Bola Yapa Zed | 14 November 2025
Nora Häuptle’s rise from a young coach in Switzerland to the leader of the Copper Queens is a story shaped by perseverance, cultural discovery, and deep personal transformation. While she has worked in Europe and West Africa, it is in Zambia where she has found her strongest purpose and finest work. In this article, we explore how life in Zambia has reshaped her coaching style, leadership mindset, and emotional awareness all while helping elevate the women’s national team to new heights.
The Swiss-born coach, who has worked with elite systems including the Swiss Olympic Team, reveals how Zambia has shaped her both professionally and personally, bringing out new strengths while challenging long-standing assumptions about leadership in football.
Life in Zambia: A Coaching Journey Built on Adaptation
Daily coaching life in Zambia is a mixture of planning, improvisation, and resilience. Häuptle often begins her day in a hotel before heading to whichever training pitch is available. But in Zambia, plans can change instantly.
There are days when the team waits for a bus that never arrives, forcing training sessions to be moved or cancelled. The lack of a national training centre means surfaces differ from lush grass to rough sand fields.
Yet Häuptle embraces these challenges as part of coaching in Africa.
What Zambia lacks in infrastructure, it compensates for with passion and connection.
During a recent women’s AFCON qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, more than 30,000 fans filled the stands evidence of how deeply the Copper Queens are loved.
Why Zambia Feels Like a Place of Freedom
In several interviews, Häuptle highlights that she feels more professionally free in Zambia than in Europe.
In Switzerland, she says, people tend to plan excessively and worry too much. But in Zambia, she feels liberated to lead with honesty and authenticity:
“I have the freedom in Zambia to tell everyone what I think because I’m not afraid of losing my job.”
This freedom fuels her leadership style direct, genuine, and reflective. Africa, she adds, forces a coach to evolve emotionally and adapt culturally.
Strength of Zambian Players: Power, Technique, and Identity
A key theme Häuptle emphasizes is the unique quality of African players. Many assume African footballers are undertrained, but she argues the opposite.
Growing up playing on challenging surfaces actually enhances technical ability.
This, combined with natural athleticism, creates exceptional talent.
She highlights Barbra Banda whose speed rivals the Swiss Super League average.
But beyond physical attributes, Häuptle admires the cultural identity that Zambian players bring:
“Women’s teams carry the values of the people onto the pitch.”
To her, the Copper Queens represent humility, hope, fight, and unity—values deeply rooted in Zambian culture.
Living Between Two Worlds: The Emotional Reality
Häuptle often transitions between Switzerland’s structured environment and Zambia’s unpredictable energy. This back-and-forth can be emotionally demanding.
Zambia has taught her to set boundaries and understand where her influence ends. The poverty she encounters daily is heavy, but she has learned to remain grounded and purposeful.
Despite the difficulties, Zambia has become a place where she feels deeply connected and inspired.
Impact on the Copper Queens and Zambian Football
Häuptle’s leadership blends global methodology with local understanding. She brings structure—but not rigidity. She pushes discipline—but respects culture. She drives performance—but nurtures emotional balance.
Under her guidance, the Copper Queens have:
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Qualified for major tournaments
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Strengthened their tactical identity
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Earned massive national support
Her journey is now woven into Zambia’s football story—and continues to evolve with every competition.
Conclusion
From Swiss playgrounds to Zambian stadiums, Nora Häuptle’s path is a story of growth, cultural exchange, and personal transformation. Zambia has shaped her emotionally and professionally, and in return, she has helped elevate the Copper Queens on the global stage.
Her journey is still unfolding—but the bond between Häuptle and Zambia is already one of the most impactful chapters in modern women’s football.
