Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Machacha Shepande has confirmed that First Assistant Coach Charles Haalubono has travelled with the Copper Queens for this year’s COSAFA Senior Women’s Championship. Haalubono will take charge of the team on an interim basis during the early stages of the tournament. FAZ clarified that Head Coach Nora Häuptle remains fully in charge of the team and has been actively involved in selecting the squad for the regional competition. The interim arrangement ensures that the team maintains technical leadership while accommodating Häuptle’s temporary absence.
Shepande emphasized that Häuptle was responsible for the squad selection, highlighting her continued influence over team preparations despite her temporary absence. Häuptle had to return to her home base to attend to an assignment but is expected to join the Copper Queens once her commitments are completed. This arrangement allows the team to maintain consistency in training and match preparations, ensuring they are fully ready for the competitive fixtures. Haalubono’s role as interim head coach is focused on maintaining the tactical framework established by Häuptle.
During the opening phase of the COSAFA Senior Women’s Championship, Haalubono will lead the technical bench and oversee matchday decisions. His leadership is aimed at providing continuity and stability while supporting the players’ adaptation to tournament conditions in South Africa. The Copper Queens are expected to benefit from Haalubono’s familiarity with the team’s style of play and his knowledge of Häuptle’s strategies. FAZ has reassured fans and stakeholders that the coaching transition is smooth and that Häuptle’s return will reinforce the team’s leadership for the remainder of the competition.
The interim arrangement reflects FAZ’s commitment to ensuring the Copper Queens are well-prepared and competitively ready. It also underscores the collaborative approach between the head coach and assistant coach in managing the team. The Copper Queens aim to perform strongly in the COSAFA Championship, building on the preparations led by Häuptle and executed by Haalubono. This strategic approach ensures the team remains focused on achieving positive results while maintaining tactical discipline.
FAZ’s management has highlighted that such arrangements are standard practice in international competitions, allowing coaches to attend to personal or professional assignments without disrupting team performance. The Copper Queens’ squad continues to train and adapt under Haalubono’s guidance, maintaining high standards set by Häuptle. Fans can expect the head coach to rejoin the team soon, bringing her full expertise to guide Zambia through the remainder of the tournament. The interim leadership ensures that the Copper Queens remain on track to compete at their best.