. Beaumelle
By FELIX MALUNGA –
CHIPOLOPOLO interim-coach, Patrice Beaumelle has decided to end his relationship with Zambia, instead opting to join French compatriot, Herve Renard in Ivory Coast as his assistant.
With the departure of Beaumelle, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) technical director, Honour Janza is tipped to take over the Chipolopolo job.
According to reports from Ivory Coast, Beaumelle, whose contract with Zambia expired last month, will be Renard’s right hand man during his reign as the Elephants coach.
The move by Beaumelle comes barely a month before Zambia start the journey to the Morocco 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.
Beaumelle and Janza were Renard’s assistants when Zambia made history by winning the AFCON title in 2012 after beating Ivory Coast on penalties in the final.
The 36-year-old, who was first brought to Zambia by Renard in 2008, took over as interim Chipolopolo coach in October last year after his mentor vacated the job to take up another offer at struggling French club, FC Sochaux.
Renard was appointed as new coach for Ivory Coast last Thursday where he clinched a two-year deal.
Beaumelle is expected in Abidjan tomorrow to finalise his contract with the Ivory Coast Football Federation.
The departure of Beaumelle has opened the way for Janza to finally take up the Chipolopolo top post ahead of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers next month.
Insiders at Football House say FAZ does not want to risk bringing in a new coach at this critical moment but instead give Janza an opportunity to be charge of the team during the AFCON qualifiers.
Some of the nation’s top performing coaches like Zanaco’s Aggrey Chiyangi, George Lwandamina of Zesco United and Napsa Stars’ Hector Chilombo could be called up to assist Janza at the national team.
FAZ, who are believed to be trying to give an opportunity to local coaches, are expected to make an official announcement this week.
FAZ communications manager Nkweto Tembwe confirmed Beaumelle’s departure in a statement released yesterday.
Tembwe said Beaumelle thanked the Association for showing confidence in his abilities, in a letter dated 3rd August, 2014 and addressed to the FAZ President Kalusha Bwalya,
“From the outset, let me express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve as coach of the Zambia National Football Team; a position I served with honour, to the best of my ability and thoroughly enjoyed through the many games and championships we competed in,” the Frenchman stated.
Tembwe said Kalusha thanked Beaumelle for his tireless dedication to duty and for showing commitment to the country since the departure of Renard.
