Zambia’s ABSA Cup Expands to 21 Teams with Increased Sponsorship
Exciting news awaits football enthusiasts across Zambia as the ABSA Cup, the nation’s premier club competition, undergoes a significant expansion and enhancement for the 2024 edition. With an increased number of participating teams, higher sponsorship, and enhanced prizes, the tournament promises to deliver unparalleled excitement and drama on the football pitch.
Expanded Format and Increased Sponsorship
- Number of Teams: From eight to twenty-one teams, including Provincial League clubs.
- Sponsorship: Increased to K5.5 million from K4.4 million, demonstrating a strong commitment to the growth and development of Zambian football.
Prize Money and Awards
- Winners: The champions will now receive K800,000, up from K700,000, while the runners-up will take home K350,000.
- Individual Awards: Recognition for outstanding performances with prizes such as Best Player of the Tournament (K25,000), Golden Glove Winner (K25,000), and Player of the Match (K15,000).
Travel Grants and Player Awards
- Travel Grants: Participating teams will receive a travel grant of K30,000 for teams traveling from out of town, while hometown teams will receive K15,000 each.
- Player of the Match Awards: Sponsored by Zamtel, with each player receiving K5,000 in the preliminary rounds.
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Fixture Highlights
First Round – Provincial Matches
- Saturday 23 March, 2024
- 13:00: Mwaimwena Strikers vs. Ndola United | Nkana Stadium
- 15:00: Malalo Police vs. Muchinga Blue Eagles | Nkana Stadium
Round of 16 (Easter Weekend)
- ZESCO United vs. Barotse Crocs/Young Kansanshi
- Nchanga Rangers vs. Mines United/River Plate
- Red Arrows vs. Malalo Police/Muchinga Blue Eagles
- Green Eagles vs. Atletico Lusaka
- Kabwe Warriors vs. Lumwana Radiants
- Nkwazi vs. Indeni
- FC MUZA vs. Katete Rangers/Chirundu United
- Power Dynamos vs. Mwaimwena Strikers/Ndola United
Quarter-Finals: April 13/14, Copperbelt
Semi-Finals: April 27/28, Lusaka
Final: Copperbelt, May
With an expanded format, increased sponsorship, and exciting fixtures on the horizon, the ABSA Cup 2024 promises to be a celebration of Zambian football excellence and passion. Stay tuned for thrilling action as the nation’s top clubs battle it out for glory on the football field!
