Nora Hauptle Turns Down Black Queens Contract, Poised to Join Copper Queens

Nora Hauptle has decided not to accept a contract extension from the Ghana Football Association (GFA), choosing instead to accept the position of head coach for Zambia’s Copper Queens. Hauptle is set to be officially introduced by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) next week, marking a significant career move for the 41-year-old Swiss-born coach.

Hauptle, who was appointed head coach of Ghana’s Black Queens in 2023, succeeded Mercy Tagoe in the role. Before this appointment, she served as the technical advisor for Ghana’s U20 women’s national team, the Black Princesses, during their participation in the 2022 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica. Her time with the Black Queens was marked by her efforts to improve the team’s performance and development, but after just one year in charge, Hauptle has opted for a new challenge in Zambia.

Her decision to leave Ghana’s national team came with a shared concern about the team’s readiness for upcoming competitions. After the announcement of her move to Zambia, Hauptle took to social media to express her thoughts about the Black Queens’ preparations, specifically their lack of sufficient game exposure. She emphasized that regular high-performance game experiences were essential for the growth of both the players and the team as a whole. Hauptle highlighted a major concern regarding the Black Queens’ preparations for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2024, scheduled for July 2025. She pointed out the stark contrast between Ghana’s preparation schedule and that of other teams in the competition, which could significantly impact their performance.

Hauptle’s comments reflect a longstanding issue that has plagued Ghana’s football development, particularly within the women’s national teams. The lack of structured and competitive preparations for international tournaments has often led to underperformance in key competitions. Hauptle’s emphasis on the importance of game exposure shows her commitment to ensuring the Black Queens could be better prepared for success on the global stage. She stressed the need for a more competitive and strategic approach in order to meet the high standards required to compete at the highest levels of women’s football.

Her move to Zambia presents a new challenge, but also an opportunity for her to implement her expertise in a new environment. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is expected to unveil her as the new head coach of the Copper Queens next week, and her appointment is expected to bring fresh ideas and strategies to the Zambian women’s team, who have been making notable strides in African women’s football.

While her departure from the Black Queens marks the end of her brief tenure with the team, Hauptle’s comments underscore the broader issue of under-preparation that has affected Ghana’s women’s football for years. Her candid observations regarding the team’s lack of exposure and preparation for upcoming tournaments reflect the frustration of many within the national football community. Her concerns about Ghana’s ability to compete on the international stage are not only about the current state of affairs but also highlight the systemic issues that continue to hinder the progress of the Black Queens.

Hauptle’s resignation and subsequent move to Zambia also raise important questions about the future of women’s football in Ghana. With the right leadership and preparation, the Black Queens have the potential to achieve more on the international stage. However, without adequate support and a strong focus on development, their chances of success will remain limited. Hauptle’s departure may serve as a catalyst for the Ghana Football Association to reassess its approach to women’s football, ensuring that the Black Queens are better prepared for the challenges ahead. As she begins this new chapter with Zambia, her impact on the Black Queens will be remembered, particularly for her dedication to improving the development of women’s football in Ghana.