By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Ex-Zambia women’s national football team coach Bruce Mwape was one of several honourees at the FAZ women’s football awards ceremony held at the Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on Saturday evening.
Mwape had a successful stint as Zambia women’s coach from 2018 to 2024 leading the team to an unprecedented three successive Women’s AFCON qualifications whose highlight was a third-place finish in 2022.
He also achieved back-to-back Olympic qualifications, one COSAFA Women’s Cup title and debut Qualification to the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023.
Also honoured was Albert Kachinga who steered Zambia to their first FIFA Women’s tournament at the 2014 FIFA U17 World Cup in Costa Rica.
Coach Florence Mwila who won the 2024 COSAFA Women’s Cup also received recognition.
Others were FAZ Life member Janet Bwalya and FAZ Women’s Football Representative Colonel Priscilla Katoba.
Footballers Barbra Banda, Rachael Nachula, Kabange Mupopo, Martha Tembo and Mary Mwakapila, who has retired due to health reasons were also honoured.
FAZ president Andrew Kamanga said in his address that it was humbled to have honoured the personalities who have contributed greatly to the women’s game in Zambia.
“We recognise that all these successes were a product of hard work and consistency. It is for this reason that we are happy to honour the men and women that have contributed to this great story we are witnessing today,” Kamanga said.
“The recognition is not just for the heroes of today but even those that played a pioneering role in our women’s game.”
FAZ also handed recognition awards to the Malawi international sister duo of Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga who are in the country with their national team for two international friendlies.
