The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has organized a three-day conference at the Mika Lodge in Lusaka to develop a Zambian football philosophy.

Veteran coaches Patrick Phiri, Wedson Nyirenda, George Lwandamina, Danny Kabwe, and Beston Chambeshi are among those who make up the expert panel, including academicians, football administrators, and journalists.

Following expert submissions, a document will be prepared and distributed for use in developing the new football philosophy, which will also be a key teaching tool for coaches.

“This initiative is not just about ideas but about forging the intellectual backbone of our nation. As you are all aware, football is a complex sport that demands a unique blend of skills and abilities,” FAZ president Andrew Kamanga explained the motive behind the conference. “While natural talent undoubtedly plays a role, reaching the pinnacle of the game requires more than just flare. What we are gathered here for this morning is therefore an important step that will help us respect and determine who we are, who we aspire to be, and the values we wish to pass on to future generations.” 

Kamanga observed that most footballing countries around the world have football philosophies, such as Spain’s tik tak; however, Zambian football culture has been a mix of various experiences, particularly from the former colonial rulers, the British; thus, there is a need to establish a single identity.

‘Similar efforts failed in 1996’ —Lwandamina

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at Mika lodge, Lwandamina stated that similar efforts to establish a football philosophy were made in 1996 but failed, and he hopes that this time it will succeed.

“It’s a great initiative. We tried to come up with a philosophy in 1996, but it couldn’t work. Now this [FAZ] executive has brought it out so that we can have our own philosophy and that’s what makes it more important because the country has been playing football without an identity. Even the selection of players is very difficult because there are no attributes that make us pick players according to their positions. 

“But this seminar, I’m sure, will bring out a lot of information. It is a very good gathering if you look at the composition of people around here with vast knowledge of football—academicians, to mention a few. Put our heads together, and I’m sure we will be able to do justice to Zambia.”

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