The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has placed its faith in Swiss tactician Nora Hauptle, appointing her as the new head coach of the Copper Queens with a clear mandate—deliver continental success.

Hauptle, who previously led Ghana’s Black Queens during the 2024 Olympic qualifiers, now finds herself at the helm of Zambia’s women’s national team, a side that denied Ghana an Olympic ticket with a 4-3 aggregate win.

Her deep understanding of Zambian players, coupled with her tactical expertise, made her the standout candidate for the role, according to FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga.

“She knew our players well, understood their strengths and weaknesses, and perhaps the [Ghana vs. Zambia Olympic qualifiers] gave her an advantage over the other candidates,” Kamanga told Joy Sports.

With Olympic and World Cup participation now an expectation, Hauptle faces an even bigger challenge—guiding Zambia to their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph. The FAZ has made its ambitions clear: winning WAFCON titles and securing regional dominance.

As she takes charge, Hauptle’s journey with the Copper Queens begins with high hopes and an even higher bar for success. Will she rise to the occasion?