Copper Queens Coach Hails Barbra Banda’s Hat-Trick Heroics and Overseas Stars’ Form

Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle has expressed delight following captain Barbra Banda’s sensational hat-trick for U.S. National Women’s Soccer League side Orlando Pride, her first since joining the club.

“It’s exciting,” Hauptle said in reaction to Banda’s performance. “We had a quick message chat and I congratulated Barbra Banda. I said, ‘You are on fire!’ because she was so excited to come back to Zambia, and then she scored a hat-trick.”

Hauptle commended Banda’s progress and highlighted how her form positively impacts the national team.

“I’m always happy when my players are getting good exposure. Barbra is a key player at a top club in the USA. They had a few tough games but now I’m happy they’ve made a turnaround. It makes my work easier when they come in good shape and in a good mood,” she said.

The Copper Queens boss also gave updates on other Zambian internationals plying their trade abroad.

“Prisca [Chilufya] also got some minutes, and I’m happy she got her slot in the team. Grace [Chanda] took a little bit longer due to injury but she also collected some minutes. Rachael [Kundananji] is a starter at Bay FC. They had a tighter season this year, so we are monitoring them all.”

Hauptle added that the technical bench is closely following players in the Chinese League and other parts of the world.

“We have access to the Chinese League. Fridah had a good start, unfortunately Ochumba Lubandji is still out. Nachula with Jerusalem just played a cup final on Sunday, which is good. So those we have abroad are performing well. And it’s a chance for other players to also go abroad, maybe after WAFCON, with this kind of exposure,” she concluded.

The Copper Queens are preparing for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with the strong form of their international stars providing a timely boost.