HARARE The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) have resolved to engage a foreign coach to replace Sunday Chidzambwa who quit the Warriors hot seat two weeks ago to takeover as head coach at South African Premiership campaigners Free State Stars. ZIFA president Cuthbert Dube said the board had resolved to hire a foreign coach to guide the Warriors to the 2012 African Cup of Nations finals. “We need an experienced coach to replace Chidzambwa and we have resolved to hire a foreign coach but the challenge is the funding of the coach’s salary. We will approach the government and the corporate world for help in our drive to bring an experienced hand here,” he said.
ZIFA have appointed Under-23 coach Norman Mapeza as interim coach of the Warriors. Mapeza has been tasked to take charge of the team during their African Nations Championship (CHAN) tie against Seychelles later this month. Mapeza, who will be assisted by Motor Action coach Joey Antipas and goalkeepers coach Brenna Msiska, has already named a squad which is expected to go into camp this week.
Zimbabwe are seeking a second straight appearance at the (CHAN) finals in Sudan next year after making it to the finals of the inaugural tournament in Ivory Coast in 2008 where they mustered three draws under Chidzambwa before bowing out of the tournament. The tournament is designed to give home-based players valuable international exposure. The Warriors are expected to kick off their 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifying campaign in September this year. They were drawn in a tough group that includes top seeds Mali, Liberia and the Cape Verde Islands. Zimbabwe start their campaign with an away to trip to Liberia on September 5.
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News