Zambia is one of the biggest teams in the region and continent as Kamanga informs new Chipolopolo Boys coach

The Football Association of Zambia, FAZ President Andrew Kamanga has informed new Chipolopolo Boys coach Sven Vanderbroeck that ‘he is taking charge of one of the biggest teams in region and on the continent.’

In his welcoming remarks at Lusaka’s Golden Peacook Hotel as the Belgian coach was being unveiled, Kamanga also said that Zambia has what it takes to qualify to the Cameroon 2019 African Cup of Nations.

“May I inform Mr Vanderbroeck that he is taking charge of one of the biggest teams in region and on the continent,” Kamanga said.

In the regional, Zambia has been to nine Cosafa Cup finals and won it four times, 2 behind Zimbabwe.

Since 1990, Zambia has been to the semi finals of the African Cup of Nations four times.

Zambia came third in 1990 and 1996 while they were runners up in 1994. On all three occasion, they were captained by Kalusha Bwalya.

Then in 2012 under the Frenchman Herve Renard, the Chris Katongo led side brought home the famous AFCON trophy.

Since 1990, there has been 15 editions of AFCON and Zambia has failed to qualify twice, in 2004 and 2017 under Patrick Phiri and George Lwandamina respectively.

Overall Zambia has reached the last four of the African Cup of Nations on six occasions and that includes the famous 1974 when there was a replay in Egypt in the final.

Zambia came third in 1982.

With 17 appearances from the 29, Zambia is one of the most consistent nations on the continent.

Back to qualification for next year’s finals, Zambia lost to Mozambique in the first match.

“Although our road to the AFCON qualifier didn’t start on a good note we  strongly believe that we have what it takes to  qualify.