By Kennedy Gondwe BBC Sport, Lusaka

A foreign coach is wanted to replace Patrick Phiri

The Zambian Football Association (Faz) will not extend coach Patrick Phiri's contract which expired on 31 March.

Phiri was appointed Zambia coach following the resignation of Kalusha Bwalya in 2006.

His original contract was extended by three months so he could guide Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

But the newly-elected Faz executive led by Bwalya has announced it will continue with the search for a foreign coach to lead Chipolopolo.

"The association will not be renewing (Phiri's) contract as national coach," Faz spokesperson Emmanuel Munaile said.

"The association realises the anxiety in the nation regarding the recruitment of a national coach.

(We) realise the (national) anxiety regarding the recruitment of the new coach, (but they) will start work before the first week of May FAZ spokesperson Emmanuel Munaile

"We envisage that the new coach will be in a position to start work before the first week of May," Munaile added.

Munaile who could not disclose the country where the coach will come from, however, said the trainer would be unveiled within two weeks.

Meanwhile, a Fifa stadium inspection team is expected in Zambia next month to check on the suitability of Konkola Stadium to host international matches.

Zambia is in a stadium crisis following the closure of the Independence Stadium, the country's biggest arena, for renovation works.

However, Konkola Stadium, which is regarded as an alternative venue also remains closed for rehabilitation after Fifa ordered a facelift of the arena following the death of 12 fans in a stampede last year.

"The association finds itself in a position where the game against Togo maybe played at a venue outside the country," Munaile said.

"Fifa will conduct a final inspection of Konkola Stadium in the first two weeks of May. Again, we need to emphasise that time is of the essence."