By Kennedy Gondwe BBC Sport, Lusaka

Herve Renard has received the backing of Zambia's president Rupiah Banda

Zambia's president Rupiah Banda says he is determined to keep coach Herve Renard.

Renard has been linked with a move away from Zambia after guiding them to a quarter-final finish at the African Nations Cup finals in Angola.

Rumours of Renard's departure grew stronger after he failed to return to Lusaka with the team on Thursday.

"I will do everything in my power to persuade him to stay," Banda said as he welcomed home the squad from Angola.

"Perhaps the Nigerians now want him because they've seen what he has done to our team."

"I am sorry that he is not here with the team. I hope he has not remained behind to sign contracts.

"If it happens that he goes, that will be hard luck for us because he knows the players and we don't have to start from all over again.

"But I am confident that he will stay with us."

Renard's current contract runs until May and had already said that he would like to go on and coach one of Africa's top sides.

Meanwhile, the team arrived to received a rapturous welcome home, despite their loss on penalties to Nigeria in the quarter-finals in Angola.

The team was met by cabinet ministers, government officials, students and hundreds of fans, many of whom were wearing the national colours.

As the plane carrying players touched down at the Lusaka International Airport, fans burst into a frenzy; beating their drums, blowing vuvuzelas and sung songs of praise in honour of the team.

The players and officials were all then taken to State House where president Banda hosted a luncheon that was broadcast live on national television.

While at State House, president Banda, who is also the commander-in-chief of armed forces, announced he had with immediate effect elevated skipper Christopher Katongo from staff sergeant to warrant officer in the Zambia Army.

Defender Dennis Banda who is also a soldier and a member of the Chipolopolo was promoted from corporal to sergeant.

The government also paid each player around USS$13,000 in allowances and bonuses for reaching the quarter-final of the Nations Cup.

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