Mbesuma’s legacy

FAMOUS philosopher and educator William James once said, "The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it." And truly, Zambian international Collins Mbesuma is a reflection of a man who builds a legacy that will outlast his life.

Zambian football goal scoring exploits can never be talked about without mentioning the burly striker affectionately known as "King David." Mbesuma is one of the most successful marksmen in the Zambian game having traversed the world owing to his goalscoring prowess.

South African defenders once trembled when they saw him walk onto the pitch, having scored over a 100 goals in the ABSA Premiership and emerged top scorer on two occasions. He also holds the record for the most goals in a single season when he led Kaizer Chiefs to league glory 16 years ago. Mbesuma has now registered another milestone achievement, however, this time around it's off the pitch and may remain as a legacy for generations to come.

Early this week, the Collins Mbesuma Football Academy was launched in Luanshya, the town where the striker began his illustrious career and mesmerised crowds with an eagle’s eye for goal.

Such an initiative ought to be commended especially at a time when Zambia has very few well established football academies. The country has been yearning for more talent and the establishment of this academy is right step in the right direction.

But this shouldn't just end on congratulating the 36-year- old on the innovation, it should be a wake-up call to the corporate world to come up with initiatives that will develop sports in the country.

Having more of these academies can bring Zambia back to the glory days when the national team had competitive squads. Academies are like a seed and in years to come, it will sprout, blossom and yield fruits. “King D” is ploughing back to the community that made him a star and today he wants to build more stars that will sparkle in the generations to come.

This should also challenge former and current football stars to follow suit with Mbesuma by establishing football development programmes which will benefit the upcoming footballers. It is not just about the young footballers, it is not about the communities or families these players come from but it is about leaving a legacy in the nation.

People may forget Mbesuma's goals but no one will surely forget this initiative of ploughing back to the nation.