The scene described is from the prestigious Banquet Hall State House in Accra, where the Confederation of African Football awards ceremony took place on a Thursday evening. Hervé Renard, a French coach from Zambia, was honored with the title of best coach of the year. This recognition was particularly significant for Renard, who expressed his gratitude towards various individuals who played pivotal roles in his career.
Renard first thanked Kalusha Bwalya, the President of the Zambian Football Association, acknowledging the support and opportunities provided by the football association. He expressed joy over the recognition of the Zambian national team’s achievements, as they were awarded the Team of the Year Trophy.
Furthermore, Renard extended warm thanks to Claude Le Roy, a fellow Frenchman who had a significant impact on his career. Renard had served as Le Roy’s deputy when he was in charge of the Ghana Black Stars in 2007. It was under Le Roy’s guidance that Renard had his first opportunity to work in African football. Renard’s acknowledgment highlighted the importance of mentorship and opportunities provided by experienced figures in the world of football.
Overall, the awards ceremony was not only a celebration of individual achievements but also an acknowledgment of the collective success of the Zambian national team, with Renard expressing his appreciation for the support and opportunities that contributed to his success as a coach.
