Coach Nora’s Reign Tactical Direction Without Results
Five months into her tenure as head coach of the Zambia Women’s National Team, Coach Nora Hauptle is still trying to find her rhythm and more critically, her starting eleven.
In yesterday’s match against South Africa, fans were left scratching their heads after seeing an unfamiliar backline. Only Lushomo Mweemba, a regular in the team, was recognizable among the defenders. The rest of the back four consisted of newcomers and what appeared to be converted players, hinting at an all-out attacking approach. Surprisingly, despite the experimental defense, the Copper Queens managed to hold Banyana Banyana in the first half, a feat that shocked many who closely follow the team.
Big names like Margaret Belemu, Martha Tembo, and Pauline Zulu were all benched, leading to a crucial question: Who was defending? As expected, the footballing community held its breath for full-time before unleashing a wave of analysis and critique.
In her post-match interview, Coach Nora expressed her disappointment, stating that “our best players didn’t come to the party” in other words, they didn’t live up to expectations. But was it the players underperforming, or was it a tactical miscalculation?
Now, the inevitable comparison with former coach Bruce Mwape is in full swing. Nora once described Bruce’s system as “Chipante pante” football an unstructured style lacking tactical cohesion. Ironically, it was that same “chipante pante” approach that guided Zambia past Ghana and into historic tournaments worldcup,olympic and bronze at WAFCON. Under Nora, the team now seems to play with purpose and structure, yet the results are missing.
Many fans are beginning to ask: Are we becoming an “Arsenal-like” team? One that plays attractive, possession-based football without delivering victories?
The new philosophy under Nora emphasizes short passes, compact play, and structured attacking movements a shift from the more aggressive, fast-paced, counter-attacking football we grew accustomed to with players like Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundananji spearheading direct transitions. That change might explain why the team suddenly looks slower, less energetic, and, as some pundits suggest, “tired.”
The Copper Queens wrapped up the Three-Nation Tournament without a win drawing 1-1 against Botswana and falling 2-0 to hosts South Africa. While chances were created, especially in the opening game, the lack of clinical finishing continues to haunt the team.
So where do we go from here?
Some argue Coach Nora needs more time to implement her philosophy. After all, systematic football takes time to gel. Others, however, are already doubting her capacity to take Zambia forward.
In football, there are two paths to results: use what you have or build your system and wait. Coach Bruce used the former; Coach Nora is banking on the latter.
Only time will tell whether this new direction is the right one. For now, fans remain divided but all united in one hope: results must start coming.
