FIFA player agent Chiti Chitundu has urged Zambian football clubs to prioritize the promotion of young talent from their feeder teams and academies.
Chitundu has told Bolanews in an interview that there is a need for local clubs to invest in youth development as a sustainable strategy for long-term success.
Chitundu, who has represented several players for over two decades, said there is a global trend where clubs are now more interested in academy players.
He said the untapped potential within Zambia’s grassroots football system should be harnessed by local clubs.
“Our clubs need to focus on nurturing young players from their academies and feeder teams,” he said. “This not only strengthens the clubs but also ensures a steady pipeline of talent for the national team.”
The agent pointed to successful models in other African countries, such as Nigeria, Mali, and Senegal, where youth academies have produced world-class players.
“We have the talent, but we need to create pathways for these players to grow and shine,” Chitundu said. “When clubs invest in their academies, they not only build stronger teams but also contribute to the overall development of Zambian football.”
He said the challenge in Zambia is that most clubs are in it for instant results.
“I think most clubs in Zambia are looking for immediate results, but there are huge benefits for promoting young players; you get to sell them at a higher value and you don’t really have transfer disputes that come with most of these established players,” he said.
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