NORA HÄUPTLE SPEAKS: Planting Trees Under Whose Shade You Do Not Expect to Sit

11.04.2026 | Football DNA

Swiss coach Nora Häuptle has announced that she is stepping aside from her duties as head coach of the Zambia Women's National Football Team, popularly known as the Copper Queens, citing ongoing administrative and structural challenges surrounding the management of the team.

In a detailed statement shared on her LinkedIn page, Häuptle revealed that she will not travel with the team for the upcoming FIFA Series in Brazil, explaining that she had earlier submitted a 10-point proposal to the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) outlining key areas that require improvement in order to strengthen the team’s long-term success.

A Difficult Year Under New Leadership

According to Häuptle, the past year has been challenging for the Copper Queens technical bench following changes in leadership at FAZ. Despite the difficulties, she emphasized that the team remained focused and united in pursuit of success.

“As a leader and role model with a clear attitude, I want to step out with a transparent statement,” she wrote, anchoring her message around the values of Love, Unity and Passion—principles she says have guided the team throughout her tenure.

Success Despite the Challenges

Despite the obstacles, Häuptle noted that the technical bench managed to guide Zambia to qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), a tournament that also serves as a pathway to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

However, she warned that structural and administrative shortcomings could hinder the team’s long-term progress if not addressed.

“As it is my task as head coach to manage our journey towards a high winning probability, I summarized a manifest of 10 keys to sustainable success for the Copper Queens,” she explained.

The report, she said, highlights the current situation within the team setup and proposes practical solutions that could help create a better environment for both players and staff.

The 10 Keys to Sustainable Success

Häuptle identified several critical areas that must be improved in order for Zambia to remain competitive at the highest level of women’s football. These include:

More frequent high-level international matches

Regular technical staff assessments

Increased use of modern technology and performance analysis

Improved administrative timelines for visas and travel arrangements

Clear decision-making structures within FAZ

Consistency in key leadership positions

Proper budgeting and financial planning

Fair and structured remuneration systems

She stressed that achieving success at the elite level requires total commitment from all stakeholders.

“Passion requests 100% commitment and binding solutions in all mentioned areas,” Häuptle stated.

“A little bit less effort is not enough to be successful at the highest performance level.”

The Need for a Women’s Football Strategy

The coach also highlighted the rapid growth of women’s football across Africa in recent years, warning that Zambia risks falling behind if it does not implement a clear long-term development strategy.

She called for the establishment of a comprehensive Zambian Women’s Football Strategy that would create high-performance standards capable of sustaining the team’s competitiveness in future continental and global competitions.

A Call for Unity and Responsibility

Beyond structural reforms, Häuptle emphasized the importance of unity among all stakeholders involved in women’s football in Zambia.

“Unity is the understanding that we all need to take our responsibility to initiate change together,” she said.

She added that administrators, coaches, and partners must always prioritize the welfare and development of the players.

“It is our duty to leave a legacy for all upcoming footballers in Zambia.”

Stepping Aside to Spark Change

To emphasize the seriousness of her proposals, Häuptle confirmed that she has laid down her duties as head coach and will not participate in the upcoming FIFA Series in Brazil.

However, she indicated that she remains open to dialogue with football authorities in order to find solutions that could secure a brighter future for the Copper Queens.

“I stand at disposal for further negotiations and dialogues with our leaders to set a foundation for a bright future of the Copper Queens,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Football Association of Zambia had earlier announced that Häuptle would not travel to Brazil with the team due to administrative issues.

A Defining Moment for the Copper Queens

Häuptle’s statement has sparked debate about the management and future direction of the Copper Queens. As Zambia prepares for the next phase of international competition, the situation presents an important opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on how best to support one of Africa’s most promising women’s national teams.

For now, the message from Häuptle remains clear: sustainable success requires strong systems, shared responsibility, and unwavering commitment to the game. ⚽