The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed the appointment of Swiss national Nora Hauptle as Copper Queens coach.
The former Black Queens head coach has penned a three year deal. FAZ took to social media to confirm the development in a statement by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala.
Hauptle takes over from Bruce Mwape who led the Copper Queens to back to back Olympics Qualification and a WAFCON bronze medal.
“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has appointed Swiss national Nora Hauptle as Copper Queens coach on a three year deal.”
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga says Hauptle had been hired to consolidate on the gains made in the women’s game.
“We are excited to announce the appointment of Nora Hauptle as the new Zambia Women 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 told FAZ media.
“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 to a maiden FIFA World Cup in 2023 and back-to-back Olympic qualifications.”
The former Swiss defender is expected to be unveiled soon.
The new Copper Queens coach had a distinguished career as a defender in Europe and represented Switzerland at international level before retiring in 2009.
She took up coaching and notably drilled SC Sand in the German Frauen-Bundesliga, in 2020, where she was, at the time, the only female coach in the league. Hauptle left SC Sand in 2021 before being appointed Black Queens coach in 2022.
Kamanga says Hauptle’s predecessor Bruce Mwape will be re-assigned in a different capacity in the developmental teams.
“We also wish to thank Bruce Mwape for the work done since his appointment in 2018 which has seen the team qualify to the World Cup and two Olympics (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024). He remains a core member of our wider technical development program as we secured a CAF Pro License course for him as part of our collaboration with the Royal Morocco Federation. He will become the second Zambian coach to undertake the CAF Pro License after Wedson Nyirenda,” he says.
The Copper Queens have already qualified for the 2024 WAFCON (to be played in July 2025) that takes place in Morocco.
Long overdue
Wishing her a good lucky as embark on this journey
The problem with us Zambian is we forget fast just because of the comments she made and we think she is good let’s wait one, will remember the former coach and the way we have treated him,
🤣😂🤣🤣 save us from the drama…. The decision by FAZ was timely.
🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲🇿🇲’s not blind or naive. She spoke mu lwalala (Beforehand) and brilliantly executed her plans against our team.
That was a NO BRAINER! She out smarted your beloved uncle Bruce & the Association (FAZ) was smart enough to make a move for a BETTER COACH.
Coach Norah you are welcome to Zambia. We know your potential to change the beautiful game of football. You came with a team that gave us a clue of you hard work. We loved you you even before you came to Zambia. We are a peaceful and football loving nation. Please work well with our FAZ to make us happy. The copper queen are a pool of talent . With and them . World cup is here.welcometo Zambia. To Faz you have read the minds of many Zambians thanks. Please don’t forget about Mr Bruce he has done so much, but we have to move on .
WELL DONE to the football association. This has been quite a 💫✨genius move!
This news is overwhelming and I can’t wait to see the girls in action.
Welcome COACH. Your wish has been granted
Zambian has been longing to see you Well come to Zambia kuchalo. Nora kuchalo-cooper queen forward.