Veteran coach Wedson Nyirenda has expressed concern over the current generation of Zambian footballers, stating that a lack of hunger for success is hurting performances at both club and national team levels.
Speaking at Nkoloma Stadium, where 2012 AFCON winner James Chamanga officially honoured him with a retirement gift, Nyirenda said young players need to draw inspiration from Chamanga’s decorated and disciplined career.
“Many players today are simply not hungry enough,” Nyirenda said. “We need to produce more players like James Chamanga who showed consistent hunger for trophies throughout his playing years.”
Chamanga, who officially retired from football this year, joined Red Arrows in 2018 and went on to score 52 goals in 175 appearances for the Airmen. He helped the club win both the MTN Super League and the ABSA Cup, before deciding to hang up his boots.
A Gift Beyond Money
As a token of appreciation, Chamanga gifted Nyirenda his final season jersey, noting that no amount of money could ever match the value of the impact the coach had on his career.
“Coach Nyirenda is like a father to me. He instilled in me the discipline and winning mentality I carried throughout my career,” said Chamanga. “The only gift I could give him is this jersey, because what he did for me cannot be measured by money.”
Nyirenda, deeply touched by the gesture, said he would frame the jersey alongside his other personal accolades.
“This jersey means a lot to me,” said Nyirenda. “It’s going into a frame. It reminds me that the work we do as coaches can shape lives and inspire greatness.”
A Call to Coaching
Nyirenda also encouraged the former Moroka Swallows and City of Lusaka forward to pursue coaching, citing Chamanga’s professionalism and leadership qualities as key traits needed in Zambian football development.
“He has so much more to offer. I hope he considers coaching. Our young players need guidance from someone who has walked the journey.”
Chamanga, meanwhile, thanked Nyirenda for helping him believe in himself when he was just starting out. He emphasized the importance of mentorship in football and said he would consider contributing to the game in a different capacity.
