Are some ZPL clubs favored in national team selection?

National team selection in Zambian football is a subject that frequently generates debate among fans. Some supporters have, however, expressed concerns that certain Zambia Premier League (ZPL) clubs, including Mufulira Wanderers, Nkana, Kabwe Warriors, and defending champions Power Dynamos, are disproportionately represented in national squads. While the prevailing belief is that the most successful clubs naturally produce the best players, the issue of possible favoritism continues to raise questions.

Historically, Mufulira Wanderers were nicknamed “Zambia B” due to their dominance in supplying national team players, including African Footballer of the Year 1988, Kalusha Bwalya. However, Football Analyst Moses Mpundu, in an interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), disputed claims of bias.

“Squad selection is highly technical and not based on favoritism. Coaches assess a range of factors such as player consistency and statistical performance. Clubs like Muza FC have also recently come into the spotlight for producing national team players,” he explained.

Mpundu emphasized that such trends are not unique to Zambia. Globally, top clubs tend to contribute the majority of national team players, as seen with Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa and FC Barcelona in Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad. In the local context, Power Dynamos and Red Arrows have consistently provided a large number of players due to their strong performances, while Kabwe Warriors and Nkana have also contributed based on recent form. Despite criticism, Mpundu credited national team coach George Lwandamina for his extensive local and international experience, arguing that player selection is based on merit.

“Coach Lwandamina is among the top coaches on the continent, and the players selected for Chipolopolo are chosen for their abilities and achievements,” Mpundu stressed.

Ultimately, academies and clubs are the foundation of player development. When the national team underperforms, attention shifts to these institutions, with calls for renewed investment in talent development. The debate over favoritism, Mpundu concluded, should not overshadow the urgent need to restore the national team to its former glory.

Article by Samuel Mutale