The ZPL National League enters a decisive phase this weekend as Week 21 fixtures place renewed focus on both the promotion race and the relegation fight. With the league table beginning to stretch at the top and compress at the bottom, every fixture scheduled for Saturday and Sunday carries serious consequences for clubs chasing Super League promotion or battling to preserve their National League status.
Makeni All Stars continue to set the pace at the summit, but the race behind them remains tight, with Roan United, Kafue Celtic, Trident FC, and Chirundu United all still firmly in contention. Meanwhile, the lower half of the table is defined by fine margins, where a single win can lift a team out of danger and a defeat could plunge another deeper into relegation trouble.
Week 21 therefore represents a critical turning point in the 2025/26 campaign, with momentum, pressure, and ambition all colliding across grounds nationwide.
Forest Rangers vs Locus FC – Dola Hill Ground
Forest Rangers head into this fixture sitting sixth on the table with 32 points after 20 matches, firmly positioned in the chasing pack but aware that dropped points could see them lose ground in the promotion conversation. A win at Dola Hill Ground would lift Rangers closer to the top four and keep pressure on Trident and Chirundu, while reinforcing their credentials as late challengers.
Locus FC, on the other hand, occupy 16th place with 17 points from 19 games and find themselves deeply entrenched in the relegation battle. Anything less than maximum points continues to leave them vulnerable, especially with teams around them beginning to collect crucial results. A draw would offer limited relief, but defeat would further complicate their survival hopes.
This clash therefore pits ambition against survival, with Forest Rangers seeking to reassert control at home and Locus FC fighting for relevance in a rapidly tightening bottom half.
Jumulo FC vs Ndola United – Baluba School Ground
Jumulo FC currently sit 15th with 18 points from 19 matches and remain under heavy pressure to pull away from the relegation zone. Victory here would provide a massive boost, potentially lifting them above Ndola United and creating breathing space above the bottom three. A draw offers only temporary comfort, while defeat would drag them closer to the drop.
Ndola United arrive in 14th position with 19 points, knowing that this fixture represents a six-pointer in every sense. Three points would open a valuable gap between themselves and the relegation places, easing pressure ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.
With both sides desperate for points, this encounter is expected to be tense and finely balanced, where mistakes could prove costly and composure may ultimately decide the outcome.
Kafue Celtic vs Chirundu United – Crocs Swamp Ground
Kafue Celtic sit third on the table with 37 points after 20 games and remain firmly entrenched in the promotion race. A home victory would keep them within touching distance of the top two and maintain momentum as the season enters its defining stages. Dropped points, however, could allow Trident or Chirundu themselves to gain an edge.
Chirundu United, fifth with 36 points from 19 matches, are just a point behind Celtic and know that a win at Crocs Swamp would significantly boost their promotion credentials. A draw keeps both teams competitive, but defeat would see Chirundu lose ground at a critical moment.
This fixture stands out as one of the round’s most consequential, with promotion implications written all over it.
Kitwe United vs Aguila Stars – Garden Park Stadium
Kitwe United find themselves 13th with 20 points after 20 matches, hovering uncomfortably above the relegation places. A win at Garden Park Stadium would provide much-needed relief and potentially lift them several positions up the table. Anything less continues to leave their season on a knife-edge.
Aguila Stars, eighth with 27 points from 19 games, are pushing to break into the top six and keep faint promotion hopes alive. Victory would move them closer to Forest Rangers and Lumwana Radiants, while a draw keeps them steady. Defeat, however, risks stalling progress.
This matchup therefore carries contrasting objectives, with Kitwe United seeking survival security and Aguila Stars chasing upward mobility.
River Plate vs Chipata City Council – Lusaka Independence Stadium
Bottom-placed River Plate remain rooted to 18th with 13 points from 19 matches and are running out of opportunities to rescue their season. Victory here is non-negotiable if they are to keep survival hopes alive. A draw does little to change their predicament, while defeat would further entrench them at the foot of the table.
Chipata City Council FC sit 11th on 22 points and know that a positive result would virtually eliminate relegation fears. Three points would see them pull clear of the danger zone and stabilize their campaign.
This fixture represents a classic survival clash, where desperation meets pragmatism and the psychological battle may be just as important as the football itself.
Trident FC vs Chambishi FC – Sentinel Ground
Trident FC occupy fourth place with 36 points after 20 matches and remain firmly in the promotion hunt. A home win would keep them in direct contention with Kafue Celtic and Roan United, while any dropped points could see them lose vital ground.
Chambishi FC, 10th with 22 points, are positioned comfortably in mid-table but remain aware that consistent results are needed to avoid being dragged downward. A draw would be acceptable, but victory could reignite ambitions of a top-half finish.
Trident will approach this match knowing that home form is crucial, while Chambishi arrive with the freedom of a side less burdened by immediate pressure.
Atletico Lusaka vs Lumwana Radiants – Nkoloma Stadium
Atletico Lusaka sit 12th with 21 points from 20 matches and are still looking over their shoulder. A win at Nkoloma Stadium would provide breathing space and move them away from relegation danger. A draw offers limited security, while defeat would keep them firmly under threat.
Lumwana Radiants, seventh with 29 points from 19 games, are pushing to close the gap on the top six. Three points would strengthen their position and keep pressure on Forest Rangers above them.
This fixture balances caution and ambition, with both sides aware that the result could define their short-term objectives.
Mpulungu Harbour vs Indeni FC – Muzabwera Ground
Mpulungu Harbour are 17th with 14 points from just 16 matches and remain heavily involved in the relegation scrap. A home win would be invaluable, especially given their games in hand, while a draw keeps them alive. Defeat would be a significant setback.
Indeni FC, ninth with 24 points, sit in a relatively stable position but cannot afford complacency. Victory would cement mid-table safety, while defeat could pull them back into danger.
This encounter is shaped by urgency on one side and caution on the other, with the hosts under far greater pressure to deliver.
Makeni All Stars vs Roan United – REIZ Arena
League leaders Makeni All Stars sit top with 43 points from 20 matches and continue to dictate the promotion race. A home victory would extend their lead and further solidify their Super League ambitions. Even a draw maintains control, but defeat could invite renewed pressure.
Roan United, second with 37 points from 19 games, view this fixture as a statement opportunity. A win would dramatically narrow the gap at the summit and reignite the title race, while a draw keeps them competitive. Defeat, however, risks allowing Makeni to pull away.
This headline clash is the standout fixture of Week 21, with promotion momentum firmly on the line.
Conclusion
Week 21 of the ZPL National League promises to be a defining chapter in the 2025/26 season, with promotion contenders, mid-table aspirants, and relegation battlers all facing moments of truth. As pressure intensifies, consistency and composure will become decisive factors in shaping final outcomes.
At the top, Makeni All Stars and their closest challengers continue to trade blows in a tightly contested race, while the middle of the table remains fluid and unpredictable. At the bottom, survival fights are becoming increasingly desperate, with margins for error rapidly disappearing.
By the end of the weekend, the National League table is likely to reflect clearer divides — between contenders and pretenders, safety and danger, hope and despair.
