The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is in mourning following the death of former Copper Queens coach Bruce Mwape.
Mwape, 67, died this morning at Nchanga South Mine Hospital in Chingola after a short illness.
FAZ President Keith Mweemba described Mwape’s death as a great loss to the Zambian football family.
“The death of Coach Mwape is a huge shock to the football family and the nation as a whole. Firstly, we extend our deepest condolences to the family and wish them God’s strength at this hour,” Mweemba said.
He coached Roan United, Konkola Mine Police and Indeni among other clubs.
“Everyone recognises Coach Mwape’s contribution to our game, especially his reign as Copper Queens coach where he took the team to unimaginable heights. He took the Copper Queens to back-to-back Olympics – Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, WAFCON bronze in 2022 and the first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in Australia and New Zealand.”
“It is a day of great loss, but Coach Mwape leaves a great legacy.”
Mweemba said FAZ will give full details in due course, but indicated that the secretariat is in touch with the family in Chingola.
Mwape’s son, Chikonde, said his father suffered a suspected stroke last Tuesday and was later hospitalised, leading to his eventual death.
Mwape was appointed Copper Queens coach in 2018 and qualified the team to a record three WAFCON tournaments in 2018, 2022 and 2024 – played in 2025.
He also took Zambia to back-to-back Olympics and a historic FIFA World Cup in 2023.
Mwape previously served as Under-17 Men’s National Team coach in 2015.
He won the 1998 Super League title with Nchanga Rangers as an assistant coach.
