LUSAKA-(MaraviPost)-The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially confirmed that the Copper Queens will participate in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship slated for February 18 to March 1 in Polokwane, South Africa.
FAZ Head of Media and Communications, Nkweto Tembwe, said the association has already written to COSAFA to formally communicate Zambia’s participation in this year’s regional tournament.
The confirmation follows reports circulating on social media suggesting that Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle would not be involved in the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship, claims which FAZ has strongly dismissed.
Tembwe explained that the confusion arose due to the Copper Queens’ commitments during the FIFA international window, which will see the team engaged in high level matches in the United Arab Emirates.
He said coach Hauptle will retain the core of the national team for the international assignment, while a different squad will be assembled to represent Zambia at the COSAFA tournament.
According to Tembwe, the COSAFA squad will mainly consist of locally based players, complemented by selected players from the Under-17, Under-20 and senior national teams.
He clarified that during her interaction with journalists at the Met Sports Centre in Lusaka, coach Hauptle did not rule out participation in COSAFA, contrary to what was reported online.
Instead, the coach highlighted the need to manage the squad strategically to allow key players to focus on preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Tembwe reiterated that FAZ places equal importance on all competitions, noting that tournaments like COSAFA play a crucial role in the growth and development of football.
He said the hybrid COSAFA squad will offer an opportunity to assess more players for possible future inclusion in the senior national team.
Tembwe also revealed that coach Hauptle may not be physically present at the tournament, as another coach could be assigned to lead the team in Polokwane.
However, he emphasized that Hauptle will closely monitor the COSAFA Championship as part of the broader technical plan for the Copper Queens.