Former Copper Queens head coach Bruce Mwape and his entire technical bench are each owed over K500,000 in unpaid allowances dating back to 2021, BolaNews has established.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba confirmed on Thursday that some local coaches are indeed owed money, revealing that the association is currently facing a debt of over K100 million, and admitted that “the coffers are dry.”
“The coffers are dry and we have not less than K100 million in debt. Various debts, of course, other than the allowances for players,” Mweemba said at a press conference at Football House, where he addressed the cancellation of the friendlies against Sudan and Tunisia — which he linked to an alleged player boycott, a claim that has since been refuted by the players
He added: “The coaches are owed. Avram Grant is owed, Nora, the Copper Queens coach, is also owed, the assistants — there are many, including our local coaches — they are owed.”
“So the debt is huge. But like I have said, I want this to come out clear: it’s not leadership to point fingers at anyone. I don’t want to go into the merits or demerits of how this debt was accumulated. I think that’s not important. What is important is for us to provide leadership and ensure that this debt is cleared.”
Mwape had no formal contract
BolaNews has further learned that Mwape, who served as head coach of the Copper Queens from 2018 to 2025, did not have a formal contract with FAZ — and neither did his assistants. This is despite leading the team to back-to-back Olympic qualifications and securing a historic bronze medal at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations — a feat that also earned them a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever in 2023.
According to sources close to the former Nchanga Rangers trainer, he is owed by both the government — through the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Arts — and the Football Association of Zambia.
Despite the financial mess, Mweemba stressed that his focus is not on blame but on solutions.
“It’s not right to say who was wrong or who was right. The bottom line is that we have got this problem in our hands, we have inherited it, and we shall resolve it,” he boldly stated. “I am determined to have them cleared within the shortest period of time.”
READ MORE: Chipolopolo Players Respond to FAZ President Keith Mweemba Over “Boycotted” Friendlies
