FAZ vice-president and former NSL Dynamos player Emmanuel Munaile confirming the development added that a government team and along with delegates from Football House will inspect the Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe tomorrow (Friday).
Munaile’s briefing came in Kalusha Bwalya’s new regime’s first press briefing since since the Zambian soccer legend took power on Match 29.
“The association realises the nation’s anxiety with regards to the recruitment of a national coach. We envisage that the new coach will be in position to start work before the first week of May 2008.”
Munaile also revealed that Patrick Phiri will not be part of the new coaching set-up.
“With regard to the position of 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 Phiri for the invaluable service he has rendered to the nation and 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.
A FAZ and government team, led by Bwalya and a senior Sports Ministry official, will inspect Konkola Stadium, where Zambia hopes to host its international competitive matches, on Friday.
Munaile also added that the prospect of hosting a home qualifier outside Zambia was also a possibility.
However, he added that FAZ was optimistic a Fifa team that will inspect Konkola Stadium next month ahead of Zambia’s May 30 World Cup game against Togo would give the venue the thumbs-up to host the match.
Konkola Stadium has been closed for the past 11 months ago after 11 fans were killed in a stampede on June 2 at the end of Zambia’s Africa Cup qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville.
