Haalubono handed the Copper Queens reins for the Olympic battle

The Copper Queens have new leadership. Haalubono has been handed the reins of the women's national team as the federation sets its sights on the Olympic qualification battle — the next summit for a programme that has made deep tournament runs its habit.

The appointment continues FAZ's preference for coaches who know the system: the Queens' recent successes were built on continuity, deliberate preparation camps and a widening player pool behind captain Barbra Banda — whose third consecutive Ballon d'Or nomination this month confirmed her place among the world's elite.

The timing is deliberate. With pre-camp work concluded in July and the core entering its prime, the Olympic pathway offers the Queens a stage they have graced before — and one where Zambia now expects to compete rather than participate.

The new coach inherits expectation, not just a squad. That is what progress looks like.