Report: Canada to hire Octavio Zambrano as new head coach

The Canadian men's national team has reportedly found its man.

Canada, without a permanent bench boss since Benito Floro's contract was allowed to expire in September, will introduce Ecuadorian tactician Octavio Zambrano as manager Friday, sources told John Molinaro of Sportsnet.

Zambrano has enjoyed a well-traveled career on the touchline, with stints at clubs in the United States (LA Galaxy and the MetroStars), Moldova (Tiligul-Tiras), Hungary (FC Tatabanya), and Colombia (Deportiva Pereira). The 59-year-old's most recent coaching experience came in 2014-15, when he worked in his native Ecuador with El Nacional.

The Canadian Soccer Association (CSA), which has scheduled a press conference for Friday, would not confirm the nature of the impending announcement in a statement released Wednesday.

"Canada Soccer is aware of the online speculation regarding our upcoming men's national team announcement," the CSA said in a statement, according to the Canadian Press.

"We are pleased the Canadian soccer community is excited for our announcement and we are looking forward to sharing the news on Friday in Toronto ... Canada Soccer will not have any further comment on the content of our announcement until Friday."

Canada, ranked 117th in the world, has been looking for a manager since the nation's disappointing elimination from qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

Michael Findlay has served as interim boss since Floro's departure.

The national team is starved for success; not only has Canada not reached the World Cup since its lone appearance in 1986, it hasn't even tasted the Hex (CONCACAF's final stage of qualifying) since attempting to book a place in the 1998 tournament in France.

Zambrano will, presumably, take charge of his first game as Canada boss on March 22 against Scotland.