Former Copper Queens Coach Bruce Mwape Dies at 67

09.07.2026 | Football DNA

Former Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape has died at the age of 67 after suffering a stroke.

According to family members, Mwape passed away in the early hours of Thursday at Nchanga Mine Hospital in Chingola, where he had been receiving treatment. His son, Chikonde Mwape, confirmed the death and disclosed that the former coach had been diagnosed with a stroke last week following medical examinations.

Chikonde explained that his father had initially been treated at Nchanga Mine Hospital before being referred to Kitwe for further medical attention. He later returned to Nchanga Mine Hospital, where he passed away.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) also confirmed Mwape’s death. FAZ communications manager Sydney Mungala stated that the association had received confirmation from the family that the former Copper Queens coach had died in the early hours of the morning.

Mwape leaves behind a remarkable legacy in Zambian football, particularly in the women's game. During his tenure as Copper Queens coach, he guided Zambia to its first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023 and led the team to back-to-back Olympic appearances at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Games.

He also oversaw Zambia’s historic third-place finish at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, securing the country's first FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification in the process.

Widely respected for his commitment to developing young talent, Mwape played a significant role in nurturing some of Zambia’s biggest women’s football stars, including Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Racheal Kundananji, who have gone on to excel on the international stage.

In recognition of his contribution to sport, Mwape was last year awarded the President’s Insignia for Meritorious Achievement by Hakainde Hichilema.

His passing marks the end of an era for Zambian women's football and leaves a significant void in the country's sporting fraternity.