Hauptle Opens Door to Diaspora Players for Copper Queens
Copper Queens head coach Norah Häuptle has outlined a clear pathway for players in the diaspora with Zambian roots to earn places in the national women’s football team, stressing that commitment, quality and character will determine selection.
Speaking to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) Media team, Häuptle revealed that her technical bench has expanded its scouting network beyond Zambia to include eligible players based abroad, particularly in Europe and the United States.
She said while the national team remains open to diaspora players, they must demonstrate a higher level of ability than locally based players to justify their inclusion in the squad.
“We basically say ‘Zambia Ku Calo’. All players in the diaspora with Zambian roots are welcome to our national team,” Häuptle said. “We have extended our scouting to the US and Europe, and currently we have some players on our radar, especially in Europe.”
Häuptle, who recently handed a call-up to France-based striker Samiah Phiri, said the first requirement for any diaspora player is a genuine commitment to representing Zambia.
“First of all, we need to check a player’s commitment to playing for Zambia. They need to be willing to play for the badge and have a heart for the country,” she said. “Secondly, they need to be better than our local talent in a particular position.”
The Swiss coach added that character and team fit are equally important considerations before a player can be invited to join the Copper Queens.
“Thirdly, we need to have dialogue and assess whether their character fits into our team. When those three steps are done, as in Samiah Phiri’s case, we can invite them,” Häuptle explained. “Sometimes we also need to work on documentation, passports and other requirements before they are good to go.”
The expanded scouting approach, she said, is aimed at strengthening the Copper Queens squad while maintaining high standards and team unity as Zambia continues to compete at the highest level of women’s football.
