The Zambian national football team, led by Israeli coach Avram Grant, is set to face Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
However, these matches are overshadowed by intense speculation surrounding Grant's future as the manager of the "Chipolopolo" (Copper Bullets).
Tension is high around him. Zambia's gaffer Avram Grant in the press conference ahead of the Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone matches (Photo courtesy: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ))
A dramatic incident unfolded on Sunday during a Zambian Super League match between Atletico Lusaka and Nkwazi, the local police team, at the Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka. According to the Zambian Daily Mail, the atmosphere in the stadium turned hostile when fans recognized Grant in the stands. They began vociferously booing him, expressing their outrage over his repeated exclusion of Fashion Sakala, the Saudi-based Al-Feiha striker and undisputed star of Zambian football, from the national team squad.
"Why are you demanding an apology from Sakala?" the fans reportedly shouted in anger. The situation became so tense and potentially violent that Zambian Football Association officials were forced to escort Grant out of the stadium at halftime, fearing for his safety.
The conflict between Grant and Sakala erupted last year when Sakala was first dropped from the starting lineup during the last Africa Cup of Nations, and subsequently omitted from the squad for the following international break. In a leaked conversation with Andrew Kamanga, the President of the Football Association of Zambia, Sakala accused Grant of excluding him because he refused to work with Grant's preferred agent, Nir Karin. Grant vehemently denied these allegations, claiming that Sakala's attitude in training was the real reason for his omission, and that he had never faced such accusations from a player before.
The controversy has now escalated to the highest levels of government, with Zambian Minister of Sports Elvis Nkandu expressing deep disappointment in Grant's management. In an interview following Sunday's incident, Nkandu demanded that Grant and the Football Association resolve the situation with Sakala. "All talented players, especially Sakala, should be in the national team," he stated. "I urge the association to do everything possible to find a solution to this situation. The exclusion of such a player should only occur in case of injury."
Sources in Zambia confirm to BabaGol that the tension surrounding Grant is immense. Beyond the conflict with Sakala, fans are also dissatisfied with the team's recent performances. The upcoming away match against Ivory Coast in Abidjan and the home game against Sierra Leone will be crucial in determining Grant's future. "When it reaches the Sports Minister himself, it says a lot," a source within the association reveals. "After five consecutive losses, including three at home, Grant must secure a victory during this international break. Otherwise, his position here will become untenable."
As the Chipolopolo prepare for these pivotal matches, all eyes are on Grant. The pressure is mounting, and the Israeli coach's tenure hangs in the balance. Football fans across Zambia and beyond eagerly await the outcome, wondering if Grant can weather this storm and lead the team to success, or if this will mark the end of his tumultuous reign as Zambia's national team manager.
