Zambia coach Avram Grant wants the Chipolopolo Boys to play their World Cup qualifiers at home.
In the wake of the country not having a stadium fit enough host international matches, the Israeli born coach wants authorities expedite works on the two available stadia.
“There is enough time to prepare the pitches,” the 68 year old responded when asked about the posiibility of playing matches in either Malawi or South Africa.
The former Chelsea manager has had first hand impression on how crazy the Zambian fans and was quick to acknowledge their role since he took over the reigns as Chipolopolo coach in December 2022.
“The national team needs to play at home for the advantage of our team. The supporters have given the players an extra push, they have really been the twelfth players. We are going to need them with us in the World Cup qualifiers,”
The Government through the Ministry of Sports is set to start the tender process next week which may take up to six works followed by scrutiny.
Levy Mwanawasa and National Heroes have already been certified unfit by the Confederation of African football (CAF) and the two continental representatives Muza and Power Dynamos have only been given conditional permission for the preliminary rounds.
The first round of matches will take place between 13th and 21st November.
Zambia were drawn in Group E alongside 2022 World Cup semi finalists, Morocco.
Apart from the North African giants, Chipolopolo will also face Congo Brazzaville, Tanzania, Nigeria and Eritrea.
Winners of each Group will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup™ 2026.
The four best runners-up (from the Groups) will play in a CAF Play-Off tournament.
The winner of the CAF Play-Off Tournament will play in the FIFA Play-off Tournament.
The matches will take place over ten match days during the next two years: 13-21 November 2023; 3-11 June 2024; 17-25 March 2025; 1-9 September 2025; 6-14 October 2025; 10-18 November 2025 (Play-offs)
Last W cup qualifying was doomed even before it started.Tunisia was handed an easy 6 points. At that time FAZ was changing coaches like underwear.
This time the grass at Heroes and Levy are on strike.
What this means is ,Morocco, a supremely formidable side, even withput the grass going on strike,are once again guaranteed 6 points.
So Zed will play home games in Johannesburg,most likely.
Just to correct it’s not Nigeria ,it’s Niger in the group stage.
Lastly after the FAZ Asanovic fiasco $ 1 million FIFA fine means now
ZAF has to scrape off the rust off those MiG 21 Buffalo’s.
….it’s been said somewhere the more things change the more they stay the same….