LIB - Abu Chakra takes reins of Lebanon

BEIRUT (National federation) - Lebanon have finally named a full-time replacement for former national team coach Paul Coughter.

The basketball federation have appointed Fouad Abu Chakra as the new coach.

Abuu Chakra is currently at the helm of Lebanon’s defending league champions Riyadi.

Lebanon are enduring a turbulent time in the game.

They had a disappointing FIBA World Championship in Japan after finishing second at the FIBA Asian Championship.

They won two games, including a surprise 74-73 triumph over France.

But with a place in the eight-finals at stake, the Lebanese crashed spectacularly against Nigeria, falling 95-72.

It was a bizarre week tournament for Lebanon with Coughter missing the last two games because through illness.

Coughter left Lebanon shortly before last year’s Asian Games, with the team then failing to advance to the knockout stage of that tournament.

Now Abu Chakra has a chance to make a name for himself on the international stage.

He began his coaching career with Al Wardiye back in 1996 before switching to Antranik two years later.

Abu Chakra took the reins of Champville for a four-year stint and then moved to Beirut giants Riyadi in 2005.

Moe Hallal, Beirut
FIBA