COSAFA Women’s Championship: Zambia will not underrate Namibia – Haalubono

Zambia women’s national team assistant coach Charles Haalubono has made it clear the Copper Queens will approach their semifinal clash against Namibia with caution, warning that the Brave Gladiators are no pushovers.

Speaking ahead of the encounter at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday, Haalubono said Namibia possess dangerous forwards, who can punish any lapse in concentration.

Namibia remains formidable side

“This is a different fixture. We don’t have some of the players who played in that qualifier (WAFCON). We have brought in new ones but we keep the momentum.” Said Haalubono.

The Copper Queens looked locked in during their final training session before semis 🇿🇲#CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/DwoUsmpSpi

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 26, 2026

Although Zambia beat Namibia home and away to book their place at WAFCON, Haalubono emphasised the Brave Gladiators remain a formidable side and must not be taken lightly.

He noted while Zambia are without some key players who featured in the two-legged WAFCON qualifier, Namibia have largely kept their squad intact.

“I’m sure Namibia have most of their players; I still remember most of them. So, I think if they are missing; it could be one or two. In South Africa we made some errors; individual errors. They have got very good finishers. Immediately they went into transition and finished the chances they had.

“They have Coleman, a highly experienced player with very high football intelligence. She makes changes wherever she has the ball.”

Haalubono is however, confident Zambia can get the job done and reach a second consecutive final in South Africa. He added the tournament has given the Copper Queens a valuable platform to test different tactical systems as they fine-tune preparations for WAFCON.

‘We have tested all the systems’

Assessing the three group-stage matches played so far, Haalubono said Zambia have faced varied and competitive opposition.

“We have tested all types of tactical play. I have seen teams playing long balls, teams being defensive and teams having open play. We have tested all the systems. So far, we have had the best competition and the best platform for our players to show what they have because we haven’t played an easy match,” he said.

One session away from history. The Gladiators are locked in 🇳🇦#CWC2025 #Hollywoodbets #HollywoodbetsCWC2025 pic.twitter.com/ESNxcX4JQB

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) February 26, 2026

And defender Agness Musesa echoed her coach’s sentiments and insisted that Namibia are a strong side who deserve respect. Musesa called for unity in the camp ahead of the semi-final and praised the team’s preparations.

“The mood in camp is awesome. The players are ready. We are ready,” said Musesa.

Rhodah Chileshe has been cleared to return by Copper Queens team doctor Racheal Mkalipi and is now available for selection. Chileshe could feature against Namibia.

Rhodah trained with the team at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa on Thursday. Zambia take on Namibia in the first semifinal tie at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium.