Grant Blames FAZ for Inexperienced Handling of Travel Arrangements

Grant Blames FAZ for Inexperienced Handling of Travel Arrangements

The Chipolopolo Boys’ coach, Avram Grant, attributes the team’s subpar performance in Ivory Coast to inadequate travel arrangements made by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). Grant expressed his dissatisfaction with the 30-hour flight, including 9-hour layovers and multiple stops, resulting in the loss of 11 training sessions and 2 training games.

In an interview with Israeli newspaper ONE, Grant highlighted the impact of the travel schedule on the team’s preparations and emphasized the objective challenges he had never encountered in his lengthy career. He specifically pointed out that with proper training before the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Zambia could have competed more effectively against teams like Morocco and DR Congo.

Grant acknowledged the positive influence of fitness trainer Jamie Lawrence but lamented the lack of a comprehensive training program prior to AFCON. Despite the team’s improved physical fitness in the second half against Morocco, Grant insisted that the initial lack of training hindered their performance.

The 68-year-old coach criticized the FAZ executive, led by Andrew Kamanga and General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, for their inexperience in managing football affairs. Grant pointed out that their unfamiliarity with the African Championship (AFCON) was evident, contrasting their approach with that of Cameroon, where football legend Samuel Eto’o provided valuable insights.

Grant also contested the red card given to Rodrick Kabwe in the second game, asserting that it was unjust, and highlighted other refereeing decisions that, if different, could have influenced the team’s overall outcome in a more positive manner. Despite potential criticism for making excuses, Grant emphasized that he was highlighting objective reasons he had not encountered in his extensive coaching career.