By Chief Inspector Alex Basopo Kazimiro Njovu
Wilmore Haatembo Junior, affectionately known by his fans as “Deko” or “D Master 20,” is a footballer whose journey is built on passion, perseverance, faith and an unwavering desire to succeed.
Born to Wilmore Haatembo Senior and Pretty Namweemba Haatembo, Haatembo is the firstborn in a family of four children—two boys and two girls.
For Haatembo, home is where the heart is. He grew up in Mazabuka, a town he proudly describes as a place that means everything to him.
“Mazabuka means everything to me. I am proud of the sweet town,” he says.
Haatembo’s love for football started at a tender age.
He began playing the beautiful game in 2009, laying the foundation for what would become a long football journey.
Haatembo is known for his ability on the ball and his attacking instincts.
His career began with the now-defunct Nakambala Leopards, before he moved to Kopala Buildcon FC in Ndola.
He later joined FC Leopards, where he has established himself as one of the experienced members of the squad.
Haatembo also serves in the Zambia Correctional Service, which he joined in 2021.
He currently holds the rank of Sergeant and is stationed at Kalonga Farm.
Every footballer has players who inspire them, and for Haatembo, one of his biggest influences is Brazilian magician Ronaldinho.
“Ronaldinho is my biggest inspiration,” Haatembo says.
The former Brazilian international midfielder’s creativity, flair and ability to entertain have clearly left an impression on the Zambian midfielder.
Closer to home, Haatembo also draws inspiration from former Zambia national team midfielder Chisamba Lungu, whom he describes not only as an inspiration but as an older brother and friend.
Haatembo recalls maintaining regular communication with Lungu during the period when the former Zambia international was playing in Russia.
Lungu represented Ural Yekaterinburg, then known as Ural Sverdlovsk Oblast, from 2010 to 2017.
He was also part of the historic Zambia squad that won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Haatembo’s importance to FC Leopards goes beyond what he produces on the pitch.
As one of the senior players in the squad, he provides experience and leadership in the dressing room while helping younger players understand what it takes to compete at a high level.
Last season, when FC Leopards were battling to preserve their place in the Zambian Premier League, Haatembo played his part by scoring important goals for the Zambia Correctional Service-sponsored side.
Now, with the club seeking to return to the Premier League, Haatembo believes the squad has what it takes to achieve that objective.
“This season, the goal is to take the team back to where it belongs—the Premier League.”
He adds:
“I think the team assembled is capable of achieving the goal of promotion.”
The task will require experienced players such as Haatembo to raise their level and inspire the younger generation to believe that promotion is possible.
Haatembo is simply a player who enjoys having the ball at his feet.
For supporters, watching him play can be particularly entertaining when he is performing at President Stadium, FC Leopards’ home ground in Makululu Township, Kabwe.
His ability to carry the ball, create opportunities and contribute in attacking areas makes him an important player in Leopards’ push for promotion.
And while he operates primarily as an attacking midfielder/supporting striker, Haatembo understands what is expected from a modern forward.
A good forward must combine clinical finishing, intelligent movement off the ball and physical presence to lead attacks and create scoring opportunities.
These are qualities Haatembo continues to bring to his game.
A Barcelona and Messi Fan
Away from Zambian football, Haatembo is a passionate supporter of FC Barcelona and has immense admiration for Argentine superstar Lionel Messi.
For Haatembo, Messi’s extraordinary career has placed him among the greatest players to ever grace the game.
When asked which Zambian club he would like to play for apart from FC Leopards, however, Haatembo chose diplomacy.
“There are a lot of good teams in Zambia I would love to play for, but I will keep it private for the sake of peace,” he said with a smile.
Haatembo’s educational journey began at Kabanje Primary School, where he studied from Grade 1 to Grade 4.
He then moved to Nakambala Basic School, completing Grades 4 to 7.
He later attended St. Edmunds Secondary School in Mazabuka, a school owned by the Christian Brothers of Ireland.
Haatembo is a family man. He is happily married to Stella, whom he affectionately describes as his beauty queen. Together, they have three children—a boy and two girls.
Football may be his passion, but Haatembo has interests outside the game.
He enjoys farming and video production, and describes himself as an internet enthusiast.
He is also a committed Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) and says his faith in God is a central part of his life.
Haatembo does not drink or smoke and says that people will often find him enjoying his own company when he is away from football and family responsibilities.
The Mission Ahead
At this stage of his career, Haatembo is not simply playing for personal glory.
He is part of a FC Leopards side with a clear objective: to fight their way back to the Zambian Premier League.
With his experience, leadership, technical ability and understanding of the game, Haatembo represents one of the experienced figures expected to help guide the team through its transition.
For the man known as Deko or D Master 20, the message is clear: the past has shaped him, but the future is what motivates him.
And as FC Leopards chase promotion, Haatembo hopes his experience, his football and his leadership can help write the next chapter in the club’s history.
