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The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed the Copper Queens’ participation in the 2026 COSAFA Championship, scheduled to run from February 18 to March 1 in Polokwane, South Africa.
FAZ Head of Media and Communications, Nkweto Tembwe, stated that the association had formally written to COSAFA confirming the team’s participation in this year’s tournament.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Tembwe dismissed social media reports claiming that Copper Queens coach, Nora Häuptle, would skip the 2026 COSAFA Women’s Championship.
He explained that due to the upcoming FIFA international window engagement in the United Arab Emirates, Coach Häuptle would travel with the core Copper Queens squad for the high-level assignment, while an assembled group of local-based players will feature in the COSAFA Championship under a different coach.
Tembwe clarified that during her interaction with journalists at the Met Sports Centre in Lusaka, Coach Häuptle did not rule out COSAFA participation.
“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.
Tembwe reiterated that FAZ regarded all competitions as important, regardless of level, due to their contribution to football development.
“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,” he said.
He added that Coach Häuptle may not be physically present at this year’s COSAFA tournament, as another coach might be assigned to lead the hybrid squad while she remains with the WAFCON team during their international training 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 committed to the competition and holds it in high regard.
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