The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially appointed Nora Häuptle as the new head coach of the Copper Queens, the national women’s football team.
The Swiss coach, who has previously managed Ghana’s senior women’s team, the Black Queens, has signed a two-year contract, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Zambia’s women’s football program.
Zambia FA president Andrew Kamanga expressed his excitement over Häuptle’s appointment, lauding her experience and achievements in women’s football. “We are excited to announce the appointment of Nora Häuptle as the new Zambia Women’s National Team coach. We have every reason to believe that she has the pedigree and profile that will take us to the next level,” Kamanga said in a statement.
He emphasized that Häuptle’s appointment is a key step in continuing the momentum that has seen the Copper Queens rise to prominence in African women’s football. “Her duty is to consolidate on the gains made in our women’s game in the last few years that has seen us win bronze at the WAFCON, qualify for a maiden FIFA World Cup in 2023, and secure back-to-back Olympic qualifications,” Kamanga added.
Häuptle’s reputation as a skilled and experienced coach precedes her. She led Ghana’s Black Queens to notable successes, including qualification for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and winning the 2023 WAFU Zone B Women’s Cup. During her time with Ghana, she narrowly missed out on securing an Olympic qualification spot for the team, after a hard-fought battle with Zambia, who ultimately triumphed.
Prior to her role with the Black Queens, Häuptle had already proven her coaching abilities as a technical advisor for Ghana’s U-20 women’s national team during the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. Despite her successes with Ghana, she chose not to renew her contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) after her initial deal expired, opting instead to take on the challenge of leading Zambia’s Copper Queens.
Häuptle’s appointment comes after the dismissal of Bruce Mwape, who had previously been in charge of the Copper Queens. The team has made significant strides in recent years, with notable achievements including their historic qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and their strong showing in continental tournaments.
