Ex-Bundesliga’s Sichone named Zambia coach, Sundowns man on board

Former Bundesliga star Moses Sichone has been named as Zambia’s football team coach, stepping in former Chelsea manager Avram Grant’s shoes to tap from the benefits of continuity.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced the appointment of the former FC Cologne defender on Wednesday with a former Bayern Munich midfielder Andrew Sinkala named his deputy.

The former Chipolopolo wing-back Sichone was a faithful servant of Grant, who was sacked late October, and even managed to win the 2023 COSAFA Cup as a stand-alone caretaker coach with Grant not involved in South Africa.

Who else will work with ex-FC Cologne star Sichone’s panel for Zambia?

Former Zambian international Perry Mutapa of Green Eagles Football Club will also serve in the coaching panel alongside Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene in a similar role for the country. Noel Mwandila was appointed the strikers’ coach while Joseph Musonda is the fitness coach.

Ina statement, FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande said Sichone-led coaching panel will lead the Copper Bullets to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco in December.

“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is excited to announce the new chapter of the Chipolopolo which sees the youthful and dynamic quartet of Moses Sichone, Andrew Sinkala, Perry Mutapa and Kennedy Mweene appointed in charge of the Chipolopolo project,” Shepande said.

“FAZ considered the unique circumstances of scouting for a coach in the short term and opted to install confidence in local resources with great international exposure. The combined assemblage of our new technical bench has enough experience from their playing days in top leagues. Collectively their transitioning to coaching after their playing days has been admirable and has been under our watch over the years.”

Zambia will make the most of the November 15 and 18 FIFA window by playing friendlies against South Africa and Burundi respectively.

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