Former Chipolopolo midfielder Charles Musonda has raised concerns over both attendance and technical standards following the ABSA Cup semifinal double-header at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Musonda pointed to the low turnout at the venue as a missed opportunity to showcase Zambia’s premier cup competition, suggesting that neutral venues may not always deliver the desired atmosphere. He argued that taking matches to club home grounds could significantly improve fan engagement and create a more authentic matchday experience.
“Imagine if games were played home and away, Shinde and Arthur Davies would be packed. Chirundu hosting Arrows at the border — that would be something,” Musonda said, emphasizing the potential of localized fixtures to energize supporters.
He further noted that while Levy Mwanawasa Stadium remains a top facility, it is better suited for national team assignments rather than domestic cup fixtures, where proximity to fans plays a critical role in driving attendance and atmosphere.
Beyond attendance, Musonda delivered a candid assessment of the technical level of local football. While acknowledging the intensity and competitiveness of matches, he highlighted deficiencies in footwork, movement, and overall dynamism among players.
“If you look at football in Europe, Africa, and South America, there are clear differences. Watch how players stand, move, receive the ball, and use their feet — that’s where the gap is,” he explained.
According to Musonda, players in more advanced football environments demonstrate superior body positioning, quicker acceleration, and better control in tight spaces — attributes that allow them to be effective even from static positions. In contrast, he observed that many local players tend to remain static, particularly during build-up play, limiting fluidity and attacking transitions.
To address these shortcomings, Musonda urged coaches to adopt modern training methodologies, particularly small-sided games that promote constant movement, quicker decision-making, and improved technical execution under pressure.
He also stressed the importance of integrating young talent into senior setups, arguing that giving opportunities to emerging players can inject energy, creativity, and unpredictability into the game.
Musonda’s remarks highlight two critical areas for Zambian football’s growth — improving matchday experience to attract fans and elevating technical standards to compete more effectively on the continental and global stage.
