After two and a half years, Nora Häuptle is leaving Ghana and moving to Zambia. The woman from Thurgau talks to blue Sport about her new role.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- The new year also marks the start of a new task for Nora Häuptle. She is taking over the Zambian national team.
- Häuptle is aware of the concentrated offensive power of her team, but still sees "a lot of work" ahead of her in defense.
- She has not yet seen the team. She had an initial telephone conversation with the captain. She will see the team for the first time in February as part of the national team reunion.
Nora Häuptle was on the sidelines of the Ghana women's national team for two years. The 41-year-old took over as coach of Zambia in the new year. blue Sport spoke to Häuptle about her new role.
How did your move to Zambia come about?
In February, we played with Ghana against Zambia in the Olympic qualifiers. We played a great match in front of 30,000 spectators in Ndola and played really good football. At the time, it was already being said that I would be a suitable coach to develop Zambia further. Then the talks started. But I kept my contract in Ghana until the last day.
What attracted you to this new challenge?
Basically, you have to try to assess the potential. There are currently the two most expensive transfers in the team. Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji. There's a "Magic Diamond" up front who shakes hands. The team has great offensive players, a lot of potential, young players. Defensively, we still have a lot of work to do.
Have you already met the team?
No, I haven't met the team yet. I'm still in Switzerland at the moment. We're currently doing a lot via online meetings. I first need a work permit, then I'll have an introduction with the Minister of Sport and all the leaders. I'll get to know the team at a meeting in February. I had a phone call with the captain yesterday.
Do you have specific goals?
The goals are ambitious. Zambia reached the semi-finals of the last Africa Cup. We want to achieve more by reaching the final or winning the tournament. We also want to take part in the major finals again - the Olympics and the World Cup - and get past the group stage. Expectations are high, but I'm ready for these challenges.
Kundananji and Banda are two of the best players in the world for Zambia. What do you expect from them?
My experience shows: The best players are the hungriest. They always want to progress, learn and improve. So I can expect a lot from them. I want to have a good dialog with them so that I can also learn something from them. It's important that we meet as equals. At the end of the day, it's also about having a good time and having fun. If the atmosphere is good, they are also capable of achieving something in the short time they see each other in the national team.
As a national team coach, you are not with the team all year round. Where is the center of your life?
I'm used to moving all over the world. My home is in Bern with my family. From there, I go scouting in Europe or watch games. We have over 100 days with the national team, during which I travel with the team. I'm in Zambia during the matches. I've also taken over the technical management of the U-teams. I'll also be on the road with the U17s.
