Chembe Chibwe, the president of Aguila Stars Football Club, a team in the ZPL National League, has offered an open assessment of the continuous transformations in Zambian football.
Speaking an interview with the club’s media, Chibwe acknowledged both progress and concerns about the loss of local identity in the modern game.
Chibwe explained that Zambian football has evolved significantly over the years, with increasing professionalism and commercialization driving recent developments in the local leagues.
However, he also expressed concern that the game’s traditional spirit — particularly the passion and flair that once defined Zambian football — is slowly fading.
“The evolution of Zambian football is sometimes a little bit difficult to describe,” Chibwe said. “But for me, essentially, it’s seeing us move from an era when people had real passion for playing football. Football is becoming a bit more commercialized. We have been taking away that fun aspect from the game — the passion of young people in the game.”
He believes that while the move toward modern football practices is important, there needs to put in deliberate measures to preserve the country’s unique football culture.
Aguila Recruits New Technical Bench.
“We essentially had an identity in Zambia — a lot of flair, a lot of happiness when playing, less functionality,” he noted. “Zambian football, I think, has taken a positive trend with more modern approaches. However, we’ve lost a bit of our identity, and it would be nice to see that come back.”
As Aguila Stars undertakes their preseason, Chibwe has promised the fans expressive, joyful style of football that once made Zambian teams to be witnessed in the coming season.
The Eagles will be heading into their season under the guidance of former Atletico Lusaka head coach Brian Kunsanama and William Njobvu as assistant coach.
READ ALSO: Morocco’s Vilda Eyes Strong WAFCON Start Against Zambia.
