Playing AFCON qualifiers with interim coach worrying – Chalawila

Kitwe-based football administrator Sydney Chalawila has expressed concern that Zambia is going into the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with an interim coach. Nchanga Rangers coach George Lwandamina is currently drilling the Chipolopolo in an interim…

Kitwe-based football administrator Sydney Chalawila has expressed concern that Zambia is going into the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers with an interim coach.

Nchanga Rangers coach George Lwandamina is currently drilling the Chipolopolo in an interim capacity alongside Osward Mutapa, the coach of local champions Power Dynamos.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is yet to hire a permanent Chipolopolo coach, 11 months after the departure of Israeli trainer Avram Grant.

Lwandamina was appointed interim Zambia coach last March, after the departure of Moses Sichone, who led the team at the last Africa Cup in Morocco.

There are suggestions that FAZ would have hired a new coach or confirmed Lwandamina on a permanent basis prior to the AFCON qualifiers.

Commenting on the matter, Chalawila, the former Kitwe United General Secretary, said going into the qualifiers with an interim coach may have a negative impact on Zambia’s performance.

He said it was worrying that FAZ has taken nearly one year without resolving the issue of the vacant coaching job.

“We have to move on at some point. It’s been a year plus since a new FAZ was ushered in and what’s worrying is that up to now they haven’t settled for a permanent coach,” Chalawila said.

“Modern football requires stability to build confidence in players and stakeholders,” he said.

“We can’t wait for the 11th hour whilst the pressure keeps building up. This is a serious administrative concern which may have an impact on results,” Chalawila added.

Zambia plays Algeria in Algiers on 25th September and hosts Togo in Ndola on the 29th*.

“The team may lack confidence, which may be seen on the field of play. First game away against Algeria is crucial,” he concluded.

Zambia is in Group I with Algeria, Togo and Burundi for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The finals will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.