The lineup for the 2026 ZPL Transitional National League is now complete following Riverplate’s victory in the promotion-relegation playoff, which secured the final place in Zambia’s second-tier competition.
Riverplate became the sixth and final club to confirm its participation after successfully retaining its National League status, joining newly promoted sides Nampundwe FC, Play It Forward, Mika FC, Mathkat United and Forest Myooye.
With all 20 teams now confirmed, attention turns to what promises to be an exciting and highly competitive transitional season.
A New Format for the Transitional Season
The 2026 ZPL Transitional National League will be played over four months, running from September 2026 to December 2026.
Unlike previous seasons, the competition will adopt a new format, with the 20 participating clubs divided into two streams of 10 teams each.
- Stream A: 10 teams
- Stream B: 10 teams
The new structure is expected to reduce travel costs, increase competitiveness and ensure a smoother transition ahead of the introduction of the new football calendar.
The official stream allocations and fixtures are expected to be announced by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) and the Zambia Premier League (ZPL) in the coming weeks.
The 20 Confirmed Teams
The following clubs will compete in the 2026 ZPL Transitional National League:
- Aguila Stars
- Atletico Lusaka
- Chipata City Council
- Chambishi FC
- Forest Rangers
- Forest Myooye
- Indeni FC
- Jumulo FC
- Lumwana Radiants
- Locus FC
- Leopards FC
- Kafue Celtic
- Kitwe United
- Mathkat United
- Mines United
- Mikalile FC
- Nampundwe FC
- Ndola United
- Play It Forward
- Riverplate
The league features a healthy blend of experienced National League sides, relegated clubs, ambitious provincial champions and traditional football institutions looking to fight their way back into the MTN Super League.
Newly Promoted Clubs Ready for the Challenge
Among the biggest talking points ahead of the new season will be the performances of the newly promoted clubs.
Forest Myooye, Mathkat United, Play It Forward, Mika FC and Nampundwe FC earned automatic promotion after outstanding campaigns in the provincial playoffs.
Riverplate completed the lineup after successfully defeating the sixth-placed playoff finisher in the promotion-relegation playoff.
For these clubs, the National League represents a significant step up in quality and intensity, but also an opportunity to establish themselves among Zambia’s elite football institutions.
Promotion Race Expected to Be Fierce
With promotion to the MTN Super League at stake, every point will be crucial during the shortened transitional campaign.
Several clubs boast strong histories in Zambian football, while others will be eager to prove they belong at this level.
The introduction of two streams is also expected to produce intense rivalries and make qualification battles even more competitive as clubs chase promotion.
Supporters can expect high-quality football, emerging young talent and experienced campaigners all competing for the same objective.
New Season, New Opportunities
The Transitional National League will serve as an important bridge into Zambia’s new football calendar.
For clubs, it offers an opportunity to build momentum, attract sponsors, develop young players and position themselves for future success.
For supporters, it promises months of exciting football featuring clubs from across the country battling for promotion and pride.
Conclusion
With Riverplate securing the final available place, the 2026 ZPL Transitional National League is officially set.
Twenty ambitious clubs will begin their journey in September, divided into two streams as they compete in what is expected to be one of the most competitive National League campaigns in recent years.
The countdown has now begun, and Zambian football fans can look forward to another exciting chapter in the country’s domestic game.
