Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle began her Copper Queens journey on the pitch following the team’s first training session under the former Swiss international.
Häuptle took the locally based contingent through their passes at Toyota Sports Arena on Tuesday.
The team is preparing for two international friendly matches against Malawi’s Scorchers.
Häuptle’s first ever squad features the top 10 goal scorers from the Eden University Women’s Super League including ZESCO Ndola Girls striker Penelope Mulubwa, who has netted 25 goals in 23 matches.
Rising stars Mwila Mufunte and Namute Chileshe, both graduates from the U17 team have also earned call-ups in Häuptle’s squad alongside Copper Princesses team captain Mercy Chipasula and striker Ruth Mukoma.
In-form Natasha ‘Little Tasha’ Nanyangwe has also earned a call up to the squad returning for the first time since sustaining an injury at the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship.
The friendlies scheduled for February are part of the Copper Queens preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) which kicks off in July in Morocco.
The Copper Queens are drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and DR Congo for the tournament, which runs from July 5-26.
Foreign-based players will be added to strengthen the squad ahead of the two matches.
30-MEMBER SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Mwila Chishala Mufunte, Ngambo Musole (both Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Annie Namonje (ZESCO Ndola Girls)
DEFENDERS
Margaret Belemu, Elizabeth Nachivula (both Red Arrows), Tabo Miselo, Pauline Zulu (both Zanaco Ladies), Theresa Musatila, Vast Phiri, Judith Soko (all ZESCO Ndola Girls), Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko (both Green Buffaloes)
MIDFIELDERS
Regina Chanda (Zanaco Ladies), Avell Chitundu, Marjory Mulenga (both ZESCO Ndola Girls), Evarine Susan Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes), Ireen Lungu (Jiangsu-China), Ochumba Oseke Lubanji, Mary Wilombe (both Red Arrows)
STRIKERS
Maweta Chilenga, Namute Chileshe, Maylan Mulenga (all Green Buffaloes), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Blue Eagles), Fridah Kabwe, Penelope Mulubwa, Ruth Mukoma, Fridah Mukoma (all ZESCO Ndola Girls), Ivy Nambeye (Nchanga Rangers Queens)
