By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 4th December 2025

Haalubono Praises Häuptle as Copper Queens Win Three Nations Tournament

Copper Queens assistant coach Charles Haalubono has paid glowing tribute to head coach Nora Häuptle, praising her invaluable guidance despite missing the Three Nations Tournament in Malawi due to illness.
Häuptle, who fell ill while in Switzerland, was unable to travel, but Haalubono stressed that her influence remained central to Zambia’s strong performances in Lilongwe.

The Green Buffaloes Women’s FC assistant coach also hailed his players for their tactical discipline and improved efficiency in front of goal. Haalubono noted that the team successfully applied key instructions, including exploiting second balls and playing quickly behind the Zimbabwean defence.

Haalubono was particularly pleased with the team’s improvement in converting chances, highlighting the difference between the draw against Malawi and the emphatic 3–1 victory over Zimbabwe. He credited better execution and quick transitions for the attacking success.

He also expressed gratitude to the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) for organising the tournament, describing it as an important learning platform ahead of the 2026 WAFCON. He emphasised that such competitions help the technical bench assess squad depth, especially in the absence of key players like captain Barbra Banda and Grace Chanda.

The assistant coach encouraged fringe players to seize their opportunities, noting that football demands continuous learning and competition for places. He expressed satisfaction with the response from younger squad members.

One standout performer was Eneless Phiri of ZESCO Ndola Girls, who scored twice against Zimbabwe and assisted the equaliser against Malawi. Haalubono praised the winger’s rapid development and impactful contribution to the team’s success.

Zambia finished the tournament unbeaten, drawing 1–1 with Malawi before overpowering Zimbabwe 3–1 to lift the 2025 Three Nations Tournament title. The competition forms part of the Copper Queens’ preparations for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.