Bruce Mwape to be re-assigned to junior teams—FAZ

Former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape will be reassigned to the junior teams in an advisory capacity, according to Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga.

The FAZ confirmed on Saturday that Nora Hauptle, the former head coach of Ghana’s women’s national team, has been appointed as the new head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens.

Hauptle, who has been given a three-year contract, will begin work this month. She takes over from Mwape, who led the team to two Olympic Games: 2020 and 2024, as well as the 2023 Women’s World Cup in New Zealand and Australia.

Mwape also led Zambia to a record bronze medal finish in the 2022 WAFCON tournament.

Kamanga said, “Mwape will be reassigned to our junior teams, where his expertise will be utilised in an advisory role.” He also revealed that Mwape will be sent to Morocco to acquire the CAF Pro Coaching Licence but did not disclose the specific teams he will be assigned to. 

Hauptle’s move almost fell through

Hauptle’s deal was nearly jeopardized when social media leaked it before finalization, according to Kamanga.

“It took a while to get her [Hauptle] to sign up for the Copper Queens with the deal almost crashing in its infancy by the perils of social media. We are happy that all the parties involved conducted themselves with the utmost levels of professionalism despite the media frenzy that threatened to scupper the deal,” Kamanga said.

Meanwhile, the FAZ president said Hauptle has been given clear targets to achieve during her tenure as Copper Queen’s coach, starting with the forthcoming WAFCON, which will be held in Morocco from July 5, 2025, to July 26, 2025.

“We have given Hauptle clear targets, starting with the forthcoming Women Africa Cup of Nations, which is very high on our radar. We can only wish her the best in her assignment and assure her of maximum support,” Kamanga said.

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