The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has made a significant move in strengthening the country’s women’s football team, appointing Swiss national Nora Hauptle as the new coach of the Copper Queens. Hauptle, a former defender who represented Switzerland at the international level, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having coached in the German Frauen-Bundesliga and led the Black Queens of Ghana.
According to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga, Hauptle’s appointment is aimed at consolidating the gains made in women’s football in Zambia over the past few years. The Copper Queens have enjoyed significant success, winning bronze at the WAFCON, qualifying for the FIFA World Cup in 2023, and securing back-to-back Olympic qualifications. Hauptle’s task will be to build on this momentum and take the team to the next level.
Hauptle’s coaching career has been marked by notable achievements, including her stint as the only female coach in the German Frauen-Bundesliga in 2020. Her experience and expertise will undoubtedly be invaluable in guiding the Copper Queens to further success. The new coach is expected to be unveiled soon, and fans will be eagerly awaiting her first match in charge.
The appointment of Hauptle also marks a new chapter for Bruce Mwape, the outgoing coach of the Copper Queens. Mwape, who has been at the helm since 2018, will be re-assigned to a different capacity in the developmental teams. Kamanga praised Mwape’s contributions to the team’s success, including their qualification for the World Cup and two Olympics.
As the Copper Queens look to the future, they can take heart from their recent successes and the experience of their new coach. With Hauptle at the helm, the team will be aiming to make a strong impact at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, where they have already secured qualification.