Turbulence for Bafana’s next opponent as coach quits

Avram Grant with Zambia

Bafana Bafana are set to host Zambia in their next International friendly match without their head coach Avram Grant, who has tendered his resignation.

Grant has surprisingly stepped down from his role, a few weeks before Chipolopolo face Bafana in an international friendly match.

The former Chelsea coach was appointed as the coach of the Chipolopolo national team in 2022. He has since qualified Zambia for back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations tournaments after an eight-year absence.

This includes the 2025 edition taking place in Morocco, where Zambia is drawn alongside the hosts, Mali, and Comoros.

AVRAM GRANT LEAVES HIS POST WEEKS BEFORE FACING BAFANA BAFANA

The Football Association of Zambia [FAZ] confirmed on Wednesday that they had parted ways with Grant on mutual consent. Grant, who also spent several years in Israel at clubs such as Maccabi Tel Aviv and Maccabi Haifa, issued a statement reflecting on his time in Zambia.

Avram Grant at Zambia training
Avram Grant at the Zambia national team. Picture courtesy of Avram Grant/Instagram

“After almost three years, my time as head coach of the Zambia men’s national team has come to an end,” said the 70-year-old.

OUTGOING HEAD COACH OF CHIPOLOPOLO LEAVES HIS JOB AFTER THREE YEARS

“I am proud to leave the team in a much better position than when I inherited it. I’m proud that after not qualifying for the African Cup of Nations in years, I managed to take them to two successive AFCONs.

“The team is strong and ready to face the challenges ahead. I hope that one day this great country qualifies for a World Cup for the first time in its long football history.

โ€œI would like to thank the players and my staff who did a great job in challenging conditions, and most importantly to the people of Zambia who were so supportive,” he added.

“Thank you, former President Andrew Kamanga, for giving me the opportunity to manage this nation. You played a major part in our success. And to all the good people at the Football Association of Zambia who stood by me, I wish the team every success for the future.”

Meanwhile, South Africa is set to meet their COSAFA rivals on Friday, 14 November at a venue yet to be decided by SAFA.

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