Tributes to Former Zambia Coach Roald Poulsen: A Legacy of Resilience

Former Zambia national football coach Roald Poulsen has passed away at the age of 73, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in Zambian football. Poulsen’s tenure was marked by his efforts to rebuild the team following the tragic plane crash on April 28, 1993, which claimed the lives of 18 Chipolopolo players as they traveled to a World Cup qualifier in Senegal.

The crash, which occurred off the coast of Gabon, was a devastating blow to Zambian football and the nation as a whole. Poulsen was appointed to coach the team just three weeks after the tragedy. He initially dedicated six weeks to training and preparing the squad, a monumental task given the emotional and psychological toll on the players.

His impact was felt immediately when Zambia faced Morocco in Lusaka on July 4, 1993. Under Poulsen’s guidance, the team secured a 2-1 victory, marking their first competitive match since the disaster. Kalusha Bwalya, who survived the crash by opting to travel separately, captained the side and scored a crucial goal. “That was fantastic, mission accomplished,” Poulsen recalled. “The whole nation accepted our work. It took hours for us to leave the stadium as people ran alongside the bus, singing. After less than six weeks, a new national team was born.”

Despite the challenges, the team was unable to qualify for the 1994 World Cup. Poulsen’s journey with the national side did not end there; he returned for two additional stints as head coach, from 1994 to 1996 and again in 2002. His most notable achievement during this period was leading Zambia to a third-place finish at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations held in South Africa.

Tributes poured in following Poulsen’s passing, highlighting the profound impact he had on Zambian football and its community. Sydney Mungala, a spokesperson for the Football Association of Zambia, remarked, “Mr. Poulsen holds a special place in the hearts of many Zambians for the role he played in the rebuilding of the team. The post-Gabon disaster era cannot be honored or remembered without his name coming at the top.”

Before his involvement with Zambia, Poulsen had a successful coaching career in Denmark, notably leading Odense BK to a national championship in 1989 and a domestic cup victory in 1991. His move to Zambia was spurred by a call from the Danish Football Association, seeking his expertise to aid the team during a critical time.

Upon arrival in Europe for training, Poulsen quickly realized the enormity of the challenge ahead. “I could see this was going to be a big job,” he said. “The ability of the players was not really there; they didn’t have any confidence. All quite understandable given they were in a foreign country with strange food and accommodation, far away from families.” Despite these obstacles, Poulsen emphasized the unifying power of football as a common language that transcended barriers.

Throughout his coaching career, Poulsen not only focused on skill development but also on restoring the players’ confidence and sense of identity. His tenure marked a pivotal moment in Zambian football, turning a period of mourning into one of hope and resilience.

In addition to his work with the Zambian national team, Poulsen also contributed to the development of football in South Africa, including a role as technical director of Cape United. His influence extended beyond the pitch, as he became a symbol of recovery and strength for a nation that had suffered an immense tragedy.

As Zambians remember Roald Poulsen, they celebrate not only his coaching acumen but also his compassion and dedication during one of the darkest chapters in their sports history. His legacy lives on, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.