Ex-Chelsea boss Avram Grant appointed Zambia coach
Zambia have named former Ghana Head Coach Avram Grant as their new trainer as they hope in qualifying for the next African Cup of Nations tournament.
The Israeli tactician who previously managed English side Chelsea FC and West Ham United was unveiled on Thursday evening, following a successful negotiations with the Federation. Grant signed a two year contract to replace Aljosa Asanovic who quit over a pay dispute.
He’s being appointed with the task of getting Zambia play in the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
“I was looking for the right challenge and that’s why I chose Zambia,” Grant said at a press conference in Lusaka.
“I came here because of the challenge and I hope when I leave here, I will look around and say we did a good job and made a good foundation for the future.
“I think Zambia has the potential; we have set the targets of what we want to achieve.”
The 67-year old first landed in Africa to manage Ghana, were he led Ghana to the final at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations but were beaten on penalties by Ivory Coast, and resigned after finishing fourth in the same competition two years later.
Zambia failed to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup, after finishing third in their qualifying group for the 2022 World Cup.
With several talented players like, Rangers forward Fashion Sakala and Leicester City striker Patson Daka, who won the Under-20 Nations Cup in 2017 and reached the quarter-finals of the U20 World Cup the same year, Grant has been tasked with reviving the ailing fortunes of the one time Africa Cup of Nations winner’s (2012).
Grant’s first game in charge will be at home to Lesotho in March, a qualifier for the 2023 Cup of Nations being held in Cote d’Ivoire.
Story Kolog Bonaventure
