Interim Copper Queens coach Charles Haalubono wants Zambia to stick to their natural passing game when they face Uganda in the first leg of the second round of the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic qualifier.
The Copper Queens take on Uganda at Hamz Nakivubo Stadium in Kampala on Thursday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 CAT.
Haalubono believes his familiarity with most of the players will help the team quickly adapt to his interim leadership, having worked with many of them for an extended period.
“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 at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference.
The coach said Zambia would look to impose their passing style on the game, while stressing the need for the team to compete at a high level and play with greater 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,” he said.
Haalubono also played down the significance of Zambia’s 5–0 defeat by Uganda in their previous friendly meeting, insisting that the Copper Queens have since undergone changes.
“We are looking at the present. What we have put in. What we have done,” he said.
The interim coach has set his sights on qualification for the Olympic Games for a third consecutive time, with Zambia having featured at the 2020 and 2024 editions.
Haalubono also paid tribute to the late Bruce Mwape, who guided the Copper Queens to their previous two Olympic appearances.
Zambia will be looking to take a positive result from Kampala before the return leg as they continue their bid to secure another place at the Olympic Games.
