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Herve Renard Split
IVORY Coast national team coach Herve Renard says his loyalty will be divided during Saturday’s international friendly against Zambia at National Heroes Stadium.
“My loyalty will be divided. My heart will be with Zambia while my professional loyalty will be with my employers Ivory Coast. I love Zambia and I feel at home. I will always come back as a citizen,” Renard said.
In an interview on arrival at Lusaka’s Kenneth Kaunda International Airport yesterday, Renard admitted missing Zambia.
He said Zambia has a special place in his heart.
Renard said the match set for National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka will be tough.
During his reign as Chipolopolo boss, Renard beat Ivory Coast twice – 3-0 in the 2009 Africa Nations Championship opener in Abidjan and 8-7 on penalties in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations final in Libreville.
The Frenchman said his team comprises under-20 national team players and a few experienced players.
“The game will be a difficult one because the season in Ivory Coast is on recess and only five players from Sewe Sports are active as they are competing in the Confederation Cup. The league closed two months ago and most of the players are not in form,” Renard said.
Renard is also confident Zambia and Ivory Coast will qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
“The match against Mozambique is important for Zambia. Once Zambia wins that match then they will qualify for the Africa Cup. Ivory Coast are equally struggling but we will qualify,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister of Youth and Sport Chishimba Kambwili says the international friendly between Zambia and Ivory Cost will be played at National Heroes Stadium as a way of testing the facility and to celebrate the Golden Jubilee.
Kambwili said during a briefing at his office in Lusaka yesterday that the hosting of the match at the new stadium does not mean that the facility is ready for use.
Posted by
Judge Joe Bidden
October 23, 2014 at 9:40 am
Yes its true even most of us Zambians still miss him but a man gotta do what he gotta do to make money. He’s one coach who never speaks evil against Zambia. Even FAZ has refused to remove his face on its website even if the article is old and outdated!
triple k
October 23, 2014 at 9:53 am
We miss the french man danm much, he knows zambia national team in and out likewise zambians knows him with his tactics hence it gonna be a different game all together.
Apostle
October 23, 2014 at 9:57 am
Even us we miss you sir.
CHECKS AND BALANCE
October 23, 2014 at 9:58 am
Watch the PACE, i feel for HJ more so Kalu can not be trusted.
Judge Joe Bidden
October 23, 2014 at 10:17 am
So in short you still want HJ to continue accumulating single points? This is one local coach who has failed to understand his own home boys and optimum combination of system to use.
Chief Of Grief
October 23, 2014 at 2:07 pm
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh(yawning)…………..chongo chakwachulafye ichii Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh……..
Bbala ngombe
October 23, 2014 at 9:00 pm
Idiot
Manhimself
October 23, 2014 at 10:05 pm
Go ZED it will be a plus when you win guys,we are here to support you.