Renard named as new Zambia coach

The assistant coach of Ghana, Herve Renard, has been named as the new coach of Zambia.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) made the announcement at a news briefing in Lusaka on Wednesday morning.

He will fly into the country next week to complete formalities.

His first task is to prepare Chipolopolo for their World Cup and Nations Cup qualifying campaign.

Zambia face Togo and Swaziland in their qualifying group.

They will play Togo at a neutral venue at the end of this month, because the Hawks are banned from playing at home owing to crowd violence.

A FAZ spokesman told the BBC they wanted to appointed Renard because he wants to make a name for himself.

"We want someone who is young and has a point to prove"
Emmanuel Munaile, FAZ

"We wanted someone who has never coached an African team before on his own," Emmanuel Munaile said.

"FAZ wanted someone who is young and has a point to prove."

He said FAZ was not keen on appointing a coaching nomad who simply travelled from job to job.

"You also must understand that those that have been around have merely been globe-trotting," he said.

"We need someone who could start on his own.

"Herve has a point to prove and Zambia is giving him that opportunity."

Herve has coached in France, Vietnam, China and England, before teaming up with LeRoy in Ghana.

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