Analysis of the 2023/24 FAZ Division One National League Season
The 2023/24 FAZ Division One National League season concluded with significant developments for the teams involved. This summary provides an overview of the final standings, highlights key achievements, and notes the teams that will be moving up to the MTN Super League or down to provincial football.
Champions and Promoted Teams
Nchanga Rangers emerged as the champions of the league, finishing with 68 points and a goal difference (GD) of 27. Their consistent performance throughout the season ensured they topped the table and secured promotion to the MTN Super League.
Lumwana Radiants closely followed in second place with 67 points and a GD of 24. Despite finishing just one point behind the champions, their strong season earned them a well-deserved promotion.
Atletico Lusaka secured third place with 58 points and a GD of 21. Their competitive edge and solid play saw them comfortably qualify for the MTN Super League.
Indeni FC finished in fourth place with 54 points and a GD of 7, rounding out the list of teams promoted to the MTN Super League. Their journey to the top tier of Zambian football was marked by resilience and strategic play.
Teams Facing Relegation
Unfortunately, the season also saw some teams facing relegation to provincial football:
ZESCO Malaiti Rangers ended their campaign in 15th place with 38 points and a GD of -7. Despite their efforts, they could not avoid the drop.
National Assembly finished in 16th place, also with 38 points but a GD of -9, which relegated them due to their inferior goal difference compared to teams above them.
Jumulo struggled throughout the season, finishing 17th with 32 points and a GD of -15. Their performance was not sufficient to stay in the league.
Mpulungu Youth had a particularly tough season, finishing at the bottom of the table with 24 points and a GD of -33, which confirmed their relegation.
Mid-Table Performers
Several teams had mixed fortunes but managed to maintain their status in the league:
• Young Green Buffalos finished 5th with 51 points and a GD of 8.
• City of Lusaka and Agila Stars both ended with 45 points, with GDs of -1 and -2, respectively.
• Quatro Kalubila, Mpulungu Harbour, and Young Leopards all finished closely with 44 points each, but their goal differences of 3, 2, and -4, respectively, determined their positions in the table.
• Kitwe United and Kafue Eagles ended with 42 and 40 points, respectively, showing steady but unspectacular performances.
• Chipata United and Chambishi rounded out the mid-table with 39 and 38 points, respectively.
Final Standings Snapshot
Position Team (P) (GD) (Pts)
1 Nchanga Rangers 34 27 68
2 Lumwana Radiants 34 24 67
3 Atletico Lusaka 34 21 58
4 Indeni 34 7 54
5 Young Green Buffalos 34 8 51
6 City of Lusaka 34 -1 45
7 Aguila Stars 34 -2 45
8 Quatro Kalubila 34 3 44
9 Mpulungu Harbour 34 2 44
10 Young Leopards 34 -4 44
11 Kitwe United 34 -5 42
12 Kafue Eagles 34 -5 40
13 Chipata United 34 -9 39
14 Chambishi 34 -2 38
15 ZESCO Malaiti Rangers 34 -7 38
16 National Assembly 34 -9 38
17 Jumulo 34 -15 32
18 Mpulungu Youth 34 -33 24
In summary, the 2023/24 FAZ Division One National League season showcased competitive spirit, with Nchanga Rangers leading the charge to the MTN Super League. Meanwhile, teams like ZESCO Malaiti Rangers and National Assembly will need to regroup and strategize for their return from provincial football.
