Govt urges Copper Queens to honour Mwape at WAFCON ‎

The Government has urged the Zambia Senior Women’s National Football Team, the Copper Queens, to dedicate their performance at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations to the memory of late former coach Bruce Mwape.
‎
‎Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts Permanent Secretary Kangwa Chileshe said this on Tuesday during the team’s send-off ceremony at Protea Tower in Lusaka ahead of their departure for a training camp in Algiers.
‎
‎The Copper Queens leave this evening for a 10-day intensive training camp in Algiers, Algeria, before proceeding to Morocco for WAFCON, scheduled from 25th July to 16th August 2026.
‎
‎“Before I proceed, allow me to acknowledge that we gather here today with heavy hearts, following the tragic loss of Mr. Bruce Mwape, the former Head Coach of the Copper Queens,” Chileshe said.
‎
‎He called for a minute of silence in honour of the late coach.
‎
‎“On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Zambia, the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts, and indeed the entire sporting fraternity, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Mwape family, the Football Association of Zambia, and all those who knew and worked with Coach Bruce Mwape. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” he said.
‎
‎“As a Ministry in charge of sport we believe that the best way to honor Coach Mwape’s memory is to continue the work he started: to strive for excellence, to compete with honor, and to fly the Zambian flag high on the international stage,” Chileshe said.
‎
‎He said the government remains committed to supporting women’s football and has mobilised resources for the team’s welfare, logistics for the Algeria camp and participation in WAFCON.
‎
‎“The Copper Queens have become more than just a football team; they are ambassadors of our nation, symbols of excellence, and beacons of hope for millions of young Zambian girls who dare to dream,” he said.
‎
‎Chileshe urged the technical bench to foster unity, discipline and a winning mentality, and told the players to make the most of the Algeria camp to fine-tune tactics, build cohesion and sharpen readiness.
‎
‎“As you depart this evening, you must carry with you the hopes and prayers of the over 20 million Zambians. Every pass you make, every tackle you execute, and every goal you score will resonate across our nation,” he said.
‎
‎Also present at the ceremony were FAZ President Keith Mweemba, National Sports Council of Zambia CEO Sombwa Musunsa, Director of Sport Gibson Muyaule, and representatives of Konkola Copper Mines.