Zambia women’s national team head coach Nora Hauptle has issued a bold statement ahead of her side’s opening match against hosts Morocco at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), declaring that the Copper Queens have come to hunt.
The Swiss tactician, who took over the reins just five months ago, will be making her WAFCON debut in charge of a Zambia side packed with talent and ambition. Speaking during the pre-match press conference at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, Hauptle emphasized her excitement, hunger, and readiness for the challenge ahead.
“I am very excited. We have come here to hunt,” Hauptle confidently told journalists.
“We are all very hungry—the players and me—to hunt for the title. Let’s see tomorrow how our starting performance will be.”
“It Starts at 0–0” — Hauptle Staying Grounded Despite Past Success
While Zambia boasts a positive head-to-head record against Morocco and famously denied the Atlas Lionesses qualification to the Paris 2024 Olympics, Hauptle made it clear that past victories count for nothing on the WAFCON stage.
“Tomorrow’s game starts at 0–0. For me, it’s always a pleasure to start the opening game in a packed stadium,” she said, hinting at the magnitude of the occasion and the need for mental focus.
This will be Hauptle’s second continental tournament of the year, having helped Ghana qualify for WAFCON after they missed the previous edition. Now with Zambia, she is eyeing a strong start to fuel a deeper run into the tournament.
A Coach with a Vision for Glory
Nora Hauptle’s message was clear: this Copper Queens squad is not in Morocco to participate, but to compete and conquer. Despite limited time with the team, she has instilled a fierce mentality and belief.
“We are ready. It’s a new chapter. We are focused and determined. We want to bring something back home.”
With the return of Barbra Banda, Africa’s best player, and a core group of experienced players, Hauptle’s leadership and vision will be pivotal in shaping Zambia’s WAFCON journey.
A Packed Stadium, a New Challenge
The Copper Queens will face the 2022 runners-up Morocco in front of a large home crowd at the Olympic Stadium, a test of both mental resilience and tactical discipline. But Hauptle remains unfazed.
“It’s a pleasure to start in a packed stadium. The atmosphere will be electric, but we’ve prepared for this moment.”
