New Zambia coach Moses Sichone unable to make debut after food poisoning
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Alemannia Aachen's team captain Moses Sichone, who has take over as Zambia coach, is distraught after their relegation from the German Bundesliga on May 12, 2007.
REUTERS FILE PHOTO
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CAPE TOWN – New Zambia coach Moses Sichone will again be unable to take to the bench in charge of his team after being admitted to hospital for food poisoning, the country’s FA said on Nov 17.
The former FC Cologne defender was named Zambia manager earlier this month, some six weeks before they compete at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco.
He did not make it to the bench for his first match in charge after falling ill hours before his debut in a friendly against South Africa in Gqeberha on Nov 15 and has not travelled to Angola for their next outing on Nov 18.
“Moses Sichone, midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and video analyst Elias Chipota have been admitted to hospital following their worsened condition that was aggravated by fever, diarrhoea and vomiting,” said a statement.
“The Football Association of Zambia is working closely with its host association and the local medical authorities to ensure that the affected receive the best possible medical attention.”
FAZ general secretary Machacha Shepande said others in the squad had also been affected but their condition had improved.
South Africa beat Zambia 3-1, after which the Zambian squad left for Angola where they play another friendly international in Luanda on Nov 18, with Perry Mutapa as acting coach.
Sichone was appointed after the departure of 70-year-old Israeli Avram Grant following a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign that ended in October.
The 48-year-old Sichone competed in three Cup of Nations as a player from 1998 to 2002.
Zambia are in Group A at the Cup of Nations, which kicks off on Dec 21. They face Mali, Comoros and hosts Morocco in their opening three fixtures. REUTERS
