MTN Super League 2025/26 vs 2024/25: Which Season Was Better?
The 2025/26 MTN Super League season has delivered one of the most dramatic shifts in recent Zambian football history. Compared to the 2024/25 campaign, the recently concluded season showcased a new balance of power, the rise of ambitious clubs, and the visible decline of some traditional giants.
While the 2024/25 season was defined by consistency, tactical caution and a relatively predictable top-four race, the 2025/26 season produced more surprises, bigger collapses and stronger competition across the table.
From Power Dynamos’ dominance to Nkana FC’s shocking fall, this was a season that completely changed the narrative of Zambian football.
POWER DYNAMOS: FROM CHAMPIONS TO SUPER CHAMPIONS
Power Dynamos were excellent in 2024/25, winning the title with 68 points. However, in 2025/26 they elevated themselves into a completely different class.
The Kitwe giants jumped from:
• 68 points to 78 points
• 54 goals scored to 53 goals scored with a far stronger defence
• Goal difference improved from +32 to +35
Most importantly, they lost only two league matches all season.
This was not just another title-winning campaign. It was a statement of authority. Power Dynamos became more tactically mature, defensively disciplined and mentally ruthless. They controlled pressure moments far better than every other club in the league.
The gap between them and the chasing pack also exposed the inconsistency of Zambia’s traditional heavyweights.
RED ARROWS REMAIN CONSISTENT
Red Arrows quietly became one of the most stable clubs in the country.
In 2024/25 they finished fourth with 56 points. In 2025/26 they climbed to second with 63 points while maintaining one of the league’s strongest defensive records.
Their growth reflects proper squad continuity and technical stability. While they still lacked the consistency needed to challenge Power Dynamos seriously, they have now positioned themselves as genuine long-term contenders.
FC MUZA: THE BIGGEST OVERACHIEVERS
No team exceeded expectations more than FC MUZA.
Last season they finished 10th with 44 points. This season they exploded into third place with 51 points.
Their rise represents one of the biggest tactical transformations in the league. MUZA became more organised, compact and efficient in transition play. Unlike previous seasons where they struggled with consistency, they learned how to grind out results against stronger opponents.
If they maintain squad depth and avoid losing key players, they could become serious title contenders next season.
KABWE WARRIORS FINALLY MATCH THEIR POTENTIAL
For several seasons Kabwe Warriors showed promise without fully delivering. The 2025/26 season finally saw them become a genuine top-four side.
They maintained their 51-point tally from the previous campaign but improved in overall competitiveness and game management. Their ability to stay inside the top four throughout most of the season indicates tactical maturity.
The challenge now is turning stability into a title challenge.
ZESCO UNITED: THE BIGGEST DECLINE
No collapse was bigger than Zesco United’s.
In 2024/25 they finished second with 63 points and looked like Power Dynamos’ main challengers. Just one season later they dropped to 10th with only 47 points.
For a club of Zesco’s stature, that is unacceptable.
The decline reflects deeper structural issues:
• Lack of attacking consistency
• Squad imbalance
• Failure to replace key performers
• Reduced dominance at home
• Mental fragility in crucial fixtures
Zesco United still possess resources and infrastructure, but the aura that once made them feared across Zambia is fading rapidly.
NKANA FC: FROM TITLE HOPEFULS TO MIDTABLE SHOCK
Nkana FC’s decline may be even more alarming emotionally.
In 2024/25 they finished third with 58 points and looked like a club rebuilding toward a championship challenge. One year later they dropped to 13th with just 39 points.
That is a massive 19-point drop.
Nkana struggled with:
• Inconsistency
• Lack of creativity
• Poor finishing
• Pressure from expectations
• Tactical instability
The club looked disconnected for large periods of the season. For supporters accustomed to competing for trophies, a midtable finish felt like a crisis.
The worrying part is that several smaller clubs now appear more structurally organised than Nkana.
NCHANGA RANGERS AND GREEN EAGLES QUIETLY IMPRESSED
Nchanga Rangers rose from 11th to fifth while Green Eagles climbed from 12th to sixth.
Neither club received major national attention, but both showed tactical discipline and strong defensive organisation.
Their progress proves that stability and structure are beginning to matter more in the modern MTN Super League than just history and fan pressure.
THE RELEGATION BATTLE CHANGED COMPLETELY
The 2024/25 season saw Atletico Lusaka, Forest Rangers, Lumwana Radiants and Indeni struggling near the bottom.
In 2025/26, entirely different names collapsed.
FC Leopards and Mines United were relegated, while traditional survivors like Napsa Stars and Mutondo Stars narrowly escaped danger.
This shows how unforgiving the league has become. The margin between survival and relegation is now extremely small.
WHICH SEASON WAS BETTER?
The 2025/26 season was clearly the superior season overall.
Reasons:
• More unpredictability
• Bigger shifts in the standings
• Stronger tactical evolution
• Emergence of new competitors
• More compelling storylines
• Greater pressure on traditional giants
The 2024/25 campaign was more balanced and steady, but the 2025/26 season had far more drama and transformation.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN 2026/27
The next season could become one of the most competitive in recent memory.
Power Dynamos enter as favourites, but several clubs are improving rapidly.
Expected title challengers:
• Power Dynamos
• Red Arrows
• FC MUZA
• Kabwe Warriors
Potential rebound teams:
• Nkana FC
• Zesco United
Dark horses:
• Green Eagles
• Nchanga Rangers
• Zanaco
The biggest question heading into next season is whether the traditional giants can reclaim control or whether a new generation of clubs is permanently changing the hierarchy of Zambian football.
One thing is certain the MTN Super League is entering a new era.
