Zambia Appoints Moses Sichone as New Head Coach Ahead of AFCON
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced a significant change at the helm of the national football team, the Chipolopolo, just weeks before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. Former assistant coach and national team legend Moses Sichone has been elevated to the position of Head Coach, taking over from veteran Israeli tactician Avram Grant.
The appointment follows the amicable departure of Avram Grant, who stepped down after nearly three years in charge, citing a desire to “chart a new way forward” for the team, particularly after Zambia’s disappointing run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.4
A New Era with Local Legends
FAZ has opted for a home-grown solution, installing a technical bench comprised entirely of celebrated former Chipolopolo players. The move aims to inject local expertise and passion into the squad as they prepare for the continent’s biggest tournament.
Key Appointments to the Technical Bench:
- Head Coach: Moses Sichone (former assistant coach)
- Assistant Coach: Andrew Sinkala (formerly based in Germany, a Bundesliga veteran)
- Assistant Coach: Perry Mutapa (current coach of Green Eagles Football Club)
- Goalkeeper Coach: Kennedy Mweene (2012 AFCON winner and former Mamelodi Sundowns star)
- Fitness Coach: Joseph Musonda (Chipolopolo legend)
FAZ Secretary General Machacha Shepande expressed confidence in the new, dynamic team, noting that the decision to opt for local resources was based on their wealth of international exposure from their playing careers and their admirable transition into coaching.
“FAZ considered the unique circumstances of scouting for a coach in the short term and opted to install confidence in local resources with great international exposure,” said Shepande. “The combined assemblage of our new technical bench has enough experience from their playing days in top leagues.”
Immediate Challenge: AFCON 2025
The new technical team’s immediate focus will be the 2025 AFCON, scheduled to kick off in Morocco in December.Zambia is drawn in a challenging Group A, alongside the tournament hosts Morocco, as well as Comoros and Mali.
Sichone’s first assignments will be a set of international friendlies in the upcoming FIFA window, where the Chipolopolo are set to face South Africa and Burundi, providing a crucial early test for the revamped squad.
The decision to appoint Sichone marks a fresh chapter for the 2012 AFCON champions as they seek to recapture their glory days on the continental stage, leveraging the deep understanding and commitment of their own decorated former players.
