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    Ex-Zambia boss Herve Renard on ‘white shirt superstitions’

    Fresh from beating 2022 FIFA World Cup favourites, Argentina, Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard says he believes in superstitions.

    The French manager, Renard, says he was not just lucky when he guided an unfancied Zambia to the 2012 CAF African Cup of Nations glory.  

    When the African football community was still asking questions about his qualities, Renard proved his worth and won another AFCON title with Cote d’Ivoire in 2015.

    Known for his trademark white shirt on the touchlines, many players who played under him believe Renard does not pay too much attention to tactics but he is a natural motivator.

    In their opening Group C opening encounter, the Saudis were a goal behind Lionel Messi’s penalty for the Argentine but Saleh al Shehri equalised in the 48th minute before Salem Al Dawsari doubled their tally five minutes later.

    When quizzed about his white shirt, the former Morocco manager who is in history books as far as African football is concerned says he will never get rid of his outfit.

    “I won two Africa Cup of Nations on a white shirt, so you want me to change for what?” Renard once told Ghana’s TV3.

    “During the penalty shoot-out for the 2015 Afcon final between Ivory Coast and Ghana we missed the first two but went ahead to win. So do you want me to wear a red shirt for the next Afcon I am in charge of a team? No. Not possible.

    “Sometimes I am superstitious. That will never change. I told the players life will stop in Saudi Arabia today, and everyone will wait for this match. The number of fans was large, but I hope it will be even larger.”

    Located in Western Asia, Saudi Arabia had never won their first match at a World Cup stage, but they previously suffered a humiliating 8-0 defeat by Germany in 2002 and a 5-0 loss to Russia in 2018.

    “When I decided to coach this team three years ago, I found all the support. We have a great federation president and also the ministry of sports,” Renard reacted after the hard-fought win.

    “When we met with Prince [Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince]. He did not put any pressure on us, and this is wonderful. Being pressured does not work every time.”

    Main Image: Herve Renard/MoroccoWorld News

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