2027 AFCON: Zambia challenged to hire permanent coach

Ahead of 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, former Zambia defender Hichani Himoonde has challenged Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) to hire a permanent coach.

The Chipolopolo are currently being handled by George Lwandamina but on interim basis following the sacking of Moses Sichone. Sichone had come in to replace former Chelsea coach Avram Grant.

According to Himoonde, having a permanent coach in place will help Zambia prepare adequately ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifying matches.

FAZ should identify permanent coach

“We currently have an experienced coach as our interim head coach, but we are not certain if he will be the one to guide the team in the qualifiers starting in September,” said Himoonde as quoted by Bola News.

“As part of preparations for the AfCON qualifiers, I think FAZ should identify a permanent coach based on the objectives for the tournament and beyond the tournament.

“I think the appointment will be in line with what the technical committee at FAZ wants and the kind of philosophy they want to implement.”

On inclusion of new players, he said: “What is comforting about the current team is the age; most of them are just below the age of 30. I’m also happy to see players born in Europe accepting to play for the nation; it shows the respect they have for the badge.

“However, the challenge now goes to them. The chance to create history for the nation is always in front of them—good performance at a major tournament.”

With the preliminary round completed, the journey to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will continue with the draw for the qualifiers of the AFCON PAMOJA 2027, that will take place on May 19.