Exclusive: “I Gave them My Philosophy”- Avram Grant Reacts to FAZ Convention on Playing Philosophy

Zambia's national team coach, Avram Grant, has said that he presented his playing philosophy with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), and he is now waiting for them to reveal what they developed following the convention held in Lusaka last month.

FAZ CONVENTION’S OBJECTIVE

In an effort to rekindle Zambia's glory days, FAZ held a three-day convention for experts at Mika Lodge to brainstorm and develop a Zambian football philosophy with the aim of winning the AfCON again and qualifying for a maiden FIFA World Cup.

The expert group included veteran former national team coaches Patrick Phiri, Wedson Nyirenda, George Lwandamina, Danny Kabwe, Beston Chambeshi, University of Zambia philosophers, football administrators, and journalists.

“This initiative is not just about ideas but about forging the intellectual backbone of our nation. As you are all aware, football is a complex sport that demands a unique blend of skills and abilities,” FAZ president Andrew Kamanga explained the motive behind the conference.

He added: “While natural talent undoubtedly plays a role, reaching the pinnacle of the game requires more than just flare. What we are gathered here for this morning is therefore an important step that will help us respect and determine who we are, who we aspire to be, and the values we wish to pass on to future generations.”

GRANT’S REACTION

In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.co.za, Grant revealed that, “I gave them [FAZ] my philosophy, and we had a presentation for the coaches and everything. But I am still waiting for them to give me their philosophy.”

“I shared with them about the trainings, about the way of playing, about mentality. It's a combination of a few things that you need to develop. I think the new philosophy needs to answer the main question—how will I do that?

GRANT DISCUSSES FUTURE WITH ZAMBIA

While he waits for the new playing philosophy to be provided to him for implementation with the national team, Grant expressed his desire to stay as Zambia's coach.

"I am happy to be here; I am happy to do my job; if I was unhappy, I would leave. But I have targets that I want to achieve, first by building a good team, and if I don't think I'll be able to meet them, I can leave."

Grant signed a two-year performance-based contract with FAZ in December 2022, with targets of qualifying the Chipolopolo for the 2023 AfCON and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He has achieved one goal and hopes to lead Zambia to their first World Cup and extend his contract despite having already lost two games in the qualifiers for the global showpiece.