Unseen and Underappreciated: Who Are Zambia’s Modern-Day Webby Chikabalas?
In a heartfelt tribute, former Chipolopolo midfielder Charles Musonda stirred the Zambian football community with emotional memories of the late Webster “Webby” Chikabala, a forward he described as “an intelligent striker with quick feet, superb turns, and a rare ability to retain possession.” Reflecting on his former teammate’s talent, Musonda posed a challenge to fans: Can we name a nimble striker today, not necessarily from the first division, who matches that level of brilliance?
It’s a compelling question that goes beyond nostalgia. It’s a prompt to look closely at the grassroots and hidden corners of Zambian football where diamonds in the rough often go unnoticed.
The Forgotten Flair of Webby Chikabala
Webby Chikabala, who played for Marítimo in Portugal and represented Zambia at the 1990 and 1992 African Cup of Nations, was not just a footballer, he was an artist on the pitch. He possessed flair, creativity, and technical mastery that made him nearly impossible to mark. Musonda recalled that Chikabala “rarely lost the ball” and could have thrived in top European leagues, especially Spain, where “crafty players” are revered.
But in Zambia, stories like Webby’s are not uncommon, extraordinary talents who bloom brightly but briefly, often without the spotlight they deserve.
Why These Talents Stay Hidden
The road to recognition is not equal. While the FAZ and clubs are making efforts to scout nationally, the current system still heavily favors those in top-tier academies or urban centers. Players like Chikabala, who broke through despite the odds, are now rare in a more structured but less inclusive football environment.
Charles Musonda’s point is not only about comparison; it’s a call to remember the context. “When comparing players we miss the main point, the level and competition a certain player endured,” he said. The players of Chikabala’s era faced tougher physical play, less media attention, and few development resources, yet their class shone through.
The Way Forward
Musonda’s tribute invites a deeper reflection: How many Webbys are we missing today because we aren’t looking in the right places? What mechanisms exist to discover and nurture flair outside of the mainstream?
Scouting in Zambia must evolve, to not only track stats but also feel the game: the vision, the quick feet, the intelligence that defined players like Webby Chikabala. Perhaps it’s time for clubs, scouts, and fans alike to turn their eyes to the shadows, where the next great Zambian forward may already be weaving magic with no cameras watching.
