Avram Grant Named Zambia Manager

Former Chelsea, West Ham, and Ghana Manager Avram Grant has been appointed as manager of the Zambian men’s national team.

The Zambian Football Association (FAZ) announced on Thursday that the prestigious coach has signed a two year contract with the country.

"I was looking for the right challenge and that's why I chose Zambia," Grant said at a press conference in Lusaka.

"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.”

There is optimism surrounding the future of Zambian football. Despite the tragic retirement of rising star Enock Mwepu following his diagnosis with a heart condition, there remains much talent coming out of Zambia.

Leicester City F.C. striker Patson Daka remains the star of the side but following the under-17s victorious COSAFA Cup campaign earlier in the month there is hope that the future is bright.

"I think Zambia has the potential, we have set the targets of what we want to achieve”, Grant told the press.

Grant previously led Ghana to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015, but lost to Côte D’Ivoire on penalties.

The FAZ want to see the fortunes of the side turned around after a tough eighteen months. The side failed to qualify for this year’s AFCON and finished third in their world cup qualification group.

Grant’s first competitive game will be against Lesotho in March as part of the qualification process for the 2023 Cup of Nations in Côte D’Ivoire.

Image via BBC Sport