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Wedson Nyirenda Appointed Zambia National Team Caretaker Coach

Wedson Nyirenda Appointed Zambia National Team Caretaker Coach

Former Zambia under-17 tactician Wedson Nyirenda has been appointed as the caretaker coach of the Zambia national team, following the sacking of previous caretaker manager, George Lwandamina.

The development was officially communicated to the media and public via the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), following a disappointing spell in charge of the Chipolopolo for Lwandamina, who took charge on a temporary basis in July 2015.

During his time in charge of the 2012 AFCON champions, they won nine, lost eight and drew seven matches.

The Zambia national team has not been able to find fortune on the continental stage in recent years, failing to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) which will be held in Gabon next year.

Wedson Nyirenda in charge, for now

Former Zesco United and Zanaco coach Nyirenda takes over with immediate effect, but it is unclear how long he will remain in the post, as the official announcement carried with it a sense that a foreign tactician will be appointed to the role on a full-time basis in the near future.

“Mr Nyirenda also subsequently will be acting national team coach,” FAZ general secretary Ponga Liwewe revealed in a statement, according to SuperSport.

“The process of recruiting as expatriate coach is still underway with finalization between Faz and the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Child Development at an advanced stage,” he added.

The Zambia national team experienced their best moment at the 2012 Nations Cup in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, with the team led by French coach Herve Renard winning the title as a complete dark horse of the tournament.

The Chipolopolo managed a penalty shootout victory over Cote D’Ivoire in that final. Renard left the Zambia setup and eventually coached the Ivorians to glory in 2015.

Perhaps this is the reason why the Zambian football authorities are determined to hire a foreign coach, in an effort to relive past glories.