Prison Leopards Win Promotion as National Division One Season Ends in Drama
Prison Leopards have secured promotion to the MTN Super League after a thrilling final day of action in the Zambian National Division One League. Matchday 34 brought the curtain down on the 2024–25 campaign, with both promotion and relegation battles going to the wire.
Leopards Seal Promotion with Convincing Win Over Chambishi
Heading into the final matchday, only one promotion spot remained, with Trident, Prison Leopards, and Riverplate all vying to join Konkola Blades, Kansanshi Dynamos, and Mine United in next season’s MTN Super League.
Prison Leopards grabbed that last ticket in style, securing a 4-2 victory over Chambishi FC. Emmanuel Chabula led the charge with a brilliant brace—one of which was a spectacular goal—while Landu Miete and Wilmore Haatembo also found the back of the net.
Their win proved crucial as promotion rivals Trident were held to a goalless draw by Aguilar Stars, while Riverplate dropped points in a 2-2 draw with already relegated Chipata United.
The win means the Collect Boys return to Zambia’s topflight football, capping off a strong run-in to the season.
Final Promotion Spots Confirmed
The four teams promoted to the 2025–26 MTN Super League are:
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Konkola Blades
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Kansanshi Dynamos
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Mine United
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Prison Leopards
Meanwhile, Trident, who were in the mix until the last day, miss out alongside Riverplate and will remain in the second tier for another season.
Relegation Confirmed: Kafue Eagles, YGB, and Chipata United Drop
At the opposite end of the table, three teams saw their fates sealed with Kafue Eagles, Young Green Buffaloes, and Chipata United all suffering relegation.
Kafue Celtic, who were hovering just above the drop zone, survived after beating Kafue Eagles 4-2 in a dramatic derby showdown. Zambia U17 international defender Jonathan Kalimina scored a brace, with Chipo Manda and Lawrence Daka also getting on the scoresheet.
That result meant Eagles could not escape relegation, and they were joined by Young Green Buffaloes and Chipata United, who both failed to collect crucial points on the final day.
Conclusion: A Season of Highs and Heartbreak
The 2024–25 National Division One League campaign provided plenty of drama, goals, and last-minute twists. While Prison Leopards celebrate a triumphant return to the topflight, Kafue Eagles, Young Green Buffaloes, and Chipata United will now regroup in the lower leagues.
As the MTN Super League welcomes four fresh sides for the upcoming season, attention now shifts to how they will prepare for the rigors of Zambia’s premier football competition.
