We will hire a well experience coach with good credentials – Kamanga

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Andrew Kamanga says the association will hire the next Chipolopolo coach based on their credentials and not nationality or origin.

According to BollaZambia, FAZ have commenced the process to hire a new coach for the national team following the resignation of Croatian gaffer Aljosa Asanovic last September following a financial dispute with the association.

The football fraternity has since been drawn into debate on whether FAZ should settle for a local or expatriate coach as the next man to lead the Chipolopolo.

However, in his weekly column dubbed ‘The President’s Corner’, Kamanga said FAZ were out to appoint a capable coach regardless of whether local or expatriate.

“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 wrote.

Kamanga said the association were well aware of the need to appoint a coach on time to prepare for next year’s crucial 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next year.

“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 wrote.

Meanwhile, the FAZ supremo has also revealed that over 100 coaches had expressed interest in the Chipolopolo job with the committee constituted to oversee the recruitment of the next coach set to sit for meeting on Monday 7th November, 2022 with view of coming up with a final shortlist of candidates.

“Finally, the search for the Chipolopolo coach is underway with over 100 applications received. The specially constituted committee to select the coach commences sitting today (Monday) comprising representation from FAZ, government and ZAFCA. The committee is expected to come up with a shortlist of candidates according to the criterion publicly provided” Kamanga added.

Kamanga also called on the nation to rally behind the Chipolopolo as they take on Israel in an international friendly set to be played in Petah Tikvah on 17th November, 2022.

“We also urge the fans to support our 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 preparations for the teams’ international engagements next year.”