The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed the Copper Queens participation at the 2026 COSAFA Championship that will take place from February 18 to March 1 in Polokwane, South Africa.
Head of Media and Communications Nkweto Tembwe confirms that FAZ has written to COSAFA confirming the team’s participation at this year’s tournament.
Tembwe however dismissed reports circulating on social media suggesting that Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle will skip the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship.
He said in light of the FIFA window engagement for the Copper Queens in the United Arab Emirates, coach Nora Hauptle will use the core of the Copper Queens for the high level engagement while an assemblage of local players will participate in the Cosafa under a different trainer.
He clarified that during her interaction with journalists at the Met Sports Centre in Lusaka, Coach Häuptle did not rule out COSAFA participation.
Tembwe said coach only indicated that a different squad could be fielded in order to allow the core team to focus on preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
He said FAZ considers all competitions important regardless of level as they contribute to the growth and development of football.
“Of course the coach never said that. I was with her when she spoke to journalists who covered the Copper Queens training yesterday in Lusaka. What she explained was that the COSAFA squad will be a hybrid team which will be made up of players from the Under-17s, Under-20s and the senior side.” Tembwe said.
“The idea is to assess more players for possible inclusion in the main team.”
He added that Coach Häuptle may not be physically present at the tournament, as another coach could be assigned to lead the team while she remains with the WAFCON squad during the international camp.
“She will, however, closely monitor the tournament as part of the broader technical plan,” he said.
Tembwe emphasized that Zambia as a founding member of the COSAFA Championship, remains fully committed to the competition and holds it in high regard.
