By Maimisa Josphat (MJ) – Educationist & Grassroots Football Development Activist. Zambian football is in the doldrums—not by accident, but by design through years of underinvestment, fragmented planning, and resistance to modern realities. What we are witnessing today is not a sudden decline; it is the cumulative effect of systemic neglect across infrastructure, administration, technical development, and grassroots pathways. Our domestic league is weak largely because we have failed to invest meaningfully in it. Infrastructure across the country is in poor condition, limiting the expression, refinement, and perfection of skills and talent. Football cannot flourish where training grounds are uneven, equipment is inadequate, and facilities are far removed from professional standards. School football, traditionally the heartbeat of talent identification, is now gasping for survival. In many cases, it has been reduced to a “view once” activity—appearing briefly during zonal or provincial competitions and disappearing for the rest of the year. Without continuity, structure, and support, schools cannot serve as reliable incubators of talent. At the lower end of the football pyramid, leagues remain largely unsponsored, including the ZPL Men’s National League. These competitions survive not because of sound systems, but due to the sheer passion and sacrifice of individuals. This is not sustainable. Passion without investment eventually runs out of oxygen. Digitally, our football ecosystem is stuck in the abyss of ancestral concepts. We have failed to confront and embrace modern trends in data analysis, performance tracking, digital marketing, fan engagement, and sports science. In a world where football is increasingly driven by information and technology, our reluctance to adapt is costing us competitiveness and visibility. Technically, very few clubs boast a complete and competent technical staff capable of delivering holistic player development. In modern football, success is no longer about a coach and an assistant—it requires analysts, fitness trainers, goalkeeping coaches, physiotherapists, and psychologists working in harmony. The absence of these structures is evident in the quality of play and player progression. This deficiency is also reflected in the limited number of players plying their trade in highly graded elite leagues abroad. Equally worrying is the lack of a properly structured young elite league linked to Super League clubs—one that nurtures talent with class, consistency, and status. Without such a bridge, the transition from youth to elite football remains fragile. Statistically and progressively, even the top goal scorers’ charts in our highest league are not convincing. This points to deeper tactical and technical shortcomings. High-class tactical training for coaches, consistent exposure to advanced methodologies, and strict adherence to modern football principles remain grossly inadequate. The challenges extend beyond the pitch. There is a glaring deficit in administrative capacity, technical expertise, and equipment investment—particularly at grassroots and amateur developmental levels. These leagues exist largely because of individual commitment rather than institutional support. Furthermore, the spirit of coexistence in diversity for national patriotism appears to be eroding. Football should unite communities and regions, yet decentralization without real investment has resulted in solidarity with positions rather than solidarity with purpose and resources. One of our biggest failures has been the inability to nurture teams as units from Under-17 to Under-20 and seamlessly transition them into senior football. Development cannot be random; it must be deliberate, progressive, and systematic. What Zambian football desperately needs is a clear, long-term strategic roadmap—one that is owned by all stakeholders and protected from the instability of administrative changes. The what must remain standardized; only the how should vary with leadership styles. To achieve this, decentralized structures such as the National Sports Council, FAZ, and ZASSA must come to a round table and harmonize the football approach under a common national strategic plan. Fragmentation has been our undoing; collaboration must now be our salvation. Local community academies should be formally networked with schools within their proximity to ensure continuous talent identification and development. Schools, with their seasonal tournaments, provide access, while academies provide continuity. This partnership would also strengthen the integration of education and football—ensuring we develop not just players, but well-rounded citizens. Finally, Physical Education and Sport must receive a material and policy boost and be compulsory in all schools. Without PE, there are no platforms for young talent. Without platforms, there is no future. Zambian football does not lack talent. What it lacks is vision, coordination, and commitment to long-term investment. Until we confront these realities honestly and act decisively, the game we love will continue to struggle—not because it cannot rise, but because we have refused to build the ladder.
Zambia U17 captain Jonathan Kalimina has arrived in Austria ahead of a month long training camp with Red Bull Salzburg. The highly rated youngster left for Europe on Saturday after featuring in Kafue Celtic’s 3-2 away victory over Aguila Stars in the league. The teenage sensation has attracted a lot attention from a host of clubs in Europe after his performance at the FIFA U17 World Cup in Qatar. The ZamFoot Crew can exclusively reveal that the likes of Chelsea, Brentford and Brighton are believed to have expressed interest in Kalimina. This is Kalimina’s third attachment with Red Bull Salzburg. Last year he spent 2 weeks at Red Bull Salzburg. Kalimina will be part of Red Bull Salzburg’s winter break pre-season camp in Turkey. The teenage left back will feature against Polish side Rakow Czestochowa on Thursday Red Bull Salzburg will also face Serbian giangs Red Star Belgrade next week on Thursday. Kafue Celtic through Fredric Kanoute’s 12 management have built a relationship with Red Bull Salzburg. Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu joined the Austrian side from Kafue Celtic in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
Power Dynamos produced a composed performance to secure a 2-0 win over Mutondo Stars at Arthur Davies Stadium and move up to second place on the league table. The visitors started on the front foot and could have taken an early lead, with Brian Masanyinga striking the outside of the post while Moses Shumah blazed over from a promising position. The deadlock was finally broken in the 32nd minute when Ayodeji Bamidele calmly converted from the penalty spot, giving Power Dynamos a deserved 1-0 advantage at the break. Power maintained their dominance after halftime and doubled their lead soon after the restart. Moses Shumah made amends for his earlier miss by unleashing a powerful effort inside the box that flew into the roof of the net. Although Power Dynamos continued to create several opportunities, they were unable to add to their tally. Head coach Oswald Mutapa rotated his squad in the second half, bringing on Linos Mwakaza Jr, Emmanuel Osoro, Kapembwa Musonda, Austin Muwowo and Daniel Adoko, as Ishmael Ankobo, Frederick Mulambia, Owen Tembo, Prince Mumba and Shumah were withdrawn. Speaking after the match, Mutapa praised the victory but called for greater control and sharper finishing. “We should show that we are champions and not allow our opponents to enjoy the game,” he said. The victory lifts Power Dynamos to second place on 29 points, two behind leaders Red Arrows. They will next face Green Eagles at home on Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
Zambia U17 Womens national team has been drawn against Rwanda for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Rwanda will host the Copper Princesses on the weekend of 10-12 April 2026 in the first leg in Kigali. The second leg will be played a week later in Lusaka. The winner between the two sides will face either DR Congo or Djibouti in the second round. Should Zambia progress to the third round then a match against neighbours neighbours Malawi is on the cards. But Malawi has to navigate past Burundi and either South Sudan or Ethiopia. Zambia will be aiming for a fourth World Cup appearance.
