Copper Queens: Zambia part ways with former Ghana coach Nora Hauptle on mutual agreement

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that it has mutually agreed to part ways with Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle after less than two years in charge of the women's national team.

FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya said the decision was reached following discussions between the association and Häuptle's representatives, with both parties agreeing that a separation was in their best interests.

In a statement, FAZ confirmed the departure of the Swiss coach.

“FAZ can confirm that it has reached a mutual separation agreement with its senior coach, Nora Häuptle,” the statement said.

“After a meeting between FAZ and Häuptle’s representatives, it was agreed that in the interest of progress for both parties they had to separate.

“We would like to sincerely thank Häuptle for her contribution to the Zambian game and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

FAZ also announced that assistant coach Charles Haalubono will take charge of the Copper Queens on an interim basis as preparations continue for upcoming international assignments.

“Considering that we have assignments coming up in the next few weeks, we will allow the assistant coach Charles Haalubono to head the team. FAZ will in due course announce long-term arrangements,” Chakatazya said.

Häuptle was appointed Zambia head coach on January 24, 2025, on a three-year contract, succeeding the late Bruce Mwape, who had led the team since 2018.

Before taking charge of Zambia, Häuptle enjoyed a successful spell with Ghana’s women’s national team. She was appointed Black Queens coach in 2023, replacing Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo, and guided the side through the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign. She also led Ghana to victory at the 2023 WAFU Zone B Women’s Cup.

As a player, Häuptle featured as a defender for several clubs in Switzerland, including St. Gallen, BSC YB Frauen and FFC Zuchwil 05, before moving to the Netherlands to play for FC Twente Enschede.

She later returned to Switzerland with FC Rot-Schwarz Thun, where she began her coaching journey. During her final playing years, she worked with FC Thun's youth teams, coaching the club's U-14 and U-15 boys while also serving as an athletic coach across various age groups.

Alongside her coaching development, Häuptle studied sports and theatre studies at the University of Bern, worked as a conditioning coach for Swiss tennis player Romina Oprandi and served as a football pundit for Swiss broadcaster SRF zwei.

FAZ is expected to announce a permanent replacement in the coming weeks as the Copper Queens prepare for their next competitive fixtures.