Why Zambia’s Bold Move on FAZ Is a Business Lesson for Every Entrepreneur and Government Department
When the Whistle Blows but There’s No Goal
Zambia’s government just did what many business owners are too afraid to do they froze funding to a non-performing department.
After watching the Chipolopolo’s disappointing performances, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, together with the National Sports Council, decided enough was enough. Despite millions poured into travel, accommodation, bonuses, and salaries, the results on the field were nothing to celebrate.
So, they pulled the plug not out of anger, but out of accountability.
The government is now demanding a clear explanation from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) on how it plans to fix the mess. Because, let’s be honest passion alone can’t win games. Systems, strategy, and measurable results do.
Business 101: Cut the Branches That Drain the Tree
Every entrepreneur faces this reality at some point. You might have started a branch, a division, or a side hustle that once had great potential but now it’s just draining your main business dry.
You keep funding it out of emotion or nostalgia, hoping it’ll “bounce back.” But here’s the truth: money doesn’t fix inefficiency. Strategy does.
If a division isn’t making profit, it’s time to evaluate:
- Is this branch still aligned with the company vision?
- Is it bringing in any measurable results?
- Or is it just an emotional attachment eating your resources alive?
Like the Zambian government, sometimes the best decision is to pause funding, demand performance reports, and only reinvest when you see growth indicators.
That’s not harsh that’s smart leadership.
Governments Need KPIs Too
Imagine if every ministry, parastatal, or government department in Africa had clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) real, measurable goals.
We’d immediately see who’s driving progress and who’s just drawing salaries.
The same way FAZ is being asked to account for poor results, every government department should face the same music. After all, public funds aren’t infinite and citizens deserve a return on investment just like shareholders do.
The Takeaway
Whether you’re running a shop in Lusaka, a logistics firm in Harare, or a multinational in Johannesburg the principle is the same:
“Don’t keep watering a plant that’s already dead.”
If it’s not performing, pause, re-evaluate, restructure or close it down before it kills the rest of your garden.
Final Whistle
So, Zambia has taken a bold step and maybe it’s time others followed suit.
Now the question is:
Should the same be done for Zimbabwe’s national soccer team based on their recent performances?
Or are we too emotional to make data-driven decisions?
By The Chartered Vendor
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