Renard credits Egypt´s example

Zambia coach Herve Renard says his team’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph was based on lessons learned from Egypt’s success.

Renard’s championship-winning team was composed mainly of African-based players, with Congolese club TP Mazembe contributing four.

Others came from South African Premier Soccer League clubs, including Orlando Pirates, Free State Stars and SuperSport United.

Only four players in the squad play their football outside Africa.

“Egypt are the best team in Africa and we had to learn from the best because they won so many times with players from their country,” Renard said.

“But the Zambian league is not at the same level with Egypt, so we had to take players from South Africa and from Congo,” Renard said.

“TP Mazembe has seven players from Zambia so it is easy because they understand each other.”

“It was easy for us because we started a long and difficult preparation early, which would not be very easy with players from Europe.”

Renard backed his stars to try their luck overseas, but cautioned them against making the wrong move.

“They have the talent and they can do well, but they have to plan their careers because it is not easy for Zambian players when they are alone,” he said.