The Journey of Moses Phiri: From Humble Beginnings to National Pride
Moses Phiri was born on March 5th, 2008, in the modest neighbourhood of Masala in Ndola, Zambia. Life was never easy for him. Growing up in a poor family, he was raised by his mother, who did everything she could to provide for Moses and his siblings. As the last-born child, Moses always had big dreams, but the weight of his family’s struggles often made those dreams seem far out of reach.
In 2018, at the age of 10, Moses found solace in the streets of Masala, where he began to play community soccer with his friends. It was there that his love for the sport grew. Soccer became more than just a game for Moses – it was an escape, a place where the worries of life faded, and he could lose himself in the beauty of the game. Despite the lack of resources, Moses continued to hone his skills, fueled by passion and determination.
In 2020, his life took a turn when he heard about the Arising Life Ministries Academy (ALMS). It was a chance to take his talent to the next level, and without hesitation, Moses joined the academy. The academy became a beacon of hope for him, but challenges still followed him at home. In grade 10, Moses had to drop out of secondary school due to the lack of sponsors to support his education. This setback was painful, but Moses kept pushing forward, knowing that soccer could be his way out of poverty.
Living in Masala, Moses continued to juggle his responsibilities at home with his love for soccer. His family relied heavily on him, especially as the primary breadwinner. The weight of that responsibility was overwhelming, but Moses found peace and strength in his faith. He always believed that the Lord had a plan for him, and that belief became his driving force through every trial.
By March 1st, 2024, his dedication and hard work paid off. Moses received the news that would change his life – he had been selected to play for Zambia’s national under-17 boys’ soccer team. It was an honor he had dreamed of but never thought would happen. His journey had taken him from the dusty streets of Masala to Lusaka, where he would now represent his country on a national stage.
His time with the national team was nothing short of extraordinary. He participated in several group stages, representing Zambia in tournaments far and wide. The most memorable moment came when he traveled to Ivory Coast for the COSAFA tournament. For the first time in his life, Moses flew in a plane – an experience he had once thought impossible. The tournament not only gave him the chance to showcase his talent but also opened his eyes to a world beyond Masala, a world full of possibilities.
Moses’ biggest challenge, even as he rose through the ranks of soccer, was balancing his family responsibilities with his career. As the breadwinner, he felt the pressure to provide for his mother and siblings while chasing his dream. But through every challenge, his faith remained unwavering, and it was that faith that kept him going.
From a boy who once thought soccer was just a myth, Moses Phiri’s journey is now one of reality, hard work, and perseverance. His dream of playing soccer professionally is no longer a distant hope but a living testament to the power of determination and faith.
