Patrick Chali, the matchday announcer at Arthur Davies Stadium, likes to say, “The air is pregnant with expectation.” I couldn’t think of a better quote to kick off our Super League final-round preview.
Like a first-time father yearning for his wife to deliver, the supporters can’t wait to see what their beloved Copper Queens will deliver under the Swiss trainer.
Excuse the metaphor; the truth is, after being away from work during the festival break, some of us may have already forgotten our job descriptions, but I hope Hauptle knows hers.
Coach Bruce Mwape certainly took the Zambia women’s football team to unprecedented heights. However, there has always been a sense that when it came to getting the team over the line, he fell short.
Noticing this, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has pulled the plug on Mwape in preference to Hauptle, who has been given “clear targets starting with the forthcoming Women Africa Cup of Nations.”
So what are some of the things Hauptle should Hauptle work on?
The porous defense
Zambia’s defensive frailties have been a significant issue, often undermining the efforts of their strikers. The team has a history of conceding avoidable goals, particularly under Coach Mwape’s tenure.
The defense’s tendency to lapse at crucial moments has frequently resulted in costly mistakes at the big stage. Hauptle will need to work out a defensive structure that will be a strong base for the team’s overall performance.
Tactical versatility
Under Mwape, Zambia heavily relied on a single approach, playing the long ball to Barbra Banda or whoever is the lone striker. However, this approach was limited in some instances. Hauptle needs to instill adaptability, enabling the team to effectively counter different playing styles and in-game situations.
Luckily, she observed Zambia’s tactical inflexibility when she came up against them as head coach of Ghana.
“I believe you [Zambia] can get very far with this team, even in the top ten in the world but you need to adjust some tactical screws,” she said.
Squad Depth
One of Mwape’s notable struggles was his reluctance to rotate the team effectively. As a result, there’s a pressing need for Nora to adopt a more inclusive selection approach.
Zambia boasts a wealth of talented young players at the moment, and it’s crucial for her to integrate these promising talents into the main squad, ensuring healthy competition in the team.
READ MORE: Nora Hauptle explains why she left Ghana to sign for Zambia
