Former Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape was laid to rest on Sunday in Chingola, bringing to a close the final chapter of one of the most influential careers in the history of Zambian football.
Mwape, who passed away on Thursday following a short illness at the age of 67, was buried after an emotional funeral service held at Nchanga Stadium, attended by government officials, football administrators, former players, family members and hundreds of mourners who gathered to celebrate a life dedicated to the beautiful game.
His passing marks the loss of a coach whose achievements transformed women’s football in Zambia and inspired generations of young girls to dream beyond what once seemed possible.
Government Pays Tribute
The Government of the Republic of Zambia was represented by Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe, who delivered President Hakainde Hichilema’s message of condolence to the Mwape family.
In his tribute, President Hichilema described Mwape as a patriot whose contribution to Zambian football would never be forgotten.
“Coach Bruce Mwape devoted decades of his life to the beautiful game, championing women’s football at a time when its potential was still waiting to be fully recognised.”
“With unwavering commitment, steadfast discipline and exceptional technical insight, he transformed the Copper Queens into a symbol of resilience and excellence—not only across Africa, but on the world stage.”
The President praised Mwape for leading Zambia to historic milestones that changed the landscape of women’s football forever.
Among those achievements were qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, consecutive appearances at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and a historic bronze medal at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Also present were Director of Sport Gibson Muyaule, National Sports Council of Zambia CEO Sombwa Musunsa, FAZ President Keith Mweemba, FAZ General Secretary Charles Chakatazya, senior government officials and members of the football fraternity.
FAZ Hails a Football Icon
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba described Mwape as a football icon whose influence extended far beyond the touchline.
Speaking during the funeral service, Mweemba said Mwape’s appointment as Copper Queens head coach in 2018 marked a turning point in the history of the women’s game.
“Part of the unparalleled following that the women’s game is enjoying today is down to the work put in by Coach Mwape.”
“As we mourn Coach Mwape, we cannot help but reflect on the respectability he brought to the local coaching fraternity.”
Mweemba acknowledged that while the football family had lost a giant, the greatest loss was felt by Mwape’s immediate family.
A Legacy That Changed History
Bruce Mwape’s achievements remain unmatched in Zambian women’s football.
After taking charge of the Copper Queens in May 2018, he immediately began building a competitive team capable of challenging Africa’s best.
Although Zambia exited in the group stage at the 2018 WAFCON, the team registered its first-ever victory at the tournament, defeating Equatorial Guinea 5-0, a result that laid the foundation for future success.
In 2020, Mwape guided Zambia to its first-ever qualification for the Olympic Games, making history by taking the Copper Queens to the Tokyo Olympics.
Two years later came the most successful period in the team’s history.
Under his leadership, Zambia:
- Won the 2022 COSAFA Women’s Championship, the country’s first-ever title.
- Claimed a historic bronze medal at the 2022 WAFCON after defeating Nigeria in the third-place play-off.
- Qualified for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, becoming the first senior Zambian national team—men or women—to reach a FIFA World Cup.
Mwape also became the first Zambian coach to lead a senior national team at a FIFA World Cup, guiding the Copper Queens in Australia and New Zealand.
During the tournament, Zambia recorded its first-ever Women’s World Cup victory, defeating Costa Rica 3-1.
In 2024, he continued making history by guiding the Copper Queens to a second consecutive Olympic Games, after overcoming Morocco in the qualifiers.
Bruce Mwape’s Enduring Legacy
Bruce Mwape leaves behind a remarkable list of achievements that permanently changed Zambian football.
His legacy includes:
- First coach to qualify Zambia’s women’s national team for the Olympic Games.
- First coach to qualify any Zambian senior national team for a FIFA World Cup.
- Winner of Zambia’s first COSAFA Women’s Championship.
- Guided the Copper Queens to their best-ever WAFCON finish with a bronze medal.
- First Zambian coach to lead a senior national team at a FIFA World Cup.
- Helped transform the Copper Queens into one of Africa’s leading women’s national teams.
Beyond the trophies and qualifications, Mwape inspired a generation of female footballers who now compete professionally across the world.
Conclusion
Bruce Mwape’s journey may have come to an end, but the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire Zambian football for generations.
His vision, passion and belief transformed the Copper Queens into continental contenders and opened doors that had never before existed for women’s football in Zambia.
As the nation bids farewell to one of its greatest football minds, Bruce Mwape will forever be remembered as the coach who changed the course of Zambian women’s football.
Rest in peace, Coach Bruce Mwape (1959–2026). Your legacy will live on forever.
