Former Zambia Women’s National Team coach Bruce Mwape has received the President’s Insignia for Meritorious Achievement from President Hakainde Hichilema. The recognition was presented during Zambia’s 61st Independence Anniversary celebrations, marking a proud moment for the country’s football community.
Mwape’s tenure as head coach of the Copper Queens remains one of the most successful periods in Zambia’s women’s football history. Under his leadership, the team achieved several historic milestones that elevated Zambia’s reputation on the global stage.
He led the Copper Queens to their first-ever qualification for the Olympic Games in 2020, held in Tokyo, and again secured qualification for the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Mwape also guided the team to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, making Zambia one of the few African nations to feature on that world stage.
His achievements extended to continental success, having qualified Zambia for three editions of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The Copper Queens made history at the 2022 WAFCON by winning the bronze medal, their first-ever podium finish in the tournament’s history.
President Hichilema’s decision to honour Mwape reflects national appreciation for his contribution to women’s football and sports development in Zambia. The award recognizes Mwape’s dedication, discipline, and the lasting impact he made in advancing women’s participation in competitive football.
The recognition also symbolizes the government’s growing support for sports excellence and its commitment to celebrating Zambians who bring pride to the nation through their work. Mwape’s accomplishments have inspired a new generation of female athletes and demonstrated Zambia’s potential to compete at the highest level of international football.
His journey stands as a reminder that strategic investment in sports talent, coupled with visionary leadership, can yield lasting national pride and international recognition for Zambia.