By Gabriel Nkunika The importance of a football national team having its identity cannot be overstated. A strong and consistent identity not only shapes how a team plays on the pitch but also guides talent development, coaching strategies, and long-term success. It becomes the foundation upon which a nation builds a lasting football culture. Over the past few years, Zambia has made significant strides on the international football stage. Under the guidance of Technical Director Lyson Zulu the nation has seen historic achievements across both men’s and women’s football. From qualifying for the U17, U20, and senior men’s international tournaments, to the landmark success of the U17 Women’s National Team qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup for the very first time — it is clear that progress is being made. Even more notably, the Senior Women’s National Team has achieved remarkable milestones: Qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, also secured back-to-back Olympic Games qualifications and earned a third-place finish at the most recent Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). These are no small feats and are a clear sign of development in Zambian football. However, despite these impressive accomplishments, one major challenge still persists — the absence of a unified and consistent football identity across all age groups and both genders. From the youth teams to the senior level, each division often plays a different style of football. While this might seem harmless, it presents serious long-term issues. A Common Challenge Across All Levels This lack of alignment creates a ripple effect: Understanding Our Strengths It’s important to note that this isn’t an issue of effort or intent. Zambia is blessed with a wealth of natural talent. Our players are technically gifted, fast, agile, and creative. However, as a nation, we must recognize that Zambian players are generally not built around physicality or height, especially compared to European or West African counterparts. This is not a weakness — it’s simply a reality that should shape our approach to football. Therefore, instead of trying to force a European or overly physical style of play, we should focus on developing a style that reflects who we are: Countries like Japan and Spain have done exactly that — building success on a foundation that aligns with their players’ strengths and culture. Even Germany, known for physicality and discipline, evolved their style to suit modern demands. Zambia can and should do the same. The Role of the Technical Director To make this a reality, we need to empower the role of the Technical Director — not just as an administrator, but as the architect of Zambia’s footballing identity. While the current TD has done well in achieving qualifications and inspiring growth, we must now go further. We need a TD who: This will not only improve performance but also make it easier for players to seamlessly transition between age groups, ensuring long-term success. Time for Vision, Not Just Reaction Zambia has the potential. We’ve proven that we can qualify. But qualification is not the finish line — it’s the starting point. Now, we need vision. We need unity in how we play. And most importantly, we need to build a football identity that represents Zambia’s spirit, talent, and uniqueness. Only then can we build national teams — both men’s and women’s — that don’t just participate, but consistently compete and conquer on the international stage. Last year the FAZ Technical Directorate coordinated a National Philosophy workshop that brought together experts from the coaching space, administration, journalism, Ministry of Sports, Ministry of Education, Higher Learning Institutions among others and now we await the results and a clear road map. I concur with the write up. Especially accepting our strength and building on mitigating our weaknesses (relative to more successful nations). We arent continental heavyweights, we arent minors- so we are always expecting a surprise, but Christmas must be planned for
MTN Super League Matchweek 16: Title Pressure, Survival Fights and Fresh Beginnings…Arrows welcome Wanderers, NAPSA target third straight win as Bottom two face off in Kabwe
The MTN Super League returns this afternoon with Matchweek 16 delivering a compelling mix of title ambition, relegation anxiety and personal storylines across the country. With continental commitments keeping ZESCO United and Power Dynamos out of domestic action, the door has been left ajar at both ends of the table. For some, it is a chance to close gaps and apply pressure; for others, it is an opportunity to breathe life into seasons that have threatened to drift away. Red Arrows will be looking to reduce Power Dynamos’ lead at the summit to just a point while Kansanshi Dynamos will be hoping to continue from where they left off last weekend when they welcome stubborn Nkwazi. Struggling Nkana are away to FC MUZA who gave away a two goal lead last weekend to settle for a draw. NAPSA Stars welcome Konkola Blades at Reiz Arena as the Sipho Mumbi coached side eye a third straight win. In Kabwe the bottom two teams, Mines United and Mutondo Stars face off in an epic clash at Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium. At Nkoloma Stadium, Red Arrows know exactly what is at stake when they welcome Mufulira Wanderers. The Airmen, second on the log with 31 points, can slash Power Dynamos’ lead at the summit to just one point with victory. Yet history is not on their side. Arrows are winless in their last five meetings with Wanderers, losing three and drawing two, with their last victory over the nine-time champions dating back to 2019. Coming off successive defeats to ZESCO United and Green Eagles, the Airmen are desperate to rediscover momentum after seeing their 16-match unbeaten run snapped. Wanderers arrive wounded but dangerous, fresh from a narrow loss to Power Dynamos and beginning life without captain Collins Makungu, who has departed for ZANACO. Key men Patson Kwataime, Bartuel Tembo and Owen Mwamba will be tasked with spoiling Arrows’ title push, while the hosts lean on the quality of Albert Kangwanda, Joseph Phiri, Alassane Diarra and Angel Lubamba. In Lusaka, Green Buffaloes host FC Leopards at Edwin Imboela Stadium in a fixture heavy with consequence for the visitors. Sunday Sichimata begins his tenure as interim head coach of Leopards following the dismissal of Justin Chinama, inheriting a side with just one win from 15 matches and sitting 16th with 12 points. Matters are complicated further by the suspension of striker Emmanuel Chabula, sent off in the heavy defeat to Kansanshi Dynamos. Buffaloes, 11th with 18 points from 14 games, will see this as a chance to consolidate. With Bornwell Mwape leading the line, creativity supplied by Clement Mulenga and John Mulenga, and Monga Chilimba marshalling the defence, the hosts carry clear favourites’ status — but Leopards’ need is urgent, and desperation often sharpens resolve. At Independence Stadium, Kansanshi Dynamos and Nkwazi FC meet locked together on 14 points, separated only by goal difference, in one of the weekend’s most evenly poised contests. The Mabanga Boys return home buoyed by victory over FC Leopards and are led on the touchline by Acting Head Coach Dennis Makinka, with Fathi Mohammed Fathi away on CAF Pro Licence duty. Makinka has warned against complacency, praising Nkwazi’s unity and resilience while expressing confidence in his side’s preparation. The fixture carries personal significance for Makinka against his former club, but focus remains firmly on points. Nkwazi arrive encouraged by a dramatic 2–2 comeback draw against FC MUZA and boosted by the return of skipper Derrick Mwansa. Coach Masauso Tembo has described his team as “dangerous” once settled, with Christopher Zulu, Bernard Kumwenda and Lameck Banda expected to lead the charge. History suggests little between the sides, with numerous draws and narrow margins over recent seasons — a trend that could well continue. At Godfrey Chitalu Stadium, survival takes centre stage as Mines United host Mutondo Stars in a bottom-of-the-table showdown. Mines prop up the log with eight points, while Mutondo sit just above them in 17th with 11. Both sides are win-starved — Mutondo winless in nine, Mines with just one victory in the same stretch — but the stakes could not be clearer. Victory here could redefine belief; defeat could deepen the sense of inevitability. In Mazabuka, FC MUZA welcome Nkana to Nakambala Stadium in a fixture brimming with confidence on both sides. MUZA coach Nowell Phiri insists his side is ready, having taken lessons from a 2–2 draw with Nkwazi, while vice-captain Biston Banda has labelled the match “must-win” as the Elegant Dynamites chase ABSA Cup qualification. Fifth on the log with 24 points, MUZA are unbeaten in five and will draw belief from a stunning 5–2 home victory over Nkana in their last meeting at Nakambala. Nkana, unbeaten in their own last five, boast the stronger historical record, winning four of the last eight encounters. The balance between MUZA’s ambition and Nkana’s pedigree sets the stage for a compelling duel. At REIZ Arena, NAPSA Stars aim for a third consecutive win when they host Konkola Blades in a tight mid-table contest. Victories over Kabwe Warriors and ZANACO have lifted NAPSA clear of immediate danger, but coach Sipho Mumbi has warned that consistency remains essential with relegation fears still close. With Augustine Mulenga, Kenneth Kasanga, Evans Kayombo and Simon Nkhata key to their ambitions, NAPSA will look to seize home advantage. Blades, 10th with 18 points — level with NAPSA — arrive with threats of their own in Benjamin Saeli, Stephen Mutama, Clive Bayeta and Victor Mubanga, promising a finely balanced encounter. The weekend’s action is rounded off in Chingola where Nchanga Rangers host ZANACO FC in a heavyweight clash between fourth and third on the log respectively. ZANACO will be without Wilson Chisala, currently in Israel, but could hand debuts to Sama Luzeka and Collins Makungu. Rangers, meanwhile, will lean on the prolific Christopher Itaka, with assistant coach Israel Mwanza underlining the importance of home support in what he expects to be a fierce and decisive contest.
Power Dynamos defender Samuel Bamidele says there will be no divided loyalty when his club Power Dynamos hosts Rivers United from his home country Nigeria tomorrow (Saturday). Speaking during the pre-match press conference for the CAF Champions League Group A match between Power Dynamos and Rivers United, Bamidele said the Zambian champions would aim to collect their first maximum points in the group stage. “Playing against my home country team is part of my job, they (Rivers United) also came to do their job and I have to do mine tomorrow. We know what is stake; we will do all we can to get a victory,” he says. Bamidele says although he knows about the Nigerian league and players what will be key will be Power Dynamos’ preparations for tomorrow’s game. “Yes I have played them, I know them but it our preparations that will make us win the game,” he says. “Every game is there for us to win, especially as champions from last season.” He has appealed to fans to turn up in numbers and support the Zambian Super League champions. “They should come and support us, and in return we will give them what they want,” he says. Power Dynamos and Rivers United of Nigeria will be hoping to resuscitate their flagging Champions League campaign tomorrow when they face each other at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. RS Berkane and reigning champions Pyramids are in joint top position with six points while Rivers United and Power Dynamos are winless sharing third and fourth position respectively. Power Dynamos has announced various selling points for tickets in Ndola and Kitwe among them Ravens Country Club, Power Dynamos secretariat, Arthur Davies Stadium, Tresmos Pleasure resort while in Ndola the selling point is Sijonamoro Investment along Broadway and Skyprint. Tickets are going at K20 (East, North and South), K30 (West Wing) and K200 (VIP). By FAZ Media
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Keith Mweemba has praised Malian football legend Frédéric Kanouté for his continued contribution to African football and expressed the association’s willingness to collaborate in player development. Mweemba said this when Kanouté paid a courtesy call on him at Football House in the company of Kafue Celtic proprietor Lee Kawanu. Welcoming Kanouté, Mweemba said FAZ does not take his involvement in Zambian football for granted adding that the former Sevilla and Mali star could easily have focused his efforts solely on Mali. “We are glad to have you at football House, We see what you are doing for Kafue Celtic and Zambia and we shall never take your actions for granted. You could have chosen to focus on on Mali, but your contribution to Africa and in particular Zambia is outstanding” said Mweemba. Mweemba reaffirmed the association’s willingness to partner with Kanouté’s firms, 12 Management and Nofama Consultancy, to accelerate football development in the country. “We want to work with you and we are ready to partner with your initiatives to grow the game and have Zambia compete successfully at the highest level.” And in responding to the welcome, Kanoute said he was pleased to be in Zambia, which he described as his second home. “I have been working with Lee for over ten years and I am glad that just like other Zambians, Lee is willing to learn. I am encouraged by how open many Zambians are to learning new ideas and for this I am willing to extend my initives beyond Kafue Celtics.” Said Kanouté. Meanwhile, Kawanu said he has never restricted Kanouté to working only with Kafue Celtic but would be willing to see other teams take advantage of the Malian football icon’s presence in Zambia. Kawanu admitted that the Kanouté’s efforts have delivered notable success at Kafue Celtic. “We need to have more teams with the highest of standards so that competition is enhanced.” Kawanu said. FAZ general secretary Machacha Shepande told Kanouté that the association is in the process of rolling out a strategic plan that will outline a clear football development pathway for Zambian football. Shepande lamented the lack of structured development pathways from the lower ranks to high-performance centres. During the visit, Kanouté was also presented with a KoPa jersey bearing his name and his famous number 12. Later, Kanouté interacted with FAZ executive committee members during a tea break from their meeting at Football House.
