The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed the mutual separation of Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle after less than two years in charge of the Zambia Women’s National Team.

FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed the decision on Saturday, explaining that an agreement was reached following a meeting between the football governing body and representatives of the Swiss coach. Häuptle was appointed Copper Queens head coach on January 24, 2025, on a three-year contract.

“FAZ can confirm that it has reached a mutual separation agreement with its senior Women National Team coach Nora Häuptle,” Chakatazya 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.”

FAZ thanked Häuptle for her contribution to Zambian football and wished her well in her future endeavours. The association has not, however, provided details regarding the circumstances that led to the mutual separation.

With the Copper Queens having assignments coming up in the next few weeks, FAZ has moved quickly to put an interim arrangement in place. Assistant coach Charles Haalubono will take charge of the national team while the association considers its long-term plans.

“Considering that we have assignments coming up in the next few weeks, we will allow the assistant coach Charles Haalubono to head the team,” Chakatazya said.

“FAZ will in due course announce long-term arrangements.”

Haalubono is not new to the women’s national-team setup, having previously worked with Zambia’s women’s youth national teams. He is also currently head coach of Green Buffaloes Women, giving him experience of working within Zambia’s domestic women’s game.

His immediate task will be to oversee the Copper Queens through their upcoming assignments while FAZ works on arrangements for the permanent coaching position. The association has not indicated when a long-term successor to Häuptle will be appointed.

Häuptle’s departure brings an end to a tenure that began with a three-year mandate but lasted less than two years. Her exit now leaves the Copper Queens preparing for their next chapter under interim coach Haalubono, with FAZ expected to provide further details on the team’s long-term technical direction in due course.