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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has shed light on the circumstances surrounding Nora Hauptle's departure as head coach of the Black Queens. According to the GFA, Hauptle demanded a 100% salary increase, which the association could not accommodate.
Hauptle's contract with the GFA expired on December 31, and she has since signed a deal with Zambia. Her departure is seen as a significant setback for the GFA, given her success in revitalizing the Black Queens. During her tenure, Hauptle rebuilt the team's confidence and guided them to qualify for the 2025 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Morocco.
The GFA claims it made every effort to retain Hauptle, but she chose to leave due to disagreements over her salary and the team's preparations for the AWCON. Hauptle had expressed concerns about the lack of high-profile friendlies, which she believed would hinder the team's chances of success in the tournament.
Speaking to Asempa FM, GFA Communications Director, Asante Twum, explained that the association offered Hauptle a 50% salary increase, but she declined. Twum noted that the GFA has solely financed Hauptle's salary since her appointment, and the association could not meet her demands for a 100% increase.
The GFA is now tasked with appointing a new coach and ensuring effective preparations for the AWCON. Ghana faces a challenging group, which includes defending champions South Africa, Tanzania, and Mali.
Hauptle's departure has sparked concerns about the GFA's ability to attract and retain top talent. The association's finances have been a subject of debate, with some critics arguing that the GFA's resources are limited, making it difficult to compete with other countries in terms of coaching salaries and team preparations.
As the GFA searches for a new coach, it remains to be seen how the association will address the challenges facing the Black Queens. With the AWCON just around the corner, the GFA must act quickly to ensure that the team is well-prepared and has the best possible chance of success.
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