FAZ Appoints Hauptle as New Copper Queens Coach
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has taken a bold step in its women’s football journey by appointing Nora Hauptle, a Swiss national, as the new head coach of the Copper Queens on a three-year deal. Hauptle’s appointment reflects FAZ’s commitment to consolidating the remarkable progress achieved in recent years.
“We are excited to announce the appointment of Nora Hauptle as the new Zambia Women National Team coach,” said FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga. “We have every reason to believe that she has the pedigree and profile that will take us to the next level.”
Hauptle, a former Swiss international defender, brings a wealth of experience to the Copper Queens. She had an illustrious playing career in Europe before transitioning into coaching. Notably, she managed SC Sand in the German Frauen-Bundesliga in 2020, becoming the league’s only female coach at the time. Hauptle also recently served as head coach for Ghana’s Black Queens in 2022, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in women’s football.
Her mission is clear: to build upon the Copper Queens’ achievements, including bronze at the 2022 WAFCON, a historic qualification to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and consecutive Olympic berths. Hauptle’s leadership aims to elevate Zambia’s women’s football to even greater heights.
Hauptle succeeds Bruce Mwape, who has been reassigned to FAZ’s developmental programs. Mwape’s tenure since 2018 witnessed groundbreaking milestones, including the Copper Queens’ debut World Cup appearance and back-to-back Olympic qualifications. To support his continued development, FAZ has secured a place for Mwape in the prestigious CAF Pro License course in Morocco.
“We thank Bruce Mwape for his invaluable contributions to women’s football in Zambia,” Kamanga said. “He remains an integral part of our technical development programs.”
The Copper Queens are already gearing up for their next big challenge, having secured qualification for the 2024 WAFCON, scheduled to take place in Morocco in July 2025. With Hauptle at the helm, expectations are high as Zambia continues to establish itself as a powerhouse in African women’s football.
