The Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Henry Asante Twum, has dismissed claims that Nora Hauptle’s departure as Black Queens coach was due to a lack of friendly matches.
The Swiss coach, who signed a two-year deal in 2023, decided not to renew her contract with the GFA and has since stepped down from her role. Her exit has sparked reports suggesting that limited preparatory games for the upcoming 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), to be hosted in Morocco, influenced her decision.
However, Asante Twum, speaking to Asempa FM, denied these reports. “Nora Hauptle’s departure has nothing to do with the absence of friendly matches,” he stated.
“When she assumed the role, she shared her vision for advancing the team. We arranged matches against Benin and Japan and had the opportunity to play France, but due to logistical challenges after the Japan game, we opted out. Apart from November, when a planned friendly couldn’t happen due to a lack of funding from the Sports Ministry, we played several matches. Her decision not to extend her contract had nothing to do with the availability of games,” he explained.
Nora Hauptle has since been appointed head coach of Zambia’s Copper Queens on a three-year contract.