adminTHE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) unveiled former Chelsea boss Avram Grant as the new Chipolopolo head coach.
Grant arrived in the country on Wednesday ahead of his official unveiling.
Grant emerged as the frontrunner ahead of locals and former national team coaches, Honor Janza and Wedson Nyirenda.
In April 2008, he was named Premier League Manager of the Month and later led Chelsea to the Champions League final, but drew 1-1 with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United before losing 6-5 on penalties after John Terry slipped on the fifth penalty on a rainy day in Moscow.
Three days later, the Israeli’s contract was terminated. In 2015, he guided the Black Stars of Ghana to the Africa Cup of Nations final, but lost on penalties to Ivory Coast.
The Chipolopolo top job attracted an influx of over 100 applicants, including former coach Sven Ludwig Vandenbroeck, former Al Ahly and Egypt boss Hossam Albadry, former Liberia boss Antoine Hey, Englishman Peter Butler, French man Sebastian Migne and Gert Engels.
A panel of experts comprising FAZ representatives, government and the Zambia Football Coaches Association (ZAFCA) interviewed and surfed through the candidates to come up with the next coach.
The Chipolopolo job fell vacant following the departure of Croatian gaffer Aljosa Asanovic in October.
Grant is expected to be given the mandate of guiding the 2012 AFCON Champions back to the continental showpiece after a three-time consecutive absence.
Moses Sichone, who has been in charge of the team in the interim, is expected to retain his position as first assistant coach.
Zambia will be back in action next year as the Ivory Coast 2023 AFCON qualifiers resume in March. – Zambian Football
Mathew Masinge
Online Reporter