Haalubono Wants Copper Queens to Play ‘Natural Zambian Football’ Against Uganda

Interim Copper Queens coach Charles Haalubono says his familiarity with most of the players will help the team quickly settle as Zambia begins its 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifying campaign against Uganda.

Haalubono was speaking at the pre-match press conference at Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo, ahead of tomorrow’s first-leg encounter against Uganda, scheduled for 15:00 CAT in Kampala.

The coach said he has worked with most of the players for a long time, making the bonding process easier ahead of the important assignment.

“I know most of these players. I have been with them for such a long time. I think bonding will not be a problem because we have been together,” Haalubono said.

Haalubono said the Copper Queens will look to maintain their natural passing game and compete at a higher level by keeping the ball on the ground and playing with coordination.

“On our side we enjoy putting the ball down as our natural Zambian football. So we will try to put the ball down and play,” Haalubono said.

The coach also dismissed the relevance of Zambia’s previous 5-0 friendly defeat to Uganda, noting that the team has since undergone changes.

“We are looking at the present. What we have put in. What we have done,” Haalubono said.

Haalubono said the target is to win and secure qualification for the Olympics for a third consecutive time, while also paying tribute to late former coach Bruce Mwape for guiding the team to the previous two Olympic Games.