A Wake-Up Call for Zambian Football
Napsa Stars FC showcased their quality by defeating the reigning double champions, Red Arrows FC, 1-0 in their Week 8 home fixture. This victory wasn’t just about skill or tactics on the field it was also a result of proper preparation, including the use of modern football equipment and technology.
Across the Zambian Premier League (ZPL), many teams still lag in utilizing technology to analyze games and improve player performance. Only a handful of clubs have invested in video analysts, who can assess matches, pinpoint tactical errors, and identify players who fail to follow the coach’s instructions. The absence of this technological integration is contributing to Zambia’s teams falling behind on the international stage.
While clubs like Red Arrows can dominate locally, crossing borders into continental competitions often reveals gaps. Even teams like Malawi’s Nyasa Bullets are starting to show more promise than some Zambian champions. If things don’t change, we are at risk of stagnating, doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results.
Technology: The Game-Changer Zambia Needs
Football is evolving rapidly, and the teams that embrace technological advancements are the ones that will thrive. It’s not just about fancy equipment it’s about giving coaches the tools they need to assess, train, and refine their squads. From video analysis to advanced performance metrics, modern technology allows teams to elevate their game.
Zambian football clubs, especially those in the ZPL, must start integrating these tools into their training regimens. The reliance on raw talent and traditional methods is no longer enough to compete in today’s fast-paced, data-driven football world. If we don’t evolve, other nations in Southern Africa, like Malawi, may soon surpass us, and Zambia will lose its position as a regional football powerhouse.
Empowering Coaches and Stabilizing Teams
Beyond technology, there is a critical issue within the ZPL related to the structure of technical benches. Far too often, the executive committees (excos) of clubs are the ones deciding on the makeup of the technical staff. In many cases, this results in disjointed management, where assistant coaches may not fully align with the head coach’s philosophy. This disconnect ultimately affects team performance.
If Zambia wants to reduce the high turnover rate of coaches in the league, head coaches must be given the freedom to select their own technical staff. When assistants are handpicked by the coach, there’s a better chance of harmony within the bench, loyalty to the playing philosophy, and overall team success.
The current system, where technical directors and coaches often have minimal say in selecting their support staff, fosters instability. It’s not uncommon to hear some technical bench members especially hand picked by the exco say, “Even this coach will leave soon,” which indicates a lack of long-term commitment and vision within the teams. This constant cycle of coaching changes is detrimental to player development and team cohesion.
The Path Forward: Unity, Technology, and Vision
Zambian football needs a shift in mindset. The integration of technology in football isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. For Zambia to remain the kings of Southern African football, we must invest in modern equipment, empower our coaches with the tools they need, and allow head coaches to build their teams without interference from executives.
The success of teams like Napsa Stars, who have embraced some of these advancements, should serve as a model for others in the league. The time has come for Zambian football to step up, innovate, and regain its dominance in the region. Football is a business, and like any business, those who fail to innovate will be left behind.
It’s time for change. For Zambia to rise again, we must embrace technology, trust our coaches, and focus on long-term growth.
