Haalubono handed Copper Queens reins for Olympic battle

The Football Association of Zambia has thrust Green Buffaloes tactician Charles Haalubono into the hot seat as interim Copper Queens coach, just weeks before a crucial Olympic qualifier against Uganda, following the abrupt exit of Swiss coach Nora Häuptle. FAZ last Saturday…

The Football Association of Zambia has thrust Green Buffaloes tactician Charles Haalubono into the hot seat as interim Copper Queens coach, just weeks before a crucial Olympic qualifier against Uganda, following the abrupt exit of Swiss coach Nora Häuptle.

FAZ last Saturday mutually separated with Häuptle, who only took charge in January 2025, leaving the Copper Queens bench vacant on the eve of the Los Angeles 2028 race.

FAZ General Secretary *Charles Chakatazya confirmed Haalubono, who was Häuptle’s assistant, will head the team as Football House works on long-term measures.

“Considering that we have assignments coming up in the next few weeks, we will allow the assistant coach Charles Haalubono to head the team,” Chakatazya said.

With no time to gamble, Haalubono has moved swiftly, naming a 33-member local squad blending experienced 2026 WAFCON stars from Morocco and hungry junior players to start early preparations.

Among the early call-ups are Wesco Ndola Girls forward Eneless Phiri*, Green Buffaloes midfielder Evarine Katongo and Elite Ladies goalkeeper Winfridah Mutale.

Foreign-based stars will join when the FIFA window opens.

The stakes could not be higher. Zambia face Uganda away on 8 October before hosting the Crested Cranes a week later at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola in Round Two.

The winner advances to round three in a gruelling five-round qualification path to Los Angeles.

For Zambia, who have made back-to-back Olympics since Tokyo 2020, failure is not an option – and FAZ has placed that burden on Haalubono’s shoulders.

FULL LOCAL SQUAD

(GOALKEEPERS)

Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows), Annie Namonje (Zesco Ndola Girls), Loveness Tonge (Green Eagles), Winfridah Mutale (Elite Ladies)

(DEFENDERS)

Saliyah Mwanza, Matildah Mukunda (both Elite Ladies), Memory Nthala, Esther Siamfuko, Margaret Gondwe, Rachael Nachula (all Green Buffaloes), Lweendo Hanongo (Driven Queens), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Rangers), Jackline Chomba, Pauline Zulu (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Justina Zulu, Thelma Chellah (both Zanaco Ladies), Natasha Nkaka (Green Eagles)

(MIDFIELDERS)

Evarine Katongo, Natasha Nanyangwe (Green Buffaloes), Zangose Zulu, Regina Chanda (both Zanaco Ladies), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Avell Chitundu (Zesco Ndola Girls),

(STRIKERS)

Maweta Chilenga, Agness Phiri (both Green Buffaloes), Eneless Phiri, Penelope Mulubwa, Charity Mubanga (all Zesco Ndola Girls), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows), Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Ivy Nambeye (Nchanga Rangers), Theresa Nayame (Kansanshi Queens)