Bruce Mwape plots Copper Queens future after World Cup exit

By ZamFoot | August 1, 2023 |

Zambia Women’s National Team head coach Bruce Mwape is already looking at the future after his team’s premature exit at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Mwape says the team will have to work on their approach going forward and the possibility of new players who can handle the pressure of the World Cup.

Mwape said everyone in Zambia is happy with the result following a historical 3-1 win over Costa Rica’s Las Chicas in their final group C match.

“I think after today’s (Monday) game everyone is happy in our camp because, like you have said, we have made history.

It’s our first World Cup appearance, and despite losing the first two games, we managed to at least go back home with a win. There are very few teams that have come to the World Cup for the first time and won with that margin,” he said.

“We are very happy as a team…. I hope next time we come here, we will come with a different approach.”

“Going into the second tournament, we are looking at the structure of our team, and the mistakes that were made by a few individuals can help us identify or look for other players who can manage the pressure that we went through, especially in the first two games,” he added.

Mwape told Journalists at a post match press conference that some players were identified that they can not handle the pressure of the World Cup top teams.

“Some of the players showed that they could not withstand the pressure from teams like Spain and Japan. I am sure by the time we will be coming back to the World Cup, we should come with a polished team and a different approach,” Mwape said.

Zambia finished third in group C after losing their opening two games to Japan and Spain by a 5-0 margin.

The Copper Queens however managed a face saver beating Costa Rica 3-1 on Monday.

Credit: Zamfoot