Before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) appointed American coach Lisa Cole, a former Fiji Women’s National Team backroom staff member, as a technical advisor to the Bruce Mwape-led Copper Queens coaching bench.
She was part of the team that stunned Germany 4-3 in a friendly match as well as the Copper Queens’ campaign at the World Cup.
Unfortunately, Zambia had a nightmare debut at the World Cup, losing 5-0 to Japan and eventual winners Spain to exit in the group stage before winning a consolation match 3-1 against Costa Rica.
Following the tournament, Cole left the Copper Queens, who are now preparing for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games following the expiration of her short-term contract but her heart is still with the team.
Lisa Cole involvement explained
Cole was heavily involved in the transfers of three Copper Queens to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), including Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, and, most recently, Grace Chanda.
Chanda became the third Zambian player to join the NWSL in less than two months after being unveiled by Orlando Pride on Thursday.
Her transfer came after Kundananji, who signed for Bay FC for a world record fee, and Banda, also at Orlando Pride.
In all three transfers, Cole is understood to have recommended the players to Orlando Pride and Bay FC.
Orlando Pride vice president of soccer operations and general manager, Haley Carter, revealed this development to BolaNews in an exclusive interview.
“She [Cole] has been involved in every single one of those signings,” Carter disclosed. “She was involved with Rachael’s, she was involved with Barbra’s, and she was involved with Grace.”
Carter credited Cole for advocating for the signing of the trio by the two NWSL clubs.
“Having somebody of her calibre really push for, advocate for, and vouch for those athletes, I think, goes a really long way. I have always kept my eyes on the talent pool in Africa because I think that the potential there and the ceiling there are so high.”
With Banda and Kundananji already on fire in the NWSL, scoring 8 and 2 goals in only 7 and 8 games, respectively, all eyes will be on the Copper Queens when they compete at this year’s Paris Olympics, which begin on July 25, 2024.
They are in Group B, with Germany, the USWNT, and Australia.
Mwape’s side will open their campaign on July 25 against the USWNT.
