Nyota’s bio
- Birth Date: January 7, 2001
- Birth Place: Tanzania
- Kicking Foot: right
- Jersey Number: 17
- Playing Position: Midfielder
- Signing Date: February 4, 2025
Pronouns: She/Her
Hometown: Montreal, Québec
Previous Club: University of Arizona
College: University of Arizona — Major TBC
ACQUIRED
Announced by AFC Toronto in March 2025, ahead of the inaugural Northern Super League season.
TRANSACTIONS
Joined AFC Toronto following three seasons at the University of Arizona and prior NCAA play at the University of Portland.
PROFESSIONAL
Katembo makes her professional debut with AFC Toronto after standout performances at the NCAA Division I level and in Québec’s semi-pro circuit. She previously played for AS Blainville and FC Laval in Ligue1 Québec.
COLLEGE
Katembo began her collegiate career at the University of Portland in 2021, where she appeared in all 17 matches as a freshman, logging over 700 minutes and recording 2 assists. She then transferred to the University of Arizona, where she played from 2022 to 2024. In 2022, she appeared in 9 matches (6 starts), scored her first goal against Arizona State, and totaled 436 minutes. In her final season in 2023, she started all 19 matches, played 1,269 minutes, and took 14 shots, 7 of which were on target.
Across her NCAA career, she totaled 46 appearances, 38 starts, 3 goals, 1 assist, and over 2,400 minutes played.
LEAGUE1 QUÉBEC
Before turning pro, Katembo competed in Ligue1 Québec with AS Blainville and FC Laval — two of the province’s top semi-pro programs. Her experience in the league bridged her development between youth and college, sharpening her technical game in a competitive environment.
YOUTH
Katembo began playing soccer at age 9 with Club Laser in Joliette, Québec. By 14, she had entered the Canada Soccer EXCEL program and the National Development Centre pathway, where she trained and competed from ages 14 to 17. She also represented Team Québec from 2015 to 2018.
OFF THE FIELD
Born in a refugee camp in Nyarugusu, Tanzania, Katembo immigrated to Montreal at age 2 after her family fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her journey from a refugee to a professional footballer is a powerful example of resilience, belief, and perseverance. She is deeply committed to inspiring the next generation of girls across Canada to chase their dreams — no matter where they begin.
