highly of the Zambian’s resume, which is studded with major international tournament experience.

The club stated:

“Ra’anana Women’s Football Club is pleased to announce the signing of Evarine Susan Katongo. Evarine joins us from Zambian champions and will add speed and dynamism to our midfield. We wish Evarine great success with the club.”

Katongo is not just a prospect; she is a proven winner.

• International Caps: She boasts 26 caps for the senior national team, including 18 starts.

• Major Tournaments: She has featured at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the Olympic Games.

• Silverware: Her trophy cabinet includes the 2022 and 2024 COSAFA Championships and a coveted WAFCON bronze medal.

Her ability to control the midfield and drive forward with pace is expected to be a game-changer for her new side. You can read more about her playing style in our Copper Queens Player Profiles.

The Mission: Rescuing Hapoel Ra’anana’s Season

Katongo arrives at a club that is in desperate need of a spark. After 22 rounds of matches, Hapoel Ra’anana currently occupies the 12th place in the 16-member Liga Leumit table. They sit a staggering 21 points behind leaders M. Petach Tikva, but their immediate priority will be climbing away from the danger zone and establishing mid-table stability.

Asi Emelech, the manager of Katongo’s new club, will be looking to integrate her immediately. The club, founded in 1972 and located in the affluent southern Sharon Plain of the Central District of Israel, has a rich history but is currently navigating a challenging season.

Will She Debut Against Hapoel Hadera?

The big question on the lips of fans both in Israel and Zambia is when they will see Katongo in action. The team faces Hapoel Hadera on Friday in a crucial domestic league match.

While it is unclear if the Zambian star will be match-fit or cleared to feature immediately, her presence in training is sure to lift the morale of the squad. If she plays, she brings the “speed and dynamism” the club promised—qualities that could be the difference between a draw and a win.

This transfer is yet another testament to the quality of the Zambia Women’s Premier League and the Green Eagles FC development system. As Katongo settles into her new life in the Sharon Plain, she does so knowing she has the backing of Kings Kangwa and an entire nation watching back home.

Kings Kangwa pledges support for compatriot Katongo in Israel