The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has expressed deep sorrow following the death of former Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape, describing his passing as a devastating loss to the Zambian football family.
Mwape died on Thursday morning at the age of 67 at Nchanga South Mine Hospital in Chingola after a short illness.
His death has sent shockwaves across the country’s sporting fraternity, with tributes pouring in for one of Zambia’s most successful women’s football coaches.
FAZ Describes Mwape’s Death as a Great Loss
In a statement released on Thursday, FAZ President Keith Mweemba said Mwape’s death was a painful moment not only for football but for the nation as a whole.
“The death of Coach Mwape is a huge shock to the football family and the nation as a whole. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and can only wish them God’s strength at this hour,” Mweemba said.
He added that Mwape’s contribution to Zambian football would remain unmatched for many years.
Bruce Mwape Changed the History of the Copper Queens
Mweemba praised the late coach for transforming the Copper Queens into one of Africa’s strongest women’s national teams.
During his tenure, Mwape guided Zambia to several historic milestones, including:
Qualification for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games
Qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
A bronze medal at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)
Zambia’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in Australia and New Zealand in 2023
These achievements established the Copper Queens as one of the continent’s rising football powers.
“Everyone recognises Coach Mwape’s contribution to our game, especially his reign as Copper Queens coach where he took the team to unimaginable heights,” Mweemba said.
Record-Breaking WAFCON Qualifications
Bruce Mwape was appointed Copper Queens head coach in 2018.
Under his leadership, Zambia qualified for a record three consecutive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments:
WAFCON 2018
WAFCON 2022
WAFCON 2024 (played in 2025)
The historic bronze medal at the 2022 edition secured Zambia’s maiden qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Former Under-17 National Team Coach
Before taking charge of the Copper Queens, Mwape also served as head coach of Zambia’s Under-17 Men’s National Team in 2015.
His coaching career spanned several years, during which he became respected for his discipline, tactical knowledge and commitment to developing local talent.
Family Reveals Cause of Illness
According to his son, Chikonde Mwape, the former national team coach reportedly suffered a suspected stroke last Tuesday.
He was admitted to Nchanga South Mine Hospital, where he later died despite receiving medical treatment.
FAZ Working With the Family
FAZ says it has already established contact with Mwape’s family in Chingola and will announce funeral arrangements and further details in due course.
The association has pledged to honour the late coach for his enormous contribution to Zambian football.
A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten
Bruce Mwape’s achievements extended far beyond trophies and qualifications.
He helped inspire a new generation of female footballers and played a key role in the development of stars such as Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda, Racheal Kundananji and several others who have gone on to represent Zambia on the global stage.
His leadership transformed the Copper Queens from underdogs into one of Africa’s most respected women’s national teams.
As tributes continue to pour in from across Zambia and beyond, Bruce Mwape will be remembered as the coach who changed the course of women’s football in Zambia and left behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.