The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has clarified the status of Copper Queens head coach Nora Hauptle amid rising speculation about her future. According to FAZ Head of Media and Communications Nkweto Tembwe, the association has not received any formal resignation or communication indicating that Hauptle has quit her role. This statement comes after growing public concern over the coach’s position and ongoing discussions between both parties. FAZ has moved to reassure supporters that no official change has taken place regarding the leadership of the women’s national team. The clarification aims to address uncertainty while negotiations continue behind the scenes.
Tembwe confirmed that Nora Hauptle remains in charge of the Zambia women’s national football team despite reports suggesting possible instability. He explained that discussions between FAZ and the coach are ongoing and have not yet reached a final outcome. The association maintains that the process is still active and no final decision has been made regarding her future. This means Hauptle continues to operate in her role while administrative talks proceed. FAZ has stressed that continuity in technical leadership remains important during this period of uncertainty.
The association also revealed that it initially intended to keep the matter private until a final resolution was reached. However, increasing speculation from fans, stakeholders and media outlets made it difficult to maintain silence on the issue. FAZ stated that misinformation and public concern created pressure for an official update. The governing body acknowledged that transparency became necessary to avoid confusion within the football community. This shift highlights the challenge sports organisations face when balancing confidentiality with public accountability.
Tembwe addressed the situation by explaining that the association’s communication strategy was guided by ongoing negotiations. He noted that FAZ did not want the matter to become a public debate before a final decision was made. However, the rising attention forced the association to clarify the coach’s status earlier than planned. His remarks reflect the sensitivity surrounding coaching contracts and the importance of managing expectations among supporters. The update was intended to stabilise the narrative and provide factual clarity.
Under Hauptle’s leadership, the Copper Queens have remained one of the most competitive sides in African women’s football, attracting significant attention both locally and internationally. Her tenure has been associated with tactical discipline and continued development of the squad. This has made her position particularly important for FAZ as the team prepares for upcoming international commitments. Any uncertainty around her role naturally draws concern from supporters who value continuity and progress. FAZ has therefore emphasised that discussions are being handled carefully to protect the team’s stability.
The ongoing negotiations between FAZ and Hauptle are expected to determine the long-term direction of the women’s national team. While details of the discussions have not been made public, both parties appear committed to reaching an understanding. FAZ has avoided providing timelines, focusing instead on ensuring that the process is completed properly. This cautious approach reflects the importance of maintaining performance standards and technical consistency. The outcome will likely influence preparations for future tournaments and competitive fixtures.
As the situation develops, FAZ continues to urge patience from the public while negotiations remain active. The association has reiterated that no official resignation has been received and that Hauptle remains the head coach. This position is intended to prevent speculation from affecting team morale and public perception. For now, the focus remains on ensuring stability within the Copper Queens setup. The final resolution will determine the next phase of Zambia’s women’s football project, but current indications confirm that leadership remains unchanged.