Faz Super League 2023/24 Season Review: A Thrilling Conclusion
The 2023/24 season of the Zambian Super League has been a rollercoaster ride, with the fight for glory and survival extending until the very last minute. The intense competition has seen moments of triumph and heartbreak, as every race must ultimately have its winners and losers.
Champions Crowned: Red Arrows Soar Again
In a dramatic conclusion, Red Arrows emerged as the champions, securing their victory in an almost empty stadium in Ndola. They defeated Mutondo Stars, achieving back-to-back victories and cementing their status at the top. This triumph means Red Arrows will represent Zambia in the continental competitions alongside Zesco United, who also secured their spot.
Relegation Battles and New Beginnings
Unfortunately, the season also saw the relegation of four teams: Konkola Blades, Trident, Kansanshi Dynamos, and Prison Leopards. These teams will now play in the second-tier national league. Beston Chambishi, who was brought in as a potential savior for Konkola Blades, couldn’t turn the tide, coming in too late to make a significant impact. These teams face an uncertain future, unless they make substantial changes to their technical benches and player rosters.
Recommendations for the Future
Looking ahead, it’s crucial that the Absa Cup participants are selected at the end of the season. This change could increase the competitiveness of the league, particularly in the second round, as teams would be vying for the top spots.
Golden Boot Concerns
One worrying aspect of this season has been the lack of a standout local striker. The Golden Boot was claimed by Freddy Michaels from Ivory Coast, who left in January with 14 goals. The closest Zambian contender was Zesco’s Enock Sakala, with 12 goals. This highlights a pressing need for specialized striker coaches within our clubs to enhance performance in both the league and continental competitions.
Continental Competitions: The Road Ahead
As Red Arrows and Zesco United prepare to represent Zambia in the CAF competitions, they face significant challenges. For Red Arrows, learning from past mistakes is crucial. They need to avoid selling key players for short-term gains and instead focus on building a robust team capable of competing at the continental level. Bringing in a top-quality striker, a couple of defenders, and a defensive midfielder could make a significant difference.
Zesco United, under the experienced guidance of coach George Lwandamina, needs to ensure cohesion between the Technical Director and the head coach. Strengthening their attack with a consistent striker could be the key to their success.
Final Results
Here are the scores from the final games of the season:
• Mutondo Stars 0-1 Red Arrows
• FC MUZA 0-1 Kabwe Warriors
• Forest Rangers 4-0 Kansanshi Dynamos
• Mufulira Wanderers 2-0 ZESCO United
• NAPSA Stars 1-1 Power Dynamos
• Nkana 0-0 ZANACO
• Nkwazi 2-1 Green Eagles
• Prison Leopards 1-2 Konkola Blades
• Trident 1-1 Green Buffaloes
This season has been a testament to the vibrant and competitive nature of the Zambian Super League. As we look forward to the next season, the hope is for even more thrilling matches and improved performances on both the domestic and continental stages.
