FAZ deputy spokesperson Macha Chilemena speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka today said the newly appointed Chipolopolo head coach, Herve Renard is expected in the country in time to watch the Chipolopolo boys take on Botswana in this weekends’ must win CHAN qualifier to be played at Woodlands stadium in Lusaka.

“The Frenchman, Herve Renard is expected in the country in time to watch the game against the Zebras and will accompany the squad to Libya for the friendly (May 21) against the Libyan national squad but will only take charge after the friendly match is played.” He said. “We will take advantage of the PSL end of season to invite South African based professionals for the friendly against Libya and the Qualifier against Togo.”

“Renard will assume his full duties after the Libya game and will prepare the squad for the FIFA World and Nations Cup qualifiers against Togo to be played in Accra, Ghana which the Togolese Federation has adopted as their home ground following a CAF ban imposed as a result of the misconduct of its fans after an international match against Mali last year.” Chilemena added.

He ended with this appeal to the fans, “In this regard the FAZ appeal to our soccer fans and followers to conduct themselves in the best possible manner for this weekends’ encounter as well as future engagements.’

This means that Renard will not have the luxury of selecting his own squad for his first game in charge and will only have 8 days to drill the Chipolopolo boys before they play Togo on May 30.

Kaumba calls Kalaba for inspiration and experience

Zambia national team caretaker coach Peter Kaumba has recalled Zesco United play maker Rainford Kalaba for a must win encounter against the Botswana on Saturday at Woodlands Stadium in the CHAN qualifiers return leg. Kalaba joined the national team at around 12:00 hours today and is expected to take part in friendly preparatory match against City of Lusaka at the same venue this afternoon.


CHAN Championships is for locally based players; Kalaba is eligible despite signing a five year deal with Portugal's Sporting Braga.He is expected to leave in July for pre-season


Kalaba’s inclusion is a desperate move by the technical bench to reinforce the midfield after the withdraw of Power Dynamos’ Francis Kasonde and Lusaka Dynamos’ William Njobvu through injury though both players are making steady progress for Wednesday’s international friendly against Libya.

In a depleted engine room, Kalaba’s experience will be key as Zambia tries to overturn a 1-0 deficit incurred in the first leg a fortnight ago. Kabwe Warriors’ Brosman Chama is expected to get the nod ahead of Roan United’s Moses Kapayi and Stophira Sunzu of Zanaco to partner the nimble footed midfielder who was voted the best player in the local league last season.

The Portugal bound midfielder was called to the squad for the first leg against the Zebras but declined the offer fuelling speculation that he did not want to play under Kaumba.

Last year, Kaumba dropped Kalaba and South African based Clifford Mulenga from his Olympic team citing that they were already established national team players.