By: Kwame Bediako
Former Black Queens head coach Nora Häuptle has opened up about her decision to step down after her contract with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) expired in December 2024.
In an interview with Swiss media outlet 20 Minutes, Häuptle, explained that unresolved issues during contract renewal negotiations led to her departure. “It wasn’t easy to give up the project,” she said. “My contract was running out at the end of the year, and we had discussions. But there were a few pieces of the puzzle that were not clear, which were relevant to my success.”
Häuptle, who successfully led Ghana’s national women’s football team to qualify for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, emphasized that she couldn’t make compromises on certain issues. “I can’t just make compromises, but nothing happened,” she stated. Despite the challenges, Hauptle maintained that she and the GFA are parting on good terms, with mutual respect.
The Swiss departure comes as a significant blow to the Black Queens, who are preparing for the AWCON in July 2025. Hauptle’s concerns about the team’s preparation and lack of game exposure have been well-documented. She had previously expressed frustration with the GFA’s inability to secure friendly matches and provide adequate support for the team.
Häuptle’s next move is already generating buzz, as she is set to take over as head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is expected to officially unveil her as the new head coach next week. With her wealth of experience and expertise, Hauptle is expected to bring a new level of competitiveness to the Copper Queens.
