FAZ Announced Death of Former Copper Queens Coach Bruce Mwape

Today the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced the death of the former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape.

The former coach passed away at the age of 67 after a short illness. He was being cared for at Nchanga South Mine Hospital at the time of his death.

Mwape took up the position of Copper Queens head coach in 2018. He then proceeded to lead the Copper Queens to qualify for three WAFCON tournaments in 2018, 2022 and 2024. In 2022 he guided the team to a third place finish at the tournament.

His accolades as coach don’t stop there. He inspired the team to qualify for back-to-back Olympic Games – 2020 and 2024. His most impressive achievement was getting the Copper Queens to qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023. Prior to this he served as The U17 Men’s National Team coach in 2015.

FAZ President Keith Mweemba described the death as a “huge shock to the football family and the nation as a whole”.

Barbra Banda – Captain of the Copper Queens – issued a statement on social media thanking coach Mwape for his efforts: “you played a huge role in my career and shaped me into the leader I am today”.

FAZ has issued a statement saying the secretariat is in touch with the family in Chingola and will provide more details soon.