Toronto, ON (March 4, 2024 ) - AFC Toronto is thrilled to announce the signing of midfielder Nyota Katembo from the University of Arizona. The 24-year-old continues her extraordinary journey from a refugee camp to turning professional and cements her place in Canadian professional women’s soccer history by playing in the inaugural Northern Super League season. 

Born in a refugee camp in Nyarugusu, Tanzania, Katembo moved to Montreal when she was two after her family spent seven years seeking shelter due to ongoing war conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. At age 10, she discovered her passion for soccer and began nurturing her talent with leading programs in Quebec.  

However, with limited opportunities for female soccer players in Canada, Katembo had to actively advocate for herself to advance her career. Her successful perseverance led to her playing for NCAA Division 1 colleges in the United States. Before joining AFC Toronto, the midfielder logged over 700 minutes as a freshman at the University of Portland. She furthered her development at the University of Arizona from 2022 to 2024, registering 38 starts from 46 appearances alongside three goals and one assist in three seasons.  

During her youth career, Katembo represented AS Blainville and FC Laval in Ligue 1 Quebec as well as Team Quebec from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, Katembo honed her technical skills through Canada Soccer’s National Development Centre and EXCEL programs.  

Looking ahead to the inaugural season this spring, Katembo is eager to leverage her personal and professional experiences to inspire the upcoming generation of soccer players across Canada. 

“Canada has so much talent in women’s soccer and we previously didn’t have a platform to help us showcase it. Growing up, I wish I had a local professional women’s team to look up to. After talking with AFC Toronto, their vision aligns with my plans for developing my career and it’s super exciting to be a part of this project,” said Katembo on joining the club.  

“Signing my contract was an extremely emotional moment given my journey. The chances of a kid from the Congo born in a refugee camp turning professional is incredibly slim,” Katembo added. “Reflecting on this achievement and how far my family and I have come is incredible. Canada is my home and I want to empower the next generation and show little girls that this is what can happen if you keep pursuing your dreams.” 

“Nyota’s story is extremely inspiring, and AFC Toronto is proud to support her as she embarks on this new chapter at the professional level,” said Billy Wilson, AFC Toronto Sporting Director. “She is a player we identified very early on as someone who fits our style of play; a wide player with pace who can hold her width or attack inside. We are excited to welcome her to Toronto.” 

Fans will have the first opportunity to see Katembo and the entire AFC Toronto squad in action during the club’s inaugural match at BMO Field on April 19.  

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