Former Zambia international striker Signs Chibambo has opened up about why many former footballers disappear from the public eye after retirement, calling for urgent reforms to ensure legends remain meaningfully involved in the game.
Chibambo, who played professionally in Zambia, Nigeria, and Egypt, said the country continues to lose invaluable football knowledge because ex-players often feel unrecognised, unappreciated, and sidelined once their careers come to an end.
In a detailed reflection, he argued that former players possess “real experience, real wisdom, real truth,” yet much of it goes untapped due to the lack of qualifications or formal education required for coaching and administrative roles.
“Ex-footballers lived the game,” Chibambo said. “They understand the pressure, the discipline, the mindset and the mistakes. But many are excluded today because they lack certain paper qualifications.”
He stressed that Zambia cannot build a strong youth development system without including people who have walked the football path themselves.
“How can we shape a young player’s vision if the coach has never walked that path?” he asked. “Players lose focus or take shortcuts because they lack mentors with real-life experience.”
Former Players Seek Recognition
Chibambo added that many former players faced financial, mental, and emotional challenges during and after their careers, and they want the next generation to avoid similar struggles. He noted that retired players are not always seeking financial gain but value, recognition, and belonging.
“They need a system that helps even those who cannot coach to still find purpose and remain in the game they sacrificed for,” he said.
According to Chibambo, the biggest barrier is the rigid requirement for formal qualifications, which excludes legends who possess practical knowledge but lack academic certification. He questioned why such ex-players should be pushed out of football instead of being supported through mentorship programmes, bridging pathways and leadership platforms.
“It is time to take ex-footballers’ affairs seriously, It is time to bring their wisdom back into the system. It is time to honor their contribution with respect, opportunity and inclusion.”
His remarks come at a time when Zambia recently hosted an indaba focused on enhancing football development, player welfare, and related issues.
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