The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has officially announced the appointment of Nora Häuptle as the new head coach of the Copper Queens, following her departure from her previous role as the head coach of Ghana’s Black Queens.

The announcement was made during a ceremony held on Friday at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia, where the 41-year-old Swiss coach put pen to paper on a three-year contract, marking the beginning of a new chapter for both her and the Copper Queens.

Häuptle’s decision to leave the Black Queens came after her contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) came to an end earlier this month.

Her departure from the Ghana national team marked the conclusion of a noteworthy chapter in her career, during which she helped develop and guide the Black Queens to numerous successes.

However, with the expiration of her contract, Häuptle is now ready to embark on a new challenge as she takes on the responsibility of leading Zambia’s national women’s football team, a role that is expected to elevate her career to new heights in African women’s football.

One of Häuptle’s most pressing tasks as the head coach of the Copper Queens is preparing the team for the highly anticipated 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place in July.

This tournament is crucial for Zambia’s women’s football program, as it provides a platform to compete at the highest level on the African continent.

Häuptle will need to work quickly to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the squad and implement her tactical approach to ensure the Copper Queens are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

She is expected to arrange several friendly matches leading up to the tournament to give her team the opportunity to practice and build chemistry ahead of the highly competitive event.

Zambia’s impressive qualification campaign for the 2024 Olympic Games included a two-legged encounter with Häuptle’s former team, Ghana, in which the Copper Queens secured a historic victory.

By defeating the Black Queens in this crucial match, Zambia knocked Ghana out of the race for Olympic qualification.

This victory not only demonstrated Zambia’s growing strength on the international stage but also placed the Copper Queens firmly on the radar as a rising force in African women’s football.

For Häuptle, this outcome adds an intriguing layer to her transition to the Zambian team, as she now takes on the challenge of building on Zambia’s success and continuing their progress toward regional dominance.

While her departure from the Black Queens may have been difficult, Häuptle’s appointment to the Copper Queens signifies a new chapter in her career.

She has built a reputation for her tactical acumen, her ability to foster team cohesion, and her work ethic in guiding teams to success. The Swiss coach brings valuable experience from her time with Ghana, where she managed to implement her vision for the team and helped elevate their competitive level. Her move to Zambia is seen as a strategic one, and the FAZ will be hoping that her expertise will take the Copper Queens to the next level.

Häuptle’s appointment has been met with excitement and optimism by both the Zambian Football Association and the fans of the Copper Queens, who are eager to see how her leadership will impact the team.

With her experience, Häuptle is expected to enhance the squad’s tactical discipline and make significant improvements in the team’s overall performance.

Zambia has made tremendous progress in recent years, and with Häuptle at the helm, there are high expectations for continued growth and success.

The Ghana Football Association, following Häuptle’s departure, wasted no time in hiring a new head coach for the Black Queens. They brought in Swedish coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren to take over the role.

Bjorkegren’s appointment is seen as a fresh start for Ghana’s women’s national team, as the GFA looks to restructure the squad and set new goals for the future.

His experience with coaching in various African countries is expected to bring a new approach to the Black Queens, and he will now face the challenge of revitalizing the team and restoring their competitive edge.

For Häuptle, her transition to Zambia represents an exciting new challenge in her career. Her expertise in women’s football, particularly her ability to assess player potential and build cohesive teams, will be crucial in ensuring that Zambia remains competitive at the continental level.

The Copper Queens have consistently been a strong team in African women’s football, and Häuptle will now have the opportunity to lead them into the 2025 WAFCON with a clear vision for success.

She will be looking to build on Zambia’s impressive performances in recent years and create a squad capable of competing with the best teams in Africa.

As Häuptle prepares to take charge of the Copper Queens, there is a strong sense of anticipation surrounding her appointment.

Zambia’s women’s football program is on the rise, and with Häuptle’s leadership, they have a genuine chance of achieving great things in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The FAZ and the players will be hoping that under Häuptle’s guidance, the Copper Queens will continue to make their mark on the African football scene, further cementing Zambia’s place among the top teams in the continent.