By Augustine Mukoka
TRUANT NORA QUITS: Copper Queens Coach Goes To FIFA Citing Constructive Dismissal; Demands Close To $1 Million As Separation Package
~~~ This Is The Second Time Nora Is Using The FIFA Card In Her Frustrations With FAZ
Copper Queens coach Nora Hauptle has quit her job and is demanding almost $1 million (about K18 million) in a complaint filed to FIFA in which she’s pleading constructive dismissal.
Nora is claiming payment through to the end of her contract which is due to expire in January 2028 in addition to winning bonuses and interest.
The Swiss coach, who is said to have treated the FAZ leadership with contempt, is allegedly citing the FAZ National Women’s Representative for making her work untenable.
Nora is pinning the success of her constructive dismissal case on circumstances of Enala Phiri, one of her initial local assistant coaches she dropped.
Nora dropped Enala after an outing to China where it was established the assistant coach was allegedly inciting some players to undermine her.
It did not help matters that FAZ went on to appoint Enala as an analyst at the last WAFCON without Nora’s knowledge. When Nora discovered Enala’s presence near the team, she ejected her and others from the hotel.
When Nora did not show up for the COSAFA, FAZ appointed Enala as one of the assistants which position she protested and now wants to use as grounds for her constructive dismissal case.
Nora believes these coordinated actions have the express blessings of Col. Katoba whom she claims to have a frosty relationship with.
However, Nora is said to be disrespectful to the entire FAZ leadership to an extent that she has rejected the requirement to spend more time on her job in Zambia.
By May 2025, less than six months in the job, Nora had filed a similar claim shortly before former FAZ president Andrew Kamanga lost office in an election.
When the new leadership took office, it negotiated a settlement that made Nora continue in the job.
Records show that Nora FAZ has paid upto date all dues for Nora despite the coach proceeding with her latest claim.
Copper Queens are due to participate in the FIFA series in Brazil from April 11 to 18 and will use the competition as part of the preparations for the 2026 WAFCON set for July to August.