IT is exciting that the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has taken the bold step to redefi ne the country’s
football identity especially since our game has over the years borrowed from a mix of philosophies driven by
diff erent coaches that have coached the national teams at various levels.
This commitment should be supported by the football-loving family as it will help establish a clear and cohesive football philosophy thereby creating a significant step towards achieving long-term success for our national teams at diff erent levels.
I remember watching Tottenham Hotspurs manager Ange Postecoglou some months back speaking as a pundit about a player’s style of play at club level and transferring that to the international level.
Postecoglou spoke about how footballers from countries with a clear football identity adapt to their national team’s style of play more naturally, referencing Spain and Italy as examples.
Ideally, when we think of Spain, we think of possession-based football and when we think of Italy, we think of defensively solid football.
As a result, football in these respective national club leagues has a similar reputation to the style of play.
The style of football played and identity seem closely aligned with the countries naturally over a long period,
from grassroots up to their professional leagues.
The identity brings a sense of pride to players and fans of these national teams.
In recent years, we have also seen more structured football identities manufactured by national football
associations in countries such as Germany, Belgium, England and the Netherlands.
Thus, this path taken by FAZ is welcome and can greatly help the country build a more coherent and competitive football system, paving the way for future achievements on both the continental and global stages.
Various stakeholders should be incorporated into the programme so that it becomes a success, and no politics
should be brought into the mix.
Diff erences will always be there, but there is a need for the football family to put aside those diff erences
and see how this idea can be best implemented because this is something that our game needs and must be
supported by all.
However, there is a need to understand that this process will not be an easy one and will need patience
and time to be implemented.
Why plenty of time, someone might be wondering?
Football philosophy encompasses more than just tactical preferences; it refl ects a country’s core values
and strategic approach to the game.
It defi nes how the team would attack, defend, and possess the ball, shaping their overall playing style.
Understanding and implementing a clear football philosophy is essential for aligning every game aspect,
from player development to coaching and match strategies.
Many things would need to be put in place eventually for this to succeed as other countries have done in
recent years.
It is therefore imperative that all stakeholders that will be called upon in the next phase heed the call and
contribute to the process.
Already, social media has gone awash with divergent views others suggesting several legends in the game
were left out of the process.
Sorry to say this but I think it’s too early to judge the process and condemn the FAZ.
People must understand that FAZ is not involved in the process but is merely spearheading it.
Several experts, academicians, journalists and football legends will be required as the process goes on.
Once this document is developed, it will be important that all national team age groups grasp it to ensure the
country is defi ned by a particular playing style and dynamic.
It will be therefore be important for all football stakeholders to put aside their political diff erences and reason in unison for the good of the game.
Having a playing philosophy will not only give Zambian football a distinctive style but also help enhance the quality of players we will export to the rest of the globe.
Understandably, our local clubs have diff erent philosophies dependent on the coach and the values of the club, but this will impact domestic football,
and make the life of the senior national team technical bench easy.
Have a wonderful sporting weekend and let’s interact via email on eliaschipepo@gmail.com