Copper Queens captain Barbra Banda says the team is determined to honour the memory of former head coach Bruce Mwape during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as they prepare to begin their continental campaign.
Mwape, who passed away on 9 July 2026, played a pivotal role in the rise of Zambia’s women’s national team during his seven-year tenure. He guided the Copper Queens to a historic bronze medal at WAFCON, their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance, and qualification for two consecutive Olympic Games before leaving his role in 2025.
Speaking during CAF’s online media engagement, Banda admitted that the loss of Mwape had deeply affected the squad but said the players are determined to carry his legacy into the tournament.
“The passing of Coach Bruce is so heavy in our hearts. We have lost not only a coach but someone who taught us so much on the football stage,” Banda said.
The Orlando Pride forward added that the team wants to use the tournament as an opportunity to pay tribute to the man who helped shape the Copper Queens into one of Africa’s leading sides.
“I can assure you that everything happens for a reason, and we are carrying it with us to WAFCON,” she said.
Banda revealed that despite the emotional loss, the mood within the camp remains positive as the players focus on making the country proud while remembering their former coach.
“The girls and I are doing well. It has been very difficult to accept because no one expected it. We are going to WAFCON with him in our hearts, and we want to do something special for him during the tournament,” she added.
Zambia have been drawn in a challenging Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi.
The Copper Queens will begin their WAFCON campaign against Egypt in Rabat before facing Nigeria and Malawi in their remaining group fixtures.
This year’s tournament also serves as the African qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the four semi-finalists securing automatic qualification.
As they chase success on the continental stage, the Copper Queens will also be carrying an extra source of motivation—honouring the lasting legacy of Bruce Mwape through their performances.
