The Copper Queens have taken to their socials to express shock and disbelief at the passing of former Shepolopolo head coach Bruce Mwape this morning at the age of 67.
“You have left us broken, coach. Thank you for everything. May God receive you. RIP Mentor,” Shepolopolo goalkeeper Hazel Natasha Nali wrote on her socials.
Shepolopolo right-back Margaret Belemu took to her socials and shared, “Rest in peace, Coach. Your guidance and impact will never be forgotten. Gone but never forgotten. Rest easy, Coach.”
Meanwhile, striker Racheal Kundananji also shared her tribute message as she wrote, “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. Learning about your demise has just left us shattered! Your legacy will live on in all of us. We will miss you, Coach. Rest in peace!”
His son Chikonde Mwape told Kalemba that he was diagnosed with a stroke last Wednesday at Nchanga Mine Hospital and was later referred to Kitwe for further management, and died this morning around 4 a.m. after returning to Nchanga Mine Hospital.
Bruce Mwape was appointed Copper Queens head coach in 2018 and led them to their first Olympics in 2020 and reached the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time in 2022 before qualifying them for their first FIFA Women’s World Cup that same year.
In 2023, he became the first Zambian head coach to win a senior FIFA Women’s World Cup match before qualifying the Shepolopolo for their second Olympic appearance the following year.
Last year, Mwape was awarded the President’s Insignia for Meritorious Achievement by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Shepolopolo forward and captain also share her tribute message as he wrote, “Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Coach Bruce Mwape. 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. Forever grateful.”
Bruce Mwape will be remembered as a hero who brought merit to Zambian football and joy to the hearts of those who followed his team’s play.
