Chipolopolo Coach Avram Grant Expresses Discontent with FAZ's AFCON Preparations

05.02.2024 | Football in my DNA

Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant has voiced his dissatisfaction with the travel and training arrangements made by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) leading up to the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast. Despite leading the Chipolopolo to their first AFCON in nine years, the team exited the tournament at the group stage.

In an exclusive interview with Israeli media outlet ONE, the experienced Israeli coach attributed the team's early exit, in part, to the subpar traveling arrangements by FAZ. Grant praised his technical staff for ensuring the players' fitness despite the challenges and poor pre-tournament arrangements.

He highlighted the extensive travel time, multiple stops, and lost training opportunities, emphasizing the impact on the team's preparation. Grant acknowledged that the Chipolopolo faced difficulties but asserted that he was not making excuses for the team's performance.

Grant criticized FAZ's lack of experience and exposure at the big stage, pointing out that the association had not previously participated in an AFCON during President Andrew Kamanga's regime. He cited their lack of understanding of the conditions and preparation required at the tournament.

The coach also mentioned the refereeing decisions in the match against Tanzania, where the Chipolopolo played with ten men for a significant portion of the game after captain Roderick Kabwe's dismissal. Grant claimed that incorrect refereeing decisions affected the team's performance.

While Grant refrained from commenting on his future with the Chipolopolo, he revealed plans to meet with FAZ in the coming weeks to discuss the way forward ahead of the return of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Credit: Wami Katanga