In this honest, behind-the-scenes episode of The Business of Football, David Chimbaza opens up about the real struggles of building a media platform in the football industry. Recorded during a hectic week, this solo reflection dives into the challenges of staying consistent, managing burnout, and balancing passion with the demands of running a business from researching complex stories like the FIFA governance crisis to producing articles, podcasts and social content while still trying to grow the network.
David shares how working in football doesn’t always feel like being a fan anymore, and how the shift from consuming the game for enjoyment to analysing it for content can be emotionally taxing. He talks about the non-stop nature of the football calendar, the pressure to keep up with rapid industry changes, and the reality that even after securing high-profile interviews and partnerships (with representatives from Manchester City, UEFA, the FA, PFA and more), doors still open incredibly slowly and rejection remains a constant part of the journey.
The episode also explores the importance of recognising small wins, staying humble through setbacks, and maintaining belief in your vision even when progress feels invisible. David reflects on how the network has grown compared to previous years, why the podcast frequency has dipped as he focuses on building the wider business, and why he remains committed to delivering the best possible value to the audience. This is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to work in football, start their own platform or understand the human side of breaking into the industry.
Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launching his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience. Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.
