Aspiring To Be An International Coach
Wamunyima Wamunyima, Zambia
Wamunyima Wamunyima is a SKILLZ Coach with Grassroot Soccer in Zambia. Grassroot Soccer (GRS) is an adolescent health organization that uses the power of soccer to teach young people critical health information while making learning fun and engaging so that the lessons stick. At the heart of GRS programs are young, local leaders whom GRS recruits and trains as mentor Coaches to facilitate sessions, connect with young people, and create safe spaces for learning.
My name is Wamunyima Wamunyima, I am 24 years old, and I am a soccer coach. I dream and aspire to coach at the highest level. I am currently coaching a Zambian women’s team called ZedPro Sports Foundation who are playing in the National League. I see myself one day coaching the Manchester City Women’s team.
I began playing soccer from a young age in the Kanyama community where I currently live, but I had a strong desire to be a coach of a team one day. I used to be a football player when I was in school but I was also volunteering as an assistant coach. After completing secondary school, I was licensed with the Football Association Zambia (FAZ) as a football coach. I coached at the Luyando Foundation for over two years. Then I had an opportunity to join the ZedPro Sports Foundation.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
I showcased my daily life as a football coach and my interactions with athletes and children. I wanted to show people what football is about in different communities in Zambia.
The interest and drive that girls and women have taken in the sport is very big. Women’s football is growing fast and reaching greater heights. I wanted to show to the world that there are a lot of girls playing football.
My favourite photo was captured in Bauleni during the annual Children’s Cup, when we were demonstrating drills to the participants. The Children's Cup is a tournament hosted by Bauleni Sports academy for under 6 players all through to the under 17.
What impact has Grassroot Soccer Zambia had on you and your community?
Coaching with Grassroot Soccer has contributed massively to my confidence, moral soundness, and given me the ability and platform to help other young people with important information. I used to follow Grassroot Soccer. I was still playing soccer in Kanyama, but then one of my friends advised me to apply to be a coach. That was in 2020 after which I did the interview and I got selected to be a coach. It was a great experience for me.
From the time I became part of Grassroot Soccer, I have obtained various skills and the knowledge to facilitate health sessions in my community, as well as the confidence to speak to the youth about life skills, personal hygiene, mental health and safe sex. Grassroot Soccer has given an opportunity to the community to learn and make informed decisions.
My passion for the sport has continued to be strong and so has my desire to coach. Because of being a coach, I have met different people and interacted with so many other organisations doing similar work such as Tackle Africa and ZedPro Sports Foundation and Children International Zambia. Football gives a platform to children to showcase their skills and talents, keeping them away from social vices.
What are the opportunities for women and girls to play in Zambia?
For women in soccer, there are now so many opportunities. We are seeing more teams being formed for women and girls, with leagues being created for them.
One of the major challenges is limited resources. Soccer is a very good career when you have a well-funded team and some resources of your own but in my case, resources are limited. It is passion that drives me personally. I am proud to say one of the people I have coached now plays in the Women’s National Team, Evelyn Suzan Katongo.
I would like to coach the Under-20 Zambian women’s football team and scout a lot of untapped talent from all around the country. But this all can only happen if there is funding and sponsorship available.
