ALLOW me space in your newspaper to express my views on the way some of our Zambian sportsmen and women fail to communicate effectively during pre and post-match interviews.
Since time immemorial, we have watched and heard stories of how our patriotic and talented men on the pitch have spoken broken English during interviews.
Although English is a foreign language, knowing how to speak and write in English and French today has become a necessity.
Whoever is able to speak English and French will never suffer as far as communication is concerned.
Communication can be defined as the movement or exchange of information from point A to point B with a feedback. This means communication is a two-way thing.
Both parties must be comfortable with the language as a medium of communication; otherwise there would be a barrier or ‘noise’.
However, the media, coaches and soccer agents are to blame for the low self-esteem, embarrassment and psychological trauma our of Zambian players who have failed to speak correct English on a mass communication media.
I am not saying that our players should know the Queen’s language.
I am simply saying that our players should speak the language they know best during their interviews in order to communicate effectively.
Look at players in the South African league, they speak vernacular confidently during pre and post-match interviews.
Chistiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Ricardo Kaka, Neymer among other world soccer stars speak the language they know best coupled with interpretation.
Our Zambian journalists have a serious problem. Even when they know a player cannot express himself in English, they proceed to pose tough questions in English. Stop it!
I, therefore, suggest the following;
Zambian soccer journalists should start consulting the players the language they are comfortable with before interviews. Clubs and sponsors should initiate classes (Shibukeni) to empower players with vast knowledge to effectively communicate on and off the pitch.
Use interpreters when a player is not comfortable with the Queen’s language.
Coaches should inculcate the culture of open two-way communication among players.

KUMESA KAUTA
Ndola