Ex-Black Stars Boss Grant Named New Zambia Head Coach

Former Black Stars of Ghana and Chelsea handler Avram Grant will take charge of the Chipolopolo of Zambia.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced Grant as Chipolopolo’s new coach on their Twitter handle on Thursday.

According to FAZ, Grant has agreed a two-year contract to handle the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winners.

Speaking after his unveiling at a press conference in Lusaka, Grant said:“I was looking for the right challenge and that’s why I chose Zambia.

“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 replaces former Zambia international Moses Sichone who had been acting as caretaker following the departure of former Croatia international Aljosa Asanovic in September. Sichone is expected to retain his position as assistant coach.

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Grant has previous experience managing in Africa, having led Ghana to the final at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were beaten on penalties by Ivory Coast.

He resigned after finishing fourth in the same competition two years later.

Grant will be tasked with reviving the ailing fortunes of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winners. The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) failed to qualify for this year’s tournament in Cameroon and finished third in their qualifying group for the 2022 World Cup.

His first game in charge will be at home to Lesotho in March, a qualifier for the 2023 Cup of Nations being held in Ivory Coast.

During his time as manager at Chelsea, Grant led the Premier League giants to a first-ever Champions League final appearance in 2008, where they lost to Manchester United on penalties.

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