Newly appointed head coach of the Copper Queens, Nora Häuptle, has set her sights on guiding the team to success in major international tournaments.
The Swiss coach officially assumed the role on a three-year contract after opting not to renew her position with Ghana’s Black Queens.
Häuptle was introduced as the new coach on Friday at Lusaka’s Pamodzi Hotel.
Speaking at the unveiling, Häuptle expressed her enthusiasm for taking on the role, revealing that coaching the Copper Queens had long been a dream of hers.
“It was always a wish for me to take over this team because there are so many fantastic players, there is so much potential I see in this team and of course, I know that the expectations are very high,” she said.
Häuptle praised the team’s previous achievements, particularly their bronze medal at the 2022 WAFCON, and emphasized her ambitions.
“The team already got bronze (at the WAFCON 2022) and it’s our objective to go and top this result.”
Her long-term vision includes leading the team to qualification for major tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympics, with a focus on advancing past the group stage.
She stressed the importance of development, stating, “Furthermore, we want to qualify for the big tournaments, be back at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Olympics and pass the group stage. We also need to ensure that we do the right development steps, and results don’t just fall from the sky.
“We must have a lot of preparatory games that we invest in our youth teams with U17 World Cup, so I am very curious to take over the work and I will ensure that I give my all,” she added.
Häuptle succeeds Bruce Mwape as head coach, with reports suggesting her monthly salary will be $8,000.