Former Zambia national women’s team head coach Charles Bwale has shared his thoughts on how the Copper Queens will perform under new coach Nora Häuptle.
Bwale led the Copper Queens to the 2014 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The team included talented players such as Kabange Mupopo, Mary Mwakapila, Misozi Zulu, Hellen Mubanga, and 16-year-old Hazel Nali.
On Tuesday, the Swiss coach held her first training session with the locally assembled squad in Lusaka, which included Russian-based striker Xiomara Mapepa and midfielder Ireen Lungu, who is currently based in China.
Bwale shares insight on Copper Queens
In an interview, Bwale stated that one of the most outstanding characteristics of Zambian players is their ball intelligence.
“Zambian female players are intelligent in their thinking. They easily capture everything that you are teaching them, at least from my experience working with the team. That is one factor that will work for the new technical bench,” Bwale said.
Bwale notes that once they understand the coach’s demands, the team will be able to achieve the desired results, but they must first be psychologically prepared.
He has also suggested that the training sessions must be set in a way that allows for growth with a supportive environment from the coach and the association.
“When everything is set for them, they can play the football that you like as a coach….. But if things are not so well, then you will see the team might be affected. Otherwise, the environment in the camp will play a key role in terms of performance,” Bwale stated.
