BUDGET PANGS

…Cash limitations restrict appointment of best coach, says FAZ

THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it does not have the luxury of hiring a coach on the top end of the market because of budgetary limitations.

FAZ president Andrew Kamanga however noted that the association will identify a coach who will meet its aspirations and expectations for the targets set after the resignation of Croatian gaffer Aljosa Asanovic last week. Kamanga said FAZ has opened consultations on the Chipolopolo technical bench with key stakeholders to provide a roadmap for appointing the next coach.

He said the association’s desire is to have a coach in good time before the Africa Caup of Nations qualifiers next year.

Kamanga said the association is proud to have given the Chipolopolo an opportunity to play international matches during the FIFA window.

Zambia played Mali during the FIFA window last weekend, losing the first game 1-0 while the second match was cancelled due to heavy rains.

“We thank the Mali Football Federation that accepted to play us and fielded their A team. The match provided a perfect test for our lads who we are doing our best to prepare for the 2023 Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers that restart next March,” Kamanga said.

He commended all the players who honoured the call to represent the country and wished those that fell ill like Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu a quick recovery.

He said FAZ is also keeping a close eye on the under-23 and under-20 projects that are very critical as they are qualifiers for continental competitions.

Meanwhile, Kamanga has hailed the government for increasing the budgetary allocation to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts with the K165 million announced on Friday by Minister of Finance and National Planning Situmbeko Musokotwane.

Kamanga is confident that most of the proposals in the revised Memorandum of Understanding with Government will be covered in the revised budget for the 2023 calendar year.