FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga believes Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant will succeed to revive the Chipolopolo.
Kamanga said Grant, who was handed a two years performance-based contract as Chipolopolo coach, is already putting the pieces together to ensure that Zambia’s AFCON qualification campaign remains on course.
“Grant has been checking on local players in our leagues and liaising with local coaches on the possibilities around the national team.
“We have no doubt with his solid credentials and hands on approach, he will succeed in rebooting the Chipolopolo,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kamanga has reaffirmed FAZ’s commitment to sending the World Cup bound Copper Queens for an international camp.
Kamanga said FAZ has some friendly games lined up for the Copper Queens that regroup in Lusaka for a local camp.
He said the friendly games will be played during the February FIFA window, with some World Cup bound teams courting the Copper Queens.
Kamanga said the technical bench will have foreign based players available for these assignments as it is in a FIFA window.
“Preparations are not starting now as the technical bench has all along been working with a long-term program that is being implemented in stages. Last year, the team played two international friendlies in Colombia as part of preparations for the FIFA World Cup that kicks off on July 20.
“In the final stages, the team will have an international camp to intensify preparations for the biggest showpiece in women football,” Kamanga said.
He noted that the association is particularly happy that the women’s league is in full swing to keep players in good shape.
“It is also good that our foreign based players are getting game time in various leagues where they are plying their trade,” he said.
Zambia will compete in Group C alongside Spain, Japan and Costa Rica at the FIFA Womens World Cup that will run from July 20 to August 20.
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