By MICHAEL MIYOBA
FOOTBALL Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga says over 100 individuals have applied for the Chipolopolo top job which fell vacant following the resignation of Croatian coach Aljosa Asanovic.
Kamanga said the specially constituted committee to select the coach commenced sitting yesterday and comprises representation from FAZ, Government and Zambia Football Coaches Association (ZAFCA).
Kamanga noted that the committee is expected to come up with a shortlist of candidates.
“While the debate on whether FAZ should hire a local or foreign coach has persisted, it should be made clear that the focus should be on appointing a competent coach regardless of their nationality,” Kamanga said.
“We are mindful of the urgency of this matter, but we will also ensure that we are prudent in the manner we conduct this process. Transparency will be our guiding principle throughout the process,” he said.
Kamanga urged Zambians to support the national teams that will be fully engaged during the FIFA window with the World Cup-bound Copper Queens facing Colombia in Cali while the Chipolopolo will play Israel as part of their preparations for the team’s international engagements next year. Commenting on the under-17 boys and girls’ teams that will compete at the 2022 Region V games that kick-off at the month end in Malawi, Kamanga said; “We are confident that with a good crop of players having tested some quality matches at under-15 in Georgia, it will put the squad in good stead to compete for a place at the AFCON. For our girls that won the Cosafa tournament last year in Maseru, we are confident that they will be motivated to repeat that feat this year.”
Meanwhile, Kamanga has hailed FIFA president Gianni Infantino who penned a personal letter to Mwepu that was delivered by Fernandez on behalf of Zurich.
“We cannot thank FIFA enough for having shown great concern for the welfare of Mwepu whose case has drawn interest from across the globe. We also are grateful to the support the player is receiving from his club Brighton.
“For now, Mwepu has been given some space with his family and health experts to overcome the suddenness of the tragedy that befell one of the most promising talents of our nation,” Kamanga said.
He noted that FAZ’s desire is to ensure that the “Computer” reboots and soldiers on in whatever path he will choose.
