MTN/FAZ Super league outfits Forest Rangers football club have elevated assistant coach Perry Mutapa to the position of head coach after the departure of Patrick Phiri, who has so far joined Lusaka Dynamos.
Prior to his appointment, Mutapa served as Lusaka Dynamos’ coach in which he helped the team to a super league promotion.
In an interview with Lusaka Star, Club Treasurer Micky Mwansa confirmed the appointment of Mutapa as head coach following the failure by the club to reach an agreement with Romanian coach Mario Marinic who was hinted to take over from Patrick Phiri.
Mwansa said that the talks between the club and Mario Marinic failed to progress, hence appointing Mutapa who is going to be assisted by Masauso Tembo.
“We have a new coaching staff being headed by Perry Mutapa and assisted by Masauso Tembo,” Mwansa said.
“Yes, we almost appointed the Romanian coach who was ready to join the club. But later on, we thought of promoting Perry Mutapa for the sake of continuity. We also felt that it will take time for the Romanian coach (Marinic) to adapt on time as we have bigger plans for the club this season.”
Mwansa has also expressed happiness over the sponsorship ‘Fole Malembe’ side is receiving from the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation (ZAFFICO) who are the proprietors of the club.
Meanwhile, Mwansa has revealed that the club has acquired the services of new players namely- striker Nicholas Kamocha, from Mufulira Wanderers; goalkeeper Logic Ching’andu, who was on loan at Zanaco F.C and Laurent Muma, who is on loan from Power Dynamos.
He also added that the ZAFFICO sponsored lads were on a pre-season tour in Mansa for eight days where they had matches with Mansa select.
“Our preseason went well. We were in Mansa for eight days and played some friendly matches with Mansa Select. So far the team has been well shaped and we can’t wait for the league to commence,” he added.