The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced the appointment of Nora Häuptle as the new head coach of the Copper Queens on a three-year contract, marking an exciting new chapter for Zambian women’s football.
A New Era for the Copper Queens
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expressed his belief that Häuptle’s vast experience and track record make her the ideal coach to lead Zambia to new heights.
“We are excited to welcome Nora Häuptle as the head coach of the Zambia Women’s National Team. Her pedigree and extensive experience make her the perfect candidate to take our team to the next level,” Kamanga said.
Under Häuptle’s guidance, the Copper Queens will focus on building upon their recent successes, which include winning bronze at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), qualifying for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and earning back-to-back Olympic qualifications.
Zambia’s Challenging Road to WAFCON 2024
Zambia will face a tough challenge in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as they are drawn into a competitive Group A. The Copper Queens will meet Morocco, DR Congo, and Senegal in the tournament, set to take place in Morocco from 5-26 July 2025.
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Zambia’s victory over Morocco in April to secure Olympic qualification for Paris 2024 will fuel their ambition as they seek to progress past the group stage. The top two teams from each group, along with the best two third-placed teams, will advance to the quarter-finals.
Häuptle’s Remarkable Coaching Journey
A former Swiss international defender, Häuptle transitioned to coaching after retiring from playing in 2009. She made history in 2020 as the only female coach in the German Frauen-Bundesliga with SC Sand, later working as Technical Adviser for Ghana’s U-20 women’s team, the Black Princesses.
In 2022, she took charge of Ghana’s senior women’s team, the Black Queens, leading them back to WAFCON for the first time since 2018 and almost guiding them to Olympic qualification.
See what qualification to the WAFCON meant to Nora Häuptle . She couldn’t hold back the tearspic.twitter.com/EvU2LikWwh
— Bill Eshun (@Bill_Eshun) December 5, 2023
Häuptle holds a UEFA Pro Licence and has extensive qualifications in sports management, strength and conditioning, and athletic coaching. Fluent in five languages, she brings a broad and international perspective to the Copper Queens.
Zambia’s Vision for the Future
Häuptle’s appointment signals a transition for Bruce Mwape, who had been at the helm of the Copper Queens since 2018.
Mwape led the team to historic achievements, including their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance and two Olympic qualifications. Moving forward, Mwape will take on a developmental role within FAZ’s technical program, where he will benefit from advanced CAF Pro Licence training.
A Coach with Global Expertise
Beyond football, Nora Häuptle has worked as a conditioning coach for Swiss tennis player Romina Oprandi and collaborated with Swiss Olympic teams in athletics and weightlifting. Her cross-disciplinary expertise and multilingual skills make her a unique and dynamic addition to the Copper Queens.
As the Copper Queens prepare for the 2024 WAFCON, Häuptle’s appointment promises to bring fresh tactical strategies, innovative training, and a focus on maintaining Zambia’s upward trajectory in women’s football.
The eyes of African and global football will be on Zambia as they aim to make a lasting impact at WAFCON 2024 and beyond.
