Nora Hauptle Poised to Take Over as Copper Queens Coach
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has identified Swiss-born coach Nora Hauptle as their leading candidate to take over as head coach of the Copper Queens. This move comes amid plans to part ways with long-serving coach Bruce Mwape.
Following an Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting held yesterday, FAZ has reportedly made significant progress in making Hauptle their top priority. Hauptle, who recently declined an offer from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), is expected to bring her extensive experience and tactical acumen to the Zambian women’s national team.
Hauptle’s Decision to Decline Ghana FA
Hauptle’s decision to turn down the GFA offer stemmed from salary disagreements and frustrations with insufficient support for team preparations. The GFA reportedly offered Hauptle a monthly salary of $6,000 and a $5,000 bonus, which she declined, instead seeking $12,000. Additionally, the inability of the GFA to secure $40,000 for friendly matches against Tunisia and Senegal further strained the negotiations, leading to her decision to exit.
Despite the challenges, Hauptle left a significant mark on the Ghanaian Black Queens, guiding them to an impressive campaign in the Women’s Olympic qualifiers. However, the team narrowly lost to the Copper Queens, who could soon benefit from Hauptle’s expertise.
Transition for the Copper Queens
The decision to sack Bruce Mwape comes after years of service, during which the Copper Queens achieved commendable milestones, including qualifying for major international tournaments. However, the association appears to be seeking fresh ideas and leadership to guide the team to new heights. Hauptle’s proven track record and recent experience in African women’s football make her an appealing candidate for the role.
Expectations for Hauptle’s Leadership
Should Hauptle take up the Copper Queens job, her immediate focus is expected to include improving team preparations, refining tactical strategies, and ensuring Zambia’s continued success on the continental and global stages. FAZ’s willingness to prioritize her appointment demonstrates their commitment to elevating the Copper Queens to the next level.
Conclusion
With Nora Hauptle as the prime target, the Football Association of Zambia looks set to usher in a new era for the Copper Queens. The experienced coach’s recent success with the Black Queens and her ambitious approach to team development could prove invaluable as Zambia aims for continued dominance in women’s football.
