The Ghana Football Association (GFA) alleges that it prioritized keeping Nora Hauptle as Black Queens head coach, yet she chose to leave for Zambia.
Reports indicate that Hauptle was far from pleased with the team’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Morocco, noting concerns of the lack of high-profile friendlies.
Though she voiced her concerns, which included a LinkedIn post, Hauptle received no assurances, eventually leading to her departure.
The Swiss tactician signed a contract with Zambia after her agreement with Ghana expired on December 31.
For Ghanaian football, Hauptle’s departure is seen as a setback, as she provided some successes in her time in charge of the team.
Speaking to Asempa FM, GFA Communications Director, Asante Twum, said : “The GFA met with Nora Hauptle to discuss extending her contract. She demanded a 100% salary increase, but we offered 50%, as the FA has solely financed her salary since her appointment. We tried our best, but she declined our offer. As a professional, she had every right to walk away once her contract ended.”
Hauptle took over at a time when the Black Queens lacked consistency.
She led a rebuild and gained the confidence of many through effective coaching and results, and also guided Ghana to qualify for the AWCON for the first time since 2018.
The GFA is now seeking to appoint a new coach and ensure preparations are made for AWCON, where Ghana will take on current champions South Africa, Tanzania, and Mali in a tough group.
