Following the appointment of Power Dynamos head coach Oswald Mutapa as interim Zambia National Team assistant coach, some fans have expressed concerns over potential divided attention ahead of crucial fixtures, including the league and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers scheduled for September this year.
Mutapa, who is in pole position to win his second league title with Power Dynamos, was announced by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) as first assistant to Nchanga Rangers’ George Lwandamina, who will serve as interim head coach.
However, Power Dynamos have welcomed the move but expect Mutapa to remain committed to his club responsibilities.
“So for us, we send him to the national team with our blessings,” Power Dynamos CEO Gibson Chaloba told BolaNews in an interview.
“We are aware that Power Dynamos are in a pole position to retain the league and probably compete again in the Champions League as well. FAZ are equally aware that this is a position of Power Dynamos and looking at how we played [in the Champions league] and the like, I’m sure they would want to see a repeat of such,” Chaloba added. “So what I’m trying to say is that yes, we can mutually agree with FAZ so that the coach is available for, of course, club duties and also made available for the national team duties because we believe that the team duties are an important assignment as well.”
Chaloba emphasised that mutual agreement between FAZ and the club will be key to ensuring Mutapa can manage both roles effectively.
“I think that should not be a worry. We are aware of the responsibilities and the duties that the coach has at the club, and we are also alive to the fact that the national duties are important. So we should be able to come to an understanding between the two parties and be able to make sure that the coach is available for both assignments.”
Lwandamina and Mutapa’s first assignment will be the Four Nations Tournament in Francistown, Botswana, from March 23-31. Other participating teams include hosts Botswana, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
When asked if his new role would divide his attention, Mutapa said on Thursday, “I am contracted with the club, that’s the first thing, there it’s part-time for now and maybe the right word is ‘interim. So first we definitely have to concentrate to the club then that will be next.”
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