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The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially announced Nora Hauptle as the new head coach of the Zambia women’s national team, the Copper Queens. Hauptle, a former Swiss international, signed a three-year deal that will keep her at the helm until 2028.
The Swiss tactician takes over from Bruce Mwape, who has been reassigned to developmental programs within FAZ as he pursues his CAF Pro License. Hauptle’s first major challenge will be leading the Copper Queens at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for July 2025.
Hauptle’s appointment follows her departure from Ghana’s Black Queens, where she had been head coach since 2023. Under her guidance, Ghana secured a return to the WAFCON for the first time since 2018 and narrowly missed qualifying for their maiden Olympic Games. Despite her success, Hauptle declined a contract extension with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) last month.
FAZ highlighted Hauptle’s credentials and extensive coaching experience in an official statement:
“Hauptle, a former Swiss international defender, brings a wealth of experience, including coaching in Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga and Ghana’s Black Queens. She will build on the team’s astonishing milestones, including Bronze at WAFCON 2022, a FIFA World Cup debut in 2023, and back-to-back Olympic qualifications (Tokyo 2020 & Paris 2024).”
The Copper Queens will look to Hauptle to continue their remarkable progress on the international stage, as they prepare for the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco and other upcoming tournaments.
Hauptle’s move leaves Ghana’s Black Queens without a head coach just six months ahead of the WAFCON, raising questions about their preparation for the competition. Meanwhile, Zambia hopes Hauptle’s expertise will elevate the Copper Queens to even greater heights.
