Former Zambia Under-17 Women’s National Team coach Kaluba Kangwa has expressed concern about the Copper Queens’ prospects at the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), suggesting that the team might not be among the favourites to win the continental showpiece.
Kangwa’s remarks came in an interview with ZNBC Sport News, where he offered a measured assessment of the team’s recent performances and the challenges posed by a new tactical approach introduced by head coach Nora Hauptle, who was appointed in January 2025.
New Coach, New Challenges
Hauptle arrived in Zambia at the start of the year with a mandate to build a competitive team and guide the Copper Queens to glory. The Swiss tactician brought fresh ideas, focusing on structured defending, precision in attack, and tactical discipline an approach that has worked well in other setups she has managed.
However, Kangwa believes that adapting to a new coach’s methods takes time, especially for a team accustomed to a different style of play. “It’s only been a few months since Coach Hauptle came in, and it’s evident that the team is still finding its rhythm,” he said. “It will take more time for the players to fully understand her philosophy and implement it on the pitch.”
He added that the recent struggles seen in some of the team’s warm-up matches are a sign that the squad is still grappling with these changes.
Importance of Team Understanding and Cohesion
Kangwa emphasized that one of the biggest challenges the Copper Queens face is a lack of deep understanding between the players and the new coach. According to him, this is not a sign of long-term weakness but a natural phase that every team goes through when a new technical approach is introduced.
“The results we’ve seen recently are an indication that the team has not yet fully adapted to the new philosophy. The understanding between the players and the coach is still a work in progress, and this is what may affect their performance at the upcoming WAFCON,” he stated.
Kangwa added that fans and stakeholders must temper their expectations, as building a successful team takes time. “It’s vital for everyone to understand that when a new coach is appointed, especially a coach like Hauptle with a distinct style, you don’t expect immediate results. This is a process that demands patience and support from all quarters,” he said.
Tempering Expectations for the 2024 WAFCON
While Kangwa has great respect for the quality and potential of the Copper Queens, he is cautious about putting too much pressure on the team as they approach the WAFCON in Morocco.
“Winning the WAFCON will be a huge challenge for the team because it takes time for tactical ideas to be fully embraced by every player. We’ve seen moments where their performance dipped recently, and that is an indicator that we might not be ready to dominate the continent right now,” Kangwa stated.
He further explained that Zambia has a strong group of talented footballers who can rise to the occasion, but with a new coach and a new style of play, this may be more of a long-term project. “The team has some excellent individuals, but as a unit, it’s still developing its chemistry and adapting to the tactical approach introduced by Coach Hauptle,” he said.
The Importance of Patience and Support
Kangwa called upon fans, stakeholders, and the media to be patient with the Copper Queens as they adjust to this new chapter. According to him, building a successful team goes beyond short-term results and is about nurturing a strong foundation for future victories.
“This team has a bright future. What is required now is patience, understanding, and unwavering support. The coach needs time to embed her ideas, and the players must be given the space to adapt and grow into those ideas. Criticism is always part of the game, but we must also recognize the work being put in behind the scenes,” he added.
Not All Hope is Lost
Although Kangwa doesn’t consider the Copper Queens as favourites for the upcoming WAFCON, he firmly believes the team can cause a surprise if it finds its rhythm and embraces a collective mentality. “It’s football anything can happen. But realistically, we must understand where the team is at right now. The focus must be on gradual improvement, gaining experience, and making sure the team grows stronger for future tournaments,” he said.
With the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations set to kick off soon, all eyes will be on the Copper Queens as they attempt to overcome their challenges and show the rest of the continent what Zambian women’s football is capable of achieving.
Final Thoughts
The Copper Queens have made significant strides in recent years, rising to become one of the most talked-about teams in African women’s football. Under the new stewardship of Nora Hauptle, the team is in a phase of rebuilding and adaptation. While this means that expectations must be managed for the upcoming WAFCON, it doesn’t diminish the long-term potential for glory.
Kaluba Kangwa’s remarks serve as a reminder that successful teams are built with patience, consistency, and trust in the process. Whatever the outcome in Morocco, the future for the Copper Queens remains promising if the right support, understanding, and belief are in place.
