Managing a Team and Player Management
By Coach Enock Phiri
As a coach, it is crucial to manage both star players and the entire team effectively to achieve the desired results. The presence of star players can be a significant asset, but it also presents unique challenges, particularly when other team members feel overshadowed.
The Star Player Dilemma
Star players often receive the most attention from fans and the media, which can cause friction within the team. For instance, a player like Barbra Banda, who frequently scores and makes headlines, may inadvertently create feelings of neglect or jealousy among her teammates. This dynamic can lead to other players attempting to score more to gain similar recognition, potentially disrupting team harmony and performance.
Causes of Team Dynamics Issues
Media Influence: Media coverage that focuses heavily on one player can skew the perception of the team’s overall contributions.
Family and Friends: The support system around a star player may exert pressure, pushing for more individual achievements.
Fan Expectations: Fans often idolize goal scorers, which can create unrealistic expectations for them to always perform.
Lessons from Great Managers
Managing star players requires skillful handling, as seen with managers who guided Messi and Ronaldo during their primes. These managers had to balance the players’ individual brilliance with team cohesion, ensuring that their stars shined while maintaining a united team front.
The Case of Barbra Banda
Recent reports have highlighted the challenges faced by Barbra Banda at Orlando Pride. With the technical bench instructing her to prioritize passing over personal glory in the 18-yard area, she adhered to these instructions during a recent match. Banda passed up four clear goal-scoring opportunities, which her teammates failed to convert, resulting in a 0-0 draw against North Carolina.
Balancing Individual Brilliance and Team Dynamics
The Dilemma:
Should Banda play freely: Allowing her to leverage her instincts and skills fully might lead to more goals and victories.
Or follow strict instructions: Ensuring she plays a more team-oriented game could foster better overall team performance but might also suppress her effectiveness.
Proposed Approach
Flexibility in Instructions: Coaches should provide guidelines but also allow players like Banda the freedom to use their judgment in critical moments.
Team Communication: Encourage open dialogue within the team to address any feelings of overshadowing and to emphasize collective goals.
Media Management: Work with the media to highlight team efforts alongside individual achievements to balance the narrative.
Role Definition: Clearly define roles within the team so every player understands their importance and contribution.
Managing a team with star players involves delicate balancing. By recognizing and addressing the root causes of potential conflicts, coaches can create an environment where both the team and star players thrive. For Barbra Banda and Orlando Pride, a nuanced approach that respects her natural game while fostering team unity could lead to better outcomes on the pitch.
FAZ National League Results
ZPL National League Week 10 Results
Bola Yapa Zed Fixtures
ZPL: MTN Super League Week 9 Fixtures
Zambian Football News
Zambia U17 WNT Aiming for Strong Finish
Zambian Football News
Miguel Chaiwa Sidelined After Serious Ankle Injury
Zambian Super League
Atletico Lusaka Turning Doubters into Believers
Zambian Super League
The Future of Nkoloma Stadium: A Call for Modernization
Zambian Football News
Barbra Banda, Pride Make NWSL History
Bola Yapa Zed
Nkana FC Set to Appoint Mwenya Chipepo as New Head Coach
Bola Yapa Zed TV
Watch: Zambia 3-2 Sierra Leone: Extended Highlights
Bola Yapa Zed
Match Highlights: Atletico Lusaka vs Napsa Stars
Zambian Football News
Watch Barbra Banda’s Brace for Orlando Pride Against Seattle Reign
General Football News
Match Highlights Uruguay Vs. Brasil
Must Read
-
Profiles
/ 7 months agoMangani Banda: A Goalkeeper’s Journey to Stardom
Mangani Banda: A Goalkeeper’s Journey to Stardom Mangani Banda, born on July 13, 1997,...
By Chikondi -
FAZ National League Results
/ 2 days agoZPL National League Week 10 Results
ZPL National League Week 10 Results Week 10 of the Zambian Premier League National...
By Chikondi -
Bola Yapa Zed Fixtures
/ 7 days agoZPL: MTN Super League Week 9 Fixtures
ZPL: MTN Super League Week 9 Fixtures Week 9 of the MTN Super League...
By Chikondi -
Zambian Football News
/ 7 days agoZambia U17 WNT Aiming for Strong Finish
Zambia U17 WNT Aiming for Strong Finish Against Japan Zambia U17 Women’s National Team...
By Chikondi -
Zambian Football News
/ 7 days agoMiguel Chaiwa Sidelined After Serious Ankle Injury
Miguel Chaiwa Sidelined After Serious Ankle Injury Against Chad Chipolopolo and Young Boys midfielder,...
By Chikondi