By MICHAEL MIYOBA
FORMER Chipolopolo coach Wedson “Wada” Nyirenda has urged club owners to respect players and coaches by paying them on time for the growth of the club and the Zambian game in general.
“Wada” also urged clubs to hire competent technical staff, administrators and all club workers who will be in tandem with the identity of the club for its growth.
He said clubs are key stakeholders in the development of the game and it is important than whoever is engaged by any club must be qualified and befitting to drive the philosophy and culture of the club.
“Wada” said there is also need for clubs to strengthen their youth football development by having U-8, U-14, U-17, U-20 and reserves who will be nurtured according to the club’s culture and philosophy.
“To really develop this game we must go with the ICI concept. Identity, Competence and Investment.
“Every club must have its true identity in terms of way they play. The club’s culture must be spelt out and be seen to be followed by everyone,” Nyirenda said.
“Strengthening the youth football development by having U-8, U-14, U-17, U-20 and reserves who will be nurtured according to the club’s culture and philosophy is important because when the time comes for the youngsters to join the senior team, they would not struggle to flow.”
“Wada,” who recently left Lusaka Dynamos before he returned to Mozambique to rejoin Ferroviaro de Beira, a club he led to their first league title in 2016 said there is need for clubs to come up with different ways of finding resources to fund their visions.
“Wada” won back to back Super League titles with Zesco United in 2007 and 2008 and said that with a competent administration, a club can rake in funds from sponsors, endorsements, and most of all sale of players to Europe and other lucrative leagues.
He stated that creating a cycle where players are sold and others are coming in at the right age would enable a club to remain relevant after selling some of its best players.
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