Zambia part ways with Copper Queens coach Nora Hauptle by mutual agreement

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has announced that it has mutually agreed to part ways with Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle.

FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya said the decision followed discussions with Hauptle’s representatives, with both parties agreeing that ending the partnership was in their best interests.

“FAZ can confirm that it has reached a mutual separation agreement with its senior coach, Nora Hauptle,” the association said in a statement.

“After a meeting between FAZ and Hauptle’s representatives, it was agreed that in the interest of progress for both parties they had to separate.

“We would like to sincerely thank Hauptle for her contribution to the Zambian game and wish her all the best in her future endeavours.”

Assistant coach Charles Haalubono has been appointed interim head coach ahead of the Copper Queens’ upcoming fixtures.

“Considering that we have assignments coming up in the next few weeks, we will allow assistant coach Charles Haalubono to head the team,” Chakatazya said.

“FAZ will in due course announce long-term arrangements.”

Hauptle took charge of Zambia on 24 January 2025, signing a three-year contract to succeed the late Bruce Mwape, who had led the Copper Queens since 2018.

Before her move to Zambia, the Swiss coach managed Ghana’s women’s national team after being appointed by the Ghana Football Association in 2023 to replace Mercy Tagoe-Quarcoo.

During her time with the Black Queens, she guided Ghana through the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign and led the team to the 2023 WAFU Zone B Women’s Cup title.

Hauptle enjoyed a playing career as a defender, representing Swiss clubs St. Gallen, BSC YB Frauen, FFC Zuchwil 05 and FC Rot-Schwarz Thun, as well as Dutch side FC Twente Enschede.

She began coaching during her final season at FC Thun, working with the club’s U-14 and U-15 boys’ teams while also serving as an athletic coach for youth players between 2009 and 2012.

Alongside her coaching career, Hauptle studied sports and theatre studies at the University of Bern, worked as a conditioning coach for Swiss tennis player Romina Oprandi and has also served as a football pundit for Swiss broadcaster SRF zwei.