THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says the coming in of former Chelsea and Ghana national team coach Avraham “Avram” Grant will enable the Zambia national team that has not lived up to the nation’s expectations to return among the elite of the African game.
Speaking during the unveiling of Grant as new Chipolopolo coach, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said the association has been working tirelessly to ensure that the Chipolopolo return among the elite of the African game after missing the last three Africa Cup of Nations.
FAZ has given Grant a two-year performance-based contract subject to renewal based on how he will perform in his first stint as Aljosa Asanovic’s replacement.
“Mr Grant is a well-known figure in the global game having served in some of the most prestigious posts before.
“He has previously served as national team coach for Israel and Ghana. On the African continent he led Ghana to the runner up spot of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations,” Kamanga said.
“With the quality of the players, we have and an accomplished coach of Mr Grant’s calibre we believe that a new dawn in the Zambian game beckons,” he said.
Kamanga is hopeful that 2023 will be a great season for the Zambian game after the under-17 and under-20 qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations while the senior women’s national team qualified to the FIFA World Cup to be held in Australia/New Zealand in July next year.
He hailed government for providing guidance in the selection of the Israelite who once led Maccabi Tel Aviv, Portsmouth, Chelsea, West Ham, and Partisan as head coach.
Meanwhile, Grant hailed the association for trusting him with the opportunity to serve as Chipolopolo coach.
