Former Zambia national team forward Clifford Mulenga has urged his fellow former players to stop complaining about being forgotten when they contribute nothing to the game after retiring.

Mulenga stated that former footballers owe a lot of gratitude to the sport, so it’s important to identify the services they can offer, such as mentorship.

“A lot of us former footballers and you legends can give back so much more to the game but first and foremost, we need to sober up and reboot,” the 37-year-old said in an open letter posted on his Facebook page. “Let us stop talking about being forgotten and disrespected while we have nothing to offer. The game owes us nothing because it gave us everything we dreamed of and aspired to be. We owe the game gratitude, not the ones running it. Let us offer our services.” 

Meanwhile, Mulenga has tipped active players to concentrate on improving their skills in 2025. 

“After being crowned best young African footballer of the year 2007, I was absolutely sure I was the next great thing to come out of Zambian football and boom, it’s 2025 and I’m encouraging the young footballers out there to focus on your football career and make the best out of it so that in 2050 you don’t come here and repost my post because in 2004 when we broke through, we were given this very important message I have given you,” Mulenga advises. 

The former Young African Player of the Year is currently working with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) as a Youth Football Development Officer. 

READ MORE: Granada set to sign in-form Zambian striker Ingoma Mwanza