“ZPL Week 26: Title, Mid-Table, and Relegation Battles Set to Define the Season”
As the ZPL National League season enters a critical phase, every match on March 1–2, 2025 could reshape the standings—whether it’s teams chasing promotion, battling to escape relegation, or fighting for mid-table pride. Below is a detailed analysis of the nine fixtures, including each club’s position, points, and what a win, draw, or loss would mean for their ambitions.
Kafue Eagles vs. Young Green Buffaloes – Lusaka Independence Stadium
In a battle that could prove decisive in the survival fight, Kafue Eagles, positioned in 12th place with 29 points, host Young Green Buffaloes, who are 14th with 26 points. The Eagles, needing a win to bolster their mid-table safety, will be under pressure to overcome their rivals, whose poor goal difference of -8 makes even a draw potentially insufficient. A victory for the Eagles would likely push them closer to 32 points, easing their relegation worries, while a loss would leave them stranded and allow their lower-ranked opponents to climb the standings.
Kansanshi Dynamos vs. Chipata United
Title chasers Kansanshi Dynamos, occupying 2nd place with 51 points, are set to take on bottom-placed Chipata United, who sit at 20 points and face inevitable relegation. With a robust defensive record—having conceded only 13 goals—Kansanshi are expected to dominate this mismatch. A win would take them to 54 points and further pressure the league leaders, while even a draw would be a setback for Chipata, who desperately need points to avoid a drop.
Kitwe United vs. Chambishi
At home, Kitwe United, currently 10th with 30 points, host Chambishi, who are languishing at 15th with 23 points. Chambishi have accumulated a league-high 14 draws, a sign of resilience but also of missed opportunities to secure wins. For Kitwe, the match presents a chance to extend their lead in the mid-table and avoid being dragged into the relegation battle. A win for Kitwe would likely solidify their position, whereas a draw might see them remain vulnerable if Chambishi manage to capitalize in future fixtures.
Konkola Blades vs. Aguila Stars
League leaders Konkola Blades, with 55 points, welcome mid-table strugglers Aguila Stars, who are in 7th place with 33 points. For Blades, this fixture is a chance to extend their already commanding lead and maintain their momentum as they chase the title. Their potent attack, responsible for 32 goals, should prove too much for an inconsistent Aguila side. A convincing win would reinforce Blades’ dominance, while a slip could give rivals an opportunity to narrow the gap.
Mpulungu Harbour vs. Kafue Celtic
In a clash with survival implications, Mpulungu Harbour, positioned in 8th place with 33 points, face Kafue Celtic, who are struggling in 16th place with 23 points. Kafue Celtic’s worrying goal difference of -12 reflects their defensive frailties and the urgency to pick up points. An upset win for Celtic would be a significant boost, potentially lifting them out of the relegation mire, while a win for Mpulungu Harbour would help them continue their climb toward the top six.
Prison Leopards vs. Leopards Hill
Prison Leopards, sitting comfortably in 5th place with 38 points and boasting strong home form, are set to host Leopards Hill, who have 23 points and are fighting to avoid relegation in 17th place. A win for Prison Leopards would push them to 41 points, reinforcing their continental qualification ambitions, while a loss or draw could further endanger Leopards Hill, whose defensive shortcomings have already cost them dearly this season.
Ndola United vs. Riverplate
In a crucial match for promotion aspirations, Ndola United, currently 13th with 27 points, take on Riverplate, who sit in 3rd place with 43 points. Riverplate’s consistency and a goal difference of +8 suggest they are in formidable form, and a win would likely see them move to 46 points, consolidating their position among the top three. Ndola United, however, must tighten up their shaky defense if they are to snatch any points from this encounter, as a win would help pull them away from immediate relegation threats.
Mines United vs. Trident
A battle for a top-four finish, Mines United, in 4th place with 43 points, face Trident, who are in 6th place with 37 points. Mines United’s attacking flair, having scored 25 goals, gives them the edge, and a win would likely see them climb further up the table. For Trident, securing three points could bring them to 40 points and help them challenge for continental qualification. A low-scoring draw might be the most likely outcome, preserving Mines United’s buffer while allowing Trident to inch forward.
Jumulo FC vs. Chirundu United
In a mid-table dead rubber, Jumulo FC, who are 9th with 31 points, host Chirundu United, sitting 11th with 29 points. With both teams lacking immediate relegation or promotion pressures, this match may see experimental lineups and tactical adjustments. Although Chirundu United hold a slight advantage in goal difference (+3 versus Jumulo’s -2), a tightly contested game could go either way. A narrow win for Chirundu might propel them further up, but a draw would likely maintain the current order.
Conclusion
Week 26 is set to be a defining round in the ZPL National League, with each fixture carrying its own high stakes. The title race is heating up at the top with Konkola Blades, Kansanshi Dynamos, Riverplate, and Mines United battling for every point. In contrast, the relegation scrap is intensifying as clubs like Kafue Celtic, Chipata United, and Leopards Hill fight to avoid the drop. As the season enters its final stretch, every match, every goal, and every decision on the pitch will be critical in determining the final standings.
