Tributes continue to pour in following the death of former Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape, with Zambia captain Barbra Banda, striker Racheal Kundananji and former assistant coach Florence Mwila leading heartfelt messages in honour of the man who transformed Zambian women’s football.
Mwape passed away on Monday morning at the age of 67 in Chingola, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that includes guiding Zambia to a historic bronze medal at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), the country’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification and back-to-back Olympic Games appearances.
Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda, who flourished under Mwape’s guidance and won her first CAF Women’s Player of the Year award during his tenure, paid an emotional tribute to her former coach.
“Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Coach Bruce Mwape,” Banda wrote on Facebook.
“Thank you, Coach, for believing in me, helping me grow as a player, and trusting me with the honour of leading the Copper Queens. You played a huge role in my career and shaped me into the leader I am today.”
She added:
“Your guidance, belief and dedication to Zambian football will never be forgotten. Rest well, Coach. My heartfelt condolences to your family and the entire country as we mourn this great loss.”
Racheal Kundananji, who made her Copper Queens debut under Mwape, also reflected on the profound influence he had on her career.
“Rest in peace Coach Bruce Mwape! Thank you for believing in me, for shaping me and for paving the way for Zambian women’s football,” Kundananji said.
“Learning about your demise has just left us shattered. Your legacy will live on in all of us. We will miss you, Coach.”
Former Copper Queens assistant coach Florence Mwila, who worked closely alongside Mwape during Zambia’s most successful period in women’s football, described him as both a mentor and a father figure.
“Waking up to such devastating news. Awe Chafina [it’s painful],” Mwila wrote.
“Thank you for the mentorship. I am what I am because of the knowledge you imparted in me. I could call you anytime when I was stuck in my coaching. A father figure, a mentor.”
Bruce Mwape served as Copper Queens head coach from 2018 until 2025, when he was succeeded by Swiss tactician Nora Häuptle. During his seven-year tenure, he oversaw the most successful era in the history of the women’s national team, elevating Zambia into one of Africa’s leading football nations and leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
