202425 Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield Launched
The 2024/25 Carling Black Label Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield has been officially launched in Lusaka, marking a historic season as the competition will feature two matches for the first time, preceding the new football season.
In the men’s category, 2024 MTN Super League champions Red Arrows will clash with ABSA Cup runners-up Kabwe Warriors. This match is scheduled for 10 August at 15h00 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. This traditional curtain-raiser promises an exciting start to the 2024/25 football season.
Highlighting the growth of women’s football in Zambia, the FAZ Women’s Super League champions Green Buffaloes will face the National League champions Choma Warriors Academy. This match will serve as the lunchtime kick-off, emphasizing the importance and potential of women’s football in the country.
Speaking at the launch, Zambian Breweries Head of Marketing Thelma Kaonga announced a significant investment of over K600,000 into the Shield, which includes K200,000 in prize money and K125,000 in sports kit. Kaonga emphasized the company’s commitment to promoting gender equality and diversity in sports.
“Zambian Breweries is deeply committed to promoting gender equality and diversity in sport because we believe both men and women have unique strengths, talent, and perspectives to offer. By featuring the women’s teams as curtain-raisers, we aim to support and highlight the tremendous growth and potential of women’s football in Zambia,” said Kaonga.
FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga expressed gratitude to Zambian Breweries for their continuous support. He highlighted that the three-year sponsorship has significantly restored the respectability of this long-standing championship.
“The three-year sponsorship of the Carling Black Label Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield has helped restore the respectability of the over six-decade-long championship. We are particularly happy that Zambian Breweries has not shut the door for other partners who wish to come on board in terms of sponsorship,” said Kamanga.
Zambian Premier League Chief Executive Officer Joseph Chimpampwe noted that several activations will be held alongside the Shield to create a family-friendly atmosphere.
Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu called on other corporations to emulate Zambian Breweries’ support for football in Zambia. He highlighted plans to introduce new cup competitions, encouraging more corporate sponsorship to foster competitive spirit and development in Zambian football.
“I am aware that there are plans to launch new cup competitions this year. This development is a huge step in encouraging teams to compete for silverware. We urge other corporates to come on board to introduce more cup competitions in the Zambia Premier League,” said Nkandu.
The launch of the 2024/25 Carling Black Label Samuel ‘Zoom’ Ndhlovu Charity Shield signifies a vibrant start to the football season, promising excitement and inclusivity for fans and players alike.
