Patrick Phiri, Pataaki Football Club Technical Director, is concerned over the lack of support for community-based football academies in Zambia.

Phiri widely known as coach “Apetito” has noted that grassroots sports programs are playing a critical role in youth development despite operating with limited resources.

Pataaki FC, which runs both men’s and women’s teams in the FAZ Lusaka Provincial Leagues, has managed to sustain its operations for more than seven years without major sponsorship or donor funding.

Speaking in an interview with Bola News, Phiri, said the club has been built on strong community support.

“Pataaki FC has sustained operations for more than seven years without major donor funding by building on three principles: truth, transparency, and community ownership,” Phiri said.

He explained that the academy offers free football programs to boys and girls in Garden Compound, focusing on technical development and character building rather than unrealistic promises of professional football careers.

“Parents and the community trust us because we are honest about player pathways and progress. We survive through small, consistent donations from parents, former players, and local supporters, which fund basic equipment and operations,” he said.

Phiri noted that the biggest challenge facing academy owners in Zambia is the lack of sustainable support for community sports programs.

“The greatest challenge is sustainable support for community-based sports programs.

“If more boys and girls grew up in communities with access to quality sport, we would see less substance abuse, early marriage, and youth idleness.”

He added that poor playing surfaces, and limited access to qualified coaching continue to hinder player development.

Phiri called for increased government and stakeholder support, in local coaches and funding.

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