Libreville, Feb. 13, GNA – Zambia coach Herve Renard claims he is not ready to handle a team of the calibre of the Black Stars.
The Frenchman inked his name in the history books of African football after guiding underdogs Zambia to win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations title, and is keen on remaining at post despite being linked to a number of teams on the continent.
Renard, who was an assistant with the Black Stars during the reign of Claude Le Roy between 2007 and 2008, tells GNA Sports in Libreville that “it will be unfair to leave Zambia”, adding that “I don’t have the experience to coach a team like Ghana. I have to stay and build on our performance at this tournament.”
The 43-year old added that it is still early days for him yet in his coaching career and is bidding his time.
The Zambian trainer added that his team was destined to win the title in memory of the 1993 Zambian squad that perished in a plane crash in Gabon on their way to Senegal for a World Cup qualifier.
“It is a sign of destiny. We wanted to honour the dead players and that strengthened us. Our first game was against Senegal and it will be recalled that the team was on its way to Senegal for a match when the plane crashed. The plane crashed in Gabon and we won the final in Gabon.”
“It was an uphill task before the start of the tournament but we realised we have to believe in ourselves. We were not the best team but have the strength to fight on.”
Renard paid glowing tribute to Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Kalusha Bwalya and his mentor Leroy for their influence in his coaching career.
“I dedicate the victory to Kalusha because he gave me the opportunity to coach the national team of Zambia. I also thank Claude Le Roy for giving me my first experience in Africa as assistant coach in 2008 with Ghana. I’m grateful to have met them on my way.”
The ever confident joins Le Roy (1988 with Cameroon), Pierre Lechantre (with Cameroon in 2000) and Roger Lemmerre (2004 with Tunisia) as the French coaches to have guided a team to the title at the premier continental tournament.
