The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has unveiled a new qualification format that will see five provincial champions earn automatic promotion to the 2026/27 ZPL National Division One League, while a sixth team will get one final chance through a promotion-relegation playoff.
The new structure was announced during Friday’s playoff draw by FAZ Deputy General Secretary Iva Mumba Lengwe and follows the FAZ Council’s decision to expand the National Division One League from 18 to 20 teams.
More Opportunities for Provincial Clubs
Under the revised format, the top five teams from the provincial playoffs will secure direct promotion to National Division One.
The team that finishes sixth will not be eliminated immediately but will instead face River Plate, the highest-ranked relegated side from National Division One, in a promotion-relegation playoff for the final available spot.
Lengwe said the changes are aimed at creating more opportunities for ambitious clubs across the country.
“This year’s playoffs carry even greater significance following the decision by the FAZ Council to increase the number of teams in the National Division One League from 18 to 20 teams.”
“As a result, six teams will now have an opportunity to qualify for the National Division One League.”
Following International Standards
FAZ believes the new system aligns with modern football administration practices used across the world.
“Five teams from these playoffs will gain automatic promotion, while the sixth-placed team will compete in a playoff against the first demotion-marked team from the National Division One League.”
“This structure is consistent with international best practices in football administration and league management, where promotion and relegation playoff systems are used to enhance competitiveness, fairness and sporting merit.”
The move is expected to make the playoffs more competitive, with every position potentially carrying major consequences.
Playoff Groups Confirmed
The provincial playoffs will take place from June 22 to June 26 at Miller Ground and Police College Ground in Lusaka.
Group A
- Mpande Youth Academy
- Forest Myoooye
- Barotse Crocs
- Solwezi Mushitala
- Play It Forward
Group B
- Zambezi Portland
- Real Nakonde
- Mathkat FC
- Nampundwe
- Mika FC
With promotion to National Division One at stake, the competition is expected to provide some of the most exciting football of the off-season.
Conclusion
The expansion of the National Division One League represents a major opportunity for clubs competing at provincial level.
With five automatic promotion places available and a sixth team still able to fight for promotion through a playoff, the stakes have never been higher as teams battle for a place in Zambia’s second-tier professional league.
