“She Is a Clear Number Nine” – Hauptle on Samiah Phiri
Zambia Women’s National Team head coach Nora Hauptle has expressed satisfaction with the performances of France-based forward Samiah Phiri following her first call-up to the Copper Queens setup.
Speaking after several days of training at the local pre-camp, Hauptle revealed that Phiri has made a positive early impression as the technical bench continues preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Hauptle explained that the pre-camp brought together 38 locally based players, including six Under-20 prospects, as part of a wider assessment process.
“The players responded very well. The mentality and intensity in training was good,” Hauptle said. “In the first week we focused on the basics, repeating what we’ve done throughout the year, and in the second week we started working on a second plan.”
The Swiss coach outlined three key objectives of the camp: improving fitness levels, reducing goals conceded, and increasing tactical flexibility.
“We score goals, but we concede too many, about 1.6 goals per game. That’s too high,” she noted. “A successful team concedes around 0.8 goals per game, so we need to be much better defensively, especially in box defending.”
Turning her attention to new faces in the squad, Hauptle highlighted Phiri as one of the diaspora players being assessed to strengthen the team ahead of WAFCON.
“She arrived here and had a warm welcome,” Hauptle said. “She is a clear number nine, a striker, with good size. She reads the game very well and always finds smart solutions on the ball.”
Hauptle added that while Phiri still needs to add more physicality to her game, she believes the forward has the potential to compete for a place in the final squad.
“With the injuries we have in that position, there might be a chance for her to make it into the final squad,” she said.
The Copper Queens coach also emphasized her belief in blending youth with experience, revealing that several Under-20 players have adapted well to the senior environment and could be attached to the WAFCON squad.
As preparations intensify, Hauptle confirmed that the team is expected to regroup in three weeks for the international camp, with plans for high-level friendly matches, potentially at a tournament in Dubai, subject to financial approval.
Zambia has been drawn in a tough WAFCON group alongside Egypt, Nigeria, and Malawi, with Hauptle insisting her side must be tactically versatile to handle the different challenges posed by each opponent.
