Women's Football News

Bruce Mwape is the head coach of Zambia. His success during the World Cup 2023 earned him more time with the national team. This time going to the Paris 2024 Olympics. During the World Cup, Mwape was accused of touching the chest of one of his players and the breast of a FIFA contractor. FIFA is still investigating the accusations. France denied Mwape a visa due to the ongoing investigations, but this decision has been reversed. 

Sexual misconduct charges by multiple players

Before the World Cup 2023 the head coach was also charged with sexual misconduct. This time a couple of players came forward, but Bruce Mwape denied everything, and he was not charged. The International Olympic Committee said: “will be following the outcome of this case closely, for ­consideration with respect to the Olympic Games”. Mwape is now allowed at the tournament, but he is under strict observation. The head coach is not allowed one-on-one meetings with his players in closed spaces. He must be out in the open with them at all times. 

Usually, French laws prohibit people who are accused of sexual crimes to be granted a visa. Zambia could have chosen to replace their head coach; this would be best for their players and everyone around the team. However, guiding Zambia to the World Cup was enough motivation to keep Mwape at his post. 

When asked the FAZ had the following answer to why they allowed Bruce Mwape into the country: “Appropriate measures have been put in place by the international federation concerned and agreed with the NOC”. The FIFA also put a safeguarding program in place. They are committed to making sure that every athlete can train and compete in a safe sporting environment. Although by permitting Mwape to be Zambia’s head coach, they fail to do exactly all that. The head coach should not be at the Olympic Games, let alone lead a women’s team. 

Zambia Olympic Squad 2024

Together with Nigeria, Zambia will represent Africa during the Olympics 2024. The following players are in the 18-player squad:

Goalkeepers: Catherine Musondam Ngambo Musole, Eunice Sakala.

Defenders: Diana Banda, Esther Siamfuko, Lushomo Mweeba, Pauline Zulu, Martha Tembo, Esther Muchinga Vast Phiri.

Midfielders: Rhodah Chileshe, Misozi Zulu, Grace Chanda, Avell Chitunda, Hellen Chanda, Mary Wilombe.

Forwards: Ochumba Oseke, Kabange Mupopo, Barbra Banda, Prisca Chilufya, Racheal Kundananji, Racheal Nachula.

Zambia is part of Group B with the USA, Germany and Australia. The tournament starts on the 25^th of July with the group stage match against the USA. 

Source: The Guardian article by Ed Aarons.