The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has explained why the proposed six-nation tournament has been postponed until the next international FIFA window, which is scheduled for May.

The Copper Queens will face Malawi’s Scorchers in two international friendly matches this month as part of their preparations for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Last week, FAZ general secretary Reuben Kamanga stated that the association faced difficulties in organizing the six-nation tournament.

“The friendlies will be A-Grade fixtures, with both sides expected to have their best players available. We had hoped to organize a six-nation tournament, but we ran into some challenges, hence putting it off. The idea was always to give the Copper Queens at least more than one game during the FIFA window,” Reuben said.

In the latest development, FAZ president Andrew Kamanga has disclosed that the tournament could not be organized this month because the association wanted it to align with FIFA standards. As a result, FAZ has settled for May as the month to host the tournament, which will allow many teams to participate.

“The second phase will be the six-nation tournament where we had targeted hosting the top women’s teams on the continent through a FIFA-approved mini tournament. The tournament has been moved to May when all the teams are guaranteed to participate,” Kamanga said.

Meanwhile, Kamanga believes that the upcoming friendly matches will help the newly assembled technical bench assess the players for the upcoming WAFCON tournament.

“The friendlies are the first phase of preparation for the Morocco 2025 Women Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Nora Hauptle and her technical staff will use the international window to evaluate the players ahead of the tournament. Foreign-based players will join the locals next week when the FIFA window opens,” he stated.