Zambia Women’s national team head coach Bruce Mwape heaped praise on his players following their 1-0 win over nine-time Champions, Nigeria in the third and fourth playoffs.
Mwape revealed that the team had set their sights on winning the tournament but was content to settle for bronze.
The gaffer believes winning bronze at WAFCON will change a lot of things for Women’s football in Zambia.
“Winning a bronze medal is good because we came here wanting to win gold but we missed it out and I think we are happy with bronze rather than going home with nothing,” he said.
“Looking at how our team is playing we should give credit to our players. Nigeria is a strong team but we managed to contain them. We never gave them spaces to utilize and create scoring chances.”
“Winning bronze will actually change most things concerning Women’s football in Zambia. If we look back the last time we came back is 2018, we lost to Nigeria but now we have changed things. This will encourage ladies in Zambia to develop an interest in playing football,” he added.
Mwape believes the development projects put in place are finally paying off and results are showing now.
Mwape was also quick to praise clubs for their role in the development of the players.
“The last time when lost to Nigeria we did not just sit down we continued with our developmental programs and made changes, brought in some new players. The other thing that has made us improve is the COSAFA tournament and going to the Olympics because you need to prepare adequately,” he said.
“I think that it will be a bit tricky because the players will have to go back to their clubs but we will have to work with club coaches to help and of course, we will be monitoring them.”
“A lot is happening around Women’s football in Zambia and we are happy. The clubs are helping us a lot. Qualifying to the World Cup and winning bronze is through hard work,” he added.
