ZPL 2025/26 National League Matchweek 8 Weekend Fixtures
The Zambian National League enters Matchweek 8, and if you thought the last round of fixtures was dramatic, brace yourself this weekend promises goals, grudges, and maybe even a few broken calculators for those keeping track of the standings.
Saturday, October 4th
River Plate vs Forest Rangers (13:00 – Independence Stadium, Lusaka)
An early kick-off that smells like coffee and tactical battles. River Plate are trying to steady their ship, but Forest Rangers don’t usually ask politely they storm through. Expect end-to-end action, but maybe also a few forest fires in defence.
Jumulo FC vs Kafue Celtics (15:00 – Garden Park, Kitwe)
Jumulo’s season has been as unpredictable as ZESCO power supply, while the Celtics are slowly turning heads with slick football. Garden Park might witness a tactical chess match or a game of who-blinks-first.
Chambishi vs Atletico Lusaka (15:00 – Chambishi Stadium)
Atletico Lusaka are the darlings of possession football, but Chambishi’s physicality could turn this into a proper Zambian-style “Chusha” showdown. Will it be pretty? Not sure. Will it be fiery? Definitely.
Lumwana Radiants vs Aguila Stars (15:00 – Lumwana Ground)
Radiants shine brightest at home, but Aguila Stars are no pushovers. It’s “Radiance vs Flight” a poetic clash, but in reality, it could just be a grind decided by one scrappy goal.
Indeni FC vs Roan United (15:00 – Indeni Sports Complex)
The Ndola derby-ish! Oil meets Copper in this clash, and sparks always fly. Expect crunching tackles, loud fans, and maybe a referee needing extra security.
Ndola United vs Trident (15:00 – Musa Kasonka Stadium)
United are desperate to climb the table, but Trident arrive like pirates ready to loot. If Ndola’s defence isn’t watertight, they’ll sink faster than a canoe in Kariba.
Sunday, October 5th
Locus FC vs Kitwe United (15:00 – Independence Stadium, Lusaka)
Locus are still finding their rhythm, but Kitwe United, the Chingalika, are unpredictable. Will they roar or snooze? That’s always the question. This one has “banana peel fixture” written all over it.
Chirundu United vs Makeni All Stars (15:00 – Edwin Imboela Stadium)
Chirundu love a fight, but Makeni All Stars are building confidence week by week. If you’re in the mood for a goal-fest, this one could deliver it’s got that “who-defends-less” vibe.
Postponed
Chipata City Council vs Mpulungu Harbour
Sadly, this one has been postponed. Maybe the Harbour boat missed the Chipata dock? Either way, fans in Eastern Province will have to wait a little longer.
Matchweek 8 has all the ingredients derbies, grudge matches, and surprise packages. My pick of the weekend? Indeni vs Roan United a clash that could define bragging rights in Ndola. But don’t sleep on Chambishi vs Atletico Lusaka; it might just be the tactical battle of the round.
