The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has strengthened the Copper Queens technical bench for the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship in Polokwane, South Africa, following the temporary absence of head coach Nora Häuptle.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande confirmed that Wisdom Kaira and Enala Phiri have joined the team in South Africa as additional deputies to first assistant coach Charles Halubono.
Kaira, who serves as assistant coach at Indeni Roses, and Phiri, head coach of Konkola Blades Queens, have bolstered the bench as Zambia continues its regional title defence campaign.
Häuptle shifts focus to WAFCON preparations
Häuptle, who had initially been expected to lead the team at COSAFA, has returned to Switzerland to complete an assignment that may not conclude in time for her to take charge during the regional tournament.
Shepande explained that the association opted to allow Häuptle to complete her task abroad before turning her full attention to preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
“As indicated earlier in the week, Nora should have been with the team but the association allowed her time to complete her assignment and looking at the turn of events, it is prudent that Nora should complete her task and come to Zambia to start her WAFCON base, whose starting date falls within the COSAFA period,” Shepande said.
WAFCON camp set for February 24
The Copper Queens are scheduled to commence their WAFCON preparations on 24 February 2026 in Lusaka. The initial camp will largely comprise foreign-based players, with locally based players currently engaged at the COSAFA tournament in South Africa.
Due to the overlap in tournament and camp schedules, Häuptle is expected to return to Zambia to supervise the WAFCON training camp while the technical team in Polokwane continues managing COSAFA duties.
“Because of the conflict of dates, Nora will return to supervise the camp in Lusaka,” Shepande added.
Phiri and Kaira have already linked up with the squad in Polokwane, ensuring continuity and technical depth as Zambia balances regional competition commitments with continental preparations.
