AZAM Rwanda Premier League side Police FC has signed a Zambian national, Albert Joel Mphande, as their new head coach.

Mphande, a former footballer, put pen to paper on Thursday before overseeing over his first training session with the law enforcers side at Kicukiro Stadium.

The 40-year old had parted ways with Zambia’s Nkwazi Football Club prior to joining Police FC. 

Police FC spokesperson Supt. Regis Ruzindana said that Mphande’s coaching experience will bring something new to their team.

"We believe that, based on his 20-year coaching experience, we have something to tap from him and, of course, he has promised to improve the performance of the club,” said Supt. Ruzindana.

The new coach, who started his coaching career in 1999 when he guided Chiparamba Youth Academy of Zambia to winning DANA (Denmark) and Gothia Cup (Sweden) championships in 2002, says he is committed to improving Police FC.

Police are in 7th place on the league table with 27 points, eleven points adrift of leaders AS Kigali with eleven matches to go. 

"My first training session with the players was impressive. I thought players wouldn’t easily adapt to my tactics; I am happy with the first session, and if players implement our tactics, we can turn the league table around,” Mphande said.

"The team have young players, and I like working with young players. I have been coaching young players for the better part of my career because they learn first and are disciplined,” he added. 

Mphande is also the currently Assistant Coach of Zambia’s U-17 national team, and a former U-15 assistant coach.

Mphande, whose football career was ended by a lifetime injury he suffered in 1998 while playing for the French club Olympic Marseille, holds a EUFA B coaching licence.

He also played for Lusaka Dynamos, Zamaco FC and Eagle Stars, all top clubs in Zambia.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw