In the world of football, where youth and innovation are frequently celebrated, the idea that a coach’s age is a potential liability is a common one. Avram Grant, 69, a man who has spent over five decades navigating the complex world of professional football, has come under scrutiny as he faces criticism from some Zambian fans and pundits who claim he is too old to continue coaching.
Grant has 52 years of coaching experience, having started with the Hapoel Petah Tikva youth team in Israel when he was 17 years old in 1972.
Throughout his career, he has coached Chelsea FC, West Ham United, Portsmouth, Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Ghana’s national team, among others.
Prior to moving to Zambia in 2022, he was believed to have retired in 2017 after being fired by Ghana. However, his surprise arrival in Zambia to replace Croatian trainer Aljosa Asanovic was met with strong opposition from some fans.
Despite sending Zambia to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in eight years, some critics argue that he is too old and should leave his position.
Passion is keeping Grant in coaching at 69
In response, Grant asked to be judged based on his performance rather than his age.
“I was a very young coach when I was 30 years old; they gave me a chance in the Premier League in my country. So they said I was very young. I said to them, there’s one thing that I’m asking you: don’t judge me by my age; judge me about my quality,” Grant said.
He added, “My age, I think, is a big advantage because I have a lot of passion for football. I love football. I’m here only because of passion.”
Grant also explained why he decided not to coach after leaving Ghana.
“I didn’t coach because after 40 years of coaching for 25 hours per day, I decided to take a break. Do you know why? Because I felt that my passion was three or five percent lower than it had been before. When I don’t feel 100%, I am going out. And then I went to other places whenever I wanted. And even here, because I am completely committed and passionate, but people will find a reason to criticize anyway.”
Grant is on the verge of qualifying them for AFCON back-to-back. The Chipolopolo are currently second in Group G with 7 points, trailing Ivory Coast, who leads with 9. Sierra Leone and Chad are third and fourth with 4 and 2 points, respectively,
Zambia needs a win over Ivory Coast on November 15 in Ndola to qualify if Sierra Leone and Chad draw.
READ MORE: Avram Grant Names Squad for Final 2025 AFCON Qualifiers Against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone
