Explosive Allegations Surround Zambia Women's Manager Bruce Mwape Ahead of World Cup

Zambia Women's captain, Barbra Banda, maintains that the team is solely concentrating on their football, disregarding a report indicating that manager Bruce Mwape is under investigation for allegations of sexual misconduct involving players. Recently, The Guardian disclosed that Mwape's case is being looked into by the Zambian FA, which has subsequently been escalated to FIFA and the police.

Mwape declined to comment when he addressed the media after Zambia's arrival in New Zealand prior to the World Cup. On the other hand, Banda mentioned that the players were fully focused on their first match of the tournament against former world champions Japan, scheduled for July 22.

"I'm just a player, so I don't have the authority to answer that. My role is to be on the field, not involved in the technical aspects," stated Banda.

"As players, our primary focus is on the pitch, leaving the rest to the management. Whatever situations arise off the field, it's their responsibility to handle. Our job is solely to perform on the pitch."

According to an anonymous female player who spoke to The Guardian, she said, "If he [Mwape] desires to engage in sexual activity, you are expected to give consent."

"Our team has a coach who often sleeps with the players, which is considered normal."

FIFA's independent ethics committee adheres to protocol and has declined to provide any comments on whether an ongoing investigation exists or not.

Additional Zambian coaches and officials were also alleged of engaging in sexual misconduct and were subjected to investigations, as stated by The Guardian. Appointed in May 2018, Mwape played a crucial role in Zambia's successful qualification for the World Cup, marking their first-ever appearance in the tournament. Despite being ranked 77th globally, Zambia has achieved remarkable outcomes, including a 3-3 draw against Switzerland and a notable victory of 3-2 against Germany, a two-time world champion, in recent friendly matches.

We News has contacted the Zambian FA for comment.