ISRAELI SOCCER coach Avram Grant departs the Zambia national team after nearly three years at the helm, leaving behind a stronger side amid both sporting and political challenges.
(photo credit: REUTERS/IBRAHEEM AL OMARI) via TJP.
The 70-year-old Grant also expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his time in Africa.
After almost three years at the helm, Israeli manager Avram Grant has announced, on Wednesday, that he is stepping down as head coach of the Zambia national soccer team, bringing an end to his tenure just weeks before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Grant, who took over in December 2022, led Zambia to two consecutive qualifications for the continental championship after years of missing out. However, the team fell short of reaching the 2026 World Cup qualifiers playoff stage, and the disappointment ultimately marked the end of his run.
“After almost three years, my time as head coach of the Zambia men’s national team has come to an end,” Grant wrote in a farewell statement.
“I am proud to leave the team in a much better position than when I inherited it. After not qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations for years, I managed Zambia to two consecutive AFCONs, and the team is now strong and ready to face the challenges ahead.
“I hope that one day this great country qualifies for a World Cup for the first time in its long football history,” he said.
Time in Africa
The 70-year-old Grant also expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his time in Africa.
Israeli soccer coach Avram Grant (credit: REUTERS/AMR ABDALLAH DALSH) via TJP
“I want to thank the players and my staff, who did an excellent job under challenging conditions, and most importantly, the people of Zambia, who were incredibly supportive,” he wrote.
“Thank you to former FAZ president Andrew Kamanga for giving me the opportunity to coach this proud nation – you played a central role in our success. And to everyone at the Football Association, thank you for standing by me. I wish the team great success in the future.”
During his tenure, Grant also faced political headwinds beyond the pitch, as several African nations reportedly expressed reluctance to play against Zambia because of his Israeli nationality – a reminder that even in sports, geopolitical tensions can spill onto the field.
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Grant’s tenure in Zambia adds another chapter to the storied career of the veteran Israeli coach, who has managed teams and national sides across the globe – from Chelsea in the Premier League, where he guided the club to the 2008 Champions League final, to Ghana’s national team, which he led to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations final.
For Israeli soccer, Grant’s journey has long been a source of pride – a reminder of how far an Israeli coach can reach on the international stage.
His ability to adapt to different soccer cultures and leave his mark from London to Lusaka continues to distinguish him as one of Israel’s most experienced and globally respected coaching minds. – TJP
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