Nora Häuptle, the Swiss coach who previously led Ghana’s Black Queens, has officially resigned as head coach of Zambia’s women’s national team, known as the Copper Queens.
She took charge of the team in early January 2025, succeeding Bruce Mwape, and quickly guided Zambia to qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON), which also serves as a pathway toward the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In a transparent statement shared on LinkedIn, Häuptle emphasized her commitment to the team’s values of love, unity, and passion while highlighting deeper systemic problems. She described her tenure as challenging, particularly under the current leadership of the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), and stressed the need for full commitment rather than half-measures.
Häuptle revealed that she had presented a detailed 10-point roadmap to FAZ aimed at building sustainable success for the women’s program. However, she noted that key areas remained largely unaddressed, including:
- Administrative efficiency and decision-making
- Technical and staffing support
- Budgeting, remuneration, and resource allocation
- Travel and visa arrangements
- Access to technology and data tools
- Scheduling more high-level international friendly matches
She expressed concern that the existing structures might not be robust enough to support long-term progress, despite the players’ continued efforts to make Zambia proud on the pitch.
To underscore her position, Häuptle stated that she was laying down all her duties as head coach with immediate effect and would not lead the team at the upcoming FIFA Series tournament in Brazil. At the same time, she left the door open for further dialogue and negotiations if meaningful reforms are implemented.
Reports indicate that the situation also involves ongoing contract-related disputes. FAZ had confirmed earlier that Häuptle would miss the Brazil trip due to prolonged negotiations over proposed amendments to her contract. Some sources suggest she has escalated matters by filing a complaint with FIFA, citing constructive dismissal and seeking significant compensation, though these details remain unconfirmed by all parties.
Häuptle’s departure draws attention to recurring administrative and structural challenges often faced in women’s football across parts of Africa. It marks the second time in recent years she has stepped away from a national team role amid frustrations over support and planning—having previously left the Black Queens after contract extension talks with the Ghana Football Association broke down.
As of now, the Football Association of Zambia has acknowledged the situation but has not announced an immediate replacement for the Copper Queens. The team will need to prepare for future commitments, including potential AWCON preparations, without their former coach.
This development leaves the future of the Copper Queens program at a crossroads, with questions lingering about the level of investment and professional standards required to elevate Zambian women’s football on the continental and global stage.