Zambia appoint new coach ahead of Bafana Bafana match

Zambia have appointed former international defender Moses Sichone as head coach just weeks before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco.

Sichone’s first test will be a friendly against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Gqeberha on November 15, followed by a clash with Burundi on November 18.

The 48-year-old, who earned his stripes in the Bundesliga with FC Cologne and represented Zambia in three AFCON tournaments between 1998 and 2002, replaces Avram Grant following his sudden departure.

Sichone had served as Grant’s assistant and now leads a technical bench rich in local experience and international pedigree.

His support team includes fellow ex-Cologne player Andrew Sinkala and Percy “Pele” Mutapa, currently head coach of Green Eagles in the Zambian league.

Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene is included as goalkeeper coach and his inclusion adds a member of the 2012 AFCON winning group to the new team.

The Football Association of Zambia emphasized the urgency of the appointment and their confidence in homegrown talent:

“The combined assemblage of our new technical bench has enough experience from their playing days in top leagues. Collectively, their transition to coaching has been admirable and has been under our watch over the years.”

Zambia are drawn in Group A at AFCON 2025, where they’ll face Comoros, Mali, and hosts Morocco starting December 21.