Copper Queens Begin Training Under New Head Coach Ahead of Malawi Friendlies
- Feb 12, 2025
- 2 min read
12.02.2025 | Football DNA
Newly appointed coach Nora Häuptle leads first session as Zambia prepares for crucial international friendlies
The Zambia Women’s National Football Team, the Copper Queens, have officially kicked off their preparations for the upcoming FIFA international friendly matches against Malawi. The team’s first session, led by newly appointed head coach Nora Häuptle, took place at the Toyota Arena and marked a new chapter in the squad’s journey.
Häuptle, who recently replaced Bruce Mwape, wasted no time in establishing her presence and vision for the team. During the session, she focused on tactical drills, fluid ball movement, and fostering team cohesion. Her primary goal for the first training was to evaluate the local talent available to her while beginning the process of implementing her strategies ahead of the crucial friendlies.
Among the players present at the session were key international figures such as China-based midfielder Ireen Lungu and Russia-based winger Xiomara Mapepa. Their inclusion added an extra dimension of experience and quality to the squad as the Copper Queens prepare for the challenges ahead.
Scheduled for February 22 and 25 in Kitwe, the international friendlies against Malawi’s Scorchers are seen as a critical opportunity for Häuptle to solidify her coaching philosophy and build momentum for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this July. The friendlies will play a pivotal role in the team’s preparations, allowing the coach to assess her players in competitive conditions.
However, the fixtures have recently been called into question after reports emerged that the Malawi National Sports Council (MNSC) stated the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) had failed to budget for the matches, leading to uncertainty over the viability of the friendlies. Financial constraints could potentially result in the cancellation of the games, leaving the Copper Queens without these important warm-up fixtures.
In response to the situation, Häuptle has named a provisional squad of 30 players, all of whom are locally based. Among them are the top 10 goal scorers from the Eden University Women’s Super League, including ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Penelope Mulubwa, who has been in stellar form with 25 goals in 23 matches this season. Young talents like Mwila Mufunte and Namute Chileshe, both graduates of the U17 national team, have earned their first senior call-ups, and seasoned players such as Copper Princesses captain Mercy Chipasula and forward Ruth Mukoma bring experience and leadership to the squad.
The planned friendlies against Malawi were meant to serve as essential preparation for the Copper Queens ahead of their WAFCON campaign, which will run from July 5 to 26. As of now, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has not yet provided a statement regarding any alternative plans should the Malawi fixtures fall through.
As Häuptle begins her tenure as head coach of the Copper Queens, the focus remains on developing a united, resilient squad that will compete strongly at WAFCON 2024. Regardless of the uncertainty surrounding the friendlies, the Copper Queens are poised to continue their growth and prepare for what promises to be an exciting and challenging year ahead.
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