Hauptle outlines pathway for diaspora players into Copper Queens

By Aaron Mubanga

  

  

Zambia coach says overseas-based players must show commitment and outperform local talent to earn national team call ups. 

Copper Queens head coach Norah Hauptle says Zambia have widened their scouting net to include players in the diaspora, but insists overseas-based footballers must meet strict criteria before earning a place in the national team.

Speaking to the FAZ Media team, Hauptle said players with Zambian roots based abroad are welcome to represent the Copper Queens, provided they show commitment to the national cause and are able to improve the squad.

The Swiss coach has already demonstrated her openness to diaspora talent by handing a call-up to France-based striker Samiah Phiri, and says more could follow.

“We basically say ‘Zambia Ku Calo’. All players in the diaspora with Zambian roots are welcome to our national team,” Hauptle said.

“We have extended the scouting to the US and Europe. Currently, we have some on our radar, especially in Europe.”

However, Hauptle was clear that foreign-based status alone is not enough, stressing that selection will be based on merit rather than location.

“First of all, we need to check a player’s commitment to playing for Zambia. For me, they need to be willing to play for the badge. They need to have a heart for the country,” she said.

“Secondly, they need to be better than our local talent in a particular position.”

Hauptle explained that the technical bench follows a structured process before extending an invitation, with commitment, quality and character identified as the key requirements.

“Thirdly, we need to have dialogue, and I also need to check if their character fits into our team,” she added.

“When those three steps are done, like in Samiah Phiri’s case, we invite them. Sometimes we need to work on documentation, passports and so on, then they are good to go.”

Zambia’s expanded scouting approach reflects a growing trend among African national teams, as federations look to combine homegrown talent with eligible players developed in Europe and the United States.

 

Source — Zamfoot