Few days to Women World Cup Zambia coach accused of sexual abuse

The coach of the Zambian women's national team has been accused of sexually abusing players on the team.

There are reports of testimonies linking him to a series of incidents involving footballers.

Bruce Mwape took charge of the team in May 2018 and implemented changes in their playing style, leading Zambia to the World Cup for the first time in their history.

In September 2022, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced that they had initiated an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse.

"If he [Mwape] wants to sleep with someone, you have to say yes," an anonymous player told the Guardian. "It's normal that the coach sleeps with the players in our team."

Another source indicated that players have faced threats of punishment if they reveal anything about the incidents.

"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."

Zambia will be in Group C at the upcoming World Cup. They will make their World Cup debut on July 22 against Japan.

FIFA is aware of the situation, and The Guardian attempted to contact Bruce Mwape without success.

"Although we have no record of official complaints from anyone on the allegations, we consider these allegations very seriously and have opened an inquiry into the matter," said the FAZ's general secretary, Adrian Kashala, in the statement.

"We shall collaborate with the Zambia Police Service and other relevant stakeholders in dealing with this matter."

It is worth noting that Mwape is not believed to be the only Zambian coach implicated in a sexual abuse case, as Kaluba Kangwam, the U17 national team coach, is also under investigation.