Former Cameroon goalkeeper Eugene Eugene Tchatchoua Sakam has provided insights into the challenges faced by Zambian goalkeepers in making an impact in foreign leagues recently.
Since the retirement of Kennedy Mweene at Mamelodi Sundowns, Zambian goalkeepers have faced challenges in commanding the goalposts in foreign leagues in recent years.
In an interview with Bola News, Tchatchoua, who has played for Prison Leopards from 2017 to 2021, states that there are a lot of talented goalkeepers in Zambia, while trained goalkeepers’ coaches are few.
Tchatchoua, a high-level goalkeeper coach trained by UEFA and FIFA, explains that young goalkeepers are taught incorrect techniques.
“In Zambia I have noticed that there are a lot of naturally talented goalkeepers, both women and men, but the lack of professional training to acquire the right basic techniques by qualified goalkeeper coaches during their early ages between 10 and 15 years,” Tchatchou stated.
“They grow up training with so-called goalkeeper coaches and former goalkeepers without proper goalkeeper qualifications. And they are busy teaching them wrong techniques without knowing the objective of the training, and they grow up like that. That is why it is difficult to compete outside the country or in Europe.”
He mentions the presence of numerous goalkeepers in the top-tier Zambian leagues who lack fundamental skills.
“Even in the Zambia Super League, there are a lot of goalkeepers who are playing but are not at their level. Goalkeeper trainers in clubs are facing many challenges with goalkeepers who don’t know the technique to handle the ball, scoop and cup techniques, deal with fly balls and crosses, and even footwork and ball distribution,” he noted.
“Some Goalies Adapting to Modern Techniques”
The former Cameroon U23 international, who freely trains goalkeepers every Monday in Kabwe, Central Zambia, also accessed the Chipolopolo goalkeepers.
“Toasta Nsabata has more experience; Charles Kalumba is very good in high saves and fly balls, while Lawrence Mulenga proves to be very good in footwork and good ball distribution,” Tchatchoua said.
He has however, that Zambia has talented young goalkeepers who are ready to challenge the present crop of Chipolopolo keepers.
“Interestingly, some young goalkeepers are really improving in modern techniques and are able to play even in Europe, like Patrick Chooma of Nkana FC and Francis Mwansa of Green Buffaloes FC,” he stated.
