“The era of chipante pante is behind us.” – Nora
The Copper Queens are undergoing a quiet revolution. Gone are the days of chaotic, reactionary football, or what local soccer fans call “chipante pante” , as the Zambia women’s national football team shifts toward a more deliberate, possession-driven style of play. And this tactical transformation is shaping everything from who makes the squad to where they play on the pitch.
Speaking ahead of the international friendlies against Botswana and South Africa, Häuptle was clear: the team is moving into a new phase, one that demands discipline, structure, and precision.
“We want to be a team that builds up the game, creates overloads, and has smart distances between players,” Häuptle explained. “The era of chipante pante is behind us.”
This shift comes at a crucial time. With the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on the horizon, Zambia is pushing to evolve into a side that can not only match but dominate continental heavyweights. South Africa, the reigning WAFCON champions, will provide the perfect litmus test for this new style.
It’s a style rooted in controlling tempo, pressing with intention, and regaining possession efficiently. That’s meant not just tactical drills, but also reshuffling positions and roles.
“Some players have been moved into new positions that better fit the style we want to play,” Häuptle noted. “It’s not just about talent anymore, it’s about fitting into a system.”
The impact on player selection has been immediate. While top stars like Barbara Banda, Grace Chanda, and Prisca Chilufya remain essential to the squad, younger or less-established players now find themselves in the mix, not just to fill numbers, but because they offer qualities needed in Häuptle’s evolving structure.
