THE early exits of the Chipolopolo, Under-17 and 20 teams at the various continental championships should be a great cause of worry not only to the fans but the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
While it was expected that the Chipolopolo would not win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, save for a quarter final berth, a lot was expected from the junior teams, especially the Zambia Under-20 squad.
I feel team selection and inadequacy of the technical bench could be part of the reasons that led to the early exit of the U-17 and U-20 teams.
It is a pity that team selection was based on ‘business’ instead of footballing reasons as some interested parties wanted their players to be included in the teams so that they could be sold.
Reports on the ground suggested that scouts were allowed to visit the teams camping with the view of some administrators selling players.
Many would need no reminder on the episode that characterised the picking of the Under-20 team that went on to compete and win the COSAFA Youth Championship held under the auspices of the Africa Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region Five Games in Zimbabwe.
On the side of coaches, I feel FAZ should consider giving such positions to trainers who are actively involved in football by coaching a club unlike giving people who are not managing any team.
I feel coaches who practise by being actively involved with their clubs have a better chance of applying themselves during tournaments and I think our coaches, with due respect, were lacking in that area.
Save for the Under-20 technical bench, Hector Chilombo was alright but needed a second assistant to help him apart from Bilton Musonda.
Take for example in 1999 and 2007 when coaches Patrick Phiri and George Lwandamina respectively were in-charge of the Zambia Under-20 sides, one could see that the two had experience of having coached regularly at club level and also at some international competitions.
I have said many times in the past columns that FAZ should consider involving experienced coaches like Lwandamina and Wedson ‘Wada’ Nyirenda among others to these sides because these deal with players on a daily basis.
The same could be done to the technical bench that needs some experienced brains otherwise we shall continue to experience these early eliminations.
There is need also for FAZ to start exposing these teams to a number of friendly matches if the players are to gain the needed experience ahead of such important tournaments.
Let me wrap up with an email I received from International Athletics Association Federation (IAAF) academy coach Jonathan Chipalo concerning last week’s column on the damaged tartan track at the Heroes National Stadium.
He writes: “It so sad read about the damaged tartan track at the Heroes stadium. We have written a lot about the taking care of this facility. We need managers for sports security and protocol at these facilities, and not only at Heroes Stadium.
All the same not all is lost; let’s make use of the stadium for field events. This will help in keeping the place busy, events help in shaping up our athletes in the field events like high jump, long jump, shot put, triple jump, harmer throw.
Sir, the other thing is that the Heroes Stadium has no side warm-up area to be at the international level. A grass warm-up is okay and can be done with the help of local experts.
Like it is in countries where warm-up areas are of grass make, the way is to make a road through to OYDC and use it for warm ups.”
Thanks Jonathan for your email and remember to interact with me on eliaschipepo@gmail.com