By GWEN CHIPASULA –
THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) executive says it will soon meet to decide the future of coach Wedson Nyirenda following changes in plans to employ a foreign coach for the Chipolopolo.
Nyirenda was engaged as Chipolopolo assistant coach pending the appointment of a foreign coach to head the Chipolopolo bench, but after President Edgar Lungu said there was no need to employ a foreign coach, FAZ needs to change its position also.
FAZ general secretary Ponga Liwewe said in an interview that the meeting would take a look at Government’s position, especially that they are the national team sponsors.
Liwewe said FAZ would discuss whether Nyirenda, who is currently the stand-in head coach, should be considered for the top job.
“We understand that he is performing well so far and that is part of our agenda in our next Exco meeting because at the moment Government, who sponsor our national team, seem happy with Nyirenda,” Liwewe said.
Nyirenda, who holds a CAF A licence, was first introduced to the national team as assistant coach, but was given the head coach role for the Nigeria game after the removal of George Lwandamina.
Liwewe said FAZ respects the decision by Government seeing no need to hire an expatriate coach because the first performance of the team under Nyirenda was impressive despite losing to Nigeria in a match watched by President Lungu.
The President said after watching the Zambia and Nigeria game, which was the opening Russia 2018 World Cup group stage qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, that the Chipolopolo were doing fine with the services of the local coaches.