Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum has refuted reports suggesting that Nora Hauptle left her role as head coach of the Black Queens due to a lack of friendly matches.
The Swiss coach, who was appointed in 2023 on a two-year contract, decided not to renew her deal with the GFA after its expiration.
Speculation has since emerged, claiming her decision was influenced by insufficient preparation matches ahead of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which will take place in Morocco later this year.
Addressing the issue on Asempa FM’s Ultimate Sports Show, Asante Twum clarified: “Nora Hauptle’s exit has nothing to do with lack of friendly games.
“When she took over, she explained to us how she wanted to take the team to the next level.
“Due to that, we played Benin and Japan and we had the option to also play France in a friendly but due to the distance after the Japan game, we will let it slide. We also played some friendlies as well.”
He highlighted the friendly matches the Black Queens played under Hauptle’s tenure, including games against Benin and Japan.
Although an opportunity arose to play France, the GFA opted out due to logistical challenges following the Japan match.
“The only month we couldn’t play a friendly was in November. We wrote to the Sports Ministry for assistance and they assured us of assistance but they later wrote to us that they can’t help so Nora’s exit is not about lack of friendly games. She left because she decided not to extend her contract,” he added.
Since her departure, Hauptle has taken up a new role as head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens, signing a three-year contract.
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