11 Jul 2023

Zambia's coach responds to sexual misconduct allegations

From Checkpoint, 5:48 pm on 11 July 2023

Zambia's coach has touched down in New Zealand denying claims of sexual misconduct against his players.

According to an article in the Guardian, Bruce Mwape was investigated late last year following allegations of sexual abuse in the team.

The allegations were raised with the Football Association of Zambia, which said it had referred the investigation to police and to football's governing body, FIFA.

The Guardian's report quotes an unnamed source who says players have received threats of punitive action should they speak up about Mwape's behaviour.

But as it stands, Bruce Mwape remains head coach of the team known as "the Copper Queens".

Some of them arrived to a rapturous Zambian welcome in Auckland this morning before they travelled to their host city of Hamilton.

Our producer Matthew Theunissen managed to ask Bruce Mwape a few questions as he made his way from the arrivals gate to the team bus outside.

Checkpoint has sought comment from football's governing body FIFA, Immigration New Zealand, and the Football Association of Zambia but are yet to receive any response.