Nora Hauptle: Zambia explain whereabout of Copper Queens coach

The Football Association of Zambia has come out to reveal the whereabouts of Zambia women’s national team coach Nora Hauptle after she failed to accompany the team to Brazil ahead of the FIFA Women’s Series.

The Copper Queens departed for the tournament minus the Swiss tactician, who took charge of the team on January, 2025, after leaving her role with Ghana’s Black Queens.

MATCH DAY -1! #WeAreCopperQueens, #Fazfootball, #FIFASeries2026 pic.twitter.com/NiLXlKixNL

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) April 10, 2026

Assistant coach Charles Haalubono was handed the task to handle the team in Brazil with Zambia preparing to face Canada on Saturday.

Why Hauptle is not in Brazil with Zambia

FAZ Acting Deputy General Secretary Iva Lengwe said Häuptle had proposed amendments to her current contract leading to drawn out negotiations that have ruled her out of the Brazil assignment.

“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to inform its members and stakeholders that Copper Queens coach Nora Häuptle will not be part of the FIFA Series tournament in Brazil due to administrative issues,” read a statement ftom FAZ Media.

“We regret to announce that Häuptle will not lead the Copper Queens in Brazil as a result of ongoing re-negotiation for amendments to her current contract,” said Lengwe.

“Coach Nora will be travelling to Lusaka in the next few days to ensure that all outstanding issues are resolved in a professional manner.

“We had made all the necessary travel logistics for coach Nora to be in Brazil but unfortunately, she could not make it owing to her desire to secure amendments to her contract.”

Lengwe added: “Assistant coach Charles Haalubono will take charge of the Brazil assignment and will receive our full support.”

Zambia to face Canada, and Brazil

Meanwhile, Lengwe wished the Copper Queens all the best as they commence their FIFA Series assignment on Saturday.

“We urge the public to support the Copper Queens in their FIFA Series engagement which we are using as a platform for preparing for the WAFCON,” he said.

“We acknowledge that some players delayed to travel due visa hitches but everyone summoned for the tournament has since set off for Brazil. The original plans were hampered by injuries and FAZ had provided for visa arrangements for replacements.”

Zambia plays Canada tomorrow (Saturday) before facing Brazil on Tuesday. The final tournament assignment will be against South Korea on April 18.

Zambia final squad;

Goalkeeper: Hazel Nali (Zesco Ndola Girls), Chishala Mufunte (Green Buffaloes), Catherine Musonda (Red Arrows).

Defenders; Margaret Belemu (Red Arrows), Margaret Gondwe (Green Buffaloes), Blessings Maluba (Nchanga Queens), Memory Nthala, Agness Musesa (both Green Buffaloes), Saliya Mwanza (Elite Ladies), Martha Tembo, Lushomo Mweemba (both Hakarrigucu (Turkey), Rachael Nachula (Green Buffaloes).

Midfielders; Susan Banda (Cekmekoy Bilgidoga Spor-Turkey), Grace Chanda (Queretaro-Mexico), Rhodah Chileshe (Indeni Roses), Esther Muchinga (Zesco Ndola Girls), Ireen Lungu (Sichuan-China), Maweta Chilenga, Natasha Nanyangwe (both Green Buffaloes).

Forwards; Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride-USA), Prisca Chilufya (Angel City-USA), Mercy Chipasula (Kamfinsa Police), Mary Mambwe (Red Arrows Women), Ngosa Chabwe (Indeni Roses), Agness Phiri (Green Buffaloes).

NOTE: Rachael Kundananji (Bay FC), Avell Chitundu, Eneless Phiri (both Zesco Ndola Girls), Xiomara Mapepa (Altaraji) were ruled due to injuries while Evarine Katongo could not leave Israel owing to the security situation in that country.