Libreville — The indomitable spirit of Zambian football and a deep camaraderie were key factors behind their success at the African Nations Cup, coach Herve Renard said after the remarkable triumph of the southern African side.

"We are not the best team around but there was a force that made us champions. A tournament like this is not like a one-off World Cup qualifier. Here you have to be ready for a lot of stiff challenges.

"But we were strong after a thorough preparation. We started on December 28, which would not have been possible for a team who has the majority of their players in Europe.

It was a big advantage that the majority of our players are at clubs in Africa. But I do regret that there are not more of them overseas because playing in competitions like the Champions League is a great experience.

"It will be a good thing if a lot more of them play in Europe," said Renard. His 23-man selection included just one player from a Swiss club, striker Emmanuel Mayuka, although the Dutch striker Jacob Mulenga would likely have been a starter were it not for injury.

"But this is a side that is a family. Zambians revel in the company of their compatriots. It is a country of amazing talent. Sometimes they need to be pushed because they lose concentration but when you push them they can do amazing things," he added.

"It is so pleasant to watch them play. Sometimes you can see little tactical mistakes but there is so much talent it quickly overcomes that.

"I love working in Africa because they wake up in the morning thinking of football and go to sleep thinking of football."

Renard has been linked in recent days to the vacant job in Senegal or a possible return to Ghana, where he was assistant to Claude Le Roy at the 2008 Nations Cup finals.

"It would not be fair to leave Zambia. We are a family. We can go forward with this team and do many more good things."