The Zambian football community is mourning the loss of one of its most respected coaches following the death of former Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed that Mwape passed away at the age of 67 on Thursday morning at Nchanga South Mine Hospital in Chingola after a short illness. His passing marks the end of a remarkable coaching career that transformed women’s football in Zambia and inspired countless players across the country. Tributes have continued to pour in from football administrators, players, supporters, and the wider sporting community, all recognising his immense contribution to the growth of the game. Bruce Mwape leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations as one of the architects of Zambia’s rise on the international football stage.
According to FAZ, Mwape died after being admitted to Nchanga South Mine Hospital following health complications. His son, Chikonde Mwape, revealed that his father suffered a suspected stroke on Tuesday last week before being hospitalised. Despite receiving medical care, the experienced coach sadly passed away, leaving his family, friends, former players, and colleagues in deep sorrow. His death has come as a shock to many who admired his dedication and passion for developing football in Zambia. The football fraternity has united in offering condolences to his family during this difficult period.
Football Association of Zambia President Keith Mweemba described Mwape’s passing as a major loss to both the football family and the nation. In his tribute, Mweemba expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family while acknowledging the enormous impact that Mwape had on Zambian football. He stated that the former coach guided the Copper Queens to achievements that many once believed were impossible. Under Mwape’s leadership, Zambia reached new milestones that elevated the country’s reputation in African and global women’s football. FAZ also confirmed that it remains in close contact with Mwape’s family in Chingola and will communicate further details regarding funeral arrangements in due course.
Bruce Mwape’s tenure as Copper Queens head coach began in 2018, and it quickly became one of the most successful periods in the history of Zambian women’s football. He qualified the national team for three Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the 2018, 2022, and 2024 editions, with the latter eventually being played in 2025. His leadership helped transform the Copper Queens into one of Africa’s emerging football powers through disciplined preparation and belief in local talent. Players flourished under his guidance, and the team consistently demonstrated resilience against some of the continent’s strongest opponents. His commitment to developing the squad laid the foundation for continued success even beyond his tenure.
Among Mwape’s greatest achievements was leading Zambia to consecutive Olympic Games appearances. The Copper Queens qualified for the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games before securing another historic qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. These achievements placed Zambia among the elite women’s football nations capable of competing on the world’s biggest sporting stage. Olympic qualification represented years of hard work, tactical planning, and unwavering commitment from the coaching staff and players. Under Mwape’s guidance, the team proved that Zambia could compete with some of the strongest football nations in the world.
Another unforgettable milestone during Bruce Mwape’s coaching career was Zambia’s qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. It was the first time the Copper Queens had reached the prestigious global tournament, making history for both the team and the country. The qualification showcased the rapid progress of women’s football in Zambia and attracted worldwide attention to the talent emerging from the nation. Competing against the world’s best teams provided invaluable experience for the players while inspiring a new generation of young girls to pursue football. The achievement remains one of the defining moments in Zambian sporting history.
Mwape also guided Zambia to a bronze medal at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, another remarkable accomplishment that highlighted the team’s growth under his leadership. The bronze medal was more than just a tournament finish because it demonstrated that the Copper Queens could consistently challenge Africa’s strongest teams. Throughout his time as head coach, Mwape earned respect for his calm leadership, tactical understanding, and ability to motivate players to perform at their highest level. His work helped raise the profile of women’s football both domestically and internationally. Many of the players who flourished under his guidance have gone on to build successful careers at leading clubs around the world.
Before taking charge of the Copper Queens, Bruce Mwape had already made important contributions to Zambian football. In 2015, he served as head coach of the Zambia Under-17 Men’s National Team, where he worked with young players to develop their technical and tactical abilities. His willingness to work across different levels of the national team structure reflected his dedication to nurturing football talent regardless of age or gender. Throughout his coaching career, he remained committed to developing players and strengthening the country’s football foundations. His influence extended far beyond match results, shaping the careers and lives of many young footballers.
The passing of Bruce Mwape represents a significant loss for Zambian football, but his achievements and contributions will continue to inspire future generations. His remarkable journey with the Copper Queens changed the trajectory of women’s football in Zambia by delivering historic qualifications, international recognition, and unforgettable moments of national pride. From leading Zambia to back-to-back Olympic Games and a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance to securing a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal, his accomplishments established a legacy few coaches can match. While the football community mourns his passing, it also celebrates a life dedicated to excellence, leadership, and service to the game. Bruce Mwape will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches in the history of Zambian football, and his legacy will continue to shape the future of the sport for many years to come.