Bush Dedicates Coach of the Year Award to Athletes

Zambian mixed martial arts coach Benjamin Bush has expressed gratitude after being named Coach of the Year at the Zambia Annual Sports Awards, dedicating the accolade to athletes and the wider sporting community.

In a statement shared on his Facebook page, Bush said the recognition was a collective achievement.

“I am deeply humbled and incredibly grateful to have been recognised as Coach of the Year. This honour is not mine alone, it belongs to the athletes, the coaches, the clubs, and the entire community,” he said.

Bush emphasised that coaching is built on trust and mutual commitment between athletes and trainers.

“Recognition such as this is never the result of one person alone. Coaching is built on trust that athletes place in us when they commit themselves to the training process and push through adversity,” he said.

He thanked the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts and the National Sports Council of Zambia for recognising his work and supporting athlete development across the country.

Bush also paid tribute to fellow nominees and grassroots coaches, saying many unsung contributors continue to shape sport at community level.

“To my fellow coaches, whether in a Sunday league or rural school, if you are dedicated and making sacrifices for your athletes, you are winners,” he said.

He singled out Miracle Chipito, who was also recognised, describing her journey as an inspiration.

“This extraordinary dedication and belief has taken her from Chibombo to one of the largest global promotions and into PFL Africa,” Bush noted.

Bush further highlighted the role of MMA Zambia and its president Henry Shoko in strengthening structures within the sport.

He concluded by urging the corporate sector to invest in sport, stating that such support creates opportunities for young people and contributes to national development.