The Zambia Football Association (FAZ) has announced the departure of Nora Hauptle as head coach of the Copper Queens, Zambia's women's national football team. According to FAZ, Hauptle and the association have reached a mutual separation agreement, ending her tenure with the team. The decision was made after a meeting between FAZ officials and Hauptle's representatives. FAZ expressed gratitude for Hauptle's contributions to Zambian football and wished her well in her future endeavors.
Hauptle was appointed as the Copper Queens' head coach on January 24, 2025, signing a three-year contract to replace the late Bruce Mwape, who had led the team since 2018. Before joining Zambia, Hauptle had a successful stint with Ghana's women's national football team, the Black Queens. She was appointed by the Ghana Football Association in 2023 to succeed Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo. During her time with Ghana, Hauptle guided the team through the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and led them to the 2023 WAFU Zone B Women's Cup title.
Assistant coach Charles Haalubono has been placed in temporary charge of the Copper Queens ahead of Zambia's upcoming fixtures. FAZ general secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed that Haalubono will head the team in the coming weeks, with long-term arrangements to be announced in due course. Hauptle's departure comes as a surprise, given her recent appointment and the team's ongoing preparations.
Before moving into coaching, Hauptle enjoyed a playing career as a defender with several Swiss and Dutch clubs, including St. Gallen, BSC YB Frauen, FFC Zuchwil 05, FC Rot-Schwarz Thun, and FC Twente Enschede. She began her coaching career during her final season at FC Thun, working with the club's Under-14 and Under-15 boys' teams while also serving as an athletic coach for youth players between 2009 and 2012.
Away from football, Hauptle has a degree in sports and theatre studies from the University of Bern. She has also worked as a conditioning coach for Swiss tennis player Romina Oprandi and has been a football pundit for Swiss broadcaster SRF zwei. Hauptle's experience and expertise have been valued by several football teams and organizations.
The Zambia Football Association has thanked Hauptle for her contributions to the Copper Queens and wished her well in her future endeavors. FAZ will announce long-term arrangements for the team's coaching position in due course. The Copper Queens are set to participate in upcoming fixtures, with assistant coach Charles Haalubono leading the team in the interim.
Hauptle's departure from Zambia marks the end of a brief but eventful tenure as Copper Queens head coach. Her experience and expertise will likely be remembered by Zambian football fans, and her future endeavors will be closely watched by the football community.
Key points
- Nora Hauptle left Zambia by mutual agreement with the Zambia Football Association.
- Hauptle was appointed Zambia coach on January 24, 2025, replacing the late Bruce Mwape.
- Assistant coach Charles Haalubono has taken temporary charge of the Copper Queens.
