Breaking- Zambia women team head coach Bruce Mwape speaks about sexual misconduct allegations after arriving in New Zealand for World Cup
Zambia's coach Bruce Mwape speaks to his players during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games women's group F first round football match between China and Zambia at the Miyagi Stadium in Miyagi on July 24, 2021. (Photo by Kohei CHIBAHARA / AFP) (Photo by KOHEI CHIBAHARA/AFP via Getty Images)
As one of the four African reps at the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, second batch of Zambian contingent consisting of boss Bruce Mwape have arrived in New Zealand on Tuesday morning for the global women’s campaign.
Right at the onset of their arrival is interest into sexual misconduct allegations leveled against Bruce Mwape as the Zambian manager asked of his response to those accusations.
Bruce Mwape remained calm in his response to those claims ignited by The Guardian.
The publication has reported that last year Bruce Mwape was investigated by FIFA for sexual misconduct with inquiry opened in collaboration with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the country’s police.
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Mwape who was appointed the boss of the Zambian women football team in May 2018 has qualified them for the World Cup first time in Zambia’s history.
Zambia like many other teams have arrived at the World Cup, and when Bruce Mwape was asked by Checkpoint outside the arrivals gate in New Zealand, about his sexual allegations, the boss denied those accusations.
“It has taken about a year now. You are still talking about the same allegations, quotes by RNZ”
Mwape said he did not know if FIFA was still investigating
“No-one has spoken to me apart from one person … from [the] Guardian.”
He was not concerned about staying on as coach while under investigation, he said.
“That has got nothing to do with me because as far as I’m concerned they are fake allegations.”
The Guardian report captures one source close to the player saying they (players) had received threats, not from Mwape himself. “They are being threatened with punitive action if they dare say anything about what happened,” the source said. “The federation is turning a blind eye because the women have had good results. It’s their way to show to the public and the authorities success and a good image. But behind the scenes, it’s very ugly.”
It’s unclear whether Mwape is still under investigation or cleared free of such accusations but FIFA has not published anything on Bruce Mwape.
But treatment received and reception for Bruce Mwape after landing in New Zealand speaks high magnitude of the case against the Zambian coach.
The 63-year has not been terminated from his duty as he still remains head coach of “the Copper Queens”.
Besides, RNZ has asked FIFA and the Football Association of Zambia for comment but is yet to receive any response.
A statement also from Immigration New Zealand said it was unable to comment on Mwape’s circumstances without a privacy waiver.
“Travellers are required to declare any criminal convictions when they apply for a visitor visa. They only need to provide a police certificate if they intend on staying for more than 24 months in New Zealand.”
All these signs are not straightforward cues for a safer side of Mwape’s sexual allegations.
Zambia will begin their campaign with opening game against Japan on Saturday morning.
