Faz will unveil the new Zambia coach in a fortnight’s time while a government team and delegates from Football House will tomorrow, Friday inspect Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Faz vice president Emmanuel Munaile confirmed the developments today in Kalusha Bwalya regimes first press briefing since sweeping to power on Match 29.
“The association realizes the anxiety in the nation regarding the recruitment of a national coach,” Munaile said.
“We envisage that the new coach will be in position to start work before the first week of May 2008.”
Munaile also revealed that Phiri would not be part of the new coaching set-up.
“With regard to the position of Mr. Patrick Phiri, the association will not be renewing his contract as national coach,” Munalile said.
“The contract extension was performance related and came to an end on March 31, 2008.
“We wish to thank Mr. Phiri for the invaluable service he has rendered to the nation and would wish him well in his future endeavors.”
Meanwhile, Phiri’s last act on official Faz duty will see him represent Zambia at the 2008 Africa Cup finals review seminar to be held in Cairo from April 21 to 23.
And a Faz and government team led by Bwalya and a senior sports ministry official will inspect Konkola Stadium on Friday, April 11 where Zambia hopes to host its international competitive matches.
Munaile also added that the prospect of hosting a home qualifier outside Zambia was likely.
However, Munaile said Faz was optimistic a Fifa inspection team that will inspect Konkola next month ahead of Zambia June 20 World Cup qualifying home match against Swaziland would give the venue the thumbs-up to host the match.
Konkola has been shut since 11 months ago after 11 fans where killed in a stampede on June 2 at the end of Zambia’s Africa Cup qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville.