The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has reinforced the Copper Queens technical bench currently in Polokwane, South Africa for the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande confirmed that Wisdom Kaira, assistant coach at Indeni Roses and Enala Phiri head coach at Konkola Blades Queens, have joined the technical bench as deputies to first assistant coach Charles Halubono.
Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle, who had initially been expected to lead the team in South Africa, has returned to her base in Switzerland to complete an assignment that may not conclude in time for her to take up her role on the bench during the regional tournament.
“As indicated earlier in the week, Nora should have been with the team but the association allowed her time to complete her assignment and looking at the turn of events, it is prudent that Nora should complete her task and come to Zambia to start her WAFCON base, whose starting date falls within the COSAFA period,” Shepande clarified.
The Copper Queens are scheduled to begin preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on 24 February 2026. The initial camp in Lusaka will mainly comprise foreign-based players, as locally based players are currently competing at the COSAFA tournament in South Africa.
“Because of the conflict of dates, Nora will return to supervise the camp in Lusaka,” Shepande added.
Phiri and Kaira have since joined the Copper Queens camp in Polokwane.
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