“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,” those are the words of former Zambian international Charles Musonda following the ABSA Cup semifinals double-header at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Musonda said the empty seats during the two matches did not present a good image of the country’s biggest cup competition, stating that Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is more suitable for national team fixtures.

“So why aren’t people attending matches.. The venue matters. Levy Stadium is more suitable for Zambia matches,” he said.

Musonda also raised concerns over the technical quality of local football, pointing to poor footwork and movement as key weaknesses following the ABSA Cup semifinals.

He noted that while intensity levels were commendable, players lacked dynamism in their movement, particularly when in possession.

“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,” Musonda said.

He emphasized that players in top football regions are able to accelerate quickly, even from a standing position, attributing this to superior footwork and body positioning.

“South Americans are quick, and Europeans are similar. They can dribble and accelerate even from a standing position. Locally, players tend to be too static, especially when passing,” he added.

Musonda urged coaches to prioritise foot movement through modern training methods such as small-sided games, which encourage constant activity and quicker decision-making.

He also called on coaches to trust emerging youngsters, noting that it brings excitement to the game.

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