ZPL National League Week 31 Fixtures: Promotion Race, Relegation Battles & Midtable Duels

As the 2024/25 ZPL National League season hits Week 31, the stakes have never been higher. With only a few matchdays remaining, the race for promotion to the MTN Super League is intensifying, while the battle to avoid relegation grows more desperate. This midweek slate of matches, set for Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, April 10, promises high drama across the table.

From title challengers hoping to tighten their grip at the top, to basement clubs fighting for survival, every goal, point, and decision could determine a team’s fate. Here’s a match-by-match preview of what’s to come and what’s at stake in each encounter.

🗓 Wednesday | 09/04/2025

Young Green Buffaloes vs Kafue Celtic

📍 Independence Stadium | 15:00h

This is a relegation six-pointer between two sides hovering dangerously close to the drop. Young Green Buffaloes sit in 14th place with 32 points from 29 matches and are just one spot above the relegation zone. A loss here could plunge them back into serious trouble, especially if other results go against them.

On the other side, Kafue Celtic are in 16th with 29 points and desperately need a win to climb out of the relegation zone. They are three points behind Buffaloes, so victory would not only move them level on points but potentially lift them to safety based on goal difference. This is a must-win game for Celtic, while Buffaloes will see this as a golden chance to put distance between themselves and the danger zone.

Trident FC vs River Plate

📍 Sentinel Ground | 15:00h

A true top-of-the-table clash awaits in Solwezi as Trident (5th, 50 pts) host River Plate (4th, 51 pts) in a fixture that could have a significant bearing on promotion. Only three teams will go up to the MTN Super League, and both Trident and River Plate remain firmly in the hunt. Trident are just three points behind Mines United in third, and River Plate are only two adrift.

For Trident, this is a huge opportunity to leapfrog their direct rivals and move into the top three, while River Plate know that a win here could create a small buffer between them and the chasing pack. With both sides known for their compact defensive structures and well-organized midfields, this could be one of the most tightly contested games of the week.

Aguila Stars vs Leopards Hill

📍 REIZ Arena | 15:00h

Aguila Stars may be sitting mid-table in 10th place with 37 points, but their form has been solid in recent weeks, and they’ll be looking to end the season on a high with a top-eight finish. Playing at home, they’ll be heavy favorites against Leopards Hill, who are rock bottom with just 23 points from 30 games.

Leopards Hill are mathematically still in the fight for survival, but time is running out, and they are in desperate need of a win. Their defensive frailties have been exposed all season, conceding 46 goals—the most in the league. Unless they can pull off an unlikely upset here, they may be all but confirmed for relegation.

Chipata United vs Ndola United

📍 Nationalist Stadium | 15:00h

This is another crucial match in the relegation picture. Chipata United, currently 17th with 25 points, are on the brink of going down unless they can pull off a late-season escape. A win here would be a massive boost and keep their slim survival hopes alive.

However, they face a stern test against Ndola United, who sit in 15th place with 31 points. Ndola are only one point behind safety and know that victory here could be enough to lift them out of the drop zone, depending on results elsewhere. Both teams will approach this game with urgency, but the pressure will be especially high on Chipata, who cannot afford to lose.

Kafue Eagles vs Mines United

📍 Khosa Stadium | 15:00h

Kafue Eagles, in 13th place with 32 points, are not completely out of danger yet. Just a couple of poor results could drag them back into the relegation conversation. That makes this home fixture critical, but they face one of the toughest opponents in the league.

Mines United are currently third with 53 points and are fighting tooth and nail to stay in the promotion zone. With only two points separating them from River Plate in fourth, any slip-up could cost them dearly. Mines will be looking to bounce back from recent inconsistencies and assert themselves as serious promotion contenders. Expect a high-intensity battle in Kafue.

Jumulo FC vs Konkola Blades

📍 Baluba Ground | 15:00h

Jumulo FC, in 7th place with 39 points, are already out of the promotion race but have had a respectable campaign. They’ll want to make a statement against Konkola Blades, the league leaders with 62 points. With just a few games remaining, every match is a final for the Blades.

A slip-up here could open the door for Kansanshi Dynamos, who are only four points behind with a game in hand. Blades have been consistent all season, losing just twice in 30 games, and they’ll need to stay focused to secure top spot and avoid late-season nerves. Jumulo have nothing to lose, which makes them a dangerous opponent.

Kansanshi Dynamos vs Kitwe United

📍 Independence Stadium | 15:00h

This is a huge opportunity for Kansanshi Dynamos, currently second with 58 points and a game in hand on the leaders. With Konkola Blades facing a tricky game against Jumulo, a win over Kitwe United (11th, 37 pts) could close the gap to just one point or potentially even take them top if results go their way.

Kitwe United have nothing to play for but pride, making them a potential banana skin for Dynamos. However, Kansanshi have been one of the most well-balanced sides this season, boasting 39 goals scored—the highest in the league. Expect them to come out attacking as they chase automatic promotion and possibly the championship.

🗓 Thursday | 10/04/2025

Chirundu United vs Mpulungu Harbour

📍 Edwin Imboela Stadium | 15:00h

This is a tight mid-table clash between two evenly matched sides. Chirundu United (9th, 37 pts) and Mpulungu Harbour (8th, 38 pts) are separated by just one point. While neither team is in danger of relegation, both still have a chance to break into the top six.

It’s an opportunity for fringe players to impress and for clubs to build momentum heading into the final stretch. With no pressure from either side, fans can expect a free-flowing and entertaining match. The result won’t impact promotion or relegation, but pride and positioning are still very much on the line.

Conclusion

Week 31 in the ZPL National League promises fireworks as the league moves closer to its conclusion. The top-of-the-table clash between Trident and River Plate could determine who finishes in the promotion spots, while Konkola Blades and Kansanshi Dynamos continue their titanic race for the title.

Meanwhile, the survival battle is just as gripping, with teams like Chipata United, Ndola United, Kafue Celtic, and Young Green Buffaloes all fighting for their lives. Every fixture this week carries weight, and by the end of it, we may see major shifts in both the promotion and relegation zones.