MWEEMBA PAYS TRIBUTE TO BRUCE MWAPE, HAILS HIS LASTING FOOTBALL LEGACY
FAZ President Keith Mweemba has described late former Copper Queens Coach Bruce Mwape as a football icon whose contribution helped transform the women’s game in Zambia.
Speaking at Mwape’s funeral service held at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola on Sunday, Mweemba said the coach touched many lives through his work as both a player and a coach.
He said the loss of Mwape was deeply felt by the football family, but the greatest pain remained with his immediate family.
Mweemba said Mwape’s time in charge of the Copper Queens from 2018 marked a turning point for women’s football in Zambia.
The FAZ President credited the late coach with guiding the team to historic achievements, including back-to-back Olympic appearances in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024.
He also highlighted Mwape’s role in leading Zambia to its first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2023 in Australia and New Zealand.
Mweemba added that the coach also helped the Copper Queens win a WAFCON bronze medal and Zambia’s first COSAFA Women’s Championship title in 2022.
“Part of the unparalleled following that the women’s game is enjoying today is down to the work put in by coach Mwape,” Mweemba said.
He added that Mwape’s achievements brought pride and respect to the country, earning him national recognition through the President’s Insignia of Achievement.
Mweemba said Mwape’s success had strengthened confidence in local coaches and showed that Zambian football personnel could compete at the highest level.
He urged upcoming coaches to follow the example set by Mwape and other local legends who have contributed to the growth of the game.
“As we mourn coach Mwape, we cannot help but reflect on the respectability he brought to the local coaching fraternity,” Mweemba said.
He added that FAZ would work to protect Mwape’s legacy, starting with the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where success would be a fitting tribute to the late coach.
The FAZ president said a strong performance at the WAFCON, which begins in Morocco on July 26, would honour Mwape’s memory.
He called on the football community and Mwape’s family to remain united as they celebrate the life of a man who left a lasting mark on Zambian football.