By Sylvester Soopu
The recent war of words engulfing the senior Zambia national football team has reached a troubling crescendo, with key figures—forward Fashion Sakala, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga, and national team coach Avram Grant—entangled in a web of mutual recriminations.
What began as a difference in opinion has escalated into a damaging public feud that threatens the unity and performance of the national team.
From an objective standpoint, the matter has spiraled beyond the capacity of the involved individuals to resolve it internally. The atmosphere is no longer conducive for private reconciliation, especially when those involved have entrenched themselves in blame and counter-blame.
It is now imperative that an impartial third party—possibly a respected elder statesman of the game, a former player, or a neutral FAZ committee—intervenes to mediate, with the primary goal of refocusing attention on the growth and integrity of Zambian football.
This moment calls for wisdom, not ego. As renowned football philosopher Johan Cruyff once said, “In football, the result is not the most important thing, it’s the style, the way you express yourself, and how the team functions.” Clearly, the current dysfunction is a far cry from the unity and collective ambition the national team requires.
Publicly trading accusations serves no constructive purpose. It neither uplifts the game nor inspires confidence among the fans, players, or the broader football fraternity. On the contrary, such discord corrodes the morale of the team and risks creating camps within the squad—an outcome that can only lead to disintegration, both on and off the pitch.
If indeed Fashion Sakala has something valuable to contribute to the national cause, and if Kamanga and Grant have genuine intentions to steer Zambian football forward, then all parties must demonstrate maturity. That begins with swallowing pride, seeking forgiveness, and recommitting to the shared goal of national progress.
In conclusion, Zambian football stands at a crossroads. The nation deserves more than headlines of conflict. It deserves a team united in vision, driven by purpose, and led by individuals who place the sport above personal grievances. Now is the time to bury the hatchet and return focus to what truly matters: rebuilding the pride and power of Chipolopolo.
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