Former Cambridge United manager Herve Renard has been named as the new national coach of Zambia and will take charge of the country's 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Football Association of Zambia president Kalusha Bwalya said the 39-year-old former Cannes defender would sign a two year contract next week.

"He is one of a new generation of exciting European coaches with experience on the African circuit. We believe he will be able to work well with our ambitions," Bwalya said.

Renard was previously assistant to Ghana coach Claude Le Roy, with whom he worked at the African Nations Cup finals earlier this year. He has also coached in China and France.

Renard replaces Patrick Phiri, whose contract was not renewed in March.

Zambia play their opening World Cup qualifier against Togo in Accra, Ghana on May 31. They also meet Swaziland in their first round group in June.

Reuters