Ricardo Mannetti has resigned as Namibia coach just four days before the Warriors host Zambia in a 2016 CHAN qualifier.
Namibia hosts Zambia on Sunday in a CHAN qualifier first round, first leg match in Windhoek.
In a statement, the Namibia Football Association said Mannetti stepped down from the job on Thursday after talks over a new contract collapsed.
Mannetti quit less than a month after leading Namibia to their debut Cosafa Cup triumph in South Africa whose highlight saw them eliminated the then defending champions Zambia at the quarterfinal stage on post-match penalties.
“He did not accept what he was offered and decided to step down from the senior national team. It is a decision that has shocked us and we are disappointed by it but we have to respect it and move forward.” NFA general secretary Barry Rukoro said.
Rukoro said Manetti’s assistant and former Namibia and Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Ronnie Kanalelo will take charge as interim coach.
The ex-Namibia defender has been coach since 2012.
His last match in charge was last Sunday in a 1-0 away loss to Niger in a 2017 Africa Cup Group K qualifier.
Ricardo Mannetti could it be that he is affraid of loosing to Zambia? He is trying to keep a clean record here. Or rather he increased his demand just after winning the COSAFA? Very sad anyways we will go at them and wallop them weather Ricardo Mannetti is there or not.
Typical talk from Zambians.The team currently is blowing hot air,what walloping are you talking about?
Manneti has brought honour to the country so why not offer him more?
Riccardo for Zambia National Team!!!
NFA have lost an opportunity to take Namibian soccer to greater heights after winning the regional trophy. Manneti has always done his job with passion and dedication, but as usual, I think some in the NFA were getting uncomfortable that the young man was getting famous on the international platform – sad for Namibian soccer.
He is eyeing for zambia kapena kikiki!
The Bembas say ‘ako usuulile ekopa noko’ loosely translated as that whom you disregard (disrespect) betroths your mother… Be careful what you wish for, @kaan.
Merely winning a COSAFA cup cannot make Ricardo Mannetti ripe enough to be in charge of the Zambia national soccer team. Zambia is the only country that has so far produced an African Footballer of the year in the region. Apart from South Africa, Zambia is the only country to have won the AFCON cup. Yes, Mannetti can come to Zambia and coach if teams like Nakambala, Nkwazi, Indeni or Forest Rangers are looking for a foreign trainer.