To: President, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)

Subject: Proposal for an Evidence-Based Study to Revitalize Zambian Men’s Football

Dear Mr. Kamanga,

I trust this letter finds you well. As a dedicated advocate of Zambian football, a taxpayer, an expert in sports science and management, and Chair of the Zambian Institute of Sport (ZIS)—the only professional sports education institution in Zambia—I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the underperformance of our men’s national football team since our historic victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2012. I want to clarify that I have no ambitions for a position within FAZ but feel a professional responsibility and civic duty to state my position.

The recent poor performances against teams like Morocco and Tanzania, and the poor performance at the last AFCON, coupled with the lack of a substantial and evidence-based strategic plan to revamp Zambian men’s football, compel me to write this letter. Our fall from being a powerhouse in African football to an underdog struggling to qualify for major tournaments is alarming and necessitates urgent action. Football is crucial to Zambia, impacting our economy, society, and collective national psychology. Leveraging opportunities such as recruiting diaspora players, incorporating modern technologies like AI for football interventions, and fostering a collaborative approach with volunteers providing specialist support, such as video analysis and data analytics, should be considered. Moreover, we need a disruptive shift in mindset and culture within our football community.

As you are aware, I and other Zambian experts have, for several years, offered our support and expertise to your current administration and previous ones without much success. Therefore, I propose this structured and evidence-based approach publicly to ensure transparent engagement. This approach addresses the current challenges and sets our national team back on the path to success.

• Proposal for an Evidence-Based Study

I strongly recommend that FAZ engage a team of academic sports consultants from Zambia to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at generating actionable recommendations. We at the Zambia Institute of Sport can mobilize this effort at no fee. This study should include:

• Review of Case Studies:
What can we learn from the successful rebuilding efforts of football teams from countries such as Germany, Spain, Japan, and Morocco?
What key factors contributed to their resurgence and growth?

• Scientific Evidence and Literature Review:
How can we utilize existing scientific research and literature on sports performance, coaching methods, player development, and sports management?
How can we effectively draw from existing scientific and professional databases?

• Data Collection and Analysis:
How can we gather historical and current data on Zambian football to clearly ascertain the unique features of our game and suggest culturally relevant proposals?
How can we analyze player development, considering the roles of community academies such as Afrisport, Breakthrough Chiparamba, EduSport, and Bauleni Sports Academy (BUSA), which have produced AFCON players like Kalaba, William, Stopila, and Fyawo, and current world-class players like Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji?
How does the recruitment of diaspora players fit into this?
The study should also examine the role of schools and uniformed forces (Army, ZAF, ZNS, and Police) in player development, and contextual models for applying sports science interventions, strategies for international engagement, player performance, coaching standards, infrastructure, and support systems.
Some Key Focus Areas and Investigative Questions

• Talent Identification and Development:
How can we establish a comprehensive system of regional and national football academies with adequate support and resources?
How can we review and integrate football programs within school curriculums to create a seamless link with academies, ensuring the identification and nurturing of young talent?
What is the best way to connect these systems to the next level, such as club systems?

• Coaching and Training Methodologies:
How can we implement data-driven and contextually relevant coaching methods and continuous education programs for coaches?
How can performance analytics be used to monitor and enhance player development?

• Infrastructure and Facilities:
What local playing fields need identification and protection?
How can we invest in state-of-the-art regional training centers and high-quality playing fields?
How can we ensure facilities meet international standards to support optimal player training and development?

• Sports Science, Data Analytics, and Player Well-being:
How can we integrate contextually relevant sports psychology, injury management, and nutrition programs to enhance player performance and resilience?
How can we develop tailored fitness and rehabilitation programs from youth to senior age?
How can we centralize the use of AI and data analytics to enhance our game?

• Competitive and Development Exposure:
What is the strategy for recruiting and supporting diaspora players?
How can we organize regular international friendlies and tournaments to expose players to high-level competition?
How can we strengthen local leagues?
How can we foster partnerships with top football clubs globally for player exchanges and training opportunities?

• Community, Fan Engagement, and Fundraising:
What initiatives can we develop to build a passionate and supportive fan base at home and abroad?
How can we engage players in community outreach in Zambia and abroad?
How can we utilize the newly acquired status of world-class players for community engagement and fundraising?

• Cultural Shift:
What we do to achive a major cultural changes to move beyond the current thinking, culture, and behavior that have led to our current situation?

Conclusion
Mr. Kamanga, the current trajectory of our national football teams requires immediate and strategic intervention. By commissioning a detailed, evidence-based study, we can identify and implement the necessary reforms to restore our footballing prowess. Furthermore, addressing the success and potential of our women’s national team, which currently lacks proper structures and strategic support, is an opportunity that must not be missed. Their upcoming participation in the Olympics highlights the need for organized friendly matches and comprehensive preparation to avoid jeopardizing our performance on the global stage.

I am fully committed to contributing my expertise to this initiative and urge you to consider this proposal and take decisive action to ensure the future success of Zambian football. Together, we can build a robust system that not only elevates our national teams but also inspires future generations of Zambian footballers.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Yours sincerely,
Professor Oscar Mwaanga PhD
Chair, Zambian Institute of Sport

In a heartfelt farewell, Zambia has honored His Excellency Nicholas Woolley, the outgoing High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Zambia, who concluded his tour of duty today.

President Hakainde Hichilema highlighted the deepening of government-to-government and people-to-people relationships between Zambia and the United Kingdom during Woolley’s tenure. These relationships are rooted in shared values such as democracy, the rule of law, liberty, and the fight against corruption.

High Commissioner Woolley played a crucial role in supporting Zambia through some of its most challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic, debt restructuring negotiations, and the El Niño-induced drought that impacted food and energy security.

“We express our gratitude to the High Commissioner and the people of the United Kingdom for their pivotal role during these challenges,” President Hichilema stated.

As Woolley returns to the UK, President Hichilema extended his best wishes and gratitude to the British Government, the people, and the Crown for their continued support to Zambia.

In a tragic turn of events, Malawi’s Vice President Saulos Chilima and nine other individuals lost their lives when their military plane crashed in the Chikangawa Forest, a densely vegetated area known for its challenging terrain. The crash occurred on Monday morning during a flight from Lilongwe to Mzuzu. President Lazarus Chakwera confirmed the devastating news in a live address on state television.

The incident unfolded as Vice President Chilima was attempting to return to Lilongwe by 5 PM to bid farewell to President Chakwera, who was departing for The Bahamas and Switzerland. However, at approximately 10:50 AM, the plane informed the ground crew that landing in Mzuzu was impossible due to bad weather, and it was the last communication received before the aircraft disappeared from radar.

Upon learning of the plane’s disappearance, President Chakwera immediately ordered the Malawi Defence Forces to investigate and initiate a search and rescue mission. The search efforts were compounded by the vastness of Chikangawa Forest, covering over 50,000 hectares, and the challenging weather conditions.

Despite these difficulties, soldiers, police officers, and forest rangers continued their search overnight. On Tuesday, President Chakwera announced that the wreckage of the plane had been found, and there were no survivors. He expressed profound sorrow and extended his condolences to the nation, describing Vice President Chilima as “a good man, a devoted father, and a formidable vice president.”

The Vice President, aged 51, was en route to represent the government at the burial of former government minister Ralph Kasambara. Also on board was former First Lady Shanil Dzimbiri. The plane’s crew had been advised against landing in Mzuzu due to poor visibility, and air traffic controllers directed them to return to Lilongwe. Unfortunately, contact with the plane was lost shortly after this directive.

The military is now tasked with transporting the remains of the victims to Lilongwe, and funeral arrangements will be announced in due course. President Chakwera called for a moment of silence to honor the victims, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the nation.

An aircraft carrying Malawi’s Vice-President Saulos Chilima and nine others has gone missing, a statement from the president’s office has said.

The Malawi Defence Force aircraft “went off the radar” after it left the capital, Lilongwe, on Monday morning, it added.

The plane was supposed to land at Mzuzu International Airport, in the country’s north, just after 10:00 local time (09:00 BST).

In a speech late on Monday, President Lazarus Chakwera said a search and rescue operation was continuing.
“Soldiers are still on the ground carrying out the search and I have given strict orders that the operation should continue until the plane is found,” he said.
Mr Chakwera earlier cancelled his flight to the Bahamas, which was scheduled for Monday evening.
The reason for the aircraft’s disappearance is not yet known, General Valentino Phiri told Mr Chakwera. Moses Kunkuyu, Malawi’s information minister, told the BBC efforts to find the aircraft are “intensive”.
Mr Chilima was on his way to represent the government at the burial of former cabinet minister Ralph Kasambara, who died three days ago.
Mr Kunkuyu said: “The airport he was to land, which is in the northern part of Mzuzu, was the closest to where the funeral was taking place.”

Source:BBC