The Zambia women’s national football team have stepped up preparations for the HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship after holding their first training session at the Old Peter Mokaba Annex pitch.
The defending champions touched down in South Africa and immediately got to work as they fine-tune preparations for their opening Group fixture against Botswana women’s national football team.
The match is scheduled for Thursday, 19 February 2025, with kick-off set for 15:00 at Seshego Stadium.
In the absence of head coach Nora Häuptle, who has been officially excused, assistant coach Charles Halubono took charge of the session, overseeing drills focused on fitness, ball circulation, and tactical shape.
Zambia have been drawn in a competitive group alongside Malawi, Botswana and Malawi.
As reigning COSAFA champions, the Copper Queens will be aiming to start their title defence on a strong note, with an opening-day victory expected to set the tone for another deep run in the regional tournament.
All eyes will now be on Thursday’s encounter as Zambia seek to assert their dominance early in the competition.
Zambia will play their first match on Thursday, February 19, against Botswana at 15:00 at Seshego Stadium before facing Zimbabwe three days later.
The Copper Queens’ final Group B match will be against Eswatini on February 24 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The top teams in each pool, along with the best runner-up, will advance to the semi-finals.
Zambia were crowned champions in 2022 and 2024 and finished as runners-up in 2023.
