Former Sports Minister Akua Sena Dansua has criticized the Ghana Football Association (GFA) for failing to retain former Black Queens head coach Nora Häuptle.
Dansua described the situation as a “shame” and a missed opportunity for Ghana’s women’s football.
The Zambian Football Federation (FAZ) announced the appointment of Häuptle as head coach of the Copper Queens on Saturday, January 6, 2025, on a three-year deal.
Official Announcement: Copper Queens Get New Head Coach
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has appointed Swiss national Nora Hauptle as the new head coach of the Copper Queens on a 3-year deal.
Hauptle, a former Swiss international defender, brings a wealth of… pic.twitter.com/IHjIEmaTg4
— FAZ (@FAZFootball) January 4, 2025
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expressed excitement about Häuptle’s potential to elevate Zambian women’s football. Kamanga stated:
“We are excited to announce the appointment of Nora Häuptle as the new Zambia Women’s National Team coach. We have every reason to believe that she has the pedigree and profile that will take us to the next level.”
Häuptle herself confirmed the appointment via her LinkedIn account, signalling her readiness for the new challenge.
Both Ghana’s Black Queens and Zambia’s Copper Queens will compete in the 2024 Women’s African Cup of Nations, scheduled for July 5-26, 2025.
However, Ghana will enter the tournament without a head coach following a breakdown in contractual negotiations between Häuptle and the GFA.
Press Statement: Nora Hauptle Contract Expiry https://t.co/6oAqnqUWau
— Sheikh Tophic Sienu (@SheikhTophic) January 4, 2025
In an exclusive interview with Citi Sports, on Monday, January 6, 2025, Akua Sena Dansua expressed her disappointment with the GFA’s handling of Häuptle’s contract renewal.
She highlighted several possible reasons for the Swiss tactician’s departure, including inadequate resources and interference in her work.
“Yeah, it’s a shame. It may boil down to interference in her work. There may also be a lack of resources.
When you compare female football to male football, you see that almost 90% of resources go to the men’s teams, especially the national team.”
Dansua also pointed to insufficient media and political support for women’s football contributing to Häuptle’s decision to leave.
“Maybe she wasn’t happy doing her work. She wasn’t enjoying sufficient media and political support in Ghana. That’s why she decided to go that way.”
The GFA is yet to announce Häuptle’s successor, leaving uncertainty around Ghana’s preparations for the upcoming tournament.
