The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has moved to settle public speculation surrounding the future of Copper Queens head coach Nora Häuptle, confirming that all outstanding issues between the two parties have been resolved. The clarification comes after growing public interest in the status of the Swiss tactician, who has been leading Zambia’s women’s national football team through a crucial development and competition phase. FAZ leadership engaged in a series of meetings with association president Keith Mweemba to address concerns and align expectations regarding the team’s immediate and long term plans. The outcome of these discussions has now been made public, bringing clarity and stability to the Copper Queens’ technical leadership structure. The announcement is also aimed at ensuring that attention remains firmly on preparation for upcoming international tournaments rather than administrative uncertainty.
According to FAZ Acting Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe, Coach Häuptle has already submitted her travel itinerary to the FAZ Secretariat and is expected to arrive in Zambia ahead of the Four Nations Tournament scheduled for the June FIFA international window. The tournament will bring together Zambia, Kenya, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso, offering the Copper Queens an important opportunity to fine tune their squad and test tactical systems against competitive African opposition. FAZ has indicated that her arrival marks a return to full focus on team preparation and continuity in technical leadership. The association stressed that all administrative matters that had previously raised questions have now been resolved in a manner that supports stability within the national team setup. This development is seen as a positive step in maintaining momentum as Zambia builds toward major competitions.
Lengwe further emphasized that, as things currently stand, Coach Häuptle will certainly lead the Copper Queens at the forthcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament. This confirmation is significant for the team, which has been working toward consistent performance improvements on the continental stage. The FAZ Secretariat has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Copper Queens are fully prepared for WAFCON, scheduled to take place in July. Preparations include player conditioning, tactical refinement and participation in competitive fixtures that simulate tournament pressure. The association believes that continuity in coaching leadership is essential for achieving stability and progress in high level competition. With the coach now confirmed for upcoming assignments, focus shifts toward execution on the field.
FAZ also highlighted that the Copper Queens’ preparation extends beyond WAFCON to include other international engagements that form part of the team’s broader development calendar. These matches and tournaments are viewed as essential for building squad depth and improving cohesion among players competing at both local and international levels. The Four Nations Tournament in particular is expected to provide valuable insights into team performance under competitive conditions. FAZ has emphasized that the technical bench will use these opportunities to assess player readiness and strengthen strategic approaches ahead of major competitions. The organization remains committed to ensuring that the women’s national team continues to grow in competitiveness and international standing.
The FAZ Secretariat also extended appreciation to the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, as well as members of the public, for their concern and continued engagement regarding the welfare and progress of the Copper Queens. This acknowledgment reflects the growing national interest in women’s football and the importance of stakeholder support in the development of the sport. With clarity now restored on the coaching situation, attention returns to preparation, performance and national pride. The Copper Queens are expected to enter their upcoming fixtures with renewed focus under Häuptle’s leadership. As Zambia builds toward WAFCON and other international commitments, stability within the technical setup is viewed as a key factor in achieving competitive success.