Zambia on the Hunt for New Coach as Patrice Beaumelle Steps Down
With just one month remaining before the start of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Zambia is set to appoint a new head coach following the resignation of interim manager Patrice Beaumelle.
The French coach, who took over nearly eight months ago after Hervé Renard’s departure, has reportedly stepped down from his role, according to Zambian football outlet KickOff. Beaumelle’s exit comes amid challenging circumstances, including unpaid wages and contractual disputes.
Since Renard’s appointment as Morocco coach, Beaumelle, a long-time assistant to the former Sochaux manager, has been left without his own backroom staff. Reports indicate that Beaumelle has not received a salary for the past six months and was recently evicted from accommodation provided by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) due to unpaid rent.
The FAZ has yet to make an official announcement regarding the coach’s departure but is expected to confirm the news imminently.
Zambia, who lifted the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012, find themselves in Group F for the upcoming qualifiers alongside Cape Verde, Niger, and the winner of the Tanzania-Mozambique playoff, with the first leg ending in a 2-2 draw.
As the qualifiers approach, Zambia will be keen to secure a new manager who can guide the Chipolopolo back to continental success.
