LUSAKA – Former Croatia national team assistant coach Aljosa Asanovic has been appointed Chipolopolo coach on a four-year deal.
Asanovic, who was the Croatian Football Federation’s instructor for the diaspora, will take charge of the Chipolopolo alongside first assistant Karol Prazenica (Slovakia), Video Analyst Stefan Ceravic (Serbia), Goalkeeper coach Tonci Gabric (Croatia) and Physical trainer Hrvoje Matijevic (Croatia).
Speaking after his official unveiling ceremony at Protea Hotel in Lusaka, Asanovic said it was an honour to take up the Chipolopolo job and was ready to get down to work immediately.
“I am so happy to be the Head Coach of the Zambia national team because it is a great country with great players and I have the job to make you happy,” Asanovic said.
“I know my players and how we are going to make them to be good in every game, this is my job and I know I will make the team. I am so glad to be here and to work with these players.”
The former Chipolopolo Technical Advisor’s eyes will be on the TotalEnergies AFCON Ivory Coast 2023 Preliminary Round draw which will be conducted on Friday, 21 January in Douala.
FAZ Executive Committee Member, Jordan Maliti said Asanovic’s pedigree as a player and coach gives the Association absolute confidence that he will take Zambia National Team to the next level.
“His experience at the Croatia National Team where he served as assistant and also having worked at various European clubs gives us confidence that he will help reboot our various national teams that he will oversee,” Asanovic said.
“We believe that his spell as Technical Advisor to the Zambia National Team in 2021 gives him insight into our game and will help him make the most of the talents of our players.
“We also believe that with the long-term goals that we have given him of giving our game clear direction he will be able to succeed.”
The Croatian will be expected to work closely with local coaches in ensuring that Zambia develops a strong national team comprising both local and foreign based players.
In his heydays Asanovic donned the iconic jersey seven for the Croatia National Team and starred at the 1996 euros and 1998 World Cup in France.
He is a 1998 FIFA World Cup bronze winner in France.
