ZPL National League Week 25: High-Stakes Fixtures and Their Implications

As the ZPL National League enters Week 25, every match is set to have a significant impact on the promotion chase and the battle to avoid relegation. With clubs separated by just a few points and the season nearing its climax, the stakes are exceptionally high. Below is a continuous analysis of each fixture scheduled for Saturday, 22nd February, and Sunday, 23rd February 2025, explaining what a win, draw, or loss will mean for the teams involved.

Saturday, 22nd February 2025

Kafue Celtic vs. Mines United – Lusaka Independence Stadium, 13:00
Kafue Celtic currently find themselves in the lower part of the table, struggling to move away from the relegation zone. A win in this fixture would be a lifeline—pushing them up to a more secure position (potentially rising from 23 to 26 points) and easing the pressure of survival. A draw would give them a modest boost but might not be sufficient if rivals seize the opportunity. Conversely, a loss would leave them stuck at 23 points, with little room for error as the season nears its end.
Mines United, on the other hand, are among the top contenders in the league with 40 points and a strong promotion push. A win here would extend their lead and narrow the gap with the top two, while a draw could slow their momentum. A loss, however, might allow chasing teams to close in, threatening their chances of clinching promotion.

Young Green Buffaloes vs. Prison Leopards – Lusaka Independence Stadium, 15:00
For Young Green Buffaloes—currently languishing in the lower half—a win would be critical. It could lift them several places, potentially moving them out of immediate relegation danger (from 19 points to around 22), and provide the much-needed confidence boost. A draw would offer a temporary reprieve but likely leave them vulnerable if rivals secure wins. In contrast, a loss would deepen their struggles, making survival even more challenging.
Prison Leopards, enjoying a mid-table position with 37 points, are keen to solidify their status. Three points (totaling 40) would keep them competitive in the race for promotion, while a draw (38) might let other teams overtake them. A defeat would not only stall their progress but could see them drop out of contention if rivals capitalize.

Chirundu United vs. Kafue Eagles – Edwin Imboela Stadium, 15:00
Chirundu United, positioned in the lower-mid part of the table with 24 points, are desperate to pick up points to avoid sliding further toward the drop zone. A win would boost them to 27 points, possibly helping them break free of the relegation battle. A draw would be a minor lift, but a loss would leave them vulnerable to being overtaken by teams below.
Kafue Eagles, currently in 11th place with 29 points, are fighting to climb higher into a more comfortable mid-table spot. Victory would propel them to 32 points, possibly pushing them into contention for a promotion playoff spot if other results favor them. A draw or defeat, however, might stall their progress and keep them in a limbo, especially as the battle intensifies.

Chambishi vs. Kansanshi Dynamos – Chambishi Stadium, 15:00
Chambishi, sitting in 17th place with 19 points, face a daunting challenge against a top-tier opponent. A win here (boosting them to 22 points) could be transformative, potentially saving them from relegation by creating a buffer over other bottom teams. A draw would leave them at 20 points, offering little comfort, while a loss would keep them stranded and heighten the relegation threat.
Kansanshi Dynamos, occupying 2nd place with 47 points, are in the promotion race and looking to maintain their momentum. A win would see them reach 50 points, further solidifying their bid for promotion. Even a draw (48 points) might be acceptable, though a loss (remaining at 47) could give title rivals a window to close the gap.

Sunday, 23rd February 2025

Leopards Hill vs. Ndola United – Lusaka Independence Stadium, 13:00
Leopards Hill, currently struggling near the bottom with 17 points, must secure a win (raising them to 20) to gain a foothold and avoid sliding further into relegation trouble. A draw (18) would offer minimal help, while a loss would leave them dangerously close to the drop zone.
Ndola United, in 14th place with 24 points, can use a win to move up to 27 points and create a comfortable cushion above the relegation battle. A draw (25) might suffice in a tight contest, but a defeat (remaining at 24) could let competitors close in.

Chipata United vs. Jumulo – Nationality Stadium, 15:00
Chipata United, languishing at the bottom with 17 points, face a do-or-die situation. A win here (taking them to 20 points) is essential for survival; a draw (18) or loss (17) would only cement their relegation fate, especially if other teams continue to gather points.
Jumulo, currently sitting in 10th with 29 points, are looking to strengthen their mid-table position. A victory (raising them to 32) would boost their chances of contesting for a higher finish, while a draw (30) or loss (29) would leave them vulnerable to being overtaken by teams that manage to secure wins in the coming weeks.

Riverplate vs. Mpulungu Harbour – Lusaka Independence Stadium, 15:00
Riverplate, one of the promotion contenders with 46 points, aim to extend their lead and close the gap on the top two. A win (moving them to 49) would solidify their position in the top three, while a draw (remaining at 46) or a loss (staying at 46) could allow rivals like Mines United (40) to sneak closer in the standings.
Mpulungu Harbour, sitting at 36 points, have a chance to climb into the top six. Three points (39) would put them in contention with teams like Trident (37) and Prison Leopards (37). A draw (37) would keep them stable, but a loss (36) might see them fall further behind if competitors capitalize.

Trident vs. Konkola Blades – Sentinel Ground, 15:00
Trident, led by interim manager George Chilufya and sitting at 37 points, are determined to make a push for promotion. A win (taking them to 40) could see them close the gap on mid-table rivals, while a draw (38) or loss (37) might stall their progress and allow the top three to widen their lead.
Konkola Blades, at the summit with 54 points, will look to extend their lead further. A win (57) would cement their dominance, whereas a draw (55) or loss (remaining at 54) could provide an opening for rivals like Kansanshi Dynamos (47) or Riverplate (46) to claw back.

Aguila Stars vs. Kitwe United – REIZ Arena, 15:00
Aguila Stars, currently in 8th place with 34 points, have a chance to improve their standings by winning (raising them to 37). A victory could also boost their chances of contesting for a playoff spot for promotion. A draw (35) would maintain their position, but a loss (remaining at 34) might allow Kitwe United or others to overtake them.
Kitwe United, on 9th place with 30 points, are looking for an upward push. A win (bringing them to 33) would provide momentum to climb into the top eight, while a draw (31) or loss (30) would leave them stagnating and at risk of falling deeper into the relegation battle.

Conclusion

Week 25 of the ZPL National League offers a series of crucial fixtures that could redefine the season’s outcome for many clubs. For teams at the top, like Konkola Blades, a win solidifies their dominance, while rivals like Kansanshi Dynamos and Riverplate are eager to close the gap. Mid-table clubs are locked in intense battles for higher finishes, whereas those near the bottom—such as Chipata United and Leopards Hill—face do-or-die scenarios to stave off relegation.

Every match this weekend is pivotal: a win could be the turning point that propels a team to promotion contention, while a draw or loss might leave them mired in trouble. As the season enters its final stretch, every goal and every point will count, making this weekend one of the most anticipated rounds of the ZPL National League.