Mulenga Urges Dialogue on Career Transition and Education for Young Footballers

Former Chipolopolo winger Clifford Mulenga has called on fellow ex-footballers and football stakeholders to openly address the challenges players face when transitioning out of professional sport.

In a candid post on his official Facebook page, the 2007 CAF Young Player of the Year said career transition remains one of the most avoided topics among retired players.

“The reason this topic is avoided is because most of us don’t have the connections, the qualifications, and the knowledge to take on other roles,” Mulenga wrote.

He stressed the importance of preparing current players—both men and women—for life beyond football, questioning why many still struggle after retirement.

“We need to address these issues… Why do they happen? Why do they continue happening?” he asked.

Mulenga also criticized football academies that allow children to skip school to train in the mornings.

“We cannot be comfortable with academies training in the mornings. It means we are advising the kids not to be in school. We are raising kids that will struggle with life after football,” he warned.

Encouraging unity among former players, Mulenga appealed: “Let us come together and find ways to help each other navigate this difficult situation… Together we can.”

His remarks have sparked conversation online, with fans and ex-players praising his courage and urging Zambian football authorities to invest more in education and post-career support for athletes.