With still a year to his contract, coach Wedson Nyirenda has quit the Chipolopolo top job citing personal reasons.

Nyirenda in his letter dated May 24 addressed to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) general secretary Ponga Liwewe gave the association a one-month notice.

Nyirenda thanked FAZ, the technical staff and the players for the support rendered to him during his tenure.

“I hereby write to give you one month notice for my resignation from the position of National teams head coach. This is due to so many personal reasons.

I would be failing in my duties if I forget to thank the Republican President, His Excellency Mr Edgar Chagwa Lungu and the Ministry of Sport for the immeasurable support to football and all sports in our land,” he said.

But FAZ has ignored the one-month notice and saying the resignation is with immediate effect.

Liwewe said in a press statement yesterday that Nyirenda’s resignation is with immediate effect.

Nyirenda was given a three-year contract in September 2016.

“The association wishes to thank Mr. Nyirenda for his contribution towards the national team and for the sterling work he put into his job. The process to fill the vacancy of Head Coach will begin and the Association will conclude the process in the shortest possible time to meet upcoming engagements,” Liwewe said.

Since taking over as Chipolopolo coach, Nyirenda has been in charge of 26 games, won 12, drawn seven and lost seven.

Nyirenda who has been linked with a move to South Africa as Baroka FC head coach was earmarked to go to Spain for a nine-month training programme under FAZ.

The daring trainer fell out of favour with the Andrew Kamanga-led FAZ executive and was in the process of being replaced.

He at some point dared FAZ to fire him and settle his dues.

His contract was due to expire in September next year.