FAZ President Meets Copper Queens Coach as Team Prepares for WAFCON

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba has officially met with Zambia Women’s National Team head coach Nora Häuptle as the Copper Queens step up preparations for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in July in Morocco.

The high-level meeting, held as the national team enters a critical phase of its training camp, allowed Coach Häuptle to present her technical roadmap to the FAZ leadership. The session was also attended by FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga and Technical Director Lyson Zulu, who reviewed the team’s progress and strategic direction.

As part of the FIFA international window, the Copper Queens are set to play Botswana and South Africa in a three-nation friendly series. These matches are seen as crucial for the team’s tactical and physical readiness ahead of the continental showpiece.

Speaking after the meeting, FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga emphasized the importance of the team adapting quickly to Häuptle’s new playing philosophy. “The team’s success at major tournaments like WAFCON will largely depend on how swiftly and effectively the players adjust to the new tactical system,” Kamanga stated.

He further explained that the international friendlies provide a valuable opportunity for the players to build cohesion and regain match sharpness. “These games are not just about results—they’re about gelling the team and fine-tuning our approach. We’re also exploring the possibility of arranging additional friendlies to ensure the squad is fully prepared,” Kamanga added.

The Copper Queens are currently in camp, with foreign-based players expected to join during the final stages of the preparations. Coach Häuptle has been focused on instilling a high-intensity, tactically disciplined style of play, which FAZ believes will be key to Zambia’s success at WAFCON.

The 2025 WAFCON marks a critical milestone for the Copper Queens, who are looking to build on their growing reputation in African women’s football and make a strong impression on the continental stage.