Zambia Football Association (FAZ) has confirmed the departure of Nora Hauptle, with the Copper Queens head coach leaving by mutual agreement after discussions with the governing body’s officials.
FAZ said both parties agreed it was in their best interests to end the partnership.
“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 placed in temporary charge of the team ahead of Zambia’s 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,” FAZ general secretary Charles Chakatazya said.
“FAZ will in due course announce long-term arrangements.”
Hauptle was appointed Zambia coach on 24 January 2025, signing a three-year contract to replace the late Bruce Mwape, who had led the Copper Queens since 2018.
The Swiss coach arrived after a successful spell with Ghana Women’s National Football Team, having been appointed by the Ghana Football Association in 2023 to succeed 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.
Before moving into coaching, Hauptle enjoyed a playing career as a defender with 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 Under-14 and Under-15 boys’ teams while also serving as an athletic coach for youth players between 2009 and 2012.
Away from football, 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 been a football pundit for Swiss broadcaster SRF zwei.
