The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) has announced that the 2024/25 season will open on August 10. The league fixtures for the forthcoming season were also confirmed this morning.
ZPL Manager Brian Mulenga and Chief Executive Joseph Chimpampwe confirmed the details of the new season at a press briefing at Football House and also announced two new cup competitions for both the men’s and women’s games.
The Samuel “Zoom” Ndhlovu Charity Shield, sponsored by Zambian Breweries, will as usual signal the opening of the league season as Premier League and ABSA Cup champions Red Arrows take on cup runner-ups Kabwe Warriors at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday, August 10 ahead of the league’s commencement the following weekend on August 17.
Chimpampwe also revealed that the Charity Shield will, for the first time, be extended to the women’s category, which will see Women’s Super Division champions Green Buffaloes take on the Division One champs.
“We are excited to unveil the 2024/2025 MTN Super League and the Women’s Super Division fixtures that were ratified by the board. The two leagues will run concurrently starting on August 17.”
“The Charity Shield, which is sponsored by Zambian Breweries, will be played on August 10 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. For the first time, the women will join the Charity Shield. In the men’s category Red Arrows will play Kabwe Warriors while Green Buffaloes women will play the winner between Nchanga Rangers Queens and Choma Warriors,” Chimpampwe said.
“The Women’s Super Division will have a sponsor starting next season, as will the National League for both men and women. Sponsors will be announced when everything is concluded.”
Chimpampwe also announced the introduction of two more cups in the league – the Champion of Champions Cup and the ZPL Challenge Cup, both starting in the upcoming season.
“We are also excited to announce the introduction of two more cup competitions. The Champion of Champions and the ZPL Challenge Cup. I can also mention that the ZPL Challenge Cup will be our most lucrative cup. The ZPL Challenge Cup is for all teams in the MTN Super League, National Division One, the Women’s Super Division, and National Division One. We shall do everything as ZPL to meet the expectations of our members.”
Meanwhile, Super League champions Red Arrows open their title defense with an armed forces derby against Green Buffaloes at home, while perennial title challengers ZESCO United and Power Dynamos visit tricky NAPSA Stars and Mufulira Wanderers, respectively, in what is expected to be explosive Week 1 fixtures.
Newly-promoted Atletico Lusaka will face Forest Rangers in a historical first-ever top-flight fixture in the club’s history after gaining promotion this past season.
MTN SUPER LEAGUE – WEEK 1 FIXTURES
Forest Rangers v. Atletico Lusaka
Green Eagles v. Kabwe Warriors
Indeni v. Zanaco
Mufulira Wanderers v. Power Dynamos
NAPSA Stars v. ZESCO United
Nchanga Rangers v. FC MUZA
Nkana v. Lumwana Radiants
Nkwazi v. Mutondo Stars
Red Arrows v. Green Buffaloes
