Nathan ‘Chiwempala’ Phiri writes….
He didn’t just coach a football team he changed Zambian women football forever.
WAFCON bronze in 2022, back-to-back Olympic qualifications in Tokyo and Paris, a FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.
Famous wins over Germany, Nigeria, Cameroon. He dared to dream when many doubted and because of that belief, our nation witnessed history.
His work gave hope to a generation of young girls who now believe they belong on the biggest stages in world football and that is a legacy no trophy can measure.
Ati ‘bachiwempala bushe mudala epo ali’ l will miss his calls he was a humble man
Rest in peace Bashi Mwape 😭
Additional information; Bruce Mwape’s major achievements with the Copper Queens in chronological order are:
2018 – Appointed Copper Queens Head Coach. Took charge of the senior women’s national team in May 2018.
Guided Zambia to the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, laying the foundation for the team’s future success. group stage exit but won their first ever game at the tournament beating Equatorial Guinea , 5-0.
2020 (played in 2021) – Qualified Zambia for the Olympic Games
Led the Copper Queens to their first-ever qualification for the 2020 Summer Olympics, making Zambia one of the first Southern African nations to compete in the women’s Olympic football tournament.
2022 – Won Zambia’s First COSAFA Women’s Championship
Guided the Copper Queens to their maiden COSAFA Women’s Championship title after defeating South Africa in the final.
2022 – Historic Bronze Medal at WAFCON
Led Zambia to a third-place finish at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the country’s best-ever result at the tournament.
Defeated Nigeria in the third-place playoff.
2022 – Qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Guided the Copper Queens to their first-ever qualification for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup by reaching the WAFCON semi-finals.
2023 – Coached Zambia at the FIFA Women’s World Cup
Became the first Zambian coach to lead a senior national team at a FIFA World Cup.
Managed the Copper Queens in their historic debut at the tournament in Australia and New Zealand.
Recorded a first win beating Costa Rica 3-1.
2024 – Qualified for Back-to-Back Olympic Games;
Guided Zambia to a second consecutive Olympic appearance by qualifying for the 2024 Summer Olympics after overcoming Morocco in the qualifiers.
Made Zambia one of the few African nations to qualify for consecutive Olympic women’s football tournaments.
Bruce Mwape’s Legacy
First coach to qualify Zambia for the Olympic Games.
First coach to qualify Zambia for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Won Zambia’s first COSAFA Women’s Championship.
Guided Zambia to its best-ever WAFCON finish (Bronze Medal).
Developed world-class players including Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Grace Chanda and many others, helping establish the Copper Queens as one of Africa’s leading women’s national teams.
#BruceMwape #Zamfoot
