FAZ Mourns Former Copper Queens Coach Bruce Mwape

LUSAKA – Zambian football is in mourning following the announcement of the death of Bruce Mwape, the revered former head coach of the Copper Queens, who passed away at the age of 67. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed his demise, stating that Mwape died in the early hours of Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Nchanga South Mine Hospital in Chingola after a short illness. Mwape's passing leaves a profound void in the nation's sporting landscape. He was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of women's football in Zambia, having transformed the Copper Queens into a formidable force on the African continent and beyond. His tenure as head coach, which began in May 2018, ushered in the most successful era for the team, characterized by groundbreaking achievements that brought immense pride to the country. Under his astute leadership, the Copper Queens achieved historic milestones, including their maiden qualification for the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023, a first for any Zambian senior national team. He also guided the team to consecutive Olympic Games appearances, leading them to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (played in 2021 due to the pandemic) and securing qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. These accomplishments marked the first time Zambia's women's national team had reached the Olympic football tournament. Furthermore, Mwape led the Copper Queens to a historic third-place finish at the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, which not only secured World Cup qualification but also cemented Zambia's place among Africa's elite women's football nations. Beyond the impressive list of accolades, Mwape played a crucial role in nurturing and developing some of Zambia's brightest football talents. Players like captain Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Grace Chanda, Prisca Chilufya, and Avell Chitundu, who have gone on to excel in top leagues worldwide, benefited immensely from his guidance and mentorship. His