The Copper Queens are targeting qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games as they begin their campaign against Uganda tomorrow at Hamz Stadium in Kampala.

Interim head coach Charles Haalubono says the team wants to honour late former coach Bruce Mwape by continuing the Olympic legacy he helped establish with Zambia.

Mwape guided the Copper Queens to their first two Olympic appearances, at the Tokyo 2020 Games, held in 2021, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Haalubono says the team is determined to continue that legacy, starting with tomorrow’s first-leg clash against Uganda, which kicks off at 15:00 CAT.

Speaking during the pre-match press conference, Haalubono expressed confidence in the squad and believes the players have spent enough time together for bonding not to be an issue.

“The players are ready to play. I know most of these players have been with us for such a long time, so I think bonding will not be a problem because we have been together,” Haalubono said.

Haalubono said qualifying for the Olympics would also provide a fitting tribute to Mwape, who achieved the feat twice with the Copper Queens.

“I’ve been there twice, so we have to continue. And I always say this should be an honour to our late former head coach, Mr Bruce Mwape, who qualified the team twice for the Olympics,” he said.

“We’ll try by all means to do the best job for our country and represent our people by winning and qualifying the team to the Olympics.”

Copper Queens challenged

Haalubono also challenged the players to fight for their places and give their best for the country.

“For those who have come, they have to fight for their country and do their best, because it’s not about an individual. They have to put in their best for them to be picked. So it’s a challenge to everyone,” he said.

Haalubono also outlined his expectations of how Zambia should approach the game, insisting that the Copper Queens must play good, coordinated football to compete at the highest level.

“What I can say is we are going to play good football. We are supposed to compete at that level. And for you to be able to compete at that higher level, you must play good football, passing game, well-coordinated football,” he said.

The Copper Queens will now look to put Haalubono’s targets into action in Kampala and secure a positive result before the return leg in Ndola.