The narrative should not be about replacing Bruce Mwape but about refining him. Let Zambia rise above the notion that success must be imported and embrace the wealth of talent it already possesses.
By Mpandashalo Mwewa | Chief Editor.
Lusaka, Dec. 23 – Bruce Mwape has been at the helm of Zambia’s women’s football team for years, steering the Copper Queens to dazzling heights. Yet, despite these achievements, critics have labeled him a failure, arguing he lacks the tactical ingenuity required to set up a winning team. This paradoxical narrative raises pertinent questions about the standards by which we measure success and the role of local talent in national progress.
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At the core of these criticisms lies the notion that Mwape’s success has been less about his coaching acumen and more about the sheer brilliance of star players like Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. These players have consistently risen to the occasion, often overshadowing perceived gaps in team strategy. This has fueled calls for the appointment of a foreign coach to “fix” Zambia’s football challenges. But is this the magic wand Zambia needs, or are we barking up the wrong tree?
The clamour for foreign expertise is not unique to football. It reflects a broader societal mindset that undervalues local capability. The comparison with Manchester United – a club drowning in resources yet struggling with football malaise – is a poignant reminder that success is not always about importing talent but nurturing what you already have. The question Zambia must ask itself is whether the solution lies in sidelining Bruce Mwape or equipping him with better tools to thrive.
Bruce Mwape’s journey is a testament to the potential within Zambia. Under his stewardship, the Copper Queens have not only made headlines but also stirred global debates, such as the testosterone controversy surrounding Barbra Banda during her BBC World Footballer of the Year recognition. These are not just football milestones; they are national victories that put Zambia on the world map. To dismiss the man behind them as a failure is to disregard the very foundation of these achievements.
The call for foreign coaches often reeks of a deep-seated inferiority complex, perpetuated by a history of external domination. Be it in mining, agriculture, or sports, Zambians have been conditioned to believe they cannot succeed without foreign intervention. This narrative must be challenged, not only in football but across all sectors. If Manchester United’s millions cannot guarantee success, what makes us believe a foreign coach is Zambia’s golden ticket?
What Zambia needs is a shift in perspective – a belief that local talent, when empowered and supported, can match or even surpass imported expertise. Mwape’s critics should focus on how to build his capacity, equipping him with advanced training and resources to meet global standards. This approach not only elevates the individual but strengthens the fabric of local football for generations to come.
It is high time Bruce Mwape is celebrated, not merely as a figure of fleeting success but as a symbol of Zambian excellence. His contributions have taken Zambia’s football beyond its borders, raising the nation’s flag high. True recognition goes beyond medals; it is about acknowledging and investing in the people who have carried the country forward.
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The narrative should not be about replacing Mwape but about refining him. Let Zambia rise above the notion that success must be imported and embrace the wealth of talent it already possesses. After all, the Copper Queens’ victories are not just Mwape’s story – they are a reflection of what Zambia can achieve when it believes in its own.
About Our Advocacy: Woodpecker’s Digest provides in-depth analyses and commentary on issues of national importance, alongside articles on personal development and health. We believe journalism can be a force for socio-economic change.
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