The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Elvis Nkandu, has called for greater investment in football development, especially at the grassroots level, following Zambia’s recent decline in football performance. Speaking at the Zanaco Grassroots U-17 National Tournament held at Sunset Stadium, Minister Nkandu expressed deep concern about the falling standards in Zambian men’s football.
“The standards of football have gone down, especially men’s football, and now the solution lies in what we are doing here,” Nkandu said. He stressed that the country must prioritize youth development to regain its status as a football powerhouse in the region.
Minister Nkandu highlighted the importance of channeling more resources into grassroots football. “We need to make sure that we pump more resources into developing sports because these are the future professional players we may rely on to lift Zambian football to greater heights,” he added.
The Zanaco Grassroots U-17 National Tournament serves as a critical platform for identifying and nurturing young talent across the country. The Minister noted that this tournament and similar initiatives must receive consistent support to build strong foundations for the game.
Zambia’s recent struggles on the pitch have raised concerns among fans, players, and officials. Declining results have shown the urgent need for structural changes in talent development, coaching, and football administration. Minister Nkandu’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to addressing these challenges by focusing on youth programs.
He also encouraged stakeholders including clubs, sponsors, and communities to collaborate in promoting football development. Investing in coaching education, infrastructure, and youth competitions will help cultivate a new generation of skilled players capable of competing at continental and global levels.
In addition to improving player quality, youth development efforts are expected to strengthen football’s social impact by providing young people with positive opportunities and fostering national pride.
Minister Nkandu’s call comes at a critical moment as Zambia seeks to revive its football legacy. With strategic investment in grassroots programs like the Zanaco U-17 tournament, the nation can build a sustainable pipeline of talent to elevate its football standards and achieve long-term success.
The Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts urges increased funding and focus on youth football development as a vital step toward reclaiming Zambia’s position as a leading football nation in the region.