Zambia in turmoil ahead of Ghana clash - minister hits back at coach

Published on: 05 June 2012

Zambia's preparation for their 2014 World Cup qualifier against Ghana on Saturday is in turmoil after  Sports Minister hit back at coach Herve Renard describing the Frenchman as 'unprofessional and undisciplined'.

Chishimba Kambwili attack is threatening to disrupt Zambia's preparation for Saturday's game in Ndola, escalating the woes of the Chipolopolo who are reeling from their shock 2-0 defeat by Sudan in Khartoum on Saturday.

Problems in the team started after Herve Renard launched a scathing attack at the government accusing them of sabotaging his work.

The Frenchman's request to have the team flown on a chartered plane into Sudan to reduce travel time was rejected by the sports ministry which sparked his fury.

“In football you have to be professional, we are not professionals, we are amateurs,” the straight talking Frenchman said.

“I hate to work like this, and I won’t continue to work like this if people do not want to work with a professional like me,” the former Angola coach threatened.

In a sharp rebuttal, Kambwili warned the controversial coach that he will not take kindly to to such outbursts insisting there are channels for such issues to be addressed.

"It is unprofessional and undisciplined for Renard to attack the ministry officials in the press. Renard should have used proper channels of communication," Kambwili said.

"He should have waited for a report to be presented on what transpired before rushing to the press. Herve Renard must learn to keep his cool; anyway I will wait for a report."

Zambia host heavyweights Ghana on 9 June in a tough Group D encounter.

The Chipolopolo beat the Black Stars 1-0 in the Nations Cup semi-final in February.

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